The company: Trusted Shops

About Trusted Shops

Even if the technical requirements for secure and convenient purchases on the Internet are for the most part in place, it is particularly difficult for small and medium-sized online shops to prove their own trustworthiness and credibility. On the other hand, it is often difficult for customers to be able to tell whether a credible operator is actually behind a product selected in an online shop.

Recognised market leader with “all-round secure package”
To provide this security, Trusted Shops offers a comprehensive service for the benefit of both the shop operator and the consumer, which encompasses accreditation, seal of approval, money-back guarantee and customer service.

Trusted Shops is the leading system for secure buying in Europe. Since the company was founded in December 1999, over 5,000 tests have been conducted and over 2,500 retailers accredited. This makes Trusted Shops the clear market leader today in Germany (as also confirmed by the Handelsblatt).

Its customers include Dell, Web.de, Aral, WDR, Hess Natur, Pixmania, BP, Vector Versand, Microsoft Press, D&W, Atelco Computer and many other well-known brands, plus a number of small and medium-sized companies.

Trusted Shops is supported by the European Commission for its effective consumer protection and the promotion of SMEs and recommended by the D21 initiative.

Trusted Shops seal of approval
Prior to accreditation, all online retailers are subjected to comprehensive security tests. This testing, with over 100 individual criteria, is based on consumer protection requirements as well as national and European legislation. These include creditworthiness, security mechanisms, price transparency, provision of information, customer service and data protection. These quality criteria are subjected to constant review and adapted to the latest developments in the areas of case law and consumer protection.

Money-back guarantee for consumers
As a result of this security, Trusted Shops can provide consumers with a free money-back guarantee in case anything goes wrong with the order. Thanks to this insurance, customers can shop without any financial risk.

The money-back guarantee applies to non-delivery, non-reimbursement after goods are returned and credit card misuse. With this, Trusted Shops is providing consumers with a service which is unique in Europe. Atradius, the world’s second largest lending risk insurer, is the risk bearer.

Customer service and settlement of disputes
Should problems occur with an online retailer, the customer can turn to the experienced, multilingual Trusted Shops service centre via the online system, e-mail or telephone. Here he/she will receive professional help, e.g. with the reverse processing of transactions. Trusted Shops mediates in any and all problems between customers and online shops.

Because it is simple and cost-efficient, our dispute settlement procedure is supported by the European Commission. To date, no court proceedings have ever been necessary for any of the disputes processed by Trusted Shops. Mediation has always led to an agreeable solution for all those involved.

Additional services for online shops
The core services that Trusted Shops offers retailers are complemented by extensive marketing activities,  PR services and updates on legal developments. Each shop receives a comprehensive practical handbook and access to protected online discussion forums for communication with other shops and the Trusted Shops experts.

Good for shops and consumers
Thanks to the combination of testing, guarantee and service, an “all-round secure package” is created for the consumer. The willingness of consumers to shop online and their trust grow as a result of accreditation with the Trusted Shops seal of approval. In this way, sales at accredited shops increase at the same time as the financial risk for the consumer is minimised – ideal conditions for trade on the Internet!