What is the Better Business Bureau (BBB)?

Countless consumers turn to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) as a means of recourse when they have a negative experience with a company from which they purchased a product or service.

On bbb.org, the official website of the Better Business Bureau, the organization states its vision as creating "an ethical marketplace where buyers and sellers can place their trust in one another."

What is the Better Business Bureau (BBB)?

The BBB is a non-profit organization that focuses on promoting ethical and fair business practices. The BBB serves as a mediator between consumers and businesses to resolve disputes and to ensure that businesses are meeting ethical standards.

History and Mission of the BBB

The Better Business Bureau was founded in 1912 by a group of advertising executives who wanted to promote honesty in advertising. Over time, the BBB expanded its focus to include ethical practices in all aspects of business, including sales, marketing, and customer service. Today, the BBB operates in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with over 100 local chapters across North America.

The mission of the BBB is to promote trust between businesses and consumers. The BBB achieves this mission by providing consumers with information about businesses, including ratings and reviews, and by offering a platform for consumers to file complaints and for businesses to respond. The BBB also provides education and resources to businesses to help them operate in an ethical and transparent manner.

Services Offered by the BBB

The BBB offers a range of services to both consumers and businesses. For consumers, the BBB provides information about businesses, including ratings and reviews, accreditation status, and complaint history. The BBB also offers a platform for consumers to file complaints and for businesses to respond to those complaints.

For businesses, the BBB offers accreditation, which is a process that involves a review of the business's practices and adherence to the BBB's Standards for Trust. Accredited businesses are able to use the BBB logo in their advertising, which can help to build trust with consumers. The BBB also offers education and resources to help businesses operate in an ethical and transparent manner.

Benefits of the BBB

One of the main benefits of the BBB is that it provides consumers with information about businesses, including ratings and reviews. This information can help consumers to make informed decisions about where to do business. The BBB also offers a platform for consumers to file complaints and for businesses to respond, which can help to resolve disputes and improve customer service.

For businesses, the BBB offers accreditation, which can help to build trust with consumers. Accredited businesses are able to use the BBB logo in their advertising, which can help to differentiate them from non-accredited businesses. The BBB also offers education and resources to help businesses operate in an ethical and transparent manner, which can improve their reputation and customer service.

Criticism of the BBB

Despite its many benefits, the BBB has faced criticism over the years. One criticism is that the BBB's accreditation process is not rigorous enough, and that businesses can become accredited simply by paying a fee. Another criticism is that the BBB's ratings system can be misleading, as businesses can receive high ratings even if they have a history of complaints.

Some critics have also raised concerns about the BBB's funding model. The BBB is primarily funded by businesses that pay membership fees and accreditation fees, which has led some to question whether the organization is truly independent and impartial.

The Bottom Line

The Better Business Bureau is a non-profit organization that promotes ethical and fair business practices. The BBB offers a range of services to both consumers and businesses, including information about businesses, a platform for consumers to file complaints, and accreditation for businesses that meet the BBB's Standards for Trust. While the BBB has faced criticism over the years, it remains a valuable resource for consumers and businesses alike, and continues to promote trust between the two.