The Which? Trusted Trader scheme has faced some questioning since its launch in early October.
When we first reported the launch of Which? Trusted Traders, Managing Director, Stephen McCluskey was quick to join the conversation, saying:
"We have set up Which? Trusted Traders in line with our policy of addressing consumer detriment in the market. We are doing this by introducing a thorough vetting process and marketing the scheme very actively. The fees are to cover the Assessor visits and assessments and the subsequent marketing. We believe that this will be to the benefit of both the consumer experience and the traders' business."
But Which? have already signed up some landscape industry businesses. And, in justifying his decision to join the scheme, one LJN member put it "Because it's Which?, probably the most trusted tester out there".
But some industry professionals are sceptical about the new scheme calling almost identical to the Buy With Confidence scheme.
One major concern, it seems, is the hefty price tag. At £480.00 a year, membership doesn't come cheap.
One landscaper said: "showing an interest is one thing but parting with 480 spondoolies is something completely different" whilst another commented "bit like a protection racket". £400+"
Stephen McCluskey responded to the protection racket accusation:
"I can understand your wariness but I can assure you it is not a racket. Which? is a not-for-profit organisation and has been for over 50 years. We have set up Which? Trusted Traders in line with our policy of addressing consumer detriment in the market. We are doing this by introducing a thorough vetting process and marketing the scheme very actively. The fees are to cover the Assessor visits and assessments and the subsequent marketing. We believe that this will be to the benefit of both the consumer experience and the traders' business."
Have you joined Which? or rejected it as just another 'also ran'? Tell us your views.
Users of the Which? Trusted Trader website are still experiencing problems with the postcode locator.
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