What Is The 'Trusted Trader Scheme'?

Trusted Trader is an independent scheme run by Fife Councils Environmental Services. It is driven by Trading Standards objectives to enhance consumer confidence and encourage the success of fair dealing businesses within Fife.

It is similar to other schemes already operating in other local authority areas.

Businesses signing up to the scheme must abide by certain terms and conditions which reflect their responsible and sensible approach to the way they trade and conduct their business. Individual traders may from time to time be subject to an audit.

A major feature of the scheme is customer feedback which is published on an online database maintained by an independent third party, Referenceline Ltd.

Car sales, servicing and repairs are a major source of complaints to Trading Standards Services. While some complaints are due to a small proportion of "cowboy traders", most arise when basically honest businesses fail to check that their mechanics and sales staff are doing their jobs properly or because traders do not have an adequate knowledge of consumer law.

Fife Council's Trading Standards Service is attempting to reduce these problems by launching a "Trusted Trader Scheme", to encourage and promote high standards in the local motor trade".

Membership of this Scheme is not obligatory. It should not be inferred that traders who choose not to apply for membership are less reputable than those traders who have obtained membership.

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