by Clive Mcpherson

Created on: May 06, 2009   Last Updated: May 21, 2009

Before we explore what the Better Business Bureau can do for you, we need a brief introduction to what the Better Business Bureau is, and what it aims to achieve.

* What is the Better Business Bureau?
The Better Business Bureau is a non-government, self regulating organization which aims to create an environment where sellers and buyers can trust each other during the course of any business transaction. They do this through the implementation of best practices and industry standards to be followed.

The best practices and standards set forth by the Better Business Bureau are founded on a set of ideals; these ideals serve as the fundamental basis on which member companies build commercial relationships.

"Creating a community of trustworthy businesses, Setting standards for marketplace trust, Encouraging and supporting best practices, Celebrating marketplace role models and Denouncing substandard marketplace behavior"
- Better Business Bureau, http://www.bbb.org/

By adhering to the above ideals, the integrity and performance of the Better Business Bureau members demonstrate their intention to provide business services of the highest quality. These same standards are used to arbitrate disputes with companies who are not registered with the Better Business Bureau.

* What can the Better Business Bureau do for you?
What the Better Business Bureau can do for you depends on which of three main categories you fall into as follows:

1) Consumer
2) Business
3) Charity or Donor

* Consumer
Business Checks: As a consumer you can check out the various businesses registered with the organization, to determine which companies operate in compliance with the tenets of the Better Business Bureau.

Complaints: Filing complaints against a company is made fast and easy. The Better Business Bureau will address complaints made against any company, regardless of whether that business is online, offline, BBB Accredited Businesses or non-accredited businesses. They will even accept complaints against charities and non-profit organizations.

Resource Library: Consumers have access to a large resource of information, to help them understand the many different processes and aspects of dealing with a company. The areas covered involve scam warnings, security alerts, helpful tips and so forth.

* Businesses
Accreditation: In addition to business checks, complaints and the resource library, many businesses seek to attain the accreditation of the Better Business Bureau. Accreditation

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