Your BBB recognizes that even in the best of economic times it can be enticing to think of adding a business award to your front lobby or sales desk. However, the BBB cautions Bakersfield businesses about an offer circulating in the area from the US Commerce Association which offers to sell you a “Best of Bakersfield” award.
The US Commerce Association has an “F” rating with the Washington, D.C. BBB for failure to respond to complaints.
The “Best of Bakersfield” award offered through US Commerce Commission is not related to the “Best of Kern County” awards given through Bakersfield Life.
The company notifies local companies that they have been chosen for a “Best of Bakersfield” award in their business category and that all the company has to do is go to a website and order their plaque. They even provide a customized press release for the business to send out announcing their award.
US Commerce Association is described in the press release as funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The statement, although misleading, is true since local businesses pay for their award, plaques and accompanying marketing materials.
Your BBB urges caution whenever you are asked to pay for an award or honor, either individually or for your business. It is extremely rare that a legitimate award has a cost associated with it.