The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a trusted source when you need to evaluate a company’s reliability and customer satisfaction. Whether you want to hire a contractor, support a new charity, or simply make a purchase, checking a company through BBB can help you make smarter decisions. The BBB’s ratings, customer reviews, and complaint history provide a transparent picture of a business’s trustworthiness. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to efficiently check a company’s profile using BBB and understand what those ratings mean.
What is the Better Business Bureau?
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a nonprofit organization that aims to build trust between businesses and consumers. Established in 1912, the BBB is well-known for helping consumers by providing insights into business reliability and customer service standards. The organization maintains detailed profiles of over 5 million companies across North America, including both accredited and non-accredited businesses.
BBB’s Primary Role
- The main goal of the BBB is to promote trust in the marketplace. It evaluates businesses based on their transparency, quality of services, and responses to customer complaints. These evaluations result in an overall grade that ranges from A+ to F.
- The BBB serves as a platform where consumers can access a company’s history of complaints and resolutions. This can help you understand how well a business handles customer issues.
Accredited vs. Non-Accredited Businesses
- Businesses can choose to get accredited by the BBB, which means they meet the standards set by the BBB for ethical practices and quality services.
- Accreditation requires businesses to adhere to certain commitments, such as resolving customer complaints and maintaining a B or better rating. The accredited status can be an indicator of the business’s commitment to maintaining a good reputation, although both accredited and non-accredited businesses can be reviewed by customers.
How BBB Helps You Make Informed Decisions
- By checking BBB ratings, you can see not only how a business performs but also the nature of any past complaints. You get an idea of how a company responds when things go wrong, which tells a lot about their customer service.
- BBB ratings and customer reviews provide crucial information that is valuable when you’re looking to purchase products or hire services. Unlike other online reviews, the BBB’s grading is based on consistent standards, which gives it credibility in consumer evaluations.
Why Should You Check a Company with the BBB?
Checking a company with the BBB is an effective way to verify its reputation and service standards. There are several reasons why this process is essential for anyone planning to make an informed business decision. Understanding these benefits can save you from potential headaches and scams.
Benefits of Using BBB for Research
- Reliability Verification: The BBB serves as a trusted source of unbiased information about companies. You can learn whether a business has been honest, transparent, and responsive to consumer needs. The BBB’s letter grades provide a summary of how the company has historically operated.
- Complaint Handling: BBB allows you to see a record of past customer complaints, including how (or if) these issues were resolved. Businesses that respond promptly and successfully to complaints tend to receive higher ratings, making it easy for you to judge their level of customer service.
- Consumer Confidence: Knowing that a company is accredited or has a strong rating can boost your confidence when making purchasing decisions. BBB accreditation suggests the business is committed to upholding high ethical standards and fulfilling its promises.
How BBB Ratings Work
- BBB ratings range from A+ to F and are determined by a variety of factors. The rating is not just based on customer reviews but also includes metrics such as the number of complaints, how well the company resolves issues, and the transparency of the business.
- The BBB scores a business based on 13 specific criteria. These include the business’s complaint history, the type of business, whether it has faced any government actions, and its ability to resolve consumer complaints. Essentially, the more reliable and customer-friendly the business is, the better its score.
| Rating | Description | Percentage of Businesses (%) |
| A+ | Excellent service and transparent operations | 30% |
| A | Very good, minor issues | 20% |
| B | Good but some concerns | 15% |
| C | Average, needs improvement | 10% |
| D | Poor customer service, multiple issues | 5% |
| F | Untrustworthy, unresolved complaints | 3% |
| Not Rated | Not enough information available | 17% |
Resolving Consumer Complaints
- One of the unique services BBB offers is acting as a mediator between customers and businesses. If you have a dispute with a company, you can file a complaint through the BBB’s platform. Businesses are more likely to respond through the BBB as it impacts their rating.
- Accredited businesses must respond satisfactorily to complaints to maintain their accreditation status, which means they have an added incentive to solve customer issues effectively.
When BBB Accreditation Matters
- Accreditation isn’t mandatory but can be a valuable trust indicator. It shows that the business has committed to higher standards and meets specific ethical criteria. BBB-accredited businesses are often preferred by consumers for their commitment to customer service and transparency.
- Non-accredited businesses can still have positive ratings, but accreditation adds another level of reassurance. This helps you make better-informed choices when comparing similar services.
Step-by-Step Guide to Checking a Company on the BBB Website
Checking a company with the Better Business Bureau is straightforward. The BBB’s website provides everything you need to assess a company’s background, its history of handling customer concerns, and more. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you verify a company with ease.
Step 1: Visit BBB.org
- Start by navigating to the official Better Business Bureau website at BBB.org. This is where you’ll find detailed information on millions of companies, including both local and international businesses. The platform offers easy search functions, making it simple to locate any registered business.
Step 2: Search for the Company
- Enter the Company Details: Use the search bar on the BBB homepage to enter the name of the company you are looking for. You can also narrow your search by specifying the location (such as the city or state).
- Filter Your Search: The BBB site also allows you to search by industry category, which is useful if you don’t know the exact name of the business or want to explore related services.
Step 3: Analyze the Company Profile
- Letter Grade Rating: On each company profile, you’ll see a rating ranging from A+ to F. This rating represents the overall trustworthiness of the company. It is determined by factors like complaint history, unresolved issues, and time in business.
- Accreditation Status: Look for whether the business is accredited. An accredited business has met BBB’s standards and committed to resolving customer issues effectively. Accreditation is usually indicated with a specific badge on the profile.
- Customer Reviews and Complaints: In the company’s profile, you can view detailed customer reviews, both positive and negative. You can also see how the company responded to these complaints, which is often more telling than the complaints themselves.
- Additional Details: A business profile may also contain general information like contact details, years in operation, and links to the company’s website and social media.
Tips for Better Search Results
- If the company doesn’t appear in your search, try entering variations of the business name or shortened forms.
- Always make sure you are on BBB.org to avoid any imitation websites. Scam sites might try to mimic BBB’s interface, so it’s essential to verify the URL before entering any sensitive information.
Primary Factors to Watch For
- Consistent Complaints: If the company has received repeated complaints of the same nature, it could indicate a pattern of poor service or deceptive practices.
- Unanswered Complaints: Unanswered complaints can be a significant warning sign. Businesses committed to customer service usually respond, even to negative feedback.
- Accreditation Reviews: Check if the business has maintained accreditation consistently. A company that lost accreditation could have failed to meet BBB’s high standards.
How BBB Ratings Work
BBB ratings are one of the main features people look for when researching a business. These ratings provide a simple way to assess a company’s credibility based on various criteria that reflect its trustworthiness and reliability.
BBB Grading System
- The Better Business Bureau rates companies on a scale ranging from A+ to F. These ratings are meant to be a snapshot of how well a company operates, manages customer concerns, and delivers on its promises.
- The A+ rating indicates a company that performs exceptionally well, while an F rating is usually a sign of poor business practices, unresolved complaints, or significant customer dissatisfaction.
Factors Influencing Ratings
The BBB rating is determined by several weighted factors that assess how the business interacts with customers and conducts itself overall:
- Complaint History: The number of complaints filed against a company and how they were resolved are crucial components. Businesses that respond promptly and effectively tend to earn higher ratings.
- Unresolved and Unanswered Complaints: When a company fails to address complaints, it negatively impacts its rating. A responsive company demonstrates a commitment to customer satisfaction, which boosts their score.
- Time in Business: Longevity matters. Businesses that have been around longer generally receive higher ratings, as they have a track record of stability.
- Transparency of Practices: A company’s willingness to provide necessary information and disclose its processes also impacts ratings. Businesses that operate transparently tend to score higher.
- Government Actions: If a business has been subject to any government actions or legal proceedings, this will be considered in the rating process, as it speaks to the company’s reliability and ethical behavior.
| Factor | Weight in Rating (%) | Importance |
| Complaint History | 40% | High |
| Length of Time in Business | 20% | Medium |
| Transparency of Business Practices | 15% | Medium |
| Type of Business | 10% | Low |
| Government Actions Against the Company | 10% | Medium |
| Failure to Honor Commitments | 5% | Low |
Accredited vs. Non-Accredited Businesses
- Accreditation by BBB means that a company meets higher standards of ethics and service quality. Accredited businesses must maintain a B or higher rating and resolve customer complaints to retain their status.
- Non-Accredited Companies can still receive ratings from BBB. Accreditation simply adds an additional layer of trust for consumers, although non-accredited companies with a positive history can still be reliable.
Understanding the Ratings
- An A+ rating generally indicates that a company is highly responsive and maintains good customer relationships.
- Ratings in the B or C range suggest the company might have minor issues, such as slow complaint responses or inconsistent service.
- A rating of D or F is a warning sign that the business might have recurring problems, poor customer relations, or unresolved complaints.
Understanding Customer Complaints and Reviews
Customer complaints and reviews provide valuable insights into a company’s performance and reliability. BBB provides a transparent view of these interactions, which helps potential customers decide if a business is worth their trust.
How BBB Handles Customer Complaints
- Filing a Complaint: If a customer has an issue, they can file a complaint through BBB. The business then has an opportunity to respond within a specified timeframe.
- Business Response: Accredited businesses must respond to complaints to maintain good standing. For non-accredited companies, responding to complaints is optional, but it can still positively impact their rating.
- Types of Outcomes: Complaints can be marked as Resolved, Unresolved, Answered, or Unanswered. Ideally, a company will work towards a “Resolved” outcome, indicating they addressed the customer’s issue satisfactorily.
| Issue Type | Frequency (%) | Typical Resolution Rate (%) |
| Product Quality Issues | 25% | 60% |
| Billing and Payment Problems | 20% | 50% |
| Delivery Delays | 15% | 70% |
| Customer Service Complaints | 30% | 80% |
| Warranty and Guarantee Disputes | 10% | 40% |
Reading and Analyzing Reviews
- Look for Patterns: Reviews are important to assess trends. Consistent complaints about the same issue can indicate underlying problems with a business, such as poor customer service or defective products.
- Company Responses to Reviews: Companies that respond to negative reviews with meaningful solutions show they value customer satisfaction. Pay attention to how businesses handle criticism, as it is often more telling than the complaints themselves.
Red Flags in Reviews and Complaints
- Unanswered Complaints: If there are numerous complaints left unanswered, it may indicate poor customer service or a lack of responsiveness.
- Legal Notices: If a business profile shows legal warnings or government actions, consider this as a major red flag indicating potential unethical behavior.
Other Features of the BBB Website
Besides ratings and reviews, the BBB website provides several useful tools to help you evaluate a company’s standing and resolve potential issues.
Filing a Complaint through BBB
If you’ve had a negative experience, the BBB provides an easy way to file a complaint. This platform often encourages businesses to respond and resolve problems, which can lead to a better customer experience overall.
Requesting Quotes from Accredited Businesses
Requesting a Quote: On the BBB site, you can request quotes from accredited businesses directly. This feature can save you time by allowing you to reach out to multiple trustworthy businesses at once.
BBB Scam Tracker
Avoiding Scams: The Scam Tracker is a public tool that lets you view or report ongoing scams in your area. This is particularly helpful if you’re concerned about a company being legitimate.
Accredited Business Seal
Accredited companies often display a BBB seal, which signifies that they meet BBB’s standards. This seal is a symbol of trust and reliability, indicating the company has committed to customer satisfaction.
Business and Consumer Resources
BBB provides educational resources, such as articles on how to protect yourself from scams, understand your consumer rights, and other topics that can help you make more informed choices.
Common Mistakes When Using BBB
Relying Solely on BBB Ratings
While BBB provides valuable insights, it shouldn’t be your only source. Always consider other review sites and platforms to ensure a broader perspective.
Ignoring Detailed Complaints
Many users focus only on a business’s rating without reading through individual complaints. Reading these complaints helps reveal potential issues that might be important to you.
Misinterpreting Complaint Resolution
Just because a business resolves a complaint doesn’t mean the underlying issue has been fixed. Repeated complaints can indicate ongoing issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often are BBB ratings updated?
BBB ratings are updated as new information is received, such as complaints or reviews.
2. Can a company have a good BBB rating but still be unreliable?
Yes, a good rating doesn’t guarantee reliability. Check other platforms as well.
3. How can I file a complaint with the BBB?
Visit BBB.org, find the business profile, and click on “File a Complaint.”
4. What is the difference between BBB accredited and non-accredited businesses?
Accredited businesses meet BBB’s standards and pay a fee. Non-accredited businesses can still be reviewed.
5. Does BBB charge a fee for checking company ratings?
No, accessing ratings and profiles is free for consumers.
Wrapping Up
Checking a company with the Better Business Bureau is an excellent way to assess its credibility, but don’t stop there. Combine BBB ratings, complaint history, and reviews with other platforms like Google or Angi to gain a balanced view. Always consider additional factors like complaint patterns and company responses to make informed decisions. Use all BBB tools effectively—whether you’re filing a complaint, reading reviews, or requesting a quote. By doing so, you’ll be more confident in selecting businesses that meet your expectations for service and reliability.
