The Trusted Shops Trustmark: How the Certification Process Works
If you're interested in displaying the Trusted Shops Trustmark, learn how to earn it here. Meet the team of experts that guide you through the process.
Have you come across the Trusted Shops Trustmark and wondered if it is a good fit for your online shop? In this article, we'll explore what the certification process looks like and how your business gets qualified for the Trustmark.
What is the Trusted Shops Trustmark?
The Trusted Shops Trustmark is more than just a distinctive emblem displayed in online shops. It is a symbol of quality, credibility, and trust recognised throughout many European markets. It reassures shoppers that the shop meets high standards and offers a top-notch, reliable, and customer-focused shopping experience.
Shops displaying the Trustmark also offer their customers a 30-day Buyer Protection for free, covering purchases of up to £2,500/€2,500 (this value may vary in some international markets) in case of returns or non-delivery.
Source: Corazon Latino
But how does a shop become part of the Community of Trust and earn such a distinguished certificate? That’s where our international Certification Experts come in.
'The Trustmark certification is the key trust solution for online retailers, giving them full access to the benefits of the Community of Trust. With years of experience and thousands of certified shops, our team has developed the expertise to efficiently assess and qualify online shops looking to earn the Trustmark.'
Clemens Pernter, Team Lead Certification International
Step 1: Personal guidance from the start
Once you qualify for the Trustmark Certification accreditation process, we’ll assign you a dedicated Customer Success Manager (CSM). Their role is to be your main point of contact throughout your membership in the Community of Trust. However, the certification itself is handled by our Certification Team, who will work in tandem with you and the CSM during this stage.
Step 2: A comprehensive check by Certification Experts
Next, one of our experienced international Certification Experts will review your online shop to ensure it meets the Trusted Shops Quality Criteria. The Quality Criteria focus on recognised best practices which promote a reliable and user-friendly shopping experience.
Our team has reviewed thousands of online shops across Europe and is committed to helping you meet the Trusted Shops Certification requirements not just to pass a checklist, but to truly earn the Trustmark and the confidence of your customers.
Key areas we look at include:
- Identity and accessibility
- Right to cancel
- Products and pricing
- Delivery and payment
- Ordering process
Once your online shop has been checked, you’ll receive your certification report in our easy-to-use 'Online Report' format, or alternatively as a PDF. The report will be provided in English or the language of your target market.
Don’t worry—it’s completely normal if your shop doesn’t meet all the criteria right away. That’s what the process is for!
You’ll receive clear, practical guidance on how to make the necessary improvements. And if you have any questions along the way, your Certification Expert is just an email or phone call away.
Step 3: Earning & showcasing the Trustmark
Once all criteria are met, you’ll be officially awarded the Trusted Shops Trustmark. You’ll receive an email with a link to your shop’s official Trusted Shops profile, granting you visibility within a community of over 45 million consumer memberships across Europe.
Beyond the certificate itself, the Trustmark also enables you to activate the Trusted Shops Buyer Protection, giving your customers peace of mind that their purchases are protected—an added reassurance that can significantly improve your conversion rates.
'We’re here to support our clients every step of the way! Thanks to our experience with various shop software systems, we can quickly assist with any adjustments needed from the online certification report. Our goal is to make the journey as easy as possible - so our clients can proudly showcase the Trustmark in their online shop and become part of the Community of Trust!'
Cheryl Kromokardi, Certification Expert
Once the certification process is complete, you'll receive further instructions on integrating the Trustmark & Buyer Protection into your website. Your Customer Success Manager will be there to help guide you through the integration process. Learn more about Trusted Shops integration.
Continued support beyond certification
Your shop evolves—and so do we. If you’re planning a relaunch or making significant changes to your online shop, you’re welcome to request a follow-up check once a year (free of charge) or revisit any specific points with our Certification Team.
Note: If you ever want to add the Trustmark to more domains (e.g. expanding to an international market), get in touch with us at members@trustedshops.com.
Join the Community of Trust
The Trusted Shops Trustmark isn’t handed out lightly—it’s a recognition of excellence backed up by a team of dedicated experts and a process focused on real value for both you and your customers.
Earning the Trustmark helps support your efforts to gain visibility in the digital world. It shows you're committed to quality, earning trust, and being a part of a Community of Trust that over 45 million consumers rely on.
Are you curious if your shop qualifies for the Trustmark?
