Better Business Bureau--do you use it?

[Brooke]

Back in college, this used to be my go-to source before hiring someone or using a service...if I had a gripe, I'd file a free complaint there and 99% of the time, it resolved the formerly unresolvable issue.

I just remembered, frankly, it exists.

How many of you use this? I started looking up some of the businesses whose owners regularly post on Philadelphiaspeaks.com and I'm beginning to think I really *should* start checking out people again this way. There are some really, really miserable ratings on there.

So just a heads up too...it's a nice citizens watchdog we should remember and if you own a business, you should register on it!

United States and Canada BBB Consumer and Business Reviews, Reports, Ratings, Complaints and Accredited Business Listings.

[jillys]

Back in college, this used to be my go-to source before hiring someone or using a service...if I had a gripe, I'd file a free complaint there and 99% of the time, it resolved the formerly unresolvable issue.

I just remembered, frankly, it exists.

How many of you use this? I started looking up some of the businesses whose owners regularly post on Philadelphiaspeaks.com and I'm beginning to think I really *should* start checking out people again this way. There are some really, really miserable ratings on there.

So just a heads up too...it's a nice citizens watchdog we should remember and if you own a business, you should register on it!

United States and Canada BBB Consumer and Business Reviews, Reports, Ratings, Complaints and Accredited Business Listings.

I used it once a few years back after a dealership refused to fix the damage to my windshield that happened while it was in their shop for repairs. I honestly am not sure if the BBB helped resolve the situation or it was the fact that I didn't leave them alone until they took care of it...

I actually didn't even realize it was a way to check out people and businesses ahead of time, which I guess should have been really obvious. I'll have to check it out.

[Brooke]

Yep, I think that's what most people do...is go there to complain but honestly it's a great place to begin to make sure you don't have to complain later.

If someone is unwilling to resolve a BBB complaint, they probably aren't worth doing business with. I know from my past dealings that they give both sides a fair shake and something like not responding to a complaint is just ridiculous.

That said, it's also a nice step before filing a complaint in Small Claims Court. It really did work for me when I used it.