Better Business Bureau

[pulseoxstore]

Hi,

I applied for my business (http://www.coopermedicalsupplies.com, http://www.pulseoxstore.com) to become part of the Better Business Bureau recently. Literally the day after I signed up and paid my membership fee there was a story on Dateline or 20/20 about the fraudulent business practices of the BBB. I go to the BBB to check out businesses before making major purchases unless I know they have a good track record.

So, Did I make a mistake by paying to be an Accredited Member or is it still a worthwhile endeavor? Hopefully after all of the negative press, they will start practicing the business ethics that they preach.

Do any members here put much faith (or even search) in the BBB?

Thanks for your input.

Kevin Cooper

[GumbyCT]

I think the BBB is a good move. Good Luck.

[Better Sleeper]

Kevin,

I used to order products online all the time without checking out any of the business on the BBB website until two years ago when I got ripped off by a business for $900.00. When I checked this business out with the BBB, I come to find out that they were not a member and had a F- rating. Now when I buy anything online I check if they are a BBB member and what their rating is. I would even pay a little more money for a product to a business who was a BBB member with a good rating.

I also think it was a good move.

Better Sleeper

[sydneybird]

Personally I have never checked with the BBB before a major purchase since I thought all along it was a pay-to-play scheme. I trust Angie's List and recently choose a car body shop based on what I read in Angie's List. Great results. I wonder if 20/20 will be checking Angie's List to prove me a fool.

The outcome of the 20/20 show in December:

Impact: Just days after the ABC News report aired, Steve Cox, the CEO and President of the Council of Better Business Bureaus, apologized to his members for the lapses documented by ABC News and announced major reforms of the BBB grading system. Cox said the BBB would no longer give extra points to businesses that pay for accreditation. In addition, the BBB announced that it will conduct a review of its accrediting process and "as soon as possible, make changes that will apply system-wide." The BBB says an "independent third party" will assist in the review process.
Cox also announced the BBB would launch an "immediate investigation" of its Los Angeles chapter. The controversial grading system that was used by the BBB nationwide was devised by Bill Mitchell, head of the L.A. BBB, and first used by the L.A. chapter. Just last week, with the probe of his organization ongoing, Mitchell announced his resignation. http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/2010-year ... d=12467469

[islandboy5150]

I never put much weight in what the BBB says, It's a pay to play scheme. You give them enough money and they say your as good as gold. Simple as that.

[kteague]

I have checked with the BBB a few times in the past when considering doing business. I could be wrong, but I think at one time being a member of the BBB really meant something about what a customer could expect from a business. The recent report was disgusting - the organization claiming to protect consumers was itself fraudulent! This subject came up several years ago on my job at a non-profit service agency. Any time an organization solicits donations, potential donors are warned to check before donating to make sure they are a member in good standing with the BBB. (Now I'm thinking those commercials were probably by the BBB!!!) Our large organization had been a mainstay in the community since around the depression era, but it came to our attention some potential donors were put off by us not being a member. We were legally bound by all the audit requirements of non-profits, our financial statements were open to the public, our reputation stellar, yet we were being backed into a corner by the BBB who had given us a low rating due to not being a member. If I remember correctly, that rating would change if we joined. Didn't feel right then, and it changed my view of the BBB.

That said, it does play a role in the current business environment, and while their rating may be valued by some consumers more than it is worth, I'd think the business person stands to benefit from the affiliation.

[pulseoxstore]

Thanks everyone who replied. I checked out the BBB alot and had my mind made up from the time I started my business to become a member. I have had no complaints and now have an A- rating. They say that rating is because I have only been running my business for a little over a year. It seems that they are already cutting back on their pay for good ratings because there were several who started at A+ ratings from the get go. Hopefully, they will take a step back and review their business practices and work hard at becoming a tool that customers can use without feeling that there is another motive behind the ratings. I hope people will also look at my comments section on my site as well to see what my customers have to say as well as the BBB report.
I know this post was off topic, but I know I can always get some good feedback from CPAPtalk users.
Thanks again,
Kevin Cooper
Cooper Medical Supplies

By the way, I am looking to expand my product line and was wondering if anyone can give me ideas about what products I should try to start carrying. I cannot do CPAP masks and machines (because I cannot be in direct competition with my full time employer), but I can offer other healthcare items. If anyone has any ideas, they would be greatly appreciated.