Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a nonprofit organization that helps consumers find businesses and make informed decisions about their purchases. The BBB also helps businesses build trust and credibility with their customers.
The BBB was founded in 1912 by a group of businessmen in Boston, Massachusetts. The organization’s original mission was to “promote an ethical marketplace where buyers and sellers trust each other.” Today, the BBB has over 100 local chapters and offices in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The BBB provides a variety of services to consumers and businesses, including:
- Business reviews: The BBB collects and publishes information about businesses, including their complaint history, customer satisfaction ratings, and accreditation status.
- Complaint resolution: The BBB helps consumers resolve disputes with businesses.
- Consumer education: The BBB provides information to consumers about how to avoid scams and make smart purchases.
- Business education: The BBB provides information to businesses about how to build trust with their customers and comply with industry regulations.
The BBB’s business reviews are based on a variety of factors, including:
Better Business Bureau
- The number of complaints received about the business
- The nature of the complaints
- The business’s response to complaints
- The business’s overall reputation
The BBB’s complaint resolution process is voluntary. Businesses that are accredited by the BBB agree to participate in the process. When a consumer files a complaint with the BBB, the organization contacts the business and tries to resolve the issue. If the issue cannot be resolved, the BBB may publish the complaint on its website.
The BBB’s consumer education programs cover a wide range of topics, including:
- How to avoid scams
- How to read a contract
- How to get a refund
- How to file a complaint with the BBB
The BBB’s business education programs cover a wide range of topics, including:
- How to build trust with customers
- How to comply with industry regulations
- How to handle customer complaints
The BBB is a valuable resource for both consumers and businesses. The organization’s business reviews, complaint resolution process, and consumer education programs can help consumers make informed decisions about their purchases and businesses build trust with their customers.
Here are some of the pros and cons of the BBB:
Pros:
- The BBB is a well-established organization with a long history of helping consumers and businesses.
- The BBB’s business reviews can be a helpful tool for consumers who are researching businesses.
- The BBB’s complaint resolution process can help consumers resolve disputes with businesses.
- The BBB’s consumer education programs can help consumers learn about their rights and how to protect themselves from scams.
Cons:
- The BBB’s business reviews are not always accurate or up-to-date.
- The BBB’s complaint resolution process is not always successful.
- The BBB’s business education programs are not always comprehensive.
- The BBB is a for-profit organization, and some people believe that this could bias its ratings and reviews.
Overall, the BBB is a valuable resource for both consumers and businesses. However, it is important to remember that the BBB is not a government agency and its ratings and reviews should not be taken as gospel. Consumers should always do their own research before making a purchase or doing business with a company.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about the BBB:
- Businesses can pay to be accredited by the BBB. However, accreditation does not guarantee that a business is legitimate or that it will provide good service.
- The BBB does not investigate every complaint that it receives. The organization prioritizes complaints that involve fraud, deception, or other serious issues.
- The BBB cannot force businesses to resolve complaints. However, the organization can help consumers by mediating disputes and providing information about businesses.
If you are considering doing business with a company, it is always a good idea to check the BBB’s website for reviews and complaints. However, it is important to remember that the BBB is not the only source of information about businesses. You should also do your own research and talk to friends and family who have had experience with the company.