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SirKenin -> Better Business Bureau? (5/24/2007 12:32:03 PM)
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I initiated the process today of becoming a BBB member. It is a bit of a pain in the ass that I am up against a very tight deadline, as the Yellow Pages closes in another week for revisions... And in my way of thinking there really is not much point in shelling out the $350 for the membership if you can not brag about it in your YP ad. However, I had to get the ball rolling if I am going to do it because it goes through an approval process, where they will check out my incorporation, references, complaint history (which I am very proud to say they have nothing on file), and then present it to their Board for final approval.
Anyways.. I have not forked over the money yet, so my question to you is this.. When you consider who you are going to contract to conduct service for you, what thought process do you employ? Do you utilize the Yellow Pages directory? And do you place more weight on those providers that are members of the BBB? Does it affect your decision making process at all? If so, or if not, why or why not?
I mean, $350 is nothing in the grand scheme of things, but if it is not going to benefit me in any way I might as well use the money elsewhere, such as other advertising venues.
They do offer perks to members, such as free legal services, discounted rates with merchant credit card accounts (yay. I do not accept fake money), discounts on gas purchases and other member services, a profile and link on their website (back linking is always really good for establishing a Google rank, especially on high profile sites), free dispute resolution (although in 10 years of being in business I have not had one yet), etc.
However, I have to think about potential income generation. If the membership will increase my revenue, fine. If it will not, then I think it is better to advertise in another, hopefully more effective, venue, and generate the income that would more than cover any discounts afforded by membership.
Your thoughts if you please.
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