Why the BBB deserves a FFF

Gary, Poway CA — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 20:47:39 GMT

It's about time these BBB ratings actually will mean something!

Why the BBB deserves a FFF

Billy Rubin, Rexburg, Idaho — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 21:11:55 GMT

What a whiner. If you can't easily interpret an A-F scale, you should go back to elementary school. I would want to know if my insurance company is an A+ or a C-, satisfactory doesn't cut it!

Why the BBB deserves a FFF

Steve Swenson — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 21:25:16 GMT

The world has just become to politicized for most. If the BBB were to get a FFF, than how would George W. Mussolini and his side-kick friendly fire rate?

Why the BBB deserves a FFF

Bob Orange County California — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 21:40:31 GMT

The BBB in SO Cal gives out ratings of an F for businesses without any complaints???? What is that about?

Why the BBB deserves a FFF

Birdsall, San Diego, CA — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 21:51:08 GMT

The BBB is a joke, they are a shill for the companies that are members. I have had more problems with BBB companies than not. I don't even bother any more. And this won't help.

Why the BBB deserves a FFF

Cool Zero, Bend, Oregon — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 21:59:43 GMT

The BBB rating system is a amorphous and unintelligible as the different methods used by the 3 credit bureaus!!

Why the BBB deserves a FFF

Tom, Pittsburgh, PA — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 22:02:52 GMT

And to upgrade to a better grade, how much will it cost? As a small business owner, I don't know how many calls I've rec'd from the BBB to become a "member business" to their agency. The BBB is a scam along the lines of the hundreds of "Who's Who" books that are published. It had it's use at one point in time, but is no longer of value.

Why the BBB deserves a FFF

Sammy, Boston, MA — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 22:22:52 GMT

Should be "an FFF" NOT "a FFF."

There is no way to spin that into anything other than what it is -- a mistake.

Why the BBB deserves a FFF

Paul, Redmond, WA — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 22:23:49 GMT

Unfortunately this seems like it is giving companies an opportunity to "work the system". KISS is always a good system. Keep It Simple Stupid. This system is giving ambiguity and interpitation that will very between each person who interpets the results. So that bar that used to be satisfactory has just gotten a little more grey.

Why the BBB deserves a FFF

Michael , Brookings OR — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 22:28:37 GMT

I think that like any org they are only in it for their job securities. I discussed what they do for a business in the face of an absurd complaint by an individual? I did not feel like they have the capacity or structure to review complaints..it is not a part of their charter they are just there to report activity and I will bet the largest firms that spend the most money with them get the best support. They are way over rated and should go the way of any "no value added entity"claiming to protect consumers...what about the rights of the small business?

Why the BBB deserves a FFF

Auzziegirl — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 22:52:45 GMT

When was the last time you called the BBB for a rating on a business. Frankly, I chose my businesses by word-of-mouth recommendations, not a letter grade! How ridiculous. F to you BBB!

Why the BBB deserves a FFF

AB OR — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 23:04:54 GMT

As a small business owner I gave up on the BBB years ago. I never felt I got any value from their rating and got tired of the annual phone call threatening the demise of my business if I did not join by paying the substantial annual fee. Maybe others have found them useful but they have been completely worthless to me.

Why the BBB deserves a FFF

Lawrence McAdams — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 23:07:46 GMT

The BBB's rating system is as strange as the Credit Bureaus!

Why the BBB deserves a FFF

Duane Hurd — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 23:21:29 GMT

The BBB is a joke. Just an organization thats out for your money. As a consumer they didn't help me at all. Just closed the file on a complaint I made and noted that the case had been resolved. As a business person they did nothing to help me with a claim that had been filed against me. Worthless and a waste of money.

Why the BBB deserves a FFF

Duane Hurd — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 23:28:28 GMT

Oh I forgot FFF for the BBB but hang in there you'll be just like Ebay. Put the screws to the business and pamper the customer.

Why the BBB deserves a FFF

Michael. Baltimore, MD — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 23:56:36 GMT

BBB is useless, they only protect the businesses that pay for memebership. I won a legal case against a BBB member company that they dismissed as resolved. I contacted them several times, they told me to contact the business again, and again. No help at all to the consumer, just get a lawyer!

Why the BBB deserves a FFF

Tommy J — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 00:30:18 GMT

The BBB is neither a Bureau NOR an agency at referred to in this article. The BBB is a company that sells a product. The product is putting in a good word for you if you pay them. I've owned, and still own several businesses and I don't bother with this shakedown outfit. Still I do over $10 million a year in business without them, go figure, if you are enough of a brown nose with your customers you will do just fine, you don't need the BBB just the BN.

Why the BBB deserves a FFF

Tom — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 00:30:29 GMT

BBB is just a Franchise. Want to buy one, you can!
And then you can be "subjective", right - and rate my business! Yeah. Call them up and try to get a rating over the phone. You can't. Too much liability on their part.....can't you see behind this Letter Grade crap! Trying to protect THEMSELVES vs Consumers from lawsuits by companies that are rated "unsatisfactory" and this grade stuff sorta softens that "blow" and makes it harder for them to be sued. What leg does a C or B- have to stand on ( above average or average ain't realy bad is it? Ya Honor!). Go ahead. Buy the franchise! Or you can go to the meat market and get real Baloney!

Why the BBB deserves a FFF

maxxine kurtzbein McMinnville oregon — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 01:00:33 GMT

I guess I don't understand what the BBB does for the consumer. I compained about an EBay Scam from KATSOFT in Florida that cost me $360 and got nowhere, either by explanation or satisfaction that the company is crooked or any avenue of retribution I had. So, what DO they do?

Why the BBB deserves a FFF

Floyd Eakle Oklahoma City, OK — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 02:11:07 GMT

Here Here! Very well said:
"The BBB is a joke, they are a shill for the companies that are members."

The BBB is not, I repeat NOT a consumer protection agency. At best the BBB is a big business special interest, national lobbyist group.

Why the BBB deserves a FFF

Jack, West Chester, PA — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 13:34:07 GMT

The BBB is a scam. It protects it's paying members and not the consumer. I have had a couple instances where BBB members had a litany of pending lawsuits, complaints filed with the police and they still had satifactory ratings. When I pressed BBB for an explanation they had none. They do not track the companies performance but rely on the PAYING MEMBER to supply the information. Go to any online bulletin board and you will see first hand the disgust with BBB performance in protecting the consumer.

Why the BBB deserves a FFF

Charlie Mattingly — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:25:35 GMT

There are some useful insights in these comments,but also a lot of misinformation and misunderstanding. I am president of the BBB serving Louisville, Southern Indiana and Western Kentucky and know first-hand how dedicated most BBB staffers are. BBBs work hard at being impartial and fair to businesses and consumers. We hold BBB Accredited businesses ("members" in the old terminology)to standards for fairness and reliability. BBB will not accredit (and revokes accreditation of) businesses that fail to meet standards. Without cost to the public, we handle and work to resolve complaints and inquiries regarding any business. No two complaints are "created equal." Complaints filed with and handled by BBB range from trivial to very serious. Answer any BBB's phones for an hour and you'd be amazed by the number of scams that we save people (and businesses, too) from falling into. I'm not impartial when it comes to judging the BBB, but in my judgment, the BBB performs vital work serving ethical businesses and customers. We make mistakes, but no organization is more capable or better prepared than the BBB to rate businesses for reliability and trustworthiness. BBB will do it as well as it can be done, and we're constantly striving to do it better!

Why the BBB deserves a FFF

Sue Shell, Seattle, Washington — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:37:46 GMT

I think that the ratings system is helpful because they rate all businesses, not just members. Think about that. If they were only favoring members, why would they take the time and resources to handle complaints and collect information on all non-member businesses? My take away from this is that the BBB provides many FREE services to businesses and consumers, regardless of their "affiliation" status. Thousands of members and consumers come to them each day expecting their problems to be fixed - Sure, they may not help in all complaints/disputes but atleast they try. Atleast there is an organization out there that holds businesses responsible for answering their complaints, becoming licensed, etc.

Why the BBB deserves a FFF

Cia spook San diego, Ca — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:18:22 GMT

A class action law suit aganist the bbb on the behalf of all the businesses that get any bad rating by this self serving ,threating , hearsaying, media propaganda spreading group. Send this kind of shot over their
heads and you'll see just how well the " bad behaveing business " can
twist even this into a win for them

Why the BBB deserves a FFF

Frank, Dallas, TX — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:56:22 GMT

The BBB misrepresents itself as a government agency. It should have been sued into bankruptcy for deceptive trade practices long ago.

Why the BBB deserves a FFF

Bill WA — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 05:49:29 GMT

I am a small business owner that felt the pressure to join last year... Now I feel I can't afford the HIGH fee and WILL NOT renew... Hope I don't get an F

Perhaps this recession will force more business to NOT renew, and perhaps the BBB will then too fall like many of us small business's.... Do they then get a F also?

Why the BBB deserves a FFF

Robert Cummings,Little Egg Harbor,NJ — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 14:43:34 GMT

The BBB is supposed to be a non profit but there fees are insane.I refuse to pay for a non profit to rate my business. IMHO no one uses the BBB anymore

Why the BBB deserves a FFF

Sue — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 14:51:57 GMT

When my brand new roof leaked less than 30 days after installation, and the roofer said all the water and mold damage to my attic and to the ceiling in my living room were "tough luck" for me, I called the BBB. They opened a "negotiation", and suddenly the company was willing to talk to me. They sent out a repair guy. This would NEVER have happened without the BBB's help - unless I wanted to hire a lawyer - which would have cost as much as making the repairs myself. I will now only hire companies who are members of the BBB. The companies that pay to join the BBB care about their ratings and that is the benefit to the consumer.

Why the BBB deserves a FFF

Jeff, Palm Springs, CA — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 16:03:50 GMT

We had an issue with the BBB and a, how shall I put it nicely, "flakey" customer (who used to work for us). We did everything to satisfy her within the original contract, yet nothing was good enough (I was the PM on the job). Here comes the BBB, threatening us with their usual published "bad rating". Lo and behold, we found out if we joined the BBB, we would get a satisfactory rating. Well, our company had their attorney write a response to them and we never heard another word from either party. What a ripoof and scam. If you look up the US Chamber of Commerce, you will find out that they absolutely deplore the BBB. I will not have a thing to do with them, ever. They are just a ripoff to the consumer as it only takes a payment to join and get a good rating.

Why the BBB deserves a FFF

Steffanie Hale — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 16:48:58 GMT

The BBB doesn't misrepresent anything. Just because there is a widely held miscoception that the BBB is a government organization doesn't make it so. The BBB is just like everything else. It's a tool; it doesn't matter if YOU use it or it sits in your toolbox because that doesn't change its purpose or usefullness.

Why the BBB deserves a FFF

Steffanie Knightstown, IN — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 16:49:45 GMT

Why the BBB deserves a FFF

Brian, IN — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 17:41:15 GMT

How much are they going ding my company? Never a complaint, in business over 100 years, etc.. But will not give them business information, due to fact they insist on asking for confidential information over the phone. They refuse to send any kind of form for us to fill out, PHONE ONLY! Excuse me, isn't that one of the things that you stress never to do?? How do I know you are who you say you are??

Why the BBB deserves a FFF

Jessica, Boston, MA — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 22:27:13 GMT

I actually like the grading system and I think the author was just having a really bad day. Take a chill pill.

Why the BBB deserves a FFF

Leon J. Tousignant, Saunderstown, RI 02874 — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 22:40:30 GMT

All BBB has ever stood for is Better Buy OUR Business ratings or we will say we know nothing about you even if you have been in business for 40 years. They will not even admit that you have rejected their advertising sales overtures.

Why the BBB deserves a FFF

Ed Rutherford NJ — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 00:28:35 GMT

I just had a cal from the BBB told me I qualified for their best ratings and woud only cost me a little over $800.00 year just for them to say so. We have been in business 70 years without their help find it odd that this is the first time they have contacted us for their "help"

Why the BBB deserves a FFF

Dan Monte Perris Ca — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 01:46:10 GMT

As a 10 year menber in So. Cal. The BBB has been the most helpful agency in my business. There are so many scams in California, I would be out of business without it's help in the type of work I do.
Yes, we have an A rating, but without it I would not even be considered! Thanks BBB

Why the BBB deserves a FFF

Michael Shannon, Charleston, SC — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 18:22:09 GMT

Being a small business owner in a service oriented industry, I welcome the A - F grading system. The real problem is too many businesses offer just average or worse customer service because of the old satisfactory or dis satisfactory ratings system. Why try for excellence when you just have to do a little bit to get a satisfactory. Maybe our auto industry should go to a harsher rating system and we might then get better quality vehicles.

Why the BBB deserves a FFF

Bob, FL — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 03:01:30 GMT

BBB has always been pushy and unreliable. I am not surprised they are trying new things to just complicate things. Keep it simple. Eve is right on here. The BBB will always take the side of the consumer but many times the consumer is not right. Finally threre is an avenue for the contractor to post bout poor consumers. Business Beware evens the scales of controversy between consumers and contractors. Maybe this will help to even the one sided playing field out there.

Why the BBB deserves a FFF

Jerry S, Woodstock, Ga — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 15:22:52 GMT

Actually, I like the spread. This essentually means that the BBB is more likely to give a real appraisal. Before with just unsatisfactory and satisfactory they were too easy on a business, and hard on the consumer.
I've filed several complaints over the years regarding bait and switch practices. Each time I was told by the BBB that they don't address pricing strategies. The last problem was with a local Chrysler dealership. They gave me an over the phone quote on replacement of a 3" host on my water pump. 1 hour of work = 89.00 + material (12.00) cost. Brought it in and the revised bill was 300.00. I refused and did it myself. Took me 45min and of course 12.00 in parts. I could have done it in 20minutes IF I had known the best way.

This was a classic case of bait and switch, and the BBB refused to take the complaint.

Why the BBB deserves a FFF

peggy, kitty hawk, nc — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 21:32:34 GMT

When we opened our tiny store 2 yrs ago, we were actually threatened by the local BBB with some complaints that had been supposedly filed against us. We had not even opened for business yet. It turned out to be a bizarre way to frighten us into joining.
Our Chamber of Commerce membership is another story... all we got for our $500/year was a bunch of telemarketers pretending to be from the Chamber. Average was 15 calls per day. When we did not renew, the calls finally stopped.
We have found much better support thru 1 on 1 networking with our fellow small businesses. No need for membership fees!

Why the BBB deserves a FFF

Joe Blow Job — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 22:55:58 GMT

BBB is aweful!!!!

What good is a agency that is no better than some of the companies it claims to report on? The BBB is a sham on the levels of Madoff - only legitimated by their appearance in the community. People THINK the BBB is legitimate. What good is a rating that you can purchase?

I dont need to pay $800/yr to have some company tell me that my business is good and give me sticker for my window letting people know that someone else thinks I run a good business...what a sham! The BBB is a sham and should be put out of business. They dont to anything and live on making others lives tough

Why the BBB deserves a FFF

Jow Blow Job, Cincinnati, Ohio — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 22:58:05 GMT

BBB SUCKS - Plain and simple. A BIG sham if there ever was one. They do nothing for business then take their money and everyone thinks the BBB is a joke.

Their new "rating" system is aweful and anyone that gets a low rating should sue their assess off...

Why the BBB deserves a FFF

O'Brine — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 23:09:23 GMT

http://www.complaintsboard.com/?search=bbb

Go here and read about the bbb

Why the BBB deserves a FFF

O'Brine — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 23:28:05 GMT

http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/001/ripoff0001343.htm

More info on the BBB

Why the BBB deserves a FFF

Tim, San Diego — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:36:59 GMT

Sounds to me like a lot of the posters can't qualify for a descent BBB rating on their business. Most of these negative folks wouldn't know customer service if it hit them in the head. SO if you can't qualify as an acredited business with a good rating what do you do? You try and bring the system down. Get a clue it ain't about you its about the consumer - the people you are supposed to be in business to serve. Quit complaining and get busy fixing your customer service issues and you will get a better rating. Now, sit down, shut up, and get back to work.

Why the BBB deserves a FFF

Joe, St. Petersburg, Florida — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 03:51:25 GMT

I was badgered into joining the BBB, by the BBB. I let it run out, my business continues to grow. The BBB lied to get me in, and lied about its value-it has none.

Why the BBB deserves a FFF

dan, cleveland, oh — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 16:08:14 GMT

If you are a non-paying Better Business Bureau member, a single complaint can plummet scores. With just one complaint each, Ferrari Maserati of Beverly Hills, Porsche of Downtown L.A., Dolce and Gabbana, and Prada were downgraded to CC's and D's. At the same time, SavePlus, a wholesale retailer of discount clothes (which also has one complaint on record), enjoys the AAA rating. (Coincidently, SavePlus is a paying BBB member).

for full article, see http://www.mediapost.com/publications/index.cfm?fa=Articles.showArticleHomePage&art_aid=98174

Why the BBB deserves a FFF

Jane Doe, Louisiana — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 21:01:40 GMT

If a company supplies the required information then there grade is raised even if they are not a member. If you can't provide the information needed to make a consumer feel comfortable with putting her trust and money into your company, do you really expect her to use you? I know I wouldn't. I have worked for a BBB and the phones are constantly ringing with consumer's asking about companies. Just because you don't use it does it mean that it is not useful. How about the hundreds of calls BBBs around the nation get day after day asking about work at home programs. Not one single legitamit program? Could you imagine the uproar from people who have cashed the falty checks and now are thousands of dollars in debt trying to be a mystery shopper. If you want a good rating then talk to the BBB and make sure they have all your stuff covered. Even if you have old unanswered complaints they will let you try to resolve them just to get your ratings up even if your not a member! so dont blame the bbb for giving you a bad rating if you have one you deserve it. oh and the comment on not having you listed even if you have been open for 40 years well that is a good thing almost. thats means you dont have complaint and enough people havent called about you to form a rating.

Why the BBB deserves a FFF

Amy — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 21:49:38 GMT

BBB sucks. A much better place to go if you have a consumer complaint is ripoffreport.com About as good as going to court. Good luck.

Why the BBB deserves a FFF

David, Milwaukee — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 04:11:39 GMT

I joined the BBB as a small business because I think the public deserves a third party intermediation service so that they can have another datapoint about who to trust. Bear in mind that studies show that trust in a business and it's product and services is the number 1 buyer criteria today. Isn't this exactly what U/L does for consumer products from a safety perspective. Neither U/L or BBB is a government agency but both serve the same type of function. So does a public auditing firm. Clearly the BBB evaluates more from a record of complaints or lack thereof than do the supposedly rigorous investigative techniques of certification agencies or audit firms-but happily it doesn't charge as much money for it's review!

Yes I agree with the poster that says, "trust word of mouth", as long as you consider the source. I think I bought some stocks based on a friend's recommendation once....but then again maybe I should have sought out more unbiased information from an objective agency.

As for objectivity-I don't think you can buy the BBB. You can perhaps convince them over time that you are a quality company by demonstrating a good record. My young company went through all the trouble of applying for their Torch awards and received a trophy for our efforts. But they won't even post a mention of our award on their web site and we still ended up with a lower letter grade than our competitors who didn't show up. Sure we demonstrated ethical behavior in a BBB competition but our competitors have been around for nearly 100 years and we are 2 years old. I think that's pretty hard evidence of track record taking precedence over a good sales pitch or a purchased and active membership! Add to that, I am happy there is a letter grade because it gives BBB more credibility to differentiate between 2 great companies-like mine and my 100 year old competitor!

A+ to BBB for trying to reinvigorate their role as a oracle of trust for business today. Anything to better help consumers understand and act on the old phrase "Caveat Emptor" and avoid the tort lawyers would be a good thing! Anyone who thinks that fear of lawsuits drives ethical behavior should have his/her head examined! (But don't forget to verify the litigation record and malpractice insurance limits of the head doctor before you go...)

In the real world, businesspeople like me will do what will build our repuation and brand. Our behavior is where we start and customer word of mouth and 3rd party endorsement such as BBB is a great way for us to further spread that message to a public that is seeking to hear that message.

Why the BBB deserves a FFF

Russ J, Bellevue WA — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 17:19:00 GMT

I'm in charge of the PR for my company. I've been working over the last month feverishly, as we found we have gone from a "satisfactory" rating to a "D+"????? Only to call a BBB rep and be told one bogus line after the other. What was the first explanation out of his mouth, you ask? "Well you probably want to become accredited and pay us $500/year"... ahem.. racketeer... ahem!

After updating our information which took several attempts as they did not receive the online form I filled out and submitted... TWICE! Finally I resorted to just filling in the blanks over the phone. So finally, I was able to increase the business I represent to a "C" rating. The reasons listed for the poor grade are: 1. the length the business has been in operation (4 years BTW seems long enough) and 2. the number of complaints filed.

My company has had 15 complaints filed within the last 3 years and we have over 1000 annual clients... WTF?! That would seem an unusually low percentage to me. To top it off over 2/3 of those complaints are settled as resolved. The BBB rep I spoke to even admitted that she did not know why our rating was not better. Another fun fact I found out is the BBB does not check any of the information you report so you can give them completely false facts and they would never know. What is the point of that? Anyone who thinks the BBB is doing more good then harm is wrong. They developed this rating system as a way to bring in more money... period. And they do not staff the know-how to appropriately evaluate each case.

So that is where I am at. We are losing more potential sales then ever and most are quoting the BBB's "C" rating as the reason. "I just can't trust my money to a company with a C rating", a client remarked just 2 days ago and canceled their $2000 order after seeing our rating.

So, as far as I am concerned, their rating system is garbage. If I could file suit, I would. But they have that handy little disclaimer that says:
"BBB Reliability Reports are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. Information in this BBB Reliability Report is believed reliable, but not guaranteed as to accuracy.".

If it continues like this I may just have to pay their bogus fee, as people put too much trust in the BBB as is.

Anyone care to discuss how they have received a better rating please drop me a line. They get an F from me.

Why the BBB deserves a FFF

Sandy B, Minneapolis, MN — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 21:38:02 GMT

I found all the posts interesting in that some are thinking they'll never have an issues with a company that they need help with and some have actually checked into the service and know what the BBB provides. The next time you are ripped off - or before you buy why not at least try it before you say they suck.

And, if you don't want to be a member, don't. But that doesn't mean that they don't do a good job. I've gotten rebates from Dell, refunds from the NY Times (yes, they wouldn't refund my money when my Grandmother died and I had to discontinue her large print addition), and found out how to get a free credit report through the FTC.

People - grow up. If you don't know about it don't dis it!

Why the BBB deserves a FFF

Leanne Murphy, Livingston, NJ — Tue, 05 May 2009 20:43:58 GMT

The BBB is the most pointless, useless organization on the planet, and their ratings are meaningless. If anything, an "A" rating merely means the business is a BBB subscriber/contributor whereas an "F" rating means the business isn't. Subscribing/contributing businesses with an "A" rating often have thousands of complaints against them, some even for violating FTC and FCC laws, and I know for a fact one "A" rated company has been investigated and fined to the tune of millions of dollars for federal law violations and the BBB refuses to acknowledge this under the "government actions" category on the company's BBB webpage.

Now that I understand how the BBB works, I actually consider an "A" rating a liability for any company I'm researching, as do more and more consumers, especially web-savvy consumers. When I google a company, epinions, my3cents, ripoffreport and other consumer driven complaint/opinion sites offer me much more meaningful information. Why would I bother with the BBB? I'm a consumer. I want to hear the truth from other consumers, not a bogus report based on how much the company paid the BBB.