You want to trust the businesses you choose—nobody likes risking money, time, or peace of mind on an unknown company. That’s where the Better Business Bureau (BBB) comes in. With a few quick steps, you can use the BBB website to check on a company’s reputation, complaints, and rating before you commit.
Why The BBB Matters
The BBB has been helping people make smarter decisions since 1912. It builds trust between buyers and businesses by maintaining an easy-to-search database, handling complaints, and granting special accreditation to companies that follow honest and ethical standards.
Shady businesses hate transparency. Responsible ones, on the other hand, value a good review and open communication. Checking the BBB profile is a fast way to spot the difference.
What You Can Find in a BBB Report
- BBB Rating (A+ to F): Reflects complaint history, the company’s response, transparency, and years in business.
- Accreditation Status: Shows if the company meets strict BBB standards for honesty.
- Complaint History: Lists both resolved and unresolved customer complaints.
- Customer Reviews: Opinions from real customers (don’t affect the letter rating).
- Contact and Business Info: Confirm you’re looking at the right company.
- Government Action: Notes on fines or regulatory warnings, when available.
These features let you compare options, spot red flags, or find companies that treat their customers right.
How To Search For a Company on BBB
Photo by Tara Winstead
Checking a company’s BBB status doesn’t take much time. You just need the company’s official name and, if possible, their city or zip code.
Step-By-Step Guide:
- Go to the BBB Website: Open BBB.org.
- Search for the Company: Use the search box on the homepage—enter the name of the business and its location (city or zip code).
- Select the Correct Business: Find the exact match in the results. Sometimes, businesses with similar names pop up.
- Read the Profile: Look at the letter rating, accreditation status, and complaint details.
- Check Complaint Handling: Read through how the company responded to complaints. Swift resolutions signal strong customer service.
If you can’t find the company, double-check the spelling or try searching local variations of the name.
Understanding BBB Ratings and What They Mean
Not every company has the coveted A+ BBB rating, but high marks do point to a strong history of fair dealings and happy customers. Ratings are adjusted based on:
- Complaint history and resolution
- Transparency of business practices
- Years in operation
- Failure to respond to complaints
A company can have a great rating even if it isn’t officially BBB-accredited. Accreditation just means they meet BBB’s strict code—think of it as a badge for extra trust.
What Can Lower a Rating?
- Ignoring complaints
- Not explaining business practices
- Getting government warnings
- Repeat or unresolved problems
How to Interpret Customer Complaints
Complaints on the BBB site aren’t always black marks. Even the best businesses get negative feedback. What matters most is the company’s response. Look for patterns—lots of the same complaints, no follow-up, or no effort to fix issues can be a warning sign.
What Accreditation Really Means
BBB accreditation isn’t mandatory, and plenty of reputable companies are not accredited. Those who are, pay a fee for ongoing review and stick to BBB’s code of conduct. Look for the “BBB Accredited” logo on their profile. It signals that the company wants to stand out for their fair business practices.
Other Smart Ways to Check Company Reputation
BBB checks carry a lot of weight, but don’t stop there. Get a bigger picture by:
- Checking Google or Yelp reviews for recent customer experiences
- Looking at the company’s official website
- Seeing what people are saying on social media
- Searching for press coverage or any government action reports
Combining these sources gives you the power to spot issues before they affect you.
What If You Spot a Problem?
If a company has a trail of unresolved complaints or a low rating, think twice. You can avoid headaches by picking providers with fair ratings and a solid record. If you’re already having trouble with a business, the BBB lets you file a complaint so they can help mediate.
Final Thoughts
Before you hire a service or buy a product, let the BBB work for you. It’s fast, free, and could save you from a world of regret. Trust your gut, use the tools available, and only do business with those who take their customers seriously.
The next time you wonder about a company’s reputation, remember: a quick BBB check puts peace of mind right at your fingertips. Don’t skip it—your wallet and sanity will thank you.