The Better Business Bureau is a third party organization working independently in order to create a mutually beneficial environment for companies and consumers. It offers reliable information to assist consumers with resolving disputes and finding reputable companies from which to make purchases, while at the same time allows for improved reputations among companies. Navigating the BBB is easier when individuals and businesses understand some of the key terms related to the organization.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Accredited

Businesses that have been accredited by the Better Business Bureau are those which are given the official authority to act with the support of the BBB. Accredited businesses can advertise as being backed by the Better Business Bureau, and they can display the BBB symbol on their marketing and advertisement projects.

I recommend: The Better Business Bureau discusses accreditation standards on its website at BBB.org.

Record of complaint

A record of complaint occurs when a consumer is unhappy with the service or product received from a company. The unhappy consumer files a record of complaint with the Better Business Bureau to make an official note of his or her dissatisfaction.

I recommend: Suite101.com explores the BBB grade and ratings system, including the importance of resolving a record of complaint that's been sent to the Better Business Bureau.

Reliability report

A company receives a reliability report regardless of whether or not it's accredited with the Better Business Bureau. This report contains a variety of important information about the company, which has been accumulated through the use of a number of reliable sources. Depending on the amount of information available, a reliability report may include the company's Better Business Bureau file if it's accredited, including complaint and response information, details about the company itself and any applicable government, regulatory and licensing agencies connected to the company.

I recommend: The reliability report of Ticket Network Direct is discussed at PressReleasePoint.com. The article warns against some negative activity that might pop up in a reliability report, such as complaints about Ticket Network Direct's ticket price advertising, sales practices and customer service, which has resulted in its negative ratings score on the BBB.

Misrepresentation in advertising

A misrepresentation in advertising occurs when the marketing for a product cannot be properly or substantially supported by the product itself. The BBB attempts to alert potential consumers when a misrepresentation in advertising may take place.

I recommend: Potential misrepresentation in advertising is explored in-depth at University of Maryland University College. Here, the top deceptive ads of the 1990s (according to the Better Business Bureau) are explored, including weight-loss and antioxidant claims.

Business arbitration

In some instances, the BBB can help with the predicament of business arbitration. When there is a dispute within a company, arbitration tactics may be implemented to help resolve the situation.

I recommend: Arbitration-Forum.BlogSpot.com discusses how the Better Business Bureau now includes arbitration and mediation results in its ratings report.

Solicitations control plan

The BBB offers accredited companies the option of implementing a solicitations control plan. This plan allows businesses and individuals to determine which charities may contact the companies about contributions and which may not.

I recommend: The importance of a solicitations control plan is discussed at BBB.org through an example of improper solicitations. The site also includes instructions on how to order the solicitations control plan pamphlet. In addition to this, BBBSW.org defines the solicitations control plan as expressed by the Better Business Bureau.

The Better Business Bureau, or BBB, has been around since 1920. It provides information to consumers and businesses so that they can make informed business decisions and resolve problems. Having your business accredited with the BBB is a great way to gain the trust of consumers and other businesses, since it means that your business has met certain criteria.

Here are some things to consider before becoming a member of the Better Business Bureau:

1. Learn how to get your business accredited with the Better Business Bureau.

2. Obtain Better Business Bureau reports on other businesses and charities to review their record of complaints and other issues.

3. Apply for an official Better Business Bureau seal on your business.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Determine the requirements for BBB accreditation

Though it's not necessary to have your business accredited with the Better Business Bureau, doing so can gain you trust because of your willingness to meet BBB accreditation criteria. Though each local office of the Better Business Bureau has its own accreditation standards, there are certain minimum accreditation standards that all BBBs must follow.

I recommend: Read about the minimum Better Business Bureau accreditation standards at BBB. Also go to BBB Local to find information about Better Business Bureau offices in your area and to learn about the specific criteria to have your business accredited through them.

Find information about businesses and charities at the Better Business Bureau

Knowing how businesses and charities you plan to have dealings with have handled past disputes can help you make informed decisions. The Better Business Bureau also has a resource library where you can receive alerts and warnings about online security, as well as navigate to articles and reports about important business issues.

I recommend: Go to the Check out the Business and Charity webpage at the Better Business Bureau's national site. Enter the name of the business or charity you're interested in knowing about to see its record of disputes and how the organization handled them. There is also a BBB Resource Library where you can get up-to-the minute information about security alerts and tips that can help you protect your business.

Apply for a Better Business Bureau Seal

Having an official Better Business Bureau Seal shows that your business record meets a higher standard of customer relations than other businesses. It also shows consumers and other businesses that if any issues arise, you'll likely handle those matters fairly.

I recommend: Apply for an official Better Business Bureau Seal at BBBOnLine. You can also find information on how to do make others aware of your "seal of approval" at the national BBB site.

Learn about Better Business Bureau conflict resolution standards

It's important to know how to file complaints with the BBB as well as how to resolve customer disputes should issues arise.

I recommend: Check out Dispute Handling and Resolution on the BBB website to learn and receive training on how to resolve issues according to Better Business Bureaus standards. Go to the BBB to file a complaint when you can't find a resolution on your own.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The Better Business Bureau also offers training on how to resolve issues for employers and employees.