The SCOTSS Approved Trader scheme
Many local authorities across Scotland operate vetted or approved trader schemes such as Trusted Trader, to help consumers find reliable and reputable businesses. All members of these official local authority schemes can be found on the SCOTSS Approved Trader web portal. This provides a single place for all consumers across Scotland to find a reputable business via a simple postcode search.
But there are also many areas across Scotland that do not operate a scheme for various reasons, such as lack of resource or remoteness of area.
The Society of Chief Officers of Trading Standards in Scotland (SCOTSS) has created a scheme to allow traders and businesses across the Scottish mainland and islands to be able to join, who don't already have a local Trading Standards scheme in their area. This increases consumer confidence that members have been vetted and have agreed to abide by a Code of Practice, whilst providing a comprehensive complaints process in case things don't go as planned.
All members that complete the vetting process are automatically added to the Approved Trader web portal as well as promoted on trustedtrader.scot. The aims of Approved Trader are to:
- increase consumer confidence
- promote good practice within local businesses
- help prevent doorstep crime.
The SCOTSS Approved Trader Portal
This is the TV advert that has been shown on Sky and STV.The elements of the SCOTSS Approved Trader scheme
The SCOTSS Approved Trader scheme is made up of SCOTSS, Kent County Council Trading Standards ADR and Trusted Directory Services (TDS).SCOTSS back and oversee the scheme, with the vetting process carried out by SCOTSS representatives. SCOTSS also ensure Traders adhere to the Code of Practice and will intervene in disputes when required. SCOTSS is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SC047951).
Kent County Council Trading Standards Alternate Dispute Resolution Service allows impartial adjudication when a dispute arises between consumer and business and can be settled outside of court.
TDS is responsible for scheme administration, customer service, assisting in dispute resolution and website development.
If you would like to become a SCOTSS Approved Trader and have a minimum of six months trading clean history, then fill in the online application form.