Resident FAQs
Through our vetting checks, you can feel confident when allowing a Trading Standards Checked trader into your home. We have access to information and systems that no other scheme in Kent has. Our staff are professionals; highly trained, experienced and able to draw on a range of skills developed by supporting Kent County Council Trading Standards in its work. Wherever you see the Kent Trading Standards Checked logo you can be sure that you will be dealing with a reliable, safe trader who is proud to display their logo and provide a service that is compliant with UK legislation.
No. It is free to search for checked traders. So residents in Kent have access to a list of traders that are checked and trustworthy. The scheme is funded by trader membership fees.
Trading Standards Checked is a fair trader directory for trades in the home maintenance sector run by Kent County Council (KCC). Trading Standards Checked carries out checks on traders so customers can have peace of mind when choosing a tradesperson to do work in their home.
It aims to prevent financial abuse, stop doorstep criminals and protect residents, especially the vulnerable, from rouge traders and criminals.
Trading Standards Checked does not provide customer reviews. There are however a number of other places online that you can find feedback and reviews about businesses and we advise you do this before using a trader.
Instead Trading Standards Checked focuses on expert vetting that only Kent County Council can carry out and provides a simple and easy to use directory of checked traders who are safe and that you can trust.
If you encounter any issues with a trader that is listed on Trading Standards Checked , then please report it to the Citizens Advice consumer service. The Citizens Advice consumer service will be able to provide you with the correct advice on how to resolve the issues you have, and also pass on the information you provide directly to Kent Trading Standards.
Not every complaint will result in the trader being removed. We have a lot of experience in dealing with complaints about traders, and we understand that even the best traders can sometimes get things wrong. All complaints we receive through the Citizens Advice Consumer Service are reviewed by experienced Intelligence Officers.
If your complaint is serious, it may lead to a review of the trader's membership. Depending on the outcome of that review, there may be conditions placed upon their membership or it could lead to them being removed from the scheme altogether.
Due to the nature of these enquiries we will not be able to feedback to you on the outcome of your complaint.
Yes. No matter where you find your traders, you should always get at least 3 quotes. Also don’t just accept the cheapest quote, research the trader thoroughly by looking at reviews online.
Below are some important questions you should ask any trader that you are thinking of employing to do work in your home.
Some of the key things to think about asking are:
How long will the work take?
How will you pay?
What is and isn’t included?
How will they remove the waste?
Will the work be messy or noisy?
Do they have adequate public liability insurance?
Do you need Building Control permission?
Do they have the right qualifications for the work?
Will they be using subcontractors?