BBB Under Scrutiny

Link: http://www.bbbroundup.com

At first glance it seems the Better Business Bureau and Consumers Reports would have a lot in common. They both profess to be public service, consumer advocate organizations protecting the little guy from big business.

Consumer Reports tests and grades products. The BBB scores and grades businesses. From here the paths diverge.

Immediately we spot crucial differences which start with their revenue models. Consumer Reports is supported by consumer subscriptions. Consumer Reports does not accept money, or free test products, from the businesses they review. The Better Business Bureau is supported by business membership dues. The BBB DOES accept money from the businesses they review.

Another fundamental difference in the two organizations is their degree of transparency. Consumer Reports Financial Reports are up to date. The Better Business Bureau's are not. Consumer Reports offers detailed information and explanations on their testing and grading procedures. The Better Business Bureau does not offer relevant information on their grading and scoring procedures.

A public service organization, like any role model, must adhere to a higher standard. Even the appearance of impropriety is unacceptable for an organization purporting to be of public service. By accepting money from businesses they review, there is at least the appearance of impropriety clinging to the Better Business Bureau. A public service organization must also be transparent. The BBB is opaque.

BBB asks for our trust. Consumer Reports has earned our trust. BBB, you're no Consumer Reports.

To read more about the BBB hidden processes visit bbbroundup