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I know it certainly can’t hurt, however, for the $350.00 fee are you getting your moneys worth? With all of the information available online, has the BBB become obsolete?
Marc,
I think it is worth it. I never know what to believe when it comes to online reviews as friends/relatives/employees/etc could be the ones writing the reviews on the website (yahoo places, google,etc) for any given company. I feel that although BBB doesn’t give you this same avenue to say how great you are, it rather says how great you are by your track record of complaints (or lack there of) and also legitimizes you and gives your business some credibility. I know bad companies can still slip thru the cracks on the BBB and still be shady businesses, but for the most part most companies on the BBB tend to value the customer. Actually, I use the BBB as a consumer a lot anymore in tandom with the search engines, and my business has gotten quite a few calls (and even a couple jobs) from people that found me on the BBB website this year. I have been a member since 2003 and although I don’t think you can easily track sales/calls to the BBB, I am willing to bet it will help you get sales/calls whether directly or indirectly. Some people’s opinions may differ, but just my 2 cents.
It’s a good question. Each area is different. Is this a good return on investment? For me in my area, the answer was no. I already had established a good reputation and credibility. Before the internet, people called the BBB but after the Al Gore ha ha, invention of the internet, people state their beefs on line or by bad word of mouth. The only benefit I can see is to include the BBB label on all your print advertising. I think most people have forgot about the BBB.
I believe the BBB is very relevant. I have been a member since 2008. The annual nominal fee, which I have found to be negotiable, is worth it and can more than pay for itself with a single job. Just this week I had a new customer tell me she checked my business out with the BBB. I have a BBB link on my website that takes the customer directly to my BBB rating. Joining the BBB can only help your business
I have never had any customer ask if I were a member of the BBB. Not to say a customer hasn’t checked that I know of.
If the link below does not work, just go to you tube and type in
Better Business Bureau 20/20 Investigation – YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yo8kfV9kONw
If it works for yourself, then I suppose it’s worth it.
The BBB is like the old version of Google Places Reviews or Angie’s List. If you have a large percentage of elderly people in your service area the BBB can be helpful but if most of your clients are under say 50 then forget it. No one uses it anymore. I actually clean the carpets in the BBB in my area and have spoken with a few of the reps and for the most part they agree with me that usage of people under the age of 50 is way down and on a downward trend.
I just cancelled my membership this year. Cost to much and the sales rep was very pushy. As far as I know I’ve never got a job from the BBB.
I would be curious to know what they charged you annually
They charged $350.00. I’m still listed on the BBB website as an A member just not listed as accredited member.
Lew M.
Thanks for the link, it was helpful.Adrian
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