What Is The Better Business Bureau?

The Better Business Bureau, known widely as the BBB, (http://www.bbb.org) is an independent organization put in place to promote, develop and encourage an ethical marketplace.

It also:
• helps resolve marketplace disputes
• aids consumers by providing reliability
• reports about businesses
• provides scam warnings
• provides general purchasing information.

Why Your Business Should Consider Membership

The BBB doesn't just help consumers, however.

It offers members the authorization to display BBB membership materials, which lets customers know that the business keeps to high ethical standards with its practices and advertising. It also lets consumers know that you have voluntarily chosen to listen to their concerns.

Depending on your location, membership can also provide opportunities to participate in BBB co-op advertisements and to network with other BBB members at annual meetings and events.

The BBB also provides cost-effective arbitration to solve disputes.

The Benefits of Arbitration

Sometimes a consumer will have a dispute with your business. Court costs are high and the process can take months or years. However, arbitration allows for a fast and effective way of settling a dispute. Arbitration is also private, taking place in a boardroom away from the public eye.

The BBB's complain-conciliation process is the first line of defense.

BBB arbitration allows the disputants to choose arbitrators from a suggested list, so that they can pick arbitrators with expertise and understanding of their industry.

Online Business Seal of Approval

If you have an Internet business, you can apply for the BBBOnLine (http://www.bbbonling.org) Reliability Seal. This seal is a graphic you can display on your website that lets your customers know that you will deliver as promised.

The Better Business Bureau name is widely recognized, and studies show that nearly 90% of consumers would feel more confident buying from a site with the seal. Qualifying and using the seal can help a small Internet business gain a good name.

And that can't help but be good for business.