Posted by Delta_CA on 12/5/06 1:32pm
Msg #163988

The BBB called me.............

and invited me to join. $365 per year. I have never seen anything on the board about joining these guys. Anybody have any input?

Reply by John_NorCal on 12/5/06 1:42pm
Msg #163994

Why join them, especially for that price. It may be different if you had a service that was primarily directed to consumers, like a store, for instance. But if you are marketing to TC's, lenders, etc, then they are of no value to you. They were set up as a mediation service between vendors and consumers. I wouldn't spend my money there.

Reply by Delta_CA on 12/5/06 1:45pm
Msg #163996

Thanks. That's what I thought.

Reply by John_NorCal on 12/5/06 1:48pm
Msg #163998

Re: Another thought on the BBB....

I see a lot of posts of people threatening to report a SS, TC etc to the BBB for non-payment. Having once been a member of the BBB, for another business, I wonder if the complaintants really know the purpose of the BBB. They are not a collection agency for independent contractors. If you have a problem with a store whose owner is a member of the BBB, then you probably stand a chance of a favorable resolution, but even that is up to the store owner. The BBB is a voluntary membership organization, it has no regulatory purpose whatsoever. It's strictly public relations for its members.

Reply by kathy/ca on 12/5/06 4:00pm
Msg #164031

They have contacted me twice, for $365 NOT! n/m

Reply by BarbaraL_CA on 12/5/06 5:26pm
Msg #164059

Re: The BBB called me.....contrary to John's thought...

I am a member of the BBB, this is my 2nd year. My marketing philosophy is if it costs $1.00-$1.50/day ($365 - $1/day) give it a try for one year. I did and then I did it again for my 2nd year. I don't just market to TC's lenders, etc., but I also focus on marketing to local businesses, attorneys, doctors, and the general public. The BBB to many people is a "credibility" thing, and to other BBB members it's a "networking" thing. After I joined I noticed an increase in my local clients. It works for me - maybe not for others - it's your choice.

Reply by Ernest__CT on 12/5/06 5:35pm
Msg #164065

Barbara: Where do you advertise your membership?

Or does your local BBB have meetings?

Reply by BarbaraL_CA on 12/5/06 5:40pm
Msg #164068

Re: Barbara: Where do you advertise your membership?

It's on every page of my website (I get 85-90% of my business thru my website). The BBB puts out a local BBB "Yellow Pages" phone book, I put the BBB emblem on my ads for my ID Theft Seminars. I also advertise in the Christian Yellow Pages. I haven't put the emblem or reference on my business card because I don't think it's necessary and would distract from my logo and website name. The BBB site also links to my website.

Reply by Ernest__CT on 12/5/06 5:47pm
Msg #164076

Wow! Thanks! n/m

Reply by Joe Ewing on 12/5/06 6:08pm
Msg #164085

Just look at it this way Delta, for $395 you can actually "BUY" credibality.

IMHO Credibality but no experience is better than experience but no credibality.

Reply by BarbaraL_CA on 12/5/06 6:55pm
Msg #164099

But Joe....

I've got BOTH creditbility and experience whether I "pay" for it or not

Fact: the BBB seal does attract a bit more business in my opinion... it's a marketing tool for me.

Reply by Ernest__CT on 12/5/06 7:03pm
Msg #164107

The BBB is very coy about their membership fee, ...

... at least in CT. I've sent a request for info.