The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a non-profit organization that provides consumers with information about businesses, helping to establish a trustworthy business community. Here’s how you can check a business at the BBB to see if any complaints have been filed and to access the BBB’s report on that business.
Method 1: Checking a BBB Report
Step 1: Know the Business Name and Correct Spelling
- Make sure you have the accurate name and spelling of the business. Sometimes, the business might be listed under its parent company’s name. Verify this information on the company’s official website if needed.
Step 2: Visit the BBB’s Website
- Navigate to the BBB website (bbb.org) and select your country. Enter your city and state/province or postal code to go to your local BBB’s webpage.
Step 3: Search for the Company
- Type the name of the business into the search form and specify the location by city or zip code. Click the “Search” button to start your search. You can also search by industry category.
Step 4: Navigate to the Business’s Profile Page
- Browse through the search results to find the business. Click on the company’s name to access its profile page. You’ll find options to:
- Read BBB’s Report on this Business
- File a Complaint
- Submit a Customer Review
Method 2: Understanding a BBB Report
Step 1: Check the Business’s BBB Rating
- The rating (A+ to F) is displayed prominently at the top of the profile page. Click “Reason for Rating” to see the factors affecting the rating. Ratings are based on:
- Type of business and time in industry
- Complaint history with BBB
- Transparent business practices
- Failure to honor BBB commitments
- Advertising issues
- Licensing and government actions
Step 2: Check for Complaints
- Look under the “Complaints” tab to see if any complaints have been filed in the last three years.
Step 3: Read Customer Reviews
- Customer reviews can be found on the profile page, providing insight into other consumers’ experiences with the business. Reviews may be positive, neutral, or negative.
Method 3: Filing a BBB Complaint
Step 1: Consider Filing a Complaint
- The BBB allows consumers to report issues with businesses, offering dispute resolution tools. This can help prevent other consumers from having similar negative experiences.
Step 2: Determine the Necessity of Filing a Complaint
- The BBB handles disputes between consumers and businesses, not employment, discrimination, healthcare claims, or legal matters. They categorize complaints into advertising and sales issues, billing and collection issues, product or service problems, delivery issues, and guarantee or warranty issues.
Step 3: Submit Your Complaint Online
- File a complaint through the BBB’s website. The business has 14 days to respond. The BBB will notify you if a response is received. Complaints are usually resolved within 30 business days.
Step 4: Participate in the Resolution Process
- The BBB may provide mediation, informal dispute resolution, or binding arbitration to resolve the complaint.
Method 4: Determining Whether the BBB is Your Best Option
Step 1: Understand the Limitations of BBB Accreditation
- BBB accreditation indicates that a business values its relationship with the public, but it doesn’t mean an in-depth review has been conducted. Consider it a sign of commitment to transparency rather than a full certification of excellence.
Step 2: Compare Information with Other Review Sites
- Use other consumer-focused business review sites, like Angie’s List, to get a broader perspective.
Step 3: Use Industry-Specific Sources
- For more specific information, consult industry-specific review sites relevant to the type of business you’re checking.
By following these methods, you can effectively check a business’s standing with the BBB, understand their rating and complaint history, and even file a complaint if necessary. This ensures you have a comprehensive understanding of the business’s reputation and reliability.
