• Consumers can check with Trading Standards to see which businesses are members of the scheme before purchasing goods or services.

• The scheme is voluntary. By joining the scheme businesses are demonstrating a commitment to customer care and fair-trading.

• Trading Standards will continue to work closely with scheme members, and will carry out monitoring exercises to help make sure high standards are maintained.

The requirements include:

• The business complies with the law.
• Contract terms are fair, in plain English and clearly legible.
• Pricing is clear, and information about payment methods is provided.
• No repair or servicing work is carried out without the customer's permission.
• Parts replaced during repair or servicing are made available for inspection.
• Itemised invoices are provided.
• The business operates an effective customer complaints procedure.

Approval of a business does not mean that the Trading Standards Service:

• Can guarantee its financial stability.

• Has individually checked the quality of any goods or services provided.

• Gives any guarantee or warranty as to the value for money of goods or services compared with a competitor, or that they will be satisfactory.

You can contact Trading Standards on any of the following: -