Buy with confidence
Buy with confidence
Buy with Confidence is our approved trader scheme. It helps you find trusted local businesses that have been fully checked by Trading Standards. Members of the scheme must show that they trade honestly, fairly and follow the law.
How to find an approved trader
You can search our list of approved traders or you can search on the national Buy with Confidence website to find a business you can trust.
What approval means
Businesses in the scheme are vetted by Trading Standards before they are approved.
In order to become a Buy with Confidence member, a business must pass a set of tailored background checks. Membership of the scheme is not given lightly, amongst other checks, each applicant;
- will receive a visit from Trading Standards,
- have their complaints history reviewed,
- require good references from previous customers,
- may need criminal records basic disclosure and
- must agree to abide by the scheme's code of conduct which requires them to follow the letter and spirit of the law.
While it is expected that members will abide by all legislative requirements placed upon them, the checks are specifically aimed at Trading Standards legislation.
However, approval does not guarantee that problems will never occur. It does mean that approved businesses must take complaints seriously and work to resolve issues quickly and fairly.
Once business be granted membership, their conduct will continue to be monitored thereafter, and they will be subject to an annual audit.
Members benefit from;
- being advertised on the Buy with Confidence website which consumers can search to find you
- inclusion on a list of approved traders that Trading Standards will make available to South Lanarkshire consumers
- logos, marketing and publicity materials to promote your business as a Trading Standards approved business
- promotion of the scheme by the Council's Trading Standards Service
Application and Costs
We are currently offering membership at a discounted rate of £250 until 1 April 2027. A £100 application fee is required at the beginning of the application process, and if successful, an additional £150 for the first year's membership.
Go to the Buy with Confidence website and register your interest. A Trading Standards officer will contact you to take you through the process.
What the scheme does not guarantee
Even though members are fully checked, the scheme does not:
- guarantee the financial position of any trader
- take responsibility for any goods or services provided by a member
- guarantee the quality or condition of goods or services
- promise that a trader’s prices are more competitive than others
These conditions help keep the scheme fair and transparent while still giving you reassurance that members meet our standards.
Why use an approved trader?
Using a member of Buy with Confidence gives you:
- peace of mind that the business has been checked
- confidence that they follow consumer protection laws
- a clear process for resolving complaints
- support from Trading Standards if you need advice
If you want to find out more about the scheme or need help choosing a trader, you can contact us for guidance.