Angus Reputable Trader Scheme (ARTS)
This scheme has been introduced by Angus Council's Trading Standards Service with the cooperation of Tayside Police and the Federation of Small Businesses. The intention is to establish the highest standards of commercial behaviour by businesses in Angus.
The scheme has been set up to give recognition to those who trade fairly and marginalise the rogues that give sole traders, small businesses and the trade sector as a whole a bad reputation. The scheme aims to do this by compiling a list of traders in Angus who have been audited by the Trading Standards Service. The idea is that consumers should look first to the Angus Reputable Trader Scheme (ARTS) to find the trader they need.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the scheme work?
The scheme operates by allowing only reputable traders into it. The Trading Standards Service cannot provide a guarantee for any work carried out, but it can provide a directory of traders with a good track record. Where a dispute occurs, the scheme has a procedure to resolve this in an impartial and fair way. Members of the scheme will give their customers an evaluation card to fill out. These comments can be viewed at Referenceline by prospective customers and is a great way of finding out how other people rate their service. You can also view the feedback via the 'search for a reputable trader' tab.
What can I expect from a trader who is a member of the scheme?
By becoming a member of the scheme, businesses will sign up to a code of practice which ensures they operate their business in a fair and honest manner and comply with legislation.
Traders who are part of the scheme will not just disappear like many rogue traders. If there happens to be a dispute, we will work with both the trader and consumer to have this resolved.
From your Angus Reputable Trader, you can expect:
- Full disclosure of call out charges
- Written quotations and written schedules of work
- To be consulted when the quotation price is likely to change
- To be consulted when the work schedule is likely to change
- To receive a friendly, reasonably priced aftercare service.
How will I know what traders are members of the Angus Reputable Trader Scheme (ARTS)?
Once a Trader has joined the scheme, they will be provided with promotional stationery, including a window sticker that should be displayed in the window of all premises and work vehicles.
Traders will have the use of the scheme logo and the logo should appear on business stationary, advertising and website.
Members will also have a certificate and will each have a unique membership number. Every member will have feedback forms and codes of practice available on request.
What traders are eligible to join?
The scheme can be joined by all types of businesses right from the sole trader who works from home to a department store.
Businesses must be established for a period of least 12 consecutive months before full membership will be awarded. Probationary membership is available for newer businesses offering a service of advice and guidance.
Traders must trade within Angus to be eligible for membership.
If there is any question as to whether your business can apply, please contact us.
What is in it for traders?
Members will receive promotional stationery, as well as window stickers to display on business premises and business vehicles. This allows businesses to promote that they are part of the Angus Reputable Trader Scheme (ARTS).
The scheme offers full dispute resolutions, from informal advice to an out of court adjudication service provided independently by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.
Referenceline allows customers to evaluate your service and advertise the findings to other consumers.
Angus Council will be promoting the scheme. If you are a member, your business will be promoted along with it. It is basically free advertising.
Legislation changes a lot, and often without a great deal of warning. Members of the scheme will be kept up to date with major changes in the law and will be advised on how best to comply with those changes.
Who can I contact for more information?
If you would like more information on the scheme you can contact the Trading Standards Service on 01241 435600 or use the online Enquiries & Requests form.
You can email enquiries to traderscheme@angus.gov.uk
You can search for traders on Referenceline.
Application forms can be requested using the above contact details.
Service Page: reputabletraders.htm
Service Details Last Reviewed : 28 April 2010