Applications
Applications can be made online at the Buy With Confidence website
The website is operated by the Buy With Confidence Partnership, a collaboration between SWERCOTS (Trading Standards Partnership South West), Devon & Somerset Trading Standards Service, and Hampshire County Council Trading Standards Service.
The application will then be allocated to the local authority in which your business is based, or the authority who manages the scheme in your area.
Some authorities have arrangements with the Buy With Confidence Partnership by which some or all membership processes are carried out by the Partnership owned Central Hub; we will tell you if this is the case.
Fees
Membership is subject to payment of the relevant fees and you may be required to pay the application and/or membership fee before we process your application. There is then an annual fee; your managing authority will tell you when this is due. You can find out more about the fees in your area here.
If you are making an application on behalf of a business which operates regionally or nationally, a trade or professional body or operate from a large number of outlets please contact us on admin@buywithconfidence.gov.uk
Fees for Disclosure Certificates must be paid direct to the issuing body
Auditing
We need to ensure that you fully understand the Terms and Conditions of membership and that you are able to comply with all requirements of the scheme.
In order to do this we carry out a number of checks and an audit. The application form identifies the checks we will make and in submitting the application you give us permission to make these checks.
The audit will comprise of a meeting between the applicant business and a qualified Trading Standards professional. The audit will be tailored to your business. We recognise that small businesses do not have or need the complex procedures required to manage large organisations, and will require you to demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the scheme.
Once you are a member we may carry out periodic re-audits, the frequency will be based on a risk assessment of your business.
In making any annual or membership renewal payment you are confirming that you continue to comply with all scheme requirements.
We will also seek to monitor compliance on a continuing basis, this may include tracking any consumer complaints and enquiries received by us, Citizens Advice or any Regulator or body with whom you claim membership or are required to be registered with.
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