[October 16, 2008] Central California—Although economists cannot seem to agree when the economy will take an upturn, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) serving Central California definitely knows that people are using its services significantly more than in 2007.
Reliability reports provided over the phone have increased 6.25 percent since January 2008 over the same period last year, with an average of 2,200 verbal reports given per month. Consumers using the Internet to find reports on businesses have risen 62 percent over the past year, with a monthly average of 29,000 searches.
In addition, recent surveys have shown that seven out of ten consumers say they prefer to do business with a BBB Accredited Business and that they look for the BBB seal. Internet activity supports that preference. Tracking data since January 2008 over the same period last year shows that BBB Accredited Businesses displaying the OnLine BBB Seal on their websites have had an increase of nearly 80 percent in customers clicking on the seal and checking on the company’s report.
“It is obvious to us that consumers are increasingly unwilling to spend their discretionary income with businesses they don’t trust,” said Doug Broten, CEO. “They trust the BBB to provide them with reliable information on businesses before they make purchases.”
Check out a company’s reliability report here or call 800.675.8118.
About BBB
BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization's high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB provides objective advice, free business BBB Reliability ReportsTM and charity BBB Wise Giving ReportsTM, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses when there is difference in viewpoints. The first BBB was founded in 1912. Today, 125 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada, evaluating and monitoring nearly 4 million local and national businesses and charities. Please visit www.bbb.org for more information about BBB.