Local Independent Flys The Flag For Safe Traders

Sept. 24, 2013 - PRLog -- Darren Pomfret of PVC and Patio Clean - Property Cleaning Specialists in Preston, is on a mission to fly the flag for independents and banish the myth that not all traders are rogue traders.

Darren, who has worked for himself for six years says that he has heard numerous horror stories from customers about the lengths bogus tradesmen will do to get money.

One such customer is 78 year old widower Marion Cragg from Fulwood.  “Marion contacted me via a referral after two men had cold called, befriended her and tried to con her out of £500 for three hours work,” says Darren. “They offered to clean her roof. All the moss and dirt went everywhere so they then said she’d have to pay extra to get her drive cleaned. They wouldn’t accept a cheque so said they would drive her to a cash point. Fortunately a neighbour stopped her and called the police and surprisingly the men disappeared very quickly!  Marion has been a regular customer ever since.”

Darren’s campaign comes on the back of news from Lancashire County Council promoting the benefits of being a member of the Lancashire Safe Trader Scheme.  More than 386 doorstep crime incidents were reported to the Council last year, but many go unreported.

While many traders may be honest, it's a sad fact that some aren't. However, before agreeing to have any work done on their home, indoors or outside, Darren strongly advises people to check whether the trader is a member of the county's Safe Trader scheme.

Darren says: “It’s a sad fact that these people target the vulnerable and can give the rest of the hard working traders a bad name. It’s important to support your local independents but to know what you are looking for before agreeing to pay anyone for work done on your property.”

Darren’s top tips for avoiding rogue traders include:

I never cold call. The majority of new customers come from recommendations or referrals from work I’ve already carried out.
I have a local '01772' telephone number on my van (not a 0800 number or just a mobile).
I wear logo’d workwear.
My website features a "Meet the Team" section with our photographs on so the householder can see exactly who will be calling round to their property.
For the customer’s peace of mind I always show my Safe Trader certificate when quoting and usually give them a contact in their street who I’ve worked for as a testimonial.
We are fully insured which some 'rogue' traders won't be.
The price we quote is what the customer pay. We don't add any 'unforeseen' extras on.

The Safe Trader Scheme is open to all businesses in Lancashire providing property repairs, home improvements and practical support services such as cleaning, laundry and shopping delivery to people in their own homes.

For further information visit www.PVCclean.co.uk or call 01772 862223