Buy with Confidence scheme - information for traders

Warning: Publishing scams aimed at traders in approved schemes

Buy with Confidence is an approved trader scheme set up to provide consumers with a list of reputable local businesses committed to high standards of trading.

 

How does it work?

Trading Standards Officers vet businesses for trustworthiness and to make sure they comply with consumer protection laws. Only traders that pass stringent checks are accepted on to the scheme and are able to display the Buy with Confidence logo.

Approved businesses will be constantly monitored by Trading Standards to ensure their standards remain high and customers will be invited to give feedback.

 

Who can join?

The scheme is open to any business with premises in the area covered by Kent County Council. If your business is not in Kent you can visit the BWC website or contact your local Trading Standards Office to find out if the scheme is operating in your area.

Please note that due to the complexities and nature of some businesses we are unable to accept applications from the following and suggest you contact the association or awarding bodies related to your field of expertise:-

• Educational establishments
• Care homes/Care providers
• Medicinal based businesses
• Complimentary therapy providers

 

What's in it for your business?

• Independent recognition of your business standards
• Beneficial publicity
• A place on our Buy with Confidence website, with a link to your own website
• Certificate of membership
• Use of the Buy with Confidence logo
• Pre-entry vetting
• Your company's name on a list of recommended businesses published for consumers
• Promotion of the list and website to other local agencies such as Consumer Support Network members
• Increased consumer confidence and reduced complaints
• A better relationship with regulators based on help and advice rather than enforcement
• A named contact for your business within the Trading Standards Service
• A mediation service to help with consumer disputes
• Training opportunities
• A regular newsletter with information about the scheme, new legislation and trader scams. (See our publications page).
  

Kent TV

From the "See also" links on the right you can select video clips of some of our BWC Approved Traders giving tips on how to find a good tradesman. (Broadband required).

 

More information

Find out more about the costs and committment involved on our Joining the Scheme page.

 

Limitations of the Buy with confidence scheme

Kent Trading Standards does not vouch for the financial stability of any company nor for their health and safety procedures. Background checks are carried out on businesses to ensure so far as is possible that they have not engaged in behaviour, criminal or otherwise, which has caused detriment to consumers. These checks do not imply that a business does not have employees with a criminal history nor that the company itself has never been subject to having outstanding judgements against it. All information provided is to assist consumers in exercising their own best judgement. All information is provided in good faith but no guarantee is given or implied as to the accuracy of the information provided.

Please note Buy with Confidence approved traders are 'approved' by Kent County Council Trading Standards for their dealings with consumers. This status neither implies nor confirms that the trader is an approved supplier or contractor to Kent County Council.