BBB Under Scrutiny

Link: http://www.bbbroundup.com

I thought it was just me who was wondering about this secret organization. It is disheartening to see people quoting the BBB when they know absolutely nothing about it. Has always felt like extortion to me. I am glad someone has the guts to take them on - I would like to but fear retaliation.

The problem with BBB is actually more than just their new rating system. The Internet changed everything and was a boon for their business where consumers can essentially complain anonymously. The BBB certainly doesn't have the time to determine if the complainer is a customer or a competitor. They blindly go along with any person legitimate or not.

There is a workable model however - its called ebay.com. In that system both parties rate each other, and the public can see all the comments. Very revealing really. How could my company get an F on BBB but a 100% positive rating on ebay? The answer is the complainer has to post appropriate comments or sellers won't sell to them.

Here is what I posted to your petition signature page:

To have any semblance of fair play the BBB needs to:
(1) Publish names & contact information of accusers as well as company;
(2) Judge merits of a complaint before asking company for a response - dismiss frivolous complaints;
(3) Investigate complainant as well as the company;
(4) Allow complimentary postings as well as complaints - so readers can compare;
(5) Evaluate facts of the companies response;
(6) Judge the merits of the case & reach a conclusion;
(7) Remove complaints from the record when BBB determines the company has acted legally;
(8) Post ALL correspondence to the website - so readers can read & reach informed conclusions
(9) Discontinue a grading system, especially one based on a secret algorithm;
(10) Cease the sale of memberships to eliminate conflicts of interest.
(11) Disclose BBB methods of operation, procedures & finance on its own website;
(12) Allow companies to post complaints against the BBB;
(13) Evaluate themselves using same procedure applied to companies.