subject: Prove It:increased Intolerance For Unbacked Traders [print this page] Consumers demanding that the traders they let into their homes are vetted and monitored before they employ them have helped
fuel a recent surge in membership of the West Sussex-based firm Checkatrade.com.
Consumers demanding that the traders they let into their homes are vetted and monitored before they employ them have helped
fuel a recent surge in membership of the West Sussex-based firm Checkatrade.com.
The company has seen an increase in membership of over 100% this year from 1000 members in February 2007 to over 2000 members
at the end of March 2008, making it the best year for growth in the companys ten year history.
Checkatrade founder and CEO Kevin Byrne commented: It took nine years for us to achieve a membership of 1000 traders willing
to be vetted and continuously monitored. The next 1000 members only took one year. This proves to me that there is a demand
from consumers for traders who are reliable, honest and trustworthy and who can prove their credentials.
Kevin also pointed out that all members of Checkatrade go through a stringent vetting process, which includes identity checks
and the taking of references. All members must have current Public Liability Insurance and must also be able to produce proof
of any relevant qualifications. We believe that it is this process, and the publishing of customer feedback on our website,
both positive and negative, that gives greater credibility to our members in the eyes of the public.
To date over 100,000 customer feedback forms have been received by Checkatrade, who process an average of 3,500 cards a month
at present. This figure is increasing as consumers become more aware and careful of whom they choose to do work in their
homes. The company estimates that their members are gaining over 300,000 jobs a year from the Checkatrade system, generating
around 150 million worth of work in local communities. The aim, Kevin said, is to keep work in the hands of the honest and
reliable and to close the door on rogue traders.
With over 6000 unique visitors a day to its website, Checkatrade remains on the cutting edge of consumer protection with
innovative software, processes and benefits for their members.
