Benefits to business

The benefits of the motor trade partnership scheme to business are:

• increased consumer confidence and reduced number of complaints
• recognition of business standards and good practice
• publicity, advertising, marketing opportunities and use of the Partnership logo
• provision of information and legal advice on Trading Standards legislation and current issues
• trading standards web pages providing links to company details, partnership information and links to businesses websites
• a consumer guide, giving details of the Partnership, will be provided for distribution to customers
• members will be awarded an annual certificate
• direct liaison with nominated officers in Trading Standards
• free assistance and advice on general staff training will be given as appropriate
• comprehensive training package tailored to specific needs
• forum meetings will be arranged on an annual basis
• members of the partnership will be notified of changes in relevant legislation
• Free Alternative Dispute Resolution Service 

Pre contract information

• all changes regarding the implementation of pre contract information came from The Consumer Credit (Disclosure of Information) Regulations 2004 and The Consumer Credit (Agreements) (Amendments) Regulations 2004
• the Regulations stipulate the order that information, statements of protection and remedies, signature and other boxes must be in
• all agreements will have to show a total charge for credit, the rate of interest and a statement explaining how and when interest charges are calculated
• terms and conditions will have to be the same size as other information but headings, trade names and the names of the parties can be given more prominence
• the document must be headed with the words “Pre Contract Information” 
• specific information must be disclosed before an agreement is made
• consumers must have a summary of the key features that they can use to help them compare products and select the best
• pre contract information must be separate from an agreement document although being in the same folder or pack is acceptable
• lenders may use estimated information where the information that will be included in the agreement is not known
• all of the information and wording must be of equal prominence apart from the headings
• the customer must be able to take away the document