BBB Facts

By Josie Lynn


BBB is always renowned for their transparent business policy, integrity, ethics and consumer protection. But there is some question arises about trustworthiness and neutrality of this organization because one must clear about its name. "Bureau" is associated with its name, but this is not a government agency. They not get any financial help from government. The main source of its income is membership fees which are paid by accredited company of this organization. So, Better Business Bureau is depending on companies renewals for its funding. This dependency creates a probability to break the transparency of grading system. In fact there are various examples which go against this organization.

Organization hurts when an article published in famous ABC network news magazine. Magazine published an article with titled "The Best Ratings Money Can Buy". Some established business owner also reported about biased grading system of BBB. Business owner Wolfgang Puck reported that his businesses rated as F grade because he refuses to give membership fee. Another business tycoon Ritz Carlton also faces similar kind of situation. Survey also denotes two cases where lower grade is changed into higher grade after payment to the organization. A paid member also receives "A+" grade for his two fake companies.

Trustworthiness is main factor for BBB accredited companies because this organization follows a structured way to ensure consumer trust for companies. This organization describes trust in two different factors - performance and integrity. Performances mean business track record and quality of service provided by business organization. Integrity consists of intent, respects and ethics. This organization also takes step against fraud and unhealthy decision of the companies. To fulfill consumer expectation this organization gives importance on five key factors - Excellence, Integrity, Teamwork, Trust and Respect.

"Time in Business" (8 to -10) is another factor of evaluation of company's trustworthiness. If company have not proper information about timing of business then BBB request company to give proper information about this matter. Organization checks the reliability of the information and check the company profile. Background Information also carries 5 or 0 grade point. If fails to provide proper background information or not clarify the practice and purpose of business, there is chance to get lower grade.

From 2009, BBB started special grading system to describe company's services. Previously this organization just rates the companies as "unsatisfactory" or "satisfactory" rating. Company's online searching system give consumer a convenient way to find nearest centre and accredited companies.




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