Checkatrade, the UK’s leading online trade directory, has recently announced a new focus on protecting consumers. This move comes as a response to the growing concern over rogue traders and scams in the home improvement industry. With this new focus, Checkatrade aims to provide consumers with peace of mind and ensure that they are hiring trustworthy and reliable tradespeople for their home improvement projects.
In recent years, there has been a rise in the number of rogue traders and scams targeting homeowners. These unscrupulous individuals often pose as legitimate tradespeople, offering their services at a low cost and then disappearing with the money without completing the work. This not only causes financial loss but also leaves homeowners with unfinished or substandard work, causing stress and inconvenience.
To combat this issue, Checkatrade has taken a proactive approach by implementing new measures to protect consumers. One of the key initiatives is the introduction of a new verification process for tradespeople. This process involves thorough background checks, including criminal record checks, to ensure that only reputable and trustworthy tradespeople are listed on the website.
In addition to the verification process, Checkatrade has also introduced a feedback system where customers can leave reviews and ratings for the tradespeople they have hired. This allows other consumers to make informed decisions based on the experiences of previous customers. Furthermore, Checkatrade has a team of dedicated customer service representatives who are available to assist consumers with any queries or concerns they may have.
The new focus on consumer protection is a testament to Checkatrade’s commitment to providing a safe and reliable platform for homeowners to find trusted tradespeople. This move has been welcomed by both consumers and tradespeople, as it not only protects consumers but also promotes transparency and accountability within the industry.
In a statement, Checkatrade’s CEO, Mike Fairman, said, “We understand the importance of consumer protection, and it has always been our top priority. With the rise of rogue traders and scams, we felt it was necessary to take proactive measures to ensure that our customers are hiring reputable and trustworthy tradespeople. We want to give our customers peace of mind and make their home improvement experience a positive one.”
The new focus on consumer protection has also been praised by industry experts. Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders, said, “We welcome Checkatrade’s efforts to protect consumers from rogue traders. This move will not only benefit homeowners but also reputable tradespeople who often lose out to unscrupulous individuals. We hope that other trade directories will follow suit and prioritize consumer protection.”
In conclusion, Checkatrade’s new focus on protecting consumers is a step in the right direction for the home improvement industry. With their stringent verification process and feedback system, homeowners can now hire tradespeople with confidence, knowing that they are dealing with reputable and trustworthy professionals. This move not only benefits consumers but also promotes a fair and transparent marketplace for tradespeople. As a consumer, it is reassuring to know that Checkatrade has our best interests at heart and is committed to providing a safe and reliable platform for all our home improvement needs.
