Trading Standards

Trading Standards helps protect consumers and supports businesses by providing advice on consumer rights and trading laws.

Report a problem with a trader

If you have a problem with something you've bought or a service you've paid for, Citizens Advice can help you understand your rights and what to do next.

You can find information about your rights and how to resolve a problem on the Citizens Advice website.

Contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline

If you need more help, you can speak to a trained adviser.

Phone: 0808 223 1133

Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, excluding bank holidays.

You can also contact an adviser online.

Citizens Advice can also pass information about complaints to Trading Standards.

Consumer advice and your rights

When you buy goods or services, the law gives you rights that protect you from being treated unfairly by businesses.

Citizens Advice provides information about your consumer rights and what you can do if something goes wrong.

Find a trustworthy business

The Buy with Confidence scheme helps you find businesses that have been checked and approved by Trading Standards.

You can search for approved businesses in your area using the Buy with Confidence website.

Product recalls

Product recalls happen when an item is found to be unsafe or has a fault that could put people at risk.

You can check whether a product has been recalled using the government's product safety information.

Doorstep callers and cold calling

Many traders who call at your door are genuine, but some may use unfair or dishonest selling practices.

Examples include:

  • Pressuring you into buying something you do not want
  • Offering unfair contracts
  • Charging too much for home maintenance or improvements
  • Carrying out poor-quality work
  • Pretending to carry out consumer surveys
  • Making bogus charity collections

You have the right to say no. You should never feel pressured into buying goods or services or inviting someone into your home.

Get a free No Cold Calling sticker

You can request a free window sticker to help discourage unexpected doorstep callers.

The sticker tells traders that you do not buy goods or services at the door and asks them to leave your property.

To request a sticker, contact Trading Standards:

Advice for businesses

Our Trading Standards team provides guidance to help businesses understand and comply with trading laws and consumer protection legislation.

Business Companion

Business Companion provides guidance for businesses and individuals who need to understand Trading Standards and consumer protection laws.

Join the Buy with Confidence scheme

The Buy with Confidence scheme helps businesses show customers that they have been checked and approved by Trading Standards.

Businesses that join the scheme can benefit from:

  • Being part of a trusted network of approved businesses
  • Publicity through the Buy with Confidence website
  • Advice and assistance
  • Mediation services

Find out more about the scheme and how to apply.

Age-restricted products and services

If your business sells age-restricted products or services, you can find guidance on the relevant regulations and how to comply with them.

Trading Standards enforcement policies

Our enforcement policies explain how we approach enforcement and the action we may take when businesses do not comply with the law.

Contact Trading Standards

If you have a general enquiry about Trading Standards, you can contact our team.

Trading Standards
Sir Robert Peacock House
Vulcan Street
Oldham
OL1 4LA

Email: tradingstandards@oldham.gov.uk

If you need advice about a consumer complaint, please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133.