As the trading standards manager for the Isle of Wight Council, I am only too familiar with the issues surrounding engaging a reliable and professional tradesperson.
We receive complaints weekly from consumers who have had a problem either with rogue traders (those who knock at the door offering to carry out work) or with businesses who don’t carry out a job with reasonable care and skill or adhere to consumer protection legislation.
Most of us these days will find a trader by going online.
This might be through a search engine or a social media site, however traders will also still advertise in local magazines and the County Press.
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Always make sure that you carry out some research seeking guidance and pre-shopping advice before engaging a trader for home improvements work.
This might include references, reviews or recommendations from friends and family.
If a trader claims to be a member of a professional body or trade 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 obtain 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, so consider how important getting the job done is to you.
We would also recommend arranging a payment schedule with your trader, as you will then know how much you are going to pay throughout the contract and when.
Always make sure that you obtain the trader’s full name and address as you will need this information if anything goes wrong and you need to pursue further action.
One solution is to look for a trader on our Isle of Wight Council Trader Approval Scheme.
Traders on the scheme have been through a comprehensive vetting process by Trading Standards and adhere to a code of conduct.
If there are problems with a trader on the scheme, Trading Standards can mediate between the two parties to try to reach a successful outcome.
The scheme is only for Island businesses so you know you will be supporting local trade by using one of these businesses, and covers a wide variety of trades including home exteriors/interiors, retail, financial services, and vehicle sales and servicing.
If you are a reliable, well-respected trader who delivers a high-quality service on the Island you could consider joining the scheme.
Go to About the Trader Approval Scheme - Isle of Wight or search Isle of Wight Council Trader Approval Scheme for more information and application details.
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