Using the BBB

[Knotical]

Having worked in various industries over the years I have been exposed from time to time to the Better Business Bureau. This organization, for the most part, is quite helpful when looking for a company with which to business, or file a complaint against a business, but there are some things to consider when using them.

1. Just because a company has a complaint against it doesn't mean it is bad. What to look for when you see a business has complaints is to see how they handle them. If the majority of the complaints are resolved amicably, that is actually a good thing. It means they care about customer service and strive to fix the issues that arise. In contrast, if they have a bunch of complaints with no, or few, responses (bad or good) then you should definitely steer clear of that organization.

2. BBB ratings are kind of subjective, and can be bought. Generally, a business that has a good rating not only might have a positive history in complaint handling, but they are also a member. Businesses that have bad ratings usually are not members of the BBB. There is a fee for this, which means, as in many other places, money talks.

So, if you are going to use this service to research a company be sure you know at what you are looking.

 

[Kathi]

I always consult the BBB if I am considering working for a company or possibly doing business with someone.I look over the complaints and what they are and if they have been resolved.I have given a couple of serious complaints to the BBB with very good results.Even if the companies know you are going there they might resolve the issue.

 

[Knotical]

It certainly behooves a company to resolve an issue if it is reported through the BBB, as they are rather "public" through that venue.

 

[Kathi]

Some companies do not belong to the BBB.Can you still report or check up on them?

 

[Knotical]

The BBB does have quite a few organizations listed on their site, but not all. Usually, if you can't find a business on the BBB sites they are either too new (which can be good or bad), or they don't exist anymore (which is never good).