The Better Business Bureau (BBB) helps consumers find businesses and charities they can trust. If you need to contact them, here’s how:
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Online
Visit the BBB website (bbb.org). You can search for businesses, file complaints, or find contact information for your local BBB office.
Phone
Call your local BBB. You can find the phone number on the BBB website by entering your zip code.
Send a letter to your local BBB office. Find the address on their website.
Why Contact the BBB?
You might want to contact the BBB for various reasons, including:
- Filing a Complaint: If you’ve had a negative experience with a business, you can file a complaint with the BBB. They will then contact the business on your behalf to try and resolve the issue.
- Checking a Business’s Rating: Before doing business with a company, you can check its rating on the BBB website. This rating is based on factors like complaints received, how the business handles those complaints, and its adherence to ethical business practices.
- Reporting a Scam: If you suspect a business is engaging in fraudulent or deceptive practices, you can report it to the BBB.
- Finding Accredited Businesses: The BBB accredits businesses that meet certain standards of trustworthiness and customer service. You can use the BBB website to find accredited businesses in your area.
Before Contacting the BBB:
Before you reach out, consider these steps:
- Gather Information: Collect all relevant documents, such as contracts, receipts, emails, and any other correspondence with the business.
- Attempt Direct Contact: Try to resolve the issue directly with the business first. Document your attempts, including dates, times, and names of people you spoke with.
- Clearly Define Your Issue: Be prepared to explain your problem clearly and concisely. What happened? What are you hoping to achieve?
What to Expect After Contacting the BBB:
The BBB will typically:
- Review Your Complaint: They will assess whether the complaint falls within their jurisdiction.
- Contact the Business: They will forward your complaint to the business and request a response.
- Mediate a Resolution: The BBB may attempt to mediate a resolution between you and the business.
- Publish the Complaint (if unresolved): Even if a resolution isn’t reached, the complaint may be published on the business’s BBB profile, which can inform other consumers.
Important Note: The BBB is not a government agency and cannot force a business to take action. However, their mediation efforts and ratings system can be valuable tools for consumers.
