Buy with Confidence - Consumer information

What is it all about?

Buy with Confidence (BWC) is a scheme set up to provide consumers with a list of reputable local businesses committed to high standards of trading. It is open to any business with premises in the area covered by Kent County Council.

The scheme is run by Trading Standards Services across the south east and there is a Buy with Confidence website with an online trader search.

 

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 are asked to give feedback.

 

Finding a trader

There is no charge for consumers using the scheme. You can Find an approved trader in our online list or download a printed list.

 

Your feedback on BWC businesses

If you have used a business from the BWC trader list please  complete our online feedback on business form to let us know what you thought about the service they provided to you.

 

Recommend a trader

Have you used a trader you would recommend to others?  If so please complete our recommendation form so that we can contact the business and invite them to apply for membership of the scheme.

 

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

If you would like to know more about the scheme visit the frequently asked questions section on the Buy with Confidence website. You can find copies of our Kent BWC newsletter on our publications 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.