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calvinjr

posts: 28

Jul 13, 2006 9:41 PM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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   Today, I received a phone call from my local BBB asking basically if I will pay to join the BBB...It is like  600-700 to join the BBB and use the logo on my website and it is like 300-400 to just join the BBB and use the logo on print. Is it worth it? Any one  join the BBB? Any benefits? Is it a waste of money?

C.


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XMG Internet Marketing Group
Making the Web Work
www.xmgonline.com
inbox@xmgonline.com
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ScrapBizKim

posts: 369

Jul 13, 2006 10:35 PM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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I finally told "off" the BBB woman that kept calling.  She became insulting after I kept turning her down for 2 years.  The phone call always starts the same way, "We`ve had several inquiries about your business and can`t tell them anything."  I think it`s baloney that they have had inquiries.  They can`t say anything good or bad about my business since I`m not a member.  The last time she called she told me I was a "sorry online business owner" for not seeing the value in being part of them since online businesses have the highest complaint rate.  I told her that I deal with complaints when they happen, but they rarely do.  I told her not to dial my number again - I am not going to be insulted into joining them.  They act like EVERY business MUST be part of the BBB. 

IMO, I think the BBB is something that grandmothers put their "faith" in.  I don`t hear the younger generation talking about them much.  The internet is a great free "BBB".  If you mess with someone these days, you see your business dragged through the cyber-mud. 

I worked at a shoe store in college that was HORRIBLE to customers.  The owner got at least 3 letters from the BBB each week - which he TOSSED in the garbage.  They don`t have any teeth unless someone picks up the phone and calls them. 

JMHO

~Kim

 

 

iouone2

posts: 1185

Jul 13, 2006 11:34 PM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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I have heard two seperate talking heads of business on the am talk radio station in my area. They both said, don`t waste your time with the BBB unless you have money to spend for very little return.

They approached me at a tradeshow last year. I investigated the benefits of a BBB logo online, and after talking to several people decided against it.

I just didn`t see any direct benefit.


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Vincent Wilcox (a.k.a. KRAKR)
Drummer
My band: Letters Make Words
ScrapBizKim

posts: 369

Jul 14, 2006 12:06 AM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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I have heard two seperate talking heads of business on the am talk radio station in my area. They both said, don`t waste your time with the BBB

I just didn`t see any direct benefit.

 

I agree.  The BBB was somewhat useful in the pre-internet world.  Now they are sort of irrelevant. 

~Kim

calvinjr

posts: 28

Jul 14, 2006 12:22 AM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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Thanks Guys....I kind of knew I didn`t want to invest the money with them anyways and you were my BBB on the BBB...haha...ok bad joke.. :)

C.  


-------------------------

XMG Internet Marketing Group
Making the Web Work
www.xmgonline.com
inbox@xmgonline.com
336.510.9642
janebush08

posts: 7

Aug 19, 2008 1:36 AM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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Nice post calvin... keep writing...

microsoft crm 4.0 implementation

EmpowermentHR

posts: 28

Aug 19, 2008 4:43 PM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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Calvin and others,
 
I wouldnt write the BBB off to fast. BBB IS something that small businesses owners take seriously, I don`t mean from the negative reporting side but there are some great things that can come out of it.
 
For example, in my business I help small business owners choose the right HR Outsouring or PEO company for their business, one company inparticuar, has been nominated twice by the BBB for an Ethics Award.  When I place a quote infront of my clients and they see that Ethic award nomination the chances of that company choosing that particular PEO is probably about 70%.  The client company will pay more money to do business with an Ethical Partner.  So when you have a proposal out and the client or consumer is trying to decide between you and your competition, BBB affiliation aften gives that peice of mind when making the decision knowing that your company is a reputable one.  I can do more business with the PEO with the BBB nod than the others without it.
 
That is just a real life exaple of how I have seen the BBB be a huge advantage to a particular company.  Take it for what its worth.
 
Calvin, I am a 29 yr old business owner so by no means am I a "grandmother" you can bet I get a huge peice of mind when I do business on the internet with a company that is with the BBB.  With so many vendors and companies online, its hard to seperate the good from the bad.  Id rather spend my money with a company that has invested in that logo. 
 
Great feedback guys.  Sorry to be devils advocate but my BBB experience has beem completely on the other side of the spectrum.
crist

posts: 6

Oct 25, 2010 6:41 PM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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Legal Advice Bureau
crist

posts: 6

Oct 25, 2010 6:42 PM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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Legal Advice Bureau niceKiss

crist

posts: 6

Oct 25, 2010 6:43 PM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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<a href="http://www.mylegaladvice.net" rel="nofollow">Legal Advice Bureau</a>Smile

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