To be eligible for BBB Accreditation, companies must be in business for at least one year and have no unanswered complaints and a B rating or higher with the BBB. Businesses must demonstrate a high level of integrity and commitment to doing business the right way.
Similarly, charities seeking BBB Accreditation must meet the BBB’s 20 Standards for Charity Accountability. These standards look at nonprofits’ governance, oversight, effectiveness, finances and fundraising materials, while ensuring charities are ethical and conscientious with the use of donations.
Once invited, organizations must apply for BBB Accreditation and undergo a background check, which includes a review of time in business, licensing and insurance requirements, vendor/customer references and complaint history.
After completed, organizations are presented to the BBB’s board of directors for final approval.
There is a nominal investment for BBB Accreditation, based on the number of employees, locations and affiliated organizations. This investment gives BBB Accredited Businesses and Charities the ability to display the BBB logo. It also puts this elite group of organizations in front of potential customers and donors looking to do business or support causes.
BBB Accreditation can be revoked at anytime for failure to abide by the BBB’s standards.
BBB Accreditation acknowledges and reinforces trustworthiness.
Contact your local BBB for a list of BBB Accredited Businesses in various industries or BBB Accredited Charities you may be interested in supporting. Visit www.bbb.org or call (937) 222-5825 or (800) 776-5301.
John North is president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau.
About the Author