East Lothian Trusted Trader joins trustedtrader.scot
On 1st April the East Lothian Trusted Trader scheme officially moved over from the East Lothian Council website to the trustedtrader.scot platform: www.trustedtrader.scot/EastLothian/
The East Lothian Trusted Trader scheme was set up in March 2012 and is now well established, providing residents with Trading Standards vetted local Trusted Traders.
Key aims for the scheme are to:
- increase consumer confidence
- promote good practice within local businesses
- help prevent doorstep crime.
The trustedtrader.scot platform was originally set up to host the Edinburgh Trusted Trader scheme and has now been expanded to include neighbouring schemes. This brings the benefits and cost savings of a centrally managed website whilst maintaining individual scheme independence and local Trading Standards support.
The East Lothian scheme has changed from the original green colour scheme to match the new corporate blue colours of East Lothian Council. The logo has also been modified to match the other Scottish Trusted Trader schemes to help identify the scheme as a Trading Standards brand with consumers and residents.
Trader page information
Trusted Traders now have a dedicated page to promote their services and show examples of work, as well as display reviews. Residents can easily contact traders via secure website contact forms or on the phone. Residents can also leave electronic feedback for a trader, via an easy to use online form.
But traders can still issue and utilise paper copies of the review forms and Freepost envelopes for those customers that prefer this method of leaving a review.
New Trusted Trader consumer line
East Lothian residents now also have access to a Trusted Trader consumer helpline: 0131 513 9921. This is aimed at those with little or no access to a computer do if you call this number, an operator will help you find a Trusted Trader. Please pass this number on to any family or members of the community who you think may benefit.
About East Lothian Trusted Trader
East Lothian Trusted Trader is a collaboration between East Lothian Council, East Lothian Trading Standards, Ombudsman Services 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 will intervene in disputes when required.
Ombudsman Services 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.
To learn more about the scheme or enquire about joining, please visit: www.trustedtrader.scot/EastLothian/