Trading Standards

This page is known as: http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/tradingstandards

TACKLING ROGUE TRADERS AND FINDING A REPUTABLE ONE?
To help consumers find a reputable trader, Birmingham Trading Standards works with No Rogue Traders Here Ltd. We check the complaint histories of all businesses that are approved by No Rogue Traders Here Ltd to make sure that they have not treated consumers unfairly. Whilst we take all reasonable steps only to authorise reputable businesses, contracts are entered into at the consumer's own risk. For more information on this innovative scheme visit http://www.noroguetradershere.com/

If you are having trouble with a trader ring 0121 303 6031 for advice.

If you think you are being targeted by a rogue trader ring 0121 303 9367.

Operation Liberal is a joint operation between Trading Standards Authorities and West Midlands Police to tackle rogue traders operating throughout the West Midlands.Rogue traders are traders who go out intentionally to take advantage of consumers and to charge large amounts of money for little or very poor workmanship. Visit our Doorstep Crime page for further information and advice.

COUNTERFEITING HOTLINE
Do you want to complain about counterfeit goods? Trading Standards has set up a Counterfeiting Hotline which allows you to contact us in confidence and pass on any information you have. We will investigate and take action where appropriate. To contact the hotline call: 0121 303 9367.

ONLINE BUYING GUIDE
More and more consumers are buying items online. If you are one of these people, then you should know you are entitled to extra legal rights when buying goods online and over the telephone. This is known as distance selling and for more information go to our web page on Distance Selling.

You can also follow the links below for more guidance when buying goods online:
Internet, mail order and telephone shopping advice
Internet shopping advice

Do you know your online rights? Take our online survey to find out:
Online Shopping Survey

CONSUMER ADVICE
If the information/advice you require is not available on this website you can also contact Consumer Direct who are able to provide free, impartial and confidential advice. The Consumer Direct website also has a range of information leaflets, sample complaint letters and other information to help consumers.

Consumer Direct is open 9.00am - 5.00pm Monday to Friday [Closed bank holidays and public holidays] and can be contacted on 08454 04 05 06 oronline at Consumer Direct Online

Until 31 March 2012, when the service ceases, you can still call your local Birmingham Trading Standards advice team on 0121 303 6031 between the hours of: 9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 4pm on Fridays.

Telephone Advice lines can sometimes be busy, please be patient or alternatively use e-mail or our online form, which are both checked regularly.

You can e-mail: tradingstandards@birmingham.gov.uk or use our Trading Standards Online Form

Appointments: Personal appointments are only offered if Trading Standards identifies a need for an appointment following your initial telephone or online contact with us.

Equal Opportunities
We will provide information in large print, Braille or on cassette tape when requested.
We will translate any documents or arrange for a translator if you need one.
We will arrange home visits on request.

Your views on the service we provide
We want to hear from you with any compliments, comments or complaints you have about our services. Contact us by writing to :

Operations Manager Trading Standards
Phoenix House,
Valepits Road,
Garretts Green,
Birmingham
B33 0TD
Or e-mail to: tradingstandards@birmingham.gov.uk

You can find general information about Trading Standards and also access leaflets for both consumers and traders at Advice to Consumers and Advice to Business pages or the Trading Standards Institute web site.