The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a non-profit organization dedicated to building marketplace trust. To do this, they grade businesses based on their dependability and performance as well as mediating consumer complaints for resolution.
Accredited businesses must respond to all complaints in a satisfactory way; however, responding to grievances is entirely voluntary for non-accredited businesses.
How to file a complaint with the BBB
When you have an issue with a business, it is always best to try to resolve the situation directly with them before filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Doing this can save both parties time and money in the long run.
Additionally, companies are more likely to try and resolve your complaint if you have already initiated negotiations with them. This is because businesses dislike having a poor BBB rating as it could potentially harm their future operations.
A complaint can be lodged online through the BBB online portal or by writing to your local chapter with all pertinent details of the case. Once submitted, an exact copy will be sent directly to the business in question.
What to include in a complaint
A complaint is a formal document that outlines a business’ behavior and how it impacts customers. You can file this type of grievance with the Better Business Bureau for review.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing marketplace trust. It consists of 106 independently united local organizations across Canada and the United States, coordinated under the International Association of Better Business Bureaus in Arlington, Virginia.
In most cases, complaints are filed because a business failed to live up to expectations or treated the customer unfairly. They can also be filed to obtain reimbursement or payment for goods and services purchased.
When filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), include any evidence that supports your assertion. This could include sales receipts, copies of credit card statements or proof of services received from the business.
How long does it take for the BBB to respond to a complaint?
Once you file a complaint with the BBB, they will reach out to you within one to five days and give you an opportunity to respond.
If your response to the complaint is satisfactory, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) will close it. However, if it does not resolve to your satisfaction, they can request another response or suggest mediation or arbitration as a means of dispute resolution.
As a business owner, it’s essential to respond promptly to complaints. Doing so demonstrates your appreciation for customers’ opinions and willingness to take steps towards resolution.
When shopping for a new car, insurance policy or job opportunity, the Better Business Bureau is always the go-to resource. This nonprofit organization acts as an impartial third party between customers and businesses by mediating disputes between both.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) grades businesses based on trustworthiness and performance, but also acts as an intermediary when customers have complaints against companies. Unfortunately, it cannot require businesses to rectify their practices, meaning grades may not always be accurate.
Furthermore, the Better Business Bureau cannot pursue complaints that seek to have a company or individual arrested or prosecuted for criminal violations of the law, such as deceptive advertising, telemarketing fraud, pyramid schemes and identity theft. They accept complaints involving violations of state or federal statutes including consumer protection statutes, antitrust laws and the False Claims Act; however they will not take action on complaints regarding deceptive advertising practices, deceptive telemarketing practices or pyramid schemes.
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