Business Reports
Although BBBs may be better known for assisting the consuming public with complaints, the majority of consumers contacting BBBs are requesting "business reports." In fact, in the last year, Bureaus issued nearly 8 million reports to consumers who contacted their BBB before making a purchase, investment or charitable donation. BBBs always recommend to investigate before you invest. By checking with the BBB before you do business with a company, you may save your self money, as well as frustration and heartache.
What Can Be Found In A Business Report?
Business reports are based on information found in the BBB's file. Generally, a report will contain:
- Information about the length of time the company has been in business
or known to the Bureau;
- A summary of the company's complaint history or other experience,
particularly whether or not there are unanswered or unsettled complaints,
or other problems;
- Information developed through special Bureau investigations;
- BBBs also have the option of reporting whether the company is a member
of that particular Bureau, or participates in any special Bureau programs.
Reports are provided to solely assist consumers in making informed decisions. BBBs do not compare one company against another, nor do Bureaus make recommendations or endorsements of companies.
How To Obtain A Business Report
Currently, we are in the process of developing a national database that
will allow consumers to access company reports online. The national database
will include business reports from BBBs throughout the United States and
Canada. However, until the database is functional, business reports on
a particular companies are available from the Better Business Bureau that
services the area where the company is located. Use the
Locate a BBB page to determine which BBB to contact for information.
Enter in the zip code for the company in question on the
Locate a BBB page and you will be provided with the address, phone
numbers, fax number and email address, if available, for the appropriate
BBB to contact for information.
Some BBBs have 24 hour telephone systems that provide business reports around the clock. A telephone number for the business in question is usually required to access reports from the BBB's 24 hour computerized reporting system. A handful of BBBs utilize 900 numbers for disseminating business reports. The cost is modest, averaging less than $5.00 per call and the charge is either collected on the phone bill by means of a 900 number, or charged to a major credit card.
Consumers who request reliability reports in writing are not charged for the service.
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