Good Trader Scheme – Office of Fair Trading Consultation

As part of its contribution towards the overall strategic vision of the Isle of Man Government, the Isle of Man Office of Fair Trading has developed proposals for a Good Trader Scheme.

The aim of the Scheme is to help the Island’s consumers avoid falling prey to cowboy builders and other rogue traders by promoting reputable traders whilst providing assurance and protection for those consumers.

Chairman of the OFT Bill Henderson MHK said “I have expressed my concerns on many occasions about Cowboy Builders trying to operate on the Island. The OFT has been very active both in alerting consumers and in pursuing traders who are trying to take advantage of consumers. One of the things consumers often ask the OFT is to provide details of reputable traders and I believe that this Scheme will enable us to do that. Consumers will be able to find a trader they can trust”.

It is envisaged that the Scheme will first consider applications from traders in the home improvements sector with an extension to traders selling and/or repairing motor vehicles being likely thereafter. Further categories of traders will then be considered as required.

The draft proposals for the Scheme can be found on the OFT’s website at http://www.gov.im/oft

You are invited to submit your comments on the draft proposals. The closing date for comments is 30th November 2008.

Comment should be sent in writing to:

or by email to: john.peet@gov.im