The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a private, non-profit organization that aims to promote trust and confidence in the marketplace by setting standards for businesses and providing services to help consumers make informed decisions. Founded in 1912, the BBB has evolved over the years to become one of the most recognized and respected consumer protection agencies in the United States and Canada.
History and Mission
The BBB was established with the goal of promoting ethical business practices and providing a platform for consumers to file complaints against businesses that fail to meet these standards. The organization’s mission is to create a trustworthy marketplace where buyers and sellers can interact with confidence. The BBB achieves this by setting standards for businesses, providing education and resources to consumers, and offering dispute resolution services to help resolve complaints.
BBB Accreditation
One of the key services offered by the BBB is accreditation, which is a process that evaluates businesses based on a set of standards that include trustworthiness, honesty, and transparency. Businesses that meet these standards are awarded accreditation, which is a symbol of their commitment to ethical business practices. BBB accreditation is not mandatory, but it is highly valued by consumers and businesses alike, as it provides a level of assurance that a business is operating in a trustworthy and responsible manner.
| BBB Accreditation Standards | Description |
|---|---|
| Build Trust | Establish and maintain a positive track record in the marketplace |
| Advertise Honestly | Truthfully represent products and services, including clear and concise advertising |
| Tell the Truth | Clearly disclose all policies, guarantees, and procedures |
| Be Transparent | Provide clear and concise information about business practices and policies |
| Honor Promises | Abide by all written agreements and verbal representations |
| Be Responsive | Address marketplace disputes quickly and professionally |
| Safeguard Privacy | Protect consumer data and maintain confidentiality |
BBB Services
The BBB offers a range of services to consumers and businesses, including dispute resolution, business reviews, and educational resources. The organization’s dispute resolution service provides a platform for consumers to file complaints against businesses and helps to resolve disputes in a fair and impartial manner. The business review service provides consumers with access to information about businesses, including their accreditation status, complaint history, and customer reviews.
BBB Resources
The BBB also provides a range of resources to help consumers make informed decisions, including guides on how to avoid scams, tips for hiring contractors, and information on how to protect personal data. The organization’s scam tracker tool allows consumers to report and track scams in their area, while the BBB Institute for Marketplace Trust provides research and education on issues related to trust and ethics in the marketplace.
- BBB Scam Tracker: a tool that allows consumers to report and track scams in their area
- BBB Institute for Marketplace Trust: a research and education center that focuses on issues related to trust and ethics in the marketplace
- BBB Business Reviews: a service that provides consumers with access to information about businesses, including their accreditation status, complaint history, and customer reviews
What is the purpose of the Better Business Bureau?
+The purpose of the Better Business Bureau is to promote trust and confidence in the marketplace by setting standards for businesses and providing services to help consumers make informed decisions.
How does the BBB accreditation process work?
+The BBB accreditation process involves a thorough evaluation of a business’s practices and procedures, including its advertising, customer service, and dispute resolution processes. Businesses that meet the BBB accreditation standards are awarded accreditation, which is a symbol of their commitment to ethical business practices.
What services does the BBB offer to consumers?
+The BBB offers a range of services to consumers, including dispute resolution, business reviews, and educational resources. The organization’s dispute resolution service provides a platform for consumers to file complaints against businesses and helps to resolve disputes in a fair and impartial manner.
