Rogue traders often offer services outside the house such as gardening, driveway work, roof repairs or waste uplifted.
Anyone thinking of hiring these kinds of work should look out for the warning signs that the trader might not be above board.
Hiring a rogue trader can result in work not being done or not being completed, work not being done to required standard including safety standards and any waste from your property being fly-tipped rather than disposed of responsibly.
West Lothian Council's Trading Standard team have advised of the red flags to look out for when hiring. These include:
- Cold Calling. Rogue traders are more likely to use cold calling techniques than legitimate businesses, so residents should be cautious with anyone who comes their door unannounced. Cold calling is also linked to distraction thefts and burglaries.
- Pressure to start immediately. Unscrupulous workmen will often to get residents to agree to work immediately, so not giving you the chance to reconsider or use the statutory 14 day cooling off period if you wish.
- Cash only. Whilst many traders still prefer to work in cash, most businesses provide options to pay by card or bank transfer if required.
- Payment in advance. It's reasonable to make a small deposit to reserve a place or allow the tradesperson to buy materials, but full payment should only be made once the work is completed to your satisfactions
- No company history or reviews. Unless a company is brand new, it's likely to have an online presence through a website or social media, as well as review sites, so be wary if you can't find out any reviews or company information.
Trading Standards have produced a useful guide to help ensure that any traders you engage are reputable.
Green flags to look out for when considering which company or trader to use include:
- West Lothian Trusted Trader. Operated by Trading Standards, the scheme can help you to choose a reputable trader through viewing previous customer feedback. Please visit Trusted Trader for more details.
- Company info and reviews available online. Established companies will have a presence online, where you can check their company info and reviews by past customers. Please be aware that people with negative experiences of a company are more likely to leave reviews that those with positive experiences.
- Ask friends & families for recommendations. People you know who have a good experience of a trader is a good way to find reputable company.
- Provide a quote and cooling off period. Traders should be willing to provide an estimate for the job in advance, and give you the 14-day legal cooling off period to change your mind, if required.
- Written agreement before work starts. Reputable traders will often provide a written agreement detailing the work being done to prevent any issues.
- Small advance payment only. Most firms will only ask for a payment to cover materials they need to buy for your job.
- SEPA waste carrier license. Any firm disposing of waste must be registered with the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA). This commits the firm to ensure everything is recycled or disposed of responsibly rather than fly-tipped. You can check at www2.sepa.org.uk/wastecarriers.
