About the scheme
The Safetraders register is a list of businesses that have a history of fair trading with residents in South Tyneside.
In the past, the area has had consistent problems with rogue (or 'cowboy') traders, bogus officials and distraction burglars. These persons pressure sell, do shoddy work and are often untraceable.
This has a serious affect on residents and also represents totally unfair competition for legitimate businesses in South Tyneside.
Problems also arise when honest businesses fail to check that their staff are doing jobs correctly, or when they are unaware of their legal obligations.
Our Safetraders scheme aims to reduce these problems and increase customer confidence by.
- encouraging and promoting high standards of service
- ensuring compliance with consumer law
- promoting recognised contractors and businesses in South Tyneside
Are the council liable if something goes wrong?
Although membership of the scheme requires that traders must meet high standards of fair trading, South Tyneside Council is not liable for any problems connected with the goods or services provided by businesses approved under the scheme.
If something goes wrong, notify the trader straight away (in writing if necessary) and give them a reasonable opportunity to correct the problem.
If you're not happy with the outcome, please contact us.
Joining the scheme
To join the scheme, traders must:
- Pass a county court and trading standards records check
- Deal with customers fairly and in accordance with good business practice
- Have a written complaints procedure, including a dispute resolution procedure which involves the trading standards service
Membership fees
Membership will be renewable on a yearly basis; there will be a yearly charge of £100 plus VAT, with the fee payable upon application. If the application is unsuccessful for any reason, this fee will be refunded in full.
Contact us for an application pack by emailing trading.standards@southtyneside.gov.uk or calling 0191 424 7878
Our committment
- To provide a fair and impartial service to both customers and businesses
- We will assist in resolving disputes
- We will investigate any breach of the law by a scheme member which may result in a member being prosecuted, removed from the scheme, or both
- Satisfaction surveys of members and customers will be competed anually
