BBB is Scamming Business Owners for Money

Last Friday 11/12 I was watching an ABC 20/20 about the Better Business Bureau (BBB). They were discussing that business owners are asked to pay a membership fee in order to get an “A” rating on their profile.

This has jogged my memory, as I was once a member of the BBB with an “A-” rating because I was a new member. The membership fee was really high around $400 a year, as I didn’t see any value in my money (no one during that year has told me that they found my business on the BBB) I decided to cancel it when the membership was up.

The following year I’ve notice that my grade has dropped to a “B”, but I didn’t have any complaints, in fact I had two positive reviews. When they called me to renew my membership I asked about the lower grade and the lady told me that after I pay my membership fee the grade would be improved. I was kind of skeptical but I was concerned about the grade and all those potential customers who would be seeing it. The lady also told me that hundred some people have viewed my BBB profile and offered me to pay the dues in two installments. Of course I wanted my grade to be improved, so I paid the first installment and the grade was improved the following day to an “A”.

When it came time for the second installment, I decided that something wasn’t right and I canceled my membership. If you look at my profile now, you’ll see that my grade is a “B+”, again I don’t have any complaints and still the two same positive reviews that I had back then. The only difference now is that I don’t really care how BBB grades me, my customer testimonials on my website are the proof of my work and reputation.

After watching 20/20 on this, I would caution anyone from taking the BBB seriously because I was scammed and I don’t think it’s fair for the public when business owners are tricked to pay for their reputation.

Have you been in a similar situation with the BBB? Leave your comments below.

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