Spring Heralds the ‘Return of the Doorstep Rogue Trader’
Spring heralds more than the arrival of longer days and warmer weather, it’s also when Warwickshire County Councils Trading Standards Service begin to receive more complaints about doorstep rogue traders.
Driveway tarmacing, block paving and gardening are all examples of work that are regularly offered by rogue traders at this time of year.
Warwickshire Trading Standards work with a variety of organisations to protect residents and in particular the elderly and vulnerable from rogue traders.
One of the key aspects lies in educating and informing residents, enabling them to spot rogue traders and know how to deal with them.
How to spot a rogue trader
· They may advertise with flyers that carry false names and addresses and untraceable mobile phone numbers
· They quote very low prices but as the work starts the price will rise
· They will want to start immediately, giving the resident no time to think or change their mind
· They might claim to work for the council or be working on a neighbours property
· They usually want cash payments and will often take the victim to the bank to get them
· There behaviour can be threatening and intimidating
· Their work is often done to a very poor standard
Top tips to avoid rogue traders
· go on recommendation if at all possible and use traders family or friends have been happy with
· ensure the business has a genuine address – find out how long they have been there for
· ask to see examples of their work and verify it with the householder
· get everything written down - don’t rely on spoken agreements
· don’t buy from the first trader who comes to your door or be rushed in to making a quick decision - seek quotes from reputable local traders
Finally, if you are at all unsure say no, or better still just keep your door closed – it can be hard to tell a good trader from a cowboy on the doorstep.
For further information, visit our website: http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/doorstep