Buy With Confidence Scheme

For a list of approved traders in Milton Keynes, please click here.

Introducing the Buy With Confidence scheme

What is it?

The Buy With Confidence scheme is an initiative from Milton Keynes Council's Trading Standards Service, to help businesses comply with the law whilst improving consumer protection through a partnership approach. It is open to any business within the area covered by Milton Keynes Council.

What's in it for consumers?

• Confidence that they are dealing with a legitimate trader.
  
  
• Ability to identify local traders who have been approved by an independent body.
  
  
• Confidence that any complaints will be dealt with in a timely manner.
  
  
• Support from Trading Standards should something go wrong.
  
  
• Opportunity to provide feedback.

What's in it for businesses?

• Independent recognition of business standards.
  
  
• Beneficial publicity.
  
  
• A place on our 'Buy With Confidence' web-page, including a link to the trader's website.
  
  
• Certificate of membership which can be displayed on the trader's premises.
  
  
• Use of the Buy With Confidence logo.
  
  
• Pre-entry vetting to ensure the credibility of the scheme and that high standards are maintained.
  
  
• The company's name on a list of recommended businesses which 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.
  
  
• A regular newsletter containing information about the scheme, new legislation and trade scams.

Who's running it?

The scheme will be run by the Milton Keynes Council Trading Standards Service. The scheme has the full support of the Council.

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.

Which sectors of business can apply?

Milton Keynes Trading Standards will be targeting the home improvements sector and car dealers and garages initially. This is because these can be high value contracts and there is little consumer knowledge. However, the scheme can be rolled out to any sector of business who work directly with consumers.

What are the costs?

Application fees (non refundable) apply, and payment should be sent at the time of application. This is to cover the administration and printing costs of the scheme. The fees vary depending on the number of employees a business has. Please note that the fee is per premises.

1 - 5 employees	£100.00 inc VAT
6 - 20 employees	£150.00 inc VAT
21+ employees	£200.00 inc VAT

An annual membership fee will then apply from year two. Applicants who work in other peoples' homes will also have to pay for a basic Criminal Records Bureau check (disclosure).

How does a business apply to be a member of the scheme?

To join the Buy With Confidence scheme, businesses must agree to comply with the conditions detailed in the Commitment by Business (please see below). If a company agrees to meet these conditions, they complete and sign an application form which is available from Trading Standards or, for a pdf version of the form, please click the link below.

Application Form and Terms of Membership document.

A copy of the company's contractual terms and sales literature (brochures etc) if the company trades by distance selling means (ie. phone, mail order and internet), must also be included with the completed application.

For further information contact Trading Standards on 01908 252504 or email tsd@milton-keynes.gov.uk

Milton Keynes Council,
Trading Standards,
PO Box 105, Civic Offices, 1 Saxon Gate East,
Central Milton Keynes MK9 3HH
Telephone: Shopping Advice (08454) 04 05 06    Enforcement Matters (01908) 252504
Internet World Wide Web http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/milton-keynes/
Electronic Mail: tsd@milton-keynes.gov.uk