SecurShred is proud member of the Better Business Bureau.
What Is A Better Business Bureau?
Our Vision:
An ethical marketplace where buyers and sellers can trust each other.
Our Mission:
To be the leader in advancing marketplace trust.
How can it help me?
This information answers these and other questions asked by you. The services provided by your Better Business Bureau can make you a better informed and more satisfied consumer. Use these services often. It is to your advantage to do so.
How does the Better Business Bureau help me?
Your BBB helps you both directly and indirectly. The Bureau helps you directly by:
Providing information about a company before you do business with it. Helping to resolve a complaint you might have against a firm, including a final step of binding arbitration in most areas.
Providing you with good consumer information so that you can make intelligent buying decisions. Providing information on charitable organizations.
In addition the Bureau aids you by:
Fostering ethical advertising and selling practices. Monitoring advertising and selling practices. Alerting consumers to bad business and advertising practices when the business in question will not cooperate with the Bureau to eliminate the abuse.
Disseminating consumer information through newspapers, radio,
television, and printed literature. Providing speakers for schools, civic groups and business organizations. Providing the media with public information materials on consumer subjects.
Aren’t Bureaus best known for their handling of complaints?
Actually, most consumer contacts with Bureaus are inquiries (checking out a company) and not complaints. The wise consumer checks with a Bureau BEFORE dealing with an unknown company. Such inquiries reduce the possibility of complaints arising.
How are complaints handled?
Most Bureaus prefer to have complaints in writing. This procedure is desirable for accuracy and efficiency. Each complaint is taken up with the business firm involved by a consumer service specialist. Normally, the matter is satisfactorily resolved and the complainant is advised. However, if the firm does not cooperate, or fails to resolve a complaint satisfactorily after several requests, the complainant is advised and the fact is noted in the firm’s file. In many instances further action is taken through binding arbitration.
What is consumer arbitration?
Most Bureaus have established consumer arbitration programs as a means of voluntarily resolving business/customer disputes. Traditionally, the Bureaus have attempted to resolve such disputes by mediation. This method is usually successful, and the majority of disputes will continue to be settled in this manner.
In cases where resolution is not achieved through mediation, arbitration can be used. In the past, the consumer’s only alternative was the courts, which takes time and money. Arbitration can quickly resolve a problem, and it is, of course, legally binding on all parties.
What information do bureaus give about companies?
Information given to consumers is based upon the Bureau’s record on a company. The report is a summary of the actual performance record of the company as reflected in the Bureau files, supplemented by special Bureau investigations, if needed. In addition, the local Bureau can draw upon additional information compiled by the national BBB network.
What does the BBB not do?
It does not give legal advice. It cannot help to breach or assist in
voiding contracts made without fraud or misrepresentation. It does not make collections of any kind, nor does it provide credit information. It does not act as a reference or give recommendations or endorsements. It does not appraise articles; pass judgment on the question of the price charged for merchandise or quality of services or workmanship, efficiency of operation of devices or how long merchandise should wear or last.
Are Bureaus effective?
Bureaus have millions of contacts with consumers annually. Bureau statistics indicate that a majority of the complaints received are settled. Surveys show that Bureaus are the first choice of consumers in need of help.
When did the Bureaus start this work?
The first Bureaus began operation over 75 years ago. Originally, the Bureaus were the “Vigilance Committees” of Advertising Clubs,
established to eliminate fraud in advertising. As they broadened their function to monitor other marketing practices and the performance of business, the Better Business Bureau System evolved.
Why are there BBBs?
Bureaus exist because business believes that it is best able to correct abuses in the marketplace. Legitimate business also wants to provide all the help necessary (through Bureaus) to help customers get satisfaction for their money. That is good business!
Does the Better Business Bureau have legal powers?
Bureaus are private, self-regulatory agencies that seek the voluntary cooperation of business. When illegal practices are uncovered and the business refuses to cooperate with the Bureau, the matter is referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Also, Bureaus have close working relationships with governmental agencies such as the Federal Trade Commission, with consumer protection agencies, and the State Attorneys General.
Where does the Better Business Bureau get its operating funds?
BBBs are organized as nonprofit corporations and financed by membership dues or subscriptions paid by responsible business and professional firms in the community. Reputable firms are solicited for membership to maintain and expand services provided by the BBB.
