The South Ayrshire Trusted Trader scheme
The Trusted Trader scheme is a directory of local businesses that have been vetted by Trading Standards and who made a commitment to treat their customers fairly. It is based on customer experience and customer feedback. Trader members of the scheme ask their customers after a job is completed to provide feedback on what they thought of the job and the feedback is published on an independent website.
South Ayrshire Trading Standards launched the South Ayrshire Trusted Trader scheme in 2016. In April 2024 the scheme was migrated over to the purpose-built Scotland Trusted Trader platform, which incorporates many Trading Standards Trusted Trader Schemes.
The South Ayrshire Council Trusted Trader Scheme is a local business partnership with all members fully vetted by Trading Standards, and the scheme is supported by Police Scotland.
The aims of South Ayrshire Trusted Trader are to:
- increase consumer confidence
- promote good practice within local businesses
- help prevent doorstep crime.
The elements of the South Ayrshire Trusted Trader scheme
The South Ayrshire Trusted Trader scheme is made up of South Ayrshire Council, South Ayrshire Trading Standards Service and Trusted Directory Services (TDS).The Council back and oversee the scheme, with the vetting process carried out by Trading Standards Officers. Trading Standards also ensure Traders adhere to the Code of Practice and in conjunction with Trusted Directory Services will intervene in disputes when required.
Kent County Council Trading Standards ADR 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 and website support.