EDITOR’S NOTE. After the trial this service was not extended. Tesco claimed it “was not the focus of the business at present.”
Albeit only in a limited trial area, so far, but Tesco Home Services has rolled-out a new service to help their customers find local trades people they can trust. Pest control is one such service.
Following initial trials in the Swindon and Gloucester area, Tesco Home Services has just introduced this scheme to customers in the Berkshire area from its stores in Reading, Newbury and Hungerford. The range of services offered includes building and plumbing to IT, locksmiths, glazing, garden landscaping and pest control amongst them. To read the Tesco Home Services promotional leaflet – click here.
| Although only in a restricted area at present, the objective, if liked by their customers, is to extend the scheme nationwide.
As Joanna Kinlock, who is masterminding the project explained: “This idea came from our customers themselves. With jobs needing to be done around the house, people often don’t know where to turn. Simply picking someone out of Yellow Pages can be a scary experience. The Tesco scheme brings trust to the market place.” Before being added to the list of Tesco contractors (known as a ‘trade partner’), each has to undertake training regarding Tesco values and what is expected of them. They also have to abide by the Tesco guarantee system. The selected contractors are mainly those who are already registered with their local Buy With Confidence Scheme. However, this is by no means nationwide yet. |
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| As the Buy with Confidence website states this was set up: “In response to concerns about ”rogue traders” which are often highlighted in the media. A partnership of Local Authority Trading Standards Services has taken a ground-breaking step by putting together the Buy With Confidence Scheme. The scheme provides consumers with a list of local businesses which have given their commitment to trading fairly. Every business listed has undergone a series of detailed checks before being approved as a member of the scheme.”
A web search discovered that AB Complete based in Gloucester is one of several pest control companies listed on the Buy With Confidence Scheme. As Andy Beddoes explains: “Getting on the scheme involves considerably more than just sending in an application. Proof of insurance is required, satisfied customer feed-back and also Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) registration. It takes anything from three to six months to achieve.” Other organisations have tried this type of services supply scheme before with varying success – but with the marketing power and customer base offered by Tesco this scheme could prove the exception to the rule. After all – you do get 1,000 Clubcard points with your first job! As they say – Every little helps. |
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