Buy With Confidence is an approved trader scheme. It gives residents access to businesses and traders that Trading Standards have checked and approved.
Find a trader on the Buy With Confidence scheme
- Online – visit the Buy With Confidence website
- Telephone – contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service Helpline for free on 0808 223 113
The scheme doesn’t provide a price guarantee. We recommend you get more than one quote to make sure the price is reasonable.
How we vet and approve traders
We vet and approve all businesses on the Buy With Confidence scheme. We ensure that every business on the scheme:
- Operates in a legal, honest and fair way
- Commits to provide a quality service to customers
The checks we carry out depend on the type of business. Generally, during the application process, we check:
- Qualifications and certification
- Organisation / association membership
- References from customers we pick at random
- Financial standing
- Previous court action
- Relevant insurance, including public liability
- Criminal record check (where staff work at people’s homes)
- Complaint history with Trading Standards
Check the branding
Businesses who are members of the scheme have permission to use the Buy With Confidence logo. You may see it on their paperwork, stationery, marketing materials, adverts, website and livery. View the logo above so you know what to look for.
If you can't find what you're looking for
If there isn’t a suitable business on the scheme, try seeking trader recommendations from family and friends.
It is advisable to use a trader that is a member of a Trade Association. Some Trade Associations operate a code of practice for their members. They can assist consumers to resolve issues with their members if they break the code. However, the assistance they offer does vary, so check each Trade Association carefully.
Advice when looking for a trader
Whichever trader you use, we advise you to:
- Always get more than one quote to make sure the price is reasonable
- Make sure you receive a quote or estimate in writing before work begins
- Be clear on exactly what work the trader does for that price
- Keep copies of all correspondence in case of future problems
Read more advice on finding a trader on the Citizens Advice website.
Gas and electrical traders
Special requirements apply for gas and electrical work. Gas engineers must be registered with Gas Safe. Most electrical work is required to be either carried out by, or certified by, a Part P registered electrician. They must be registered on one of the following schemes:
Alternatively, you can arrange for Building Control at your local district / city council to certify the work. You need to agree this with them before work commences.
Join the Buy With Confidence scheme
If you are interested in becoming a Trading Standards approved trader, please visit our Join the Buy With Confidence scheme page.
