We No Longer Participate with the Better Business Bureau

For the past 5 or so years we have joined the Better Business Bureau's Reliability Program which allowed us to display their logo on our website and link directly over, showing potential clients that we participate with their program. As of 2009, we no longer participate with the BBB.

This program does not assure customers of the quality of our service and it is simply a program whereby we pay the Better Business Bureau a few hundred dollars to display their logo and give clients peace-of-mind.

Our renewal contract this year stated that their fees went up to approximately $595 for their services, a time when the economy was faltering and our business was barely hanging on. We decided not to renew our contract as that money could be spent elsewhere - advertising is more likely. A BBB Representative called to ask if we were renewing and we advised them that the cost was too much and that an increase in such economic times was poor on their part. They immediately stated that the fee quoted was incorrect and that we were eligible for a $360 rate instead, which was the same we had been paying.

We renewed.

When the company credit card statement came in, we were charged $435 (18% more!) rather than the $360 quoted on the phone and we immediately contacted the Better Business Bureau representative. Yes, our fee was $360 to renew with the Better Business Bureau however there was an additional $75 fee to display their logo on our website.

Who do you complain to when the Better Business Bureau gives you a quote of $360 and then charges your card for $435?

We defended our stance and the Better Business Bureau would not honor their rate.

After much review, we have decided NOT to renew with the Better Business Bureau and hope that new clients will understand why. We have removed their logo from our sites however we want to assure you, we have no complaints against us with this organization (or any other for that matter). Please contact the Better Business Bureau directly to confirm that we have no complains (along with any online business you patronize) and we are more than willing to give you references where needed.

Sincerely,

Christopher A. Woolson
Owner