BBB Under Scrutiny

Link: http://www.bbbroundup.com

Why is it legal for the BBB to rate a company with a perfect track record lower just because a company is not a member who gives them $500 a year? Top rating for a company that is not a member is A+...non-member= A only...this should be illegal.

I would like to head up or be a part of a class action lawsuit to stop them from twisting company's arms to join by rating them 4 points lower for not being a member.

Link: http://www.bbbroundup.com

I thought it was just me who was wondering about this secret organization. It is disheartening to see people quoting the BBB when they know absolutely nothing about it. Has always felt like extortion to me. I am glad someone has the guts to take them on - I would like to but fear retaliation.

The problem with BBB is actually more than just their new rating system. The Internet changed everything and was a boon for their business where consumers can essentially complain anonymously. The BBB certainly doesn't have the time to determine if the complainer is a customer or a competitor. They blindly go along with any person legitimate or not.

There is a workable model however - its called ebay.com. In that system both parties rate each other, and the public can see all the comments. Very revealing really. How could my company get an F on BBB but a 100% positive rating on ebay? The answer is the complainer has to post appropriate comments or sellers won't sell to them.

Here is what I posted to your petition signature page:

To have any semblance of fair play the BBB needs to:
(1) Publish names & contact information of accusers as well as company;
(2) Judge merits of a complaint before asking company for a response - dismiss frivolous complaints;
(3) Investigate complainant as well as the company;
(4) Allow complimentary postings as well as complaints - so readers can compare;
(5) Evaluate facts of the companies response;
(6) Judge the merits of the case & reach a conclusion;
(7) Remove complaints from the record when BBB determines the company has acted legally;
(8) Post ALL correspondence to the website - so readers can read & reach informed conclusions
(9) Discontinue a grading system, especially one based on a secret algorithm;
(10) Cease the sale of memberships to eliminate conflicts of interest.
(11) Disclose BBB methods of operation, procedures & finance on its own website;
(12) Allow companies to post complaints against the BBB;
(13) Evaluate themselves using same procedure applied to companies.

Link: http://www.bbbroundup.com

I commend you on your initiative to pull the smokescreen off of the BBB. Finally there is a credible forum to allow the voice of small business to be heard as it relates to the BBB. In today's tough business climate, this organization is of no help to business owners OR consumers.

I own a small (but quickly growing) business and I cannot believe how much time I have spent on bogus complaints, that if not addressed, result in unsatisfactory ratings. The BBB is a tool for extortion - not better business practice. If I had the same level of service as they do, I would be out of business with an unsatisfactory rating. It amazes me that they can get away with this type of slander.

I need your advice on how to form a similar forum in Illinois for the Chicago BBB. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I know that I am not the only one who feels like they need to be held accountable for the information that they display to the public.

EASY ENOUGH: JUST MAKES SURE YOU BUY YOUR DOMAIN NAME AND HOST YOUR SITE OFFSHORE. GOOD LUCK.

Link: http://www.bbbroundup.com

I have worked for Debt Remedy Solutions for almost five years. Our debt settlement programs help families and singles that are struggling to make minimum payments on credit card and other unsecured debts. Most of our clients are people that have tried to keep up with payments but have either lost income due to job issues, illness, divorce, or are victims of unfair interest rate hikes of up to 30%. Our clients want to do the right thing, but are struggling financially and want to avoid bankruptcy. Our service is for people that want to address their issues and not run from them. We provide a viable and honorable option to pay their debts at a reduced settlement amount and stay out of bankruptcy. This program works and we really do care about our clients.

From 2005 we had carried between an A and C- rating until last year when they changed their rating system. We are now an F because they don't like our business category. Also they allow people to complain on a blog style report, and don't even know if the person is a disgruntled employee or a person working for our competition. They do not investigate anything they report on. I believe their site to be unjust and unfair to honest businesses, just because they can. How is it that they are virtually above the law?? I know for a fact that I and my company have lost substantial income because of the BBB's new rating system. Not to mention how many potential clients did not get the opportunity to receive the help they really needed, because they were improperly informed about our reputation.

Link: http://www.bbbroundup.com

Can you add in this information to your site as well? Can we use your link on our website as well? We’re a debt settlement company in Dallas, TX and all Debt Settlement companies are auto branded with an F, while consolidation companies that hurt the consumers more get a free pass with A+ ratings? Corrupted system indeed!

Read this link to see what I’m talking about!

http://www.tascsite.org/index.cfm?event=IndustryNewsDetail&IndustryNewsID=54

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In December 2008, the Dallas BBB took the stance of Grading our company with an F. This after four years of continued business and support of BBB practices. As of that date our company had 56 complaints. At the same time Brakes Plus which had over 800 complaints had just been upgraded to an A rating as they had become Bronze Members of the BBB, (this by paying higher fees). The BBB takes a stand against our industry however the very same BBB provides A ratings for Consumer Credit Counseling companies, who typically see nearly 80% of their clients fail to complete their debt re-structuring. Some of these same CCC companies own BBB franchises. INTERESTING.