Posted by Bob (OH) on December 18, 2002 at 02:48:20:
Just to note from Ohio, Here ANY company can “register” with the BBB for free. Now, I guess, that means that if you have a potential customer, they can call them up and ask about you (company) and they (BBB) will say just that. You are registered but not a member. They have your address, and other contact information. I believe they will take a complaint but…not real sure since you dont pay.
An idea to try anyway.
Bob(OH)
Joining BBB - Posted by Juanita
Posted by Juanita on December 17, 2002 at 18:43:58:
Hello everyone,
I am considering joining the BBB. I know, I know, there are definitely mixed reviews here on the subject. But, the question that I have, is what will they require from me (besides a nice chunk of my paycheck) to join? I incorporated 7 months ago, but due to personal issues, haven’t done a deal yet. (Been talking to sellers and making offers though, just haven’t been able to get a creative deal accepted). A question that’s come up several times, is “Are you a member of the BBB?” Now I am thinking that instead of my usual answer, the sellers would be more comfortable if I could just say “Yes”. Now, will the BBB require proof of my transactions, or any documentation of that type, since really, I have never done a deal? I am in Detroit if that helps.
Thanks Everyone!
Juanita
Re: Joining BBB - Posted by Rob FL
Posted by Rob FL on December 17, 2002 at 22:39:57:
The BBB must advertise alot in Detroit. I’ve done tons of deals and never had a seller ask this question.
I’ve typed up a post-closing questionaire. I hand this to every seller at the closing table along with a self-addressed stamped envelope. I ask the seller to fill it out and mail it back to me. The questionaire asks things like: do you feel you were treated fairly, why or why not? did we meet your expectations as far as price, terms, speed of closing, why or why not? would you recommend our services to someone in a similar situation as yours, why or why not? Etc.
Hopefully that makes the point. I have about 5 of these filled out forms now and I gladly hand them out to sellers when we are discussing a possible sale. I’ve had sellers tell me that the reason they did business with me and not my competitor is because I provided very positive references. It’s a heck of alot cheaper than the BBB and it makes a heck of alot more impact on sellers.
Re: Joining BBB - Posted by doug
Posted by doug on December 17, 2002 at 20:42:02:
You have to be in business for 1 year before you can join. They do not monitor anything that you do. they simply keep a record of any complaints filed against you. If you do what you say you’ll do, you’ll have no complaints. And you can “settle” any complaints and it will be posted that the complaint has been satisfied.
Doug K.
Re: Joining BBB - Posted by Jason_NOLA
Posted by Jason_NOLA on December 17, 2002 at 19:45:24:
http://www.bbb.org/bnd/bbbstandards.asp
also
www.bbb.org
www.cbbb.org
Re: Joining BBB - Posted by DavidV
Posted by DavidV on December 19, 2002 at 11:21:28:
Hi Rob.
On the survey do you mention that it may be used as a reference? Or mention it in conversation with your past seller?
Excellant idea! I am definitely going to start using it.
Re: Joining BBB - Posted by Juanita
Posted by Juanita on December 17, 2002 at 21:21:53:
Thanks for the comments Doug. In my area you have to be in business 6 months before you can join. My corporation has been active for seven months - I just didn’t know how they defined “in business” - in this case, would they just look at how long the corporation has been active?
Thanks again.
Re: Joining BBB - Posted by Doug
Posted by Doug on December 18, 2002 at 08:39:34:
J
as far as I know, you don’t need to provide any proof that you’ve done a deal or anything else except start a company. And it’s based simply on how long you’ve beeen in business.
Doug