Better Business Bureau

[cheesehead]

Hello. Has anyone ever been a member of the "Better Business Bureau"? I was contacted by them through an inquiry of a customer that said I did an outstanding job. The "Better Business Beureau" contacted me and asked if I wanted to be a member. They do yellow page advertising, arbitration if needed and some other things. The annual fee is $340 for the first year. The first month is $65 and $25 thereafter. If anyone has any input or ideas on this subject, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You in advance.

[Phil Nilsson]

I think the more organizations you belong to that add credibility, reliability, fair biz dealings for your company the better. I think one thing that customers look for is a 100% satisfaction guarantee. With each new job bid, enclose a (separate guarantee sheet) spell out in detail how you back up your work. Put the customer's mind at ease that there is no risk in dealing with you.

Phil

[1PRO]

B.B.B

The B.B.B was ok for me untill you get 1 complait it could be about your service 1 time i did an estimate for a prospect i told him my price he said great could you do the job this week i said yes then as i was about to leave he said that his neghibor would like to talk to me for his clean up got his lawn as well the next day we pull up to start went around to the back and his other next door neghibor had put all his leaves on the side the job i
was doing i then said well those leaves weren't there yesterday
so i left the next day sunday he calls my v.m and procedes to vent his dislike etc monday i return the call he s cusing and stuff
i said sir do what you have to and dont call my companys v.m cursing then hung up.In short watch who you are dealing with
you can do the best job anywhere but all it takes is for one unjustly complaint and it goes against you the give you a chance to correct the complait but i work to hard to make a good name
and dont see the need to pay money for an open complanit line
so i m not a member anymore.

Good Luck

[BravesFan]

I'm not a fan of the BBB. Just another hand trying to get in your pocket.

Dennis

[dennis]

bbb

I was wondering about the same thing. I was reported to them once for a dispute in price which was actually lower than proposed at first. Had some supposedly landscaper from another city tell her he could have done the job cheaper, yet he never even saw her house let alone the job. The bbb gave me a clean report though. But they have contacted me again now saying someone was asking about my company. I have been in business 11 years with no problems except the once. So what do ya'll think? And again any help is appreciated.

[Phil Nilsson]

Dennis ... what you're saying is that the BBB can do you more harm than good ... you could have done 100 first class jobs (never reported) and one bad job that IS reported and comes back to haunt you. Bottom line? ... DO NOT JOIN THE BBB because you have more to lose than gain.

Phil

[dennis]

Originally posted by Phil Nilsson
Dennis ... what you're saying is that the BBB can do you more harm than good ... you could have done 100 first class jobs (never reported) and one bad job that IS reported and comes back to haunt you. Bottom line? ... DO NOT JOIN THE BBB because you have more to lose than gain.

Phil

Which Dennis are you responding to. I was not saying that it did more harm. I was just telling you my experience and asking for your advice. And by the way I did join. Was this wrong or not? You have more experience in this business than I do. Bottom line? So why are you telling me not to join.

[Phil Nilsson]

Unhappy customers may call the BBB to complain, but how many happy customers will take the time to call the BBB and say you did a good job? Why chance that the BBB will run a fair score card for you?

Phil

[dennis]

So which is it join or don't join.

[BravesFan]

Keep your money in your pocket. If it's burning a hole and you just HAVE to get rid of some, PM me for my mailing address.



Dennis

[dennis]

Originally posted by BravesFan
Keep your money in your pocket. If it's burning a hole and you just HAVE to get rid of some, PM me for my mailing address.



Dennis

Sorry money done fell through lots of holes. Thanks for the suggestion though.

[cheesehead]

Thank you all for your opinions to my question. Very much appreciated. It is always nice to hear from others.