Who is Actually Watching the Better Business Bureau?

Jan. 19, 2015

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Dear Cathy:

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I know that forming business alliances and strategic partnerships is key to being successful in business.  Is the Better Business Bureau the only group that I need to contact to investigate a business that I am thinking about getting involved with? Trying to Be Careful, Nevada

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Dear Trying To Be Careful:

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The Better Business Bureau (BBB.org) do have a list of businesses and a list of complaints filed by consumers, however, AngiesList.com and TrustDale.com are just two of the other watchdog consumer groups that I am familiar with but there are probably others.  

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For years, the Better Business Bureau was the only group out there. Their reputation as an objective consumer watchdog is probably unsurpassed by any other national consumer group and unethical businesses even steal their logo to put on their websites.

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Small business owners join with membership dues just for the credibility the affiliation provides, and consumers make significant purchasing and investment decisions based on whether or not the Better Business Bureau gives a company a satisfactory rating.

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That's why it's always important to check with this company by contacting their offices when investigating a company in which you are thinking about doing business with. However, the Better Business Bureau should not be your ultimate business watchdog group.  Do your own research because after all - who is actually watching the Better Business Bureau?  

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