In the world of BBBs we must remember that the key role of the organization is to protect the organizations that pay them. It's called patronage, folks. I have used them only once, but pretty much got the standard treatment. They contact the vendor you have a dispute with, pretty much reply with a non-committal response that the sponsor feeds them, and then they're done. I have found them pretty much average, as they perform their "services" pretty much on script.
I think the error may be that people think that they somehow are an advocate for people who use the businesses that are members. Actually they are advocates for the Businesses. Keep this in mind and use them judiciously as the whole system is basically geared to the businesses and not you. It's not a ruse or anything, it just is what it is. It does question why the BBB "sticker in the window" thing is really worth anything, now doesn't it? read more