The aim of the Buy with Confidence scheme is to help consumers to avoid rip-offs and cowboys by providing a list of reputable local businesses, in a wide range of different trades. Member companies have been independently checked by staff from the local authority Trading Standards Service against the Scheme rules.

The scheme is run by Trading Standards departments in a number of County and Local Authorities.

All members are subjected to stringent checks by Trading Standards staff to ensure their trustworthiness and compliance with the law. Levels of consumer complaints against members are also monitored on a regular basis.

No, it is not possible to ensure that nothing will ever go wrong. However, if you have a problem with a member of the scheme they are required to deal with any complaints in a fair and equitable manner. If the complaint cannot be resolved, the Trading Standards Service will attempt to assist in reaching a solution.

Members of the scheme are committed to providing a quality service to their customers and complying with both the letter and the spirit of the law. We cannot, however, guarantee the quality of their work but would not permit membership to businesses that give rise to regular complaint.

There is no charge to consumers for using the scheme.