The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a private, non-profit organization with a mission to advance marketplace trust. It serves as an intermediary between consumers and businesses, aiming to foster an ethical marketplace where buyers and sellers can trust each other.
Here’s a breakdown of what the Better Business Bureau (BBB) does:
For Consumers:
- Business Profiles and Ratings: The BBB provides publicly searchable profiles for millions of businesses, including their address, contact information, customer reviews, and complaint history. They assign letter grades (A+ to F) to businesses based on factors like complaint volume, how complaints are addressed, transparency, and adherence to ethical practices. These ratings help consumers make informed decisions about which businesses to patronize.
- Dispute Resolution: A core service is helping consumers resolve disputes with businesses. Consumers can file complaints through the BBB, which then contacts the business and facilitates communication to try and reach a resolution. While the BBB doesn’t have legal authority, its mediation and, in some cases, arbitration services can help resolve issues without going to court.
- Scam Alerts: The BBB operates the “Scam Tracker,” where consumers can report scams and stay informed about fraudulent activities. This helps warn other consumers and allows the BBB to share information with law enforcement.
- Consumer Education: The BBB offers tips and resources to educate consumers on various topics, including avoiding scams, understanding privacy, and making wise purchasing decisions.
For Businesses:
- Accreditation: Businesses can apply for BBB accreditation, which signifies that they meet the BBB’s “Standards for Trust.” These standards outline ethical business practices, such as advertising honestly, honoring promises, being responsive to complaints, and safeguarding customer privacy. Accredited businesses can display the BBB seal, which can enhance their credibility and attract customers.
- Guidance and Resources: The BBB provides guidance to businesses on ethical standards and best practices. They offer educational webinars and resources to help businesses improve their operations and build stronger relationships with customers.
- Dispute Resolution Support: Even non-accredited businesses can use the BBB’s mediation services to resolve consumer complaints, which can help them maintain a positive reputation.
- Networking Opportunities: For accredited businesses, the BBB often hosts networking events to connect them with potential partners and resources.
In essence, the BBB acts as a self-regulatory body for the business community, promoting transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct to build a more trustworthy marketplace for everyone.
