The aim of Buy With Confidence is to recognise those businesses that consider excellent customer service a priority, and give reassurance to those consumers looking to use them. On applying to become a member, businesses will receive a full assessment by Trading Standards and, if successful, will be expected to abide by the scheme's code of practice.
Advantages of Membership
- Your business details will be on a list made accessible to consumers by South Gloucestershire council's Trading Standards Service. Those details will also appear in the Buy With Confidence section of South Gloucestershire council's website as well as the main Buy With Confidence site.
- You will be able to advertise that you have been accepted as a member of the Scheme, and will be able to display the logo. You will receive a certificate of membership and window and / or vehicle logo stickers.
- You will receive a full audit on trading standard issues by South Gloucestershire Trading Standards.
- On joining the Scheme, you will receive an information pack including leaflets on relevant areas of law.
- Trading Standards will offer training seminars to members.
- You will be given a dedicated email address should you wish to contact Trading Standards for advice or information.
- If you have a dispute with a customer, we can provide advice on both parties contractual obligations and rights, and if necessary offer a mediation service.
Your responsibilities
- To comply with all relevant criminal and civil legislation.
- To comply with the scheme's Code of Practice.
- To trade in a fair and honest way, and provide a quality service to all customers.
- To notify Trading Standards of any significant change to the business.
- To co-operate with the audit process carried out by Trading Standards.
- Not to place advertisements indicating membership of Buy With Confidence where the duration of the advert exceeds one year.
Cost
The fees for April 2008 - March 2009 are based on the number of employees a business has and are as follows:
- 1-5 employees £100 + VAT
- 6-20 employees £150 + VAT
- 21+ employees £200 + VAT
All membership fees go directly towards the running and publicity of Buy With Confidence.
Safeguards
Buy With Confidence is concerned primarily with the customer service procedures of a business. membership must not be used to imply an assurance of any other aspect of your business.
Once accepted, your membership will be renewed automatically unless it is considered that you have breached the spirit of the scheme or failed to pay any membership fees due.
If it is thought that the situation demands it, your membership may be withdrawn at any time. Certificates and window / vehicle stickers will remain the property of South Gloucestershire Council's Trading Standards Service.
Appeals
If your initial application is refused, we will tell you why and offer advice on how to make it a successful one. If we are considering revoking your membership, we will discuss the reasons with you and if revoked, you will be told about the appeals procdure.