Jun 2014
As a tradesman you have probably heard your fair share of horror stories in your time, especially when it comes to rogue traders. However, even though rogue traders prey on consumers, they also have a detrimental effect on the trade industry as a whole, which means that you need to know how to spot them and what to do if you encounter an issue with one. You may also need to provide advice to one of your customers on what to do about a previous trader they had, so here Nova Insurance looks at how you can handle rogue traders:
What is a ‘Rogue Trader’?
Put simply, rogue traders are tradesmen which purposely provide sub-standard work and take advantage of their customers. Rogue traders commit a number of crimes including failing to provide the work promised, carrying out work without being covered by tradesman liability insurance and threatening customers who complain about their work. Unfortunately, rogue traders tend to target vulnerable households such as elderly individuals who are forced into having work done and paying well over the odds for it. It is important to note here that a rogue trader is not the same as a bad trader, as even though some traders lack all the necessary skills required to complete a job this doesn’t mean they are purposely conning their customers out of their money.
How to Spot a Rogue Trader
Rogue traders generally don’t stay in one area too long otherwise they risk being caught, which means that they also don’t tend to provide their customers much information about themselves or the work they will carry out. One of the easiest ways to determine if a tradesman is rogue is to see if they will provide a contract for their work – if they don’t or get aggressive when asked then make sure you tell them that you will look elsewhere. Rogue tradesmen also tend to offer very cheap quotes for the amount of work that needs to be carried out, mainly because they have no intention of ever finishing it or are planning on doing it using sub-standard materials. Remember, if a quote is too good to be true it probably is!
Harassment and Threats
Besides from stealing from their customers, one of the worst things that rogue traders are known for is harassing or even threatening people in order to get what they want. For example, there have been cases where rogue traders have turned up at people’s homes and started work without them even asking or agreeing to it. Often, these types of rogue traders then refuse to leave unless they are paid (in cash), and some even threaten to harm the customer or their property unless they pay. As a tradesman if you hear of such stories from one of your customers make sure you contact the Citizens Advice Bureau and advise them that under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 the tradesman in question is committing a criminal offence.
Trade Associations
An easy way for consumers to determine whether a tradesman is rogue or not is to ask them whether they are part of an official trade association. There are numerous trade associations in the UK which means that you should be able to find one in your area that will benefit your business and provide you advice as and when you need it. TrustMark is one of the biggest and most recognised trade associations in the UK and is supported by the government. By joining TrustMark you are allowed to display the TrustMark logo on your business documents and advertising, meaning that consumers will automatically know that you are reputable and adhere to industry regulations. Unfortunately, some rogue traders try to claim that they are part of a trade association in order to convince customers to do business with them, but an easy way to check if this is true is to ask for their details and contact the association directly.
By working with consumers to tackle rogue traders the trade industry in the UK will improve and there will be fewer opportunities for rogue tradesmen to take advantage of vulnerable households. Remember, if you think a tradesman is acting outside the law make sure you call the police or the Citizens Advice Bureau straight away.
