Other services
Hiring a service provider outside the usual categories means trusting them with a job you cannot easily check yourself.
Other services companies
385 companies
About Other services
Other services is a broad group covering the many trades and professional offers in the United Kingdom that do not fit neatly into the main service categories. It takes in personal and domestic offers such as pet care, cleaning, tutoring, event hire, and a long list of specialist trades. Providers range from sole traders and small local firms to national franchises and online platforms that match customers with freelancers.
The market is shaped by consumer protection law, including the Consumer Rights Act 2015, which sets out standards for service quality and the remedies available when a service falls short. Trading Standards services across the UK enforce these rules at local level. Several trade bodies and accreditation schemes operate in particular sub-sectors, setting codes of practice and offering dispute routes for members.
Payment and contract terms vary widely, with some providers taking deposits and others billing on completion. Regulation is uneven across the group, as some activities are licensed or overseen by statutory bodies while others face little formal oversight at all.
Questions about Other services
How do I choose a service provider for something outside the usual categories?
Start by confirming the provider is a registered business with a named trading address, company number and VAT number if applicable, which you can check on Companies House for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Ask for written terms before paying, and check that the provider holds any licence or membership their trade requires, such as a trade body or professional registration.
What should I compare between two companies offering the same service?
Compare the total cost including any fees, the length of the contract, the notice period needed to end it, and what happens to your payments if the provider stops trading. Check what the written terms say about cancellation rights, complaints handling and liability, since these matter more than the headline price when things go wrong.
Do I have a right to cancel after I sign up?
If you agreed to the service away from business premises or at a distance, such as online or by phone, the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 give you a 14-day cancellation period from the day the contract starts. Some services begin straight away at your request, and in that case you may have to pay for the part already delivered, so read the cancellation information the provider must give you before you agree.
How do I cancel a contract with a company properly?
Send the cancellation in writing by email or post, state that you are cancelling, give your name, address and account reference, and keep a copy along with proof of sending. Check the notice period in your contract, as the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Competition and Markets Authority guidance expect firms to make cancellation no harder than sign-up was.
What rights do I have if the service is not carried out with reasonable care?
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, a service must be performed with reasonable care and skill, at a reasonable time and for a reasonable price where no price was agreed. If it is not, you can ask the provider to put it right at no extra cost, and if they fail to do so you may be entitled to a repeat performance, a price reduction or a refund depending on the circumstances.
What is the first step if I want to make a complaint?
Raise the complaint directly with the company in writing, describe what went wrong, say what outcome you want and give a reasonable deadline for a response. Keep records of every contact, including dates, names and copies of messages, because these will be needed if the matter goes to an ombudsman or a court.
Which ombudsman or regulator can help if the company will not resolve my complaint?
Find out whether the provider is a member of an approved alternative dispute resolution scheme, which the Chartered Trading Standards Institute and the Competition and Markets Authority can help you identify. If the company is not covered by a scheme, you can contact your local Trading Standards service or use the Citizens Advice consumer helpline in England and Wales, or Advice Direct Scotland in Scotland.
Can I take a company to court over a poor service?
Yes, you can make a claim through the Money Claim Online service run by HM Courts and Tribunals Service for debts and losses up to the limits set by the small claims track. Before issuing a claim, send a letter before action setting out the problem, the amount you want and a deadline of fourteen days, which the Civil Procedure Rules expect you to do.
Is my payment protected if the company goes out of business?
If you paid by credit card for a purchase costing between £100 and £30,000, Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 can make the card issuer jointly liable for the claim. Paying by debit card or card chargeback may allow you to request a refund through your bank, and this protection depends on the payment method and the nature of the service.
What should I check before I agree to any contract or sign anything?
Read the full terms, including any automatic renewal clause, the cancellation rights, the payment schedule and any fees for early exit, before you sign or tick to accept. Confirm that every promise made in sales conversations appears in writing, because the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 treat misleading statements as an offence.
What should I look for in reviews of companies in this category?
Read reviews that describe specific events, dates and outcomes, and be cautious of many short reviews posted within a short period or reviews that repeat the same wording. Pay attention to how the company responds to complaints, as a documented and timely reply shows more about how it treats customers than a high star rating does.
How can I tell if a company is genuinely regulated or just claims to be?
Check the regulator the company names against the public register of that regulator, which is the Financial Conduct Authority register for financial services and the relevant professional body for regulated trades. Be wary of any claim of approval that cannot be verified on an official register, since the Advertising Standards Authority and Trading Standards both act against false statements of regulation.