Which? has been rigorously testing products and services for nearly 60 years – now we are assessing and endorsing local tradesmen and tradeswomen. Like our well known Best Buy logo, the Which? Trusted trader logo is a sign of reputation and trust; helping consumers choose the right trader for them and giving good traders the recognition they deserve.
How we assess our traders
Which? Trusted Traders is an endorsement scheme run by Which? that recognises reputable traders who successfully pass an assessment process carried out by our trading standards professionals. Not just anyone can become endorsed. The assessment process includes:
Credit report
This is obtained to validate the financial health of a business who applies to be assessed.
Customer Satisfaction
The Which? Trusted Traders endorsement team will check a selection of customer references from 10 domestic customer details chosen at random by the assessor.
Business procedures
A thorough examination of business and administrative procedures to ensure that businesses have consumer interests in mind.
Interview and assessment
Our standard assessment includes a face to face visit and interview carried out by a Which? trading standards professional to fully understand all aspects of how the applicant runs their business.
Report
Businesses receive a report of the assessment, providing valuable feedback from our experienced assessors to ensure that they meet our high standards before they are allowed to join the scheme.
Endorsed trader
Having passed all these checks, the trader is now able to choose to join the scheme, agreeing to abide by the terms and conditions, code of conduct and pay the membership fees. They can now show their customers that they are an endorsed Which? Trusted trader.
Who makes the grade?
Those who don’t make the grade don’t get endorsed. Due to the high demands of the assessment, not all businesses that apply get through the assessment process. Only those who meet our high standards can become Which? Trusted traders.
If things go wrong
An extra benefit of using Which? Trusted Traders is that we have an independent Alternative Dispute Resolution service, Dispute Resolution Ombudsman, on hand should something go wrong. This problem solving service provides peace of mind for both consumers and traders.