Engaging a Trader

Engaging a trader to carry out work on your property can be a minefield.

  • Who do you choose?

We have put together some information that you may find useful in helping you find a trusted trader. 

Trader Approval Schemes 

There are various trader approval schemes. Nationally these include Buy With Confidence and Check a Trade.

On the Island we (Trading Standards) operate our own local scheme. Which mirrors the national ones but is only for Island traders.

Traders on the scheme have been rigorously vetted. This is to ensure that they meet the terms and conditions and we expect them to operate within the law. 

Finding a Trader 

Most of us these days will find a trader by going online. This might be through a search engine or a social media site. Yet traders will also still advertise in local magazines and the County Press. Whatever way you find a trader always make sure that you carry out some research. Seek guidance and pre-shopping advice before engaging a trader for home improvements work. This might include:

  • references,
  • reviews
  • recommendations from friends and family.

If a trader claims to be a member of a professional body or trader association check this yourself, don’t believe it to be true. You could ask to see examples of other work the trader has carried out in the area. 

Always get more than one quote, this will give you a good picture of what price seems acceptable. Timeframes are something else to consider. One trader may be cheaper but you may have to wait longer and vice versa. Consider how important getting the job done is to you. We would also recommend arranging a payment schedule with your trader. You will then know how much you are going to pay throughout the contract and when. 

Always make sure that you get the traders full name and address. You will need this information if anything goes wrong and you need to pursue them in court 

None of this will guarantee that you find a trader that wont cause you problems but it will help to reduce the risk.

Companies that match you with a trader

Do not mistake these companies that match you with a trader as trader approval schemes. Companies that match you with a trader allow you to post an advert on their site. The traders skilled or not will respond to your advert. These matching services, generally, don't carry out any vetting procedure. If you check the small print they usually state that they won't do anything if an issue arises. Anyone, skilled or not, can respond to your request, these are not trader approval schemes.

Legislation 

Any consumer to trader contract is protected under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. This is civil legislation. For any issue around a traders contract, a consumer can seek advice from the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB).

To access advice

You are protected by The Consumer Rights Act 2015 (legislation.gov.uk), when you agree a contract with a trader:

  • either at your own premises
  • through distance selling (internet, phone etc)
  • and the contract is for more than £42

The regulations stipulate that the trader has to provide you with certain pre-contract information. Such as their details and you will have 14 days to cancel this contract. The trader must also give you a cancellation notice and if you want the work to commence within the 14 days you must sign this. Failure by the trader to provide this could render the contract void. You can still cancel within this time frame but you may be liable for any work carried out.

Trading Standards can no longer provide civil advice. If you encounter problems with your trader you should try to sort these out as amicably as possible in the first instance.

If you cannot resolve the issues then contact the Citizens Advice Bureau. Where you will be given advice and guidance around what steps you will need to take to resolve the issue.

This information will be shared with Trading Standards and logged on our database.

Our consumer advice web page provides information of how we process any issues that are of a criminal nature.

Doorstep selling 

These are criminals, who target areas where they feel vulnerable residents may live. They will knock on doors, generally claiming to be working in the area and offer to carry out work on your property.  

They will offer to do work for what seems like a reasonable price. Usually they find problems halfway through the job and the price will escalate. They will rarely be trained or qualified in carrying out the services they offer. Which means a poor job will delivered. You will then have to pay more to a reputable trader to correct the problem. They will quickly turn from being very pleasant to using intimidation and threats. 

Some tips to stay safe from doorstep traders  

  • Never deal with anyone who knocks on your door out of the blue and offers to do work for you 
  • If you have a flyer through the door this doesn’t mean they are a genuine trader. Fliers are cheap and easy to produce and we see many rogue traders using them 
  • Use a window or spy hole to see who is at the door or use a door chain if you have one. If you don’t know who is calling you don’t answer 
  • They may carry out inspections on areas you cant access. For example in your loft or on the roof. Then they will claim to find problems, often showing you pictures, video or meter readings. These wont be genuine
  • Never allow anyone into your home that you don’t know 
  • Never allow a trader to take you to the bank 
  • Take time to consider your options, never feel pressured into making a decision, say no 
  • Use a no cold calling door sticker. These are available from us, please email: trading.standards@iow.gov.uk . Whilst this might not prevent the rogue trader from knocking your door, if they refuse to leave when asked they are committing an offence. We would recommend calling the police on 101 
  • If you see somebody knocking doors in your area please call Trading Standards on 01983 823371 (within office hours). Or the Police on 101 giving as much information as you can 
  • If you have elderly family, friends or neighbours make sure they are aware of this information. It could prevent them from becoming a victim in the future

Most contracts will be performed in budget and on time. However for those that aren’t this can be a very stressful time for the consumer.

Take precautions to ensure you don’t fall foul of a trader in your home. 

How to check or report

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