BBB Under Scrutiny

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.

Link: http://www.bbbroundup.com

I’ve also experienced deceptive telemarketing practices from the BBB, which is why I cancelled my membership. Each year, they contact me with the same solicitation - “we have had several recent inquiries into your business…” and each year I tell them I won’t renew my membership until they clean up their own house. My business hasn’t had a single complaint filed with the BBB in 25 years, so I know damn well they’re making it up. It’s shameful and it makes me angry

Link: http://www.bbbroundup.com

I have been in business 32 years as of NOV 1. I have always refused to belong to the BBB due to their extortion tactics. I think this is the second or third complaint I have ever had. You can see the current dialogue at

http://westflorida.app.bbb.org/complaint/view/67152448/b/3cd102

If you search auto repair and service at zip code 33707 you can see some A+ Accredited shops with unresolved complaints, but of course, we are only rated an A. It will be interesting to see if the grade is lowered! Maybe I should then see if paying the dues gets us an A+.

I had to respond to their latest correspondence by this weekend so I thought I would play the game and throw the guy a bone. I know he will refuse this and still want his money back and we will probably have our "score" lowered.

Many years ago I was involved in the Service Station Dealers of America and helped fight Big Oil on a national level. We tried to save families businesses against the predatory practices of the oil companies. My friends refused to fly with me because they thought the oil companies might blow up the plane ! One case that landed in Tampa federal court had my contract blown up 6 feet by 8 feet ! They eventually offered me some money and I was
able to buy the property where my business is now located.