Introducing the Buy With Confidence Scheme
What is it?
The Buy With Confidence scheme is an initiative by Luton Borough
Council and is intended to demonstrate the commitment of businesses in dealing
fairly and honestly with customers and the commitment of the Trading Standards
Service to supporting local business. It is open to any business within the area
covered by the Borough Council.
What's in it for businesses?
- independent recognition of your business standards;
- beneficial publicity;
- a place on the Buy With Confidence website, including a link to your website;
- certificate of membership that can be displayed on your premises;
- use of the Buy With Confidence logo on your stationery and vehicle;
- pre-entry vetting to ensure the credibility of the scheme and that high standards are maintained;
- your business name on a list of recommended businesses that the Council will publish 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 assistance and advice rather than enforcement;
- a named contact for your business within the trading standards service;
- a mediation service in the event of a consumer dispute which cannot be resolved between the parties concerned;
- training opportunities;
- information about the scheme, new legislation and trade scams;
Who's running it?
The Luton Borough Councils Trading Standards Service will manage and
administer the Scheme. As such the Service reserves the right to alter or amend
the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme at their discretion. Any changes will be
notified to members as soon as is reasonably practicable. Members will have the
option of withdrawing from the Scheme at any time by giving written notice to
the Scheme operator. The scheme has the full support of the Borough Council.
If your application for membership is unsuccessful, you will be offered advice on and given reasonable assistance with any further actions necessary to fulfil the Scheme's criteria. If your application for membership is refused then you have a right to appeal.
Limitations of the scheme
Trading Standards do not vouch for the financial stability of any
company nor for their health and safety procedures. 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.
Costs
For the first year the annual membership is free, however in following
years it is expected that an annual membership fee will apply. Currently this is
£100. Member businesses will be notified of any change in membership fee in good
time.
The only fees you will have to pay for the first year will be for a basic Criminal Records Bureau check (disclosure) which is required for any personnel used by your business, such as employees or sub-contractors, who may visit domestic homes - including gardens. You must fully list those persons on the application form. For further information on how to apply and the time taken to process the disclosure please visit: www.crb.gov.uk. It is suggested that the most efficient route for obtaining these checks is via Disclosure Scotland which can be accessed by visiting: www.disclosurescotland.co.uk.
How does a business apply?
To join the Buy
With Confidence
scheme businesses must agree to comply with the conditions detailed in the
Conditions for Business. If you agree to meet these conditions then please fill
out and sign the application form.
A copy of your companies Contractual Terms and Sales Literature (brochures etc) if your company trades by distance selling means (i.e. phone, mail order and internet) must also be included with the completed application.
It is advisable to apply for any necessary Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Disclosures at the application form stage in order for your approval to be processed as quickly as possible. Please note: the original proof of disclosure must be seen by us before approval can be made.
Download the Condition for Business
Download Application Form