Better Business Bureau

[cleonard]

Just curious how many of you are members and display the BBB seal on your site. Do you think that's beneficial? Do you get any bang for the buck?

[DigitalSkyline]

I was and did for about 2 years... I don't believe there was much benefit if any and their pricing is IMO ridiculous. If just being a member allowed you to display the logo (as should be the case) it might be beneficial... but they charge you not only for the online seal, if you want to use the logo on print material there are additional costs for that as well. Their business directory seems like the only venue that gives you any visibility and even that is not used by people these days. They are dinosaurs, IMO.

Oh not to mention, the local BBB struck some partnership deal with a web design/hosting company here and gave them run of the site advertising... now if you could get that kind of deal, I could see it being worthwhile... but they basically monopolized the advertising space and negated any worth being placed in their online directory might have brought.

I see on their site now that they say:

Why can't the BBB recommend a reputable company?
The BBB does not endorse or recommend any company, product or service. This is to retain the public trust in our unbiased neutrality.
Upon request, we can provide a list of member companies in a certain business category.

If the BBB is funded by business, how can it be unbiased?
The BBB must remain unbiased to retain the public trust that we have had for over 80 years. Our members know we will act as a neutral third party. They support us because an ethical marketplace is in everyone's best interest.



Well when I was a memeber this was not the case... they really left a bad taste in my mouth.

[mresell]

I think only certain companies would benefit. Like large ticket items. I think their arbitrary method of charging alot more to larger companies is nutty and they charge an arm and a leg for what they do.

[powvex]

dont think it really matter for small business companies, do you think so?

[dpyers]

Never been impressed by them. Never heard of a dispute they settled. Their logo on a site means nothing to me.

[ixie02]

In my local, they have few members. Since they only deal with members issues, if you call them and inquire about a business, unless the business is a member you get no info. I thought about joining once but decided it was a waste of money. In fact, I've never benefited from joining other asscociations like the Chamber Of Commerce, Hospitality Association, ect. I'm located in an area that is mostly tourism so your area may be different.

[opt2004]

I read an article a while back concerning a company that signed up for we they thought was the online seal, but then realized to get the online seal you must first pay the regular fee. So basically, they were out double what they paid. When the company cancelled their subscription, the BBB put a note on the companies file that read kind of like they company had violated some BBB practice. The BBB would not take the comment off their website about the company. That company was hurt by negative publicity just because they thought the BBB was a big rip off.

[mresell]

I am not surprised. Well think about it. They charge alot...the more money you make the more they charge.The don't really do anything and can't. I have had many people soliciting from their office calling and acting like you need to call back the BBB right away w/o being honest that they are soliciting. They ARE an incorporated business, not a non-profit or a consumer organization. They are right up there w/ those people who pretend to raise money for the fraternal order of police. Not saying they don't give the police a cut, but it is for their profit. In fact, that seems a bit better than what the BBB does.