Better Business Bureau

Getting to know the BBB

There are more than 270,000 businesses across the country that fund the BBB with their membership fees. The Bureau itself says, “The BBB mission is to promote and foster the highest ethical relationship between businesses and the public through voluntary self-regulation, consumer and business education, and service excellence. And although the BBB greatly helps businesses and consumers through information, dispute resolution, and business self-regulation programs, it is not a government agency, nor does it have law enforcement powers.”

There are 120 BBB independent offices across the country to help to serve the business community. These local and national organizations are set up to help you check out and screen a particular business, file a complaint, learn valuable information on finance, credit, travel, computer and internet and much more.

What Can the Better Business Bureau do for you?

The Bureau provides an enormous amount of services to benefit businesses and their employees. Consumers also have access to these services as they need them. The Bureau details them on their website. The services include: Business Reports, Dispute Resolution, Charity Reports, Consumer Information, Fighting Fraud, and Online Trustmark. http://www.bbb.org/alerts/article.asp?ID=398

How do You Join the Bureau?

You can check your local directory for an office near you, or fill out a form online for additional information on joining the BBB at http://www.bbb.org/membership/index.asp

Because the Bureau maintains high standards and the highest principles of business ethics, they also expect businesses that join to have the same philosophy. The Bureau believes and promotes that most disagreements are solved through open, honest communication between businesses, and therefore promote self-regulation among its members.

Great Advice, Tips and Articles

The Better Business Bureau is also known for its straight-forth advice via articles, pamphlets, brochures and publications. Their website contains numerous articles from A to Z for businesses of all sizes and situations. http://www.bbb.org/alerts/tips.asp

For consumers, they have articles on auto, charities, computer/Internet, family, finance/credit, health, home, products, scams, special services and travel.

For businesses, they have articles on business, business ethics, and on the International Torch Award. Each year the bureau gives away this award to businesses that have shown high ethics in the business world. They get over a thousand entries. “These awards are presented to companies in recognition of their outstanding commitment to exceptional standards in relationships to their consumers, employees, suppliers, competitors, shareholders, and surrounding communities.” http://www.bbb.org/BizEthics/torchAward.asp

Why should your business consider joining the BBB?

The BBB is one of the best ways to promote your credibility in the local and national markets. By becoming a member, you can reap all the benefits of belonging to a prestigious and worthwhile organization, as well as contributing to the integrity of business ethics on the local and national levels.