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Webtraders - what WebTraderUK can do for you What do we do? WebTraderUK has been created to increase consumer confidence when purchasing from online businesses. Webtraders who become members of WebTraderUK agree to our Code of Practice, which is designed to encourage the highest possible customer service standards and make sure that consumers are treated fairly. WebTraderUK members must comply with our Code and display our logo on their site, adding prestige and increasing consumer confidence in their business. What else does our Code of Practice contain? You can view the full version of the Code here. Who are we? WebTraderUK, has been developed by the Direct Marketing Association (DMA) in the interests of consumers following the withdrawal of the Which?Webtrader scheme which closed in January 2003. The DMA is the trade association of the direct marketing industry, and is the leading organisation for promoting industry best practice. In a market where there is a need to protect consumers from inappropriate, unethical behaviour by unscrupulous or ignorant practitioners, the DMA is dedicated to the protection and development of the UK direct marketing industry. The DMA has called upon the secretariat of the National Newspapers’ Mail Order Protection Scheme (MOPS) to assist in the administration of WebTraderUK. MOPS is the organisation which accredits advertisers who place direct payment advertisements in national newspapers. Both the DMA and MOPS are non-profit organisations established to develop consumer confidence in distance selling. Who monitors webtraders’ compliance with the Code of Practice? Compliance with the WebTraderUK Code will be monitored by the Direct Marketing Authority, which is chaired by John Bridgeman, a former Director General of the Office of Fair Trading. It has thus credibility both with consumer groups and Government. In addition the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, which provided an independent dispute resolution service for Which?WebTrader, will provide a similar service for WebTraderUK. What happens if a WebTraderUK member is not complying with our Code of Practice? If we receive reports that a WebTraderUK member is not complying with our Code, we will investigate and, if a breach is apparent, we will ask the trader to put things right. If they do not, we may remove them from the scheme. How do I join? To find out about our requirements and the application process, click here. Why should I join? 1. WebTraderUK members must comply with our Code of Practice. This ensures members follow rigorous standards to protect the consumer (for example, providing clear delivery information, explaining your returns policy and showing your full contact details). Members are entitled to display the WebTraderUK logo, adding prestige to their site and driving consumer trust. This helps convert more browsers into customers and increases your website turnover. 2. As a WebTraderUK member, each site also gains exposure through a listing on the WebTraderUK site itself. We provide each site the opportunity to display its company name, logo and a short description of products or services in an appropriate category on the WebTraderUK website. If you join now you will also benefit from a new programme of public relations and promotional activity to promote WebTraderUK and its members. 3. As a member you receive our regular newsletter, keeping you up to date with the latest issues affecting the sector. You also have the opportunity to network at special WebTraderUK events and learn from the experiences with others in the industry. A team of experts in the field is also available to answer your questions on e-commerce legislation and marketing. 4. WebTraderUK recently reached an agreement with similar organisations in the USA, Canada and the Far East to establish a global network of e-commerce trustmarks. This initiative will help drive development of the industry and encourage greater cross-border trade. Over time, this agreement will drive overseas customers to your site.