Households across Northern Ireland have been told to be aware of rogue traders in the province.

The Trading Standards Service issued the warning after its Consumerline received 800 complaints last year.

The majority of calls came from consumers who had problems with what seemed to be good value home improvement opportunities.

These included improvements such as having a new kitchen fitted, building a conservatory or getting double glazing installed.

In relation to kitchens, the complaints were mostly about non-delivery or partial non-delivery of units, wrong goods being sent and kitchens being mis-described.

Complaints about conservatories were mainly about poor workmanship and failure to carry out effective repairs

-- Advertisement --

Stephen Thompson, Consumerline Manager, said: "Consumers can reduce the chance of experiencing problems by taking a few prudent steps, for example, by ensuring they know exactly who they are buying from.

"If you are thinking about buying, a personal recommendation from a friend or neighbour is a good way of ensuring that you are less likely to have problems," he said.

"Research the company - entering business names and telephone numbers into internet search engines may provide you with important information on the company; you are less likely to have problems if you buy from a reputable dealer with an established history of fair trading."

Mr Thompson said customers should not act in haste, as a reputable dealer will allow you time to come to a decision, he said.

"Be wary of un-named traders advertising seemingly great deals – if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is," he suggested.

Customers should also be aware 'once in a lifetime offers' and instead shopping around.

"If you buy from a salesman who calls to your home, you have a legal right to cancel your agreement, provided you do so within seven days,"

Mr Thompson added: "Where possible, pay by credit card. Consumers can minimise the risk by paying at least the deposit by credit card.

"By using a credit card, the credit card company is usually jointly liable in the event of any breach of contract, or if the supplier goes out of business, provided the cost is over £100."

(PR/BMcC)