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Better Business Bureau? - 5/24/2007 12:32:03 PM

SirKenin

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From: Barrie, ON Canada
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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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RE: Better Business Bureau? - 5/24/2007 12:36:08 PM

pahunkboy

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i have had mixed luck with this sort of complaints. sometimes it came out my way- other times not.

with globalization- some feel they are not subject to US law. and who is going to stop them?

business practice in general has run-a-muck. cell phone plans are big now for not leting ppl out-

this simply call to cancel is bullshtt.

IMO the BBB isnt intense enuff. you need to contact whoever regulates them and file a complaint that way.

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RE: Better Business Bureau? - 5/24/2007 12:39:41 PM

pahunkboy

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the tone of teh argument changes when an enitity can loose its license....

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RE: Better Business Bureau? - 5/24/2007 12:41:26 PM

CuriousLord

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From a twenty-year old's prospective:
-I know of the BBB only from the plaques in some restraunts near the door, saying they're a member. I think it's neat, but not much thought.
-I don't really know what the BBB is.
-My family and I use the Yellow Pages fairly often when we need a particular service and don't already have a regular/available service company.

< Message edited by CuriousLord -- 5/24/2007 12:43:55 PM >

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RE: Better Business Bureau? - 5/24/2007 12:43:27 PM

pahunkboy

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consumers reports IMO is a better outlet for info then BBB. teh BBB has all these odd rules. call only between a certain time.....

BBB = better business bureau. to my knowledge they are impotent.

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RE: Better Business Bureau? - 5/24/2007 1:36:47 PM

LaTigresse

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Honestly no, I don't place any value on it. I probably wouldn't waste the $350.00 myself. We are Chamber members but not at all involved with the BBB.

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RE: Better Business Bureau? - 5/24/2007 3:40:02 PM

Vendaval

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I do pay attention to the reputation of a business within my community.
And if comparing two different companies that offer the same
goods and/or services a call to the BBB assists in making that decision.
I have also submitted complaints when dealing with dishonest
and irresponsible businesses.

The perks for members are a good incentive to join.

Overall, I would consider joining the BBB a no-brainer because
it is a win-win situation for both businesses and customers.

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RE: Better Business Bureau? - 5/24/2007 3:44:56 PM

Sanity

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To me, the BBB is below worthless. When I see that logo it makes me apprehensive because there's a car dealership in Boise whose owner is on the BBB board, and he's the worst kind of used car dealer there is. Absolute scum!

Why is he on the board of the BBB? I'll give you three guesses, and the first two don't count.

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RE: Better Business Bureau? - 5/24/2007 8:16:45 PM

FatDomDaddy

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I have had to deal with the BBB for over 15 years. It is beyond below worthless (sorry to one up you San)

And Sanity is correct. The BBB is made up of business' who pay dues to the BBB.

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RE: Better Business Bureau? - 5/24/2007 8:33:10 PM

girl4you2

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fast reply:
i actually have utilized accessing the records of the bbb when checking out a business. here in the u.s., the bbb will take complaints and investigate them regardless of whether or not the business is a member of the bbb or not. i don't know if it's the same in canada.

i also don't hesitate to report a business for negligent practices.

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RE: Better Business Bureau? - 5/24/2007 9:26:13 PM

DomKen

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I've checked out a couple of contractors through the BBB who were going to do work on homes for me. One general contractor had been in business 30 years and had a couple of complaints and I still did business with them and everything went well. A plumbing contractor I was considering had 5 or 6 complaints in about that same number of years of operation, I found another plumber.

As to joining, what are the benefits beyond being able to display the logo? If there aren't any I wouldn't join unless you do big ticket work like construction or car sales or something else where the buyer is likely to check out who they're doing business with.

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RE: Better Business Bureau? - 5/25/2007 12:32:36 AM

SirKenin

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I am a computer tech and VAR.. www.npinc.ca is my business. I have worked hard on the site to tell what I am all about and help a prospective client make an informed choice, but I am always examining any options that will strengthen that position and increase volume.

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RE: Better Business Bureau? - 5/25/2007 1:00:11 AM

Real0ne

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better bullshit bureau?

from my experience they are worthless or very close to it.

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RE: Better Business Bureau? - 5/25/2007 10:56:27 AM

SirKenin

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Ok, I scrapped that idea. I am glad I asked before I shelled out the money. Thank you.

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