While the BBB cannot force a company to do anything, the BBB does offer consumers valuable insight into companies and may be able to resolve issues through arbitration.

How serious is a BBB complaint?

When businesses receive a complaint through the Better Business Bureau (BBB) , it can really harm marketplace trust. BBB complaints are not only publicly available, but they also impact your overall BBB rating.

What does the Better Business Bureau investigate?

The BBB is a nonprofit membership organization with chapters throughout North America that, according to its website, are “focused on advancing marketplace trust.” It promotes that mission primarily through two functions: rating businesses based on their reliability and performance, and facilitating the resolution of …

Can BBB remove complaints?

The BBB has a policy of keeping complaints on a business’s record for three years to keep their reporting accurate. After three years, the complaint will age off your record, but until then, there is no option for removing a consumer complaint.

What to do if a business complains to the Better Business Bureau?

If the business responds to a complaint but the customer remains dissatisfied, BBB may request a second response from the business. BBB staff will also consider whether mediation or arbitration should be offered. Dispute Resolution services vary by region. Please contact your local BBB office for details on the programs offered.

How does the BBB respond to a complaint?

If the business responds to a complaint but the customer remains dissatisfied, BBB may request a second response from the business. BBB staff will also consider whether mediation or arbitration should be offered.

What can the Better Business Bureau do for You?

For consumers, perhaps the greatest usefulness of the BBB is its complaint process. When you have a dispute with a business, you can file a complaint against it with the BBB, which will contact the company on your behalf and try to mediate between yourself and the business.

Do you have to give your contact information to the Better Business Bureau?

They also accept complaints against charities and non-profits. Because the BBB will not process anonymous complaints, you will be required to provide your contact information in any complaint you file with them. Additionally, BBB complaints must include a company name and enough information to forward the complaint to the company.