5 ways to get on the BBB good list

The Better Business Bureau only has two kinds of reports, satisfactory, which means you have meet all the minimum requirements set forth by the Better Business Bureau, and unsatisfactory, which means you have not meet the minimum standards set forth by the Better Business Bureau. Anybody can ask the Better Business Bureau to generate a report on any business, if the Better Business Bureau does not have a report already on record.

If the Better Business Bureau does not already have a report generated on your company they will contact you and send you some paperwork to fill out. They will use the information that you provide them to do a background check on your company, which is why it's important to answer honestly. The Better Business Bureau has the resources necessary to find out if you have done business under any other names, if you do not provide this information because you are trying to hide a previous unsatisfactory report you can get in trouble for fraud which would bar you from ever becoming a member of the Better Business Bureau.

Here are some benefits to being a member of the Better Business Bureau:

Benefit one:
This puts you in good standing with the Better Business Bureau because you are following and meeting all of their requirements.

Benefit two:
Consumers will have more confidence in doing business with you. Consumers actually prefer to do business with members of the Better Business Bureau if they have a choice. So by becoming a member you can increase the amount of business you do.

Benefit three:
Being a member allows you to display a plaque and decal that lets people know you are a member of the Better Business Bureau in good standing. You can also display other membership materials that the Better Business Bureau provides you with.

Benefit four:
You can participate in certain programs that are pre-approved to use the Better Business Bureaus logos and seals for their advertising. These programs include BBBOnline, BBB CARE, and the Better Business Bureau Membership Identification Program. You can also contact the Better Business Bureau or read their terms and use policy to see other ways you can use their logos and seals when advertising

Benefit five:
The Better Business Bureau will provide your company with a report that is available to the public that identifies you as a member of the Better Business Bureau, it will confirm that you are in good standing with both your community and the Better Business Bureau, it will also confirm your good reputation. These are the reports that are generated by the Better Business Bureau on all companies' not just members of the Better Business Bureau. Consumers will be able to tell from this report if you are a member of the Better Business Bureau before they even read the report because of the symbol that appears in front of your companies name when doing their online search.

Benefit six:
Being a member allows you to meet with other members at Better Business Bureau sponsored events, such as golf tournaments and annual meetings.

In order to be in good standing with the Better Business Bureau you must answer all complaints issued against your company in a timely manner and in ways approved by the Better Business Bureau. You also have to provide the Better Business Bureau with any and all information that they ask you for. Your company must have a good reputation in their community and they can not be involved in any lawsuits with the government.