Consumer Advice

Consumer advice and information in Staffordshire is now provided by Consumer Direct.  Consumer Direct is a telephone and online consumer advice service, which is supported by local authorities and by Government.

Consumer Direct provides clear, practical advice.  From overcharging to faulty goods, and dodgy workmanship to reporting dishonest traders and scams, Consumer Direct works in partnership with Local Authority Trading Standards Advice Services offering first leve advice and information on a wide range of consumer issues.  More complex problems, or complaints requiring further investigation or assistance are referred to Trading Standards or other advice services.

What does Consumer Direct do?

Consumer Direct can:

• Help sort out a problem or disagreement with a trader
• Help complain to a trader
• Help make a complaint about a trader that you believe has done something wrong
• Tell the consumer what their rights as a consumer are
• Provide pre-shopping advice before consumers buy goods or services
• Provide general advice on how to avoid unscrupulous traders or "cowboys"
• Explain consumer-related issues such as warranties, buying on credit, internet shopping, refunds and replacements etc.
• Provide advice on avoiding trading scams and rip-offs
• Direct consumers to a regulator or another organisation if it is better suited to assist
• Refer a consumer's case to their local Trading Standards Authority or similar agency if they are better suited to assist them

A wide range of consumer information and advice is also available online from the Consumer Direct website at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk

Further Information

The Trading Standards Service

Business Advice Leaflets

Consumer Advice Letter Templates

A Career as a Trading Standards Officer