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Better Business Bureau Informative - Complaints Against the Better Business Bureau - Complaints Aginst the Better Business Bureau
Complaints Aginst the Better Business Bureau
PORTLAND, OREGON -- Since the BBB is not ran by the Federal or State government, is it privately owned?
And since the BBB operates, in large, off of funds from its members (Contractors or Business), how can it be bias free from a consumer complaint against its own member(s)?
I have a friend who experienced alarming and costly damages from a contractor who is a member of the BBB. My friend performed the preliminary steps on a claim against the contractor and a follow up report against the contractor to the BBB.
However, when my friend and I called the BBB (under alias names) posing as potential customers who wanted to know if their were any past and/or present complaints on this same contractor, the BBB responded with a "NO" and gave complimentary responses about this particular contractor whom my friend made a claim against.
First, this is how I am viewing the BBB:
If a contractor, bad or good, is a member of the BBB, and since the BBB largely operates off the funds from its members, it would stand to reason that the BBB could not be impartial and unbiased to a consumer's complaint and would most likely be supportive of its own member, as we, my friend and I have experienced.
Secondly, consider this: When a consumer calls the BBB complaining against a contractor who is NOT a member of the BBB.... in short, it is my understanding that the BBB would follow up on the consumer's complaint by contacting the contractor, encouraging the contractor to become a member; and if the contractor refuses, only then will the BBB take the steps in reporting this contractor to the proper agencies, and file a negative report about this contractor within the BBB.
Now, with this in mind, isn't this a form of BLACKMAIL to get contractors to join the BBB?
And isn't the BBB a far cry away from its' historical origins "TRUTH IN ADVERTISING" and it's purpose of protecting the consumers?
Would anyone like to comment on this WITH FACTS AND YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES?
And since the BBB operates, in large, off of funds from its members (Contractors or Business), how can it be bias free from a consumer complaint against its own member(s)?
I have a friend who experienced alarming and costly damages from a contractor who is a member of the BBB. My friend performed the preliminary steps on a claim against the contractor and a follow up report against the contractor to the BBB.
However, when my friend and I called the BBB (under alias names) posing as potential customers who wanted to know if their were any past and/or present complaints on this same contractor, the BBB responded with a "NO" and gave complimentary responses about this particular contractor whom my friend made a claim against.
First, this is how I am viewing the BBB:
If a contractor, bad or good, is a member of the BBB, and since the BBB largely operates off the funds from its members, it would stand to reason that the BBB could not be impartial and unbiased to a consumer's complaint and would most likely be supportive of its own member, as we, my friend and I have experienced.
Secondly, consider this: When a consumer calls the BBB complaining against a contractor who is NOT a member of the BBB.... in short, it is my understanding that the BBB would follow up on the consumer's complaint by contacting the contractor, encouraging the contractor to become a member; and if the contractor refuses, only then will the BBB take the steps in reporting this contractor to the proper agencies, and file a negative report about this contractor within the BBB.
Now, with this in mind, isn't this a form of BLACKMAIL to get contractors to join the BBB?
And isn't the BBB a far cry away from its' historical origins "TRUTH IN ADVERTISING" and it's purpose of protecting the consumers?
Would anyone like to comment on this WITH FACTS AND YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES?
Comments:
Posted by KenPopcorn on 2008-03-28:
This pretty much sums up the BBB.
Posted by yoke on 2008-03-28:
The BBB is USELESS! They are there to protect the scammers.
Posted by thensider on 2008-03-28:
The BBB cant help you anyway, so it relly doesnt matter. Even if they WANTED to, they CANT. What is the REAL problem, i.e., with the contractor? Maybe I can help point you in the right direction to get results?
Posted by Loza on 2008-03-28:
Dear "thensider", after doing some research on contractors in my state, I discovered the real problem with bad contractors IS THE STATE.
The state is basically giving away contractor license to anyone. Sure, there are some small fees involved to become a licensed contrator, but taking the tests from the state's contractor's board is a joke, basically an open book test, and eliminating proof of actual hours spent in learning each phase of the contracting jobs (excluding electrical & plumbing).
Oregon and Washington are terrible about this.
Plus, the state provides the contractor with insurance bonds. This too is another problem, as they will attempt every means possible in protecting their insurance funds, resulting in protecting the contractor and leaving the injured consumer to the way-side.
The BBB and the State's Contractor's Board, boy...what a joke!
But I'm all ears if you feel you have other alternatives to receive better results. Thanks
The state is basically giving away contractor license to anyone. Sure, there are some small fees involved to become a licensed contrator, but taking the tests from the state's contractor's board is a joke, basically an open book test, and eliminating proof of actual hours spent in learning each phase of the contracting jobs (excluding electrical & plumbing).
Oregon and Washington are terrible about this.
Plus, the state provides the contractor with insurance bonds. This too is another problem, as they will attempt every means possible in protecting their insurance funds, resulting in protecting the contractor and leaving the injured consumer to the way-side.
The BBB and the State's Contractor's Board, boy...what a joke!
But I'm all ears if you feel you have other alternatives to receive better results. Thanks
Posted by yoke on 2008-03-28:
Loza, CT is just as bad. We had our driveway done 2 years ago. When we checked the license the state said it was clear of any problems. We hired them and had problems. Within a month the state was bombarded with complaints from this company (East Coast Paving). Their license was up for renewal and even with the complaints it was renewed. Come to find out this company was in a different name just before they did our job, the state never bothered to tell us that when we called to check the license. Never told us that it was a new issue.
Posted by Loza on 2008-03-29:
More comments about the BBB...go to links below:
http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/001/ripoff0001343.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Better_Business_Bureau
http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/001/ripoff0001343.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Better_Business_Bureau
Posted by Ghost of Doc J on 2008-03-29:
I believe the BBB is a scam. They protect their members more diligently than the mob protects its bag men. Essentially, when a business joins the BBB, consumer complaints seem to vanish. It is the small business equivalent of a good ole boys club.
Posted by Loza on 2008-03-30:
Well Folks! It seems like the votes and comments on the BBB are unanimous; a FRAUDULANT Buisness that is allowed to continue it's operations and decieve the public.
Posted by Loza on 2008-03-30:
Dear Yoke,
There are soooooo MANY Tricks that follow behind BAD Contractors. Not that I'm broad brushing all contractors, I'm only focusing on the bad ones that are allowed to continue operating. However, the bigger picture here is not so much about the bad contractor in so much that the state which allows these devious, problamatic contractors to continue operating.
But this is a whole different complaint issue that folks could write books on.
There are obvious flaws in our state laws that allow such buisness & bad contractors to continue operating while others continue to be victimized by this ongoing problem.
There are soooooo MANY Tricks that follow behind BAD Contractors. Not that I'm broad brushing all contractors, I'm only focusing on the bad ones that are allowed to continue operating. However, the bigger picture here is not so much about the bad contractor in so much that the state which allows these devious, problamatic contractors to continue operating.
But this is a whole different complaint issue that folks could write books on.
There are obvious flaws in our state laws that allow such buisness & bad contractors to continue operating while others continue to be victimized by this ongoing problem.
Posted by Goldy on 2008-05-27:
Hi guy,
I don't need to add any further comments to the ones already mentioned by others about the BBB. Suffice it to say that they are useless and implicitly conflicted (with the businesses).
The next question is that beyond suing a company, what other options do consumers have if they have been wronged by a business or company. The press? Government agency? Inquiring minds need to know. Thanks.
I don't need to add any further comments to the ones already mentioned by others about the BBB. Suffice it to say that they are useless and implicitly conflicted (with the businesses).
The next question is that beyond suing a company, what other options do consumers have if they have been wronged by a business or company. The press? Government agency? Inquiring minds need to know. Thanks.
Posted by Hatewamu on 2008-08-02:
I just wanted to say that until your complaint has been completed it will not register as a complaint. That is why when you called it said that the business had no complaints. The BBB has to investigate a complaint before it can be recorded as such. Anyone with a complaint against a contractor, would need to go to the Contractors Registration Board in that State. The State is suppose to go out and actually look at the damage done by a contractor.
Posted by Loza on 2009-01-29:
Dear Hatewamu, in ref to your comments, did you NOT read and truly understand the comments above ? i.e.
"Loza Mar 27th thru 30th",
"thensider Mar 28th"
and "Yoke Mar 28th".
You are "ASSUMING" that these complaints did not take its full course.
And when the word "STATE" is mentioned in the above postings, it "IMPLIES" the state's Contractors Registration Board. Therefore, implying that the preliminary steps of processing a complaint to the Contractors Board was completed. How else could a person convey his/her experience after the fact?
It may be difficult to accept the hard truths of other peoples experiences that contradicts our false-beliefs in the BBB or the State's Contractors Board; but if you're still not convinced, read the following reports "Is the BBB Too Cozy With the Firms It Monitors?", "Fraud, violation of Colorado law (the CO MVRA and CCPA), Grand Theft Auto, Perjury, and Obstruction of Justice are the charges against the Denver BBB", "The BBB Council Headquarters has refused to answer these charges". View these reports at:
http://www.smartmoney.com/Investing/Economy/Investigating-the-Better-Business-Bureau-23879/
"Loza Mar 27th thru 30th",
"thensider Mar 28th"
and "Yoke Mar 28th".
You are "ASSUMING" that these complaints did not take its full course.
And when the word "STATE" is mentioned in the above postings, it "IMPLIES" the state's Contractors Registration Board. Therefore, implying that the preliminary steps of processing a complaint to the Contractors Board was completed. How else could a person convey his/her experience after the fact?
It may be difficult to accept the hard truths of other peoples experiences that contradicts our false-beliefs in the BBB or the State's Contractors Board; but if you're still not convinced, read the following reports "Is the BBB Too Cozy With the Firms It Monitors?", "Fraud, violation of Colorado law (the CO MVRA and CCPA), Grand Theft Auto, Perjury, and Obstruction of Justice are the charges against the Denver BBB", "The BBB Council Headquarters has refused to answer these charges". View these reports at:
http://www.smartmoney.com/Investing/Economy/Investigating-the-Better-Business-Bureau-23879/
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