Better Business Bureau Canada: A Consumer Protection Guide

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing marketplace trust. Founded in 1912, the BBB has over 100 offices across the United States and Canada, supporting businesses and consumers in promoting ethical practices and resolving disputes.

What is the BBB?

The BBB is a member-based organization that accredits businesses that meet its standards of ethical practices. To achieve accreditation, businesses must:

• Be transparent and accountable: Provide accurate information about their products, services, and business practices.
• Maintain high ethical standards: Adhere to codes of ethics and industry best practices, avoiding fraud, deception, and unfair trade.
• Respond promptly to complaints: Address consumer concerns promptly and professionally, demonstrating a commitment to customer satisfaction.

How the BBB Helps Consumers

The BBB provides a range of services to help consumers make informed decisions when shopping for goods and services:

• Business accreditation: Accreditation signifies that a business has met the BBB's standards of ethical practices, providing consumers with confidence in their reliability.
• Business profiles: The BBB maintains profiles of businesses, including contact information, ratings, and reviews from customers.
• Complaint resolution: Consumers can file complaints against businesses through the BBB, which will investigate and facilitate resolution.
• Educational resources: The BBB offers educational materials and webinars to help consumers understand their rights and protect themselves from fraud.

BBB Ratings and Reviews

The BBB uses a rating system to assess businesses based on their adherence to its standards:

• A+: Excellent
• A: Very Good
• B: Good
• C: Fair
• D: Poor
• F: Failing

Consumers can use BBB ratings to evaluate the credibility and trustworthiness of businesses before making purchasing decisions.

BBB Statistics

• The BBB accredits over 1.5 million businesses in North America.
• In 2021, the BBB received over 1.6 million inquiries from consumers.
• Over 90% of BBB-accredited businesses maintain an A+ or A rating.
• The BBB helps resolve over 100,000 complaints annually.

How to File a Complaint with the BBB

If you have a complaint against a business, you can file it with the BBB by:

• Visiting the BBB website: https://www.bbb.org/
• Calling the BBB Hotline: 1-800-669-9700
• Writing a letter to your local BBB office: Find your local office here: https://www.bbb.org/local-offices

Three Stories of BBB Success

Story 1: Resolved Consumer Complaint

A consumer complained to the BBB that a company had failed to deliver a product ordered online. After investigating, the BBB contacted the company and facilitated a refund to the consumer.

Story 2: Preventing Fraud

A consumer reported to the BBB that they had received a suspicious email from a company claiming to be the BBB. The BBB issued a public warning, preventing other consumers from falling prey to the scam.

Story 3: Business Accreditation

A small business sought BBB accreditation to enhance its credibility and attract new customers. Through the BBB's accreditation process, the business improved its customer service practices and gained recognition for its ethical practices.

What We Learn from These Stories

• The BBB provides an effective platform for consumers to voice their concerns and seek resolution.
• The BBB plays a vital role in protecting consumers from fraud and unethical business practices.
• Accreditation by the BBB can boost business credibility and attract customers.

How to Use the BBB

Step 1: Check Business Profiles

Research businesses on the BBB website to view their ratings, reviews, and contact information.

Step 2: Read Consumer Reviews

Consider feedback from other consumers to understand their experiences with a business.

Step 3: File a Complaint (If Needed)

If you encounter an issue with a business, file a complaint with the BBB to seek resolution.

Step 4: Support Ethical Businesses

Support businesses accredited by the BBB that demonstrate a commitment to ethical practices.

Call to Action

The BBB is a valuable resource for consumers and businesses alike. By utilizing its services, you can protect yourself from fraudulent practices, make informed decisions, and support ethical businesses that contribute to a fair marketplace.

Additional Resources

• BBB Consumer Guide
• BBB Business Accreditation
• BBB Complaint Resolution

Tables

Table 1: BBB Business Accreditation Growth

Table 2: Consumer Inquiries to the BBB

Table 3: BBB Consumer Complaint Resolution