Better Business Bureau

[wberminio]

Just got a call from BBB
I was approved to become an "Honored" member !- pending $500.00 fee!!!

Scam or Legit?

Anyone part of BBB?
Is it worth joining?

Thanks

[cabindoors]

Scam IMHO

10 years ago I was OK'd by BBB and they allowed me to use their logo. But 8 years ago I made a new web page and I don't even bother with BBB.

I think that there are much better ways that customers can verify your business such as blogs, reviews, and your warranty and service policy, etc that can be easily set up and/or displayed on your web page.

I think that the BBB is drastically over rated, along with AARP.

[signtist]

I would never waste my money like that!

[dlcw]

I was with them in 2010. Big waste of money. I was listed as an accredited business and never got one phone call of one referral from the BB website to mine.

They do like to strong-arm and say if you aren't with them you are not going to credible in customers eyes. Hog-wash!

[meatbal80]

I have had much the same experience, no referrels and to the best of my knowledge I did not miss out on any specificaly because of that.

Even if you are not a member they will have you listed if there are any complaints against you, you can not argue them if you are not a member. This dosent sound like a great way to protect consumers, but thats just me.

[michael_schwartz]

When was the last time you made a decision to purchase based on a company's BBB accreditation? If your running your buisness in a professional manor, and your work stands for itself, I doubt anybody would care.

I could see perhaps where BBB affiliation may be worthwhile for an online storefront, as somewhat of a confirmation that the buisness is in fact real. Otherwise I would stop short of calling it a scam, but they are obviously out to make money :D

[kevin]

scam waste of money

I to paid 270 for one year no referial. I think bbb is out of touch

[signsbyjay]

There have been many news stories in the last 6 months in Tulsa stating that BBB is calling business owners with the same pitch. One of the local news channels did an undercover investigation which found the ONLY way to get the top rating with BBB was to join and pay their fee.

[harryball]

Your local Chamber of Commerce would be a better place to look. Businesses that join tend to look at other businesses that have joined.

/RB

[wberminio]

Thanks to all for confirming what I already thought.
I never check for BBB rating for businesses I deal with,nor will I ever.
How can they be impartial and give an honest rating if the business need to pay for a rating ?

They said the fee is for linking to their website,use of their logo and to help with disputes with customers,but in reality it seems that we are paying for a rating.Never had a dispute I couldn't solve with good communication.

In 25+ years only ONE person has ever asked if I was part of BBB
and all she wanted was a cheap vanity!
Hate to waste good $$$ on anything that doesn't work!

Thanks again for your input.

[magic]

It's only worth it if you want a plaque in your office, so customers can see it.

But then again, make your own.

- - -

Once every 6 months they call telling me that "people have been inquiring about my services" and they can't tell them anything because I'm not a member... so I ask for the name of a single person who called... never any answer.

Who do you turn the BBB into when THEY are guilty of bad business practices?

[kevin]

I didn't renew after the first year .Then they gave my company a B- rating
I treated to sue then they put me at A- stop me before I vent .SAVE MONEY HIRE A KID TO DELEVER FLYERS IN A PLUSH NEIGHERHOOD

[bleeth]

Well buddy: Since the BBB donates so much of the money they get to the RNP maybe you can complain to them and see if they listen!!:D

(UH-OH: Nancy won't like that one!! No politics allowed. Better read it quick before it gets zapped. Nancy-My apologies in advance; it was just irresistible)

[bstern]

I did not renew my membership this year.
Guy called from BBB and left a message "call him
as soon as possible, we need to talk about something important."
A nice scare tactic.
I left a message for him that said if there is a complaint about me please call me back but if its about membership I am not interested in renewing.
He called me back anyway.
No complaint, just trying to get me to renew.

Who do I complain to about their deceptive marketing practice?????

[wberminio]

I have to say- Not one positive response!
I'm glad I asked all off you before I got involved and wasted $$ I don't have!

[curtiss]

You can buy a lifetime A1 membership in the "big bot boys" for only $15, but you have to make your own plaque and hang it up.