Buy with Confidence approved trader scheme
We have just launched a brand new ‘approved trader scheme’ for residents of Cambridgeshire called 'Buy with Confidence'. Every trader on the scheme will have been thoroughly checked by our officers, giving you the confidence that they are committed to providing a quality service to customers.
Finding a trader
To find a trader, simply go to the Buy with Confidence website, enter your postcode and the type of trader you need, and it will produce a list of traders on the scheme that meet your criteria. Alternatively, you can contact our advice partner on 08454 040506 to be given the top four traders that meet your criteria, or visit your local library where library staff will be able to look up traders on the database for you.
Nominating a trader for the scheme
The scheme is in its infancy having only just been launched, and to make it as useful as possible for residents, we need to recruit a large number of traders to the scheme. If you have had a good experience with a local tradesperson, we are inviting you to nominate them to join the scheme. All you need do is email their details to us and we will write to them, inviting them to join and enclosing an information pack and application form.
The scheme does not provide a price guarantee, so the onus is on you to ensure you are happy with the price being quoted. We therefore recommend that you get more than one quote to make sure the price is reasonable, and always get the quote or estimate in writing before work begins and be clear what exactly will be done for that price.
In addition, we would recommend keeping copies of all correspondence in case of future problems.
What if there is not a suitable trader on the scheme?
If there is not a suitable trader on the scheme we would recommend that you seek trader recommendations from friends or relatives. They will have experienced that traders work for themselves and so are in a good position to be able to vouch for the quality of their work.
If they are unable to recommend a trader, it is advisable to use a trader that is a member of the Trust Mark Scheme or member of a Trade Association. Some Trade Associations operate a code of practice for their traders, and can assist consumers to resolve issues with their members if that code is broken, but the assistance they offer does vary, so check each Trade Association carefully.
Again, we would always advise you to get more than one quote to make sure the price is reasonable, and always get the quote or estimate in writing before work begins and be clear what exactly will be done for that price.
We would also recommend keeping copies of all correspondence in case of future problems.
For more advice and information on finding a trader, visit the Citizens Advice website.