BBB Membership?

I have had a lot of certificate type questions today but this is where I am focusing right now so just one more question if the forum doesn't mind?

Anyone know how much a Better Business Bureau membership will cost? We are looking to add their seal to our ecommerce sites?

Also would anyone recommend us doing this?

It is another way to build customer credibility, but not the one I would invest in.

We're not members of the BBB. They will of course still contact us if someone files a greivance, but I haven't found any merit in tithing to them. Just my opinion though . . .

For those familiar with the BBB's business model and tactics, they are often seen as snakeoil salesman with whom I'd never associate.

That said, their logo on your site might help - but considering some of their underhanded techniques, I'd use one on them - steal the image and just paste it on your site.... ;)

They will never get a penny of mine.

lol care to share?

Could you elaborate? How do they benifit the customer or the business? They are there to protect the customer ... right?Afterall isn't their seal worth its weight in gold!

The Better Business Bureau in my area actively telemarkets their services and goes so far as to threaten your business standing if you don't tithe to them (an arbitrary amount of money bases on gross sales and # of employees).

I really dislike the arrangement. The truth is that there is little advantage to being a member. Very few customers look up your business as a retailer before buying.

That being said - some customers will contact the BBB and file a greivance. You have to respond to the greivance even if you are not a member, or they will give you bad press on their website and in their records.

Effectively, you have to deal with the better business bureau if a complaint is filed, but you don't have to pay them money for this service, and paying them money doesn't change any aspect of the process.

I think they are really struggling to come up with anticipated dues (thus the aggressive telemarketing). They really need to rethink their business model. There is not much incentive for retailers to be members.

--- I will say that back when I was running a web design company some of my big Manhattan clients did check the BBB before doing business with me, and it might have had some value back then. I am sure that if SEO is your main business reputation is everything and if you land one $30,000 contract it could be well worth it.

if you are running a service based company, a B2B biz, or your price point is high, then it is almost a necessity. I say almost, because the BBB is essentially a franchise operation. In some regions, it is very well run and respectable. In others, it is a complete sham because the guy running it is more of an extortionist than a consumer advocate.

Think of it this way, how much investigating and researc does YOUR customer do. If they're buying a t-shirt, then not much. ut, if they're buying debt relief services, then a ton.

It cost me between 300-400 per year I can't remember. I did it one year but not again. My clients who are home remodelers use them. B2B I don't think it has much bearing on. I'd recommend using the money to join the chamber of commerce and get active in that.

Justin

Consider joining net-ARB's Consumer Confidence Program as an alternative to the BBB.

It shows customers that you are committed to your product\service and that if you can't resolve the problem to their satisfaction, you will agree to arbitration if they pay the low fee of $199.

In addition to promoting confidence through the verified Seal of Trust, you gain the added benefits of an arbitration clause that can save thousands in legal and litigation cost.

• Increase Website Conversion Rate
• Improve Customer Satisfaction
• Reduce Customer Service Expense
• Control Legal Costs & Exposure

Check out more details at net-ARB.com