*Start with your request for a quote here!*
How does the BBB Request A Quote service work?
The BBB’s web-based Request a Quote service permits a consumer to see a list of BBB accredited businesses in a certain business category (i.e., plumber, banker, attorney, home builder, etc.) and within a specified distance from the consumer’s Zip Code. The consumer may choose from 1 or all BBB accredited businesses within the specified industry from this list to request a quote, proposal or information. Each chosen business is notified of the consumer’s request, either by e-mail or fax, and it is then up to the business to follow up with the consumer if the business wishes to pursue doing business with the prospective customer. A business is not obligated to follow-up on a request received through the BBB Request a Quote service, but customers can be confident that most BBB-affiliated businesses will welcome the inquiry or request and do their best to earn your business.
Does BBB® charge consumers or businesses for this service?
BBB Request a Quote is a free BBB service to connect consumers with businesses that meet BBB standards and support BBB services to the community. Keep in mind, some businesses may charge when they come to your home or business to provide a quote or proposal – ask about any charge of this type when scheduling an appointment with a business.
Why did the Better Business Bureau® decide to offer this Request a Quote service?
This new service is a “win-win-win” opportunity: consumers are more likely to find reliable, trustworthy businesses when they choose companies that meet BBB Accreditation standards; businesses that meet BBB standards and support BBB services will benefit from being connected with potential customers who choose the business while on the BBB website; and, the BBB will grow and improve services to businesses and consumers as more businesses see the “bottom-line value” of BBB accreditation. Many businesses support the BBB simply to promote trust and ethics in the marketplace, which is the primary purpose of the BBB. But businesses are asked to support many worthy causes and most businesses do as much as possible to do so. The BBB hopes that many more businesses will invest in BBB Accreditation when they know that their BBB dues both support a “good cause” and help the business grow and prosper by connecting their business directly to potential customers.
Does BBB® help consumers choose trustworthy business through ways other than the “Request a Quote” service?
Absolutely. In addition to consumers who use the BBB’s web tool to request a quote or proposal from BBB Accredited businesses, thousands more consumers visit the BBB website each week to check BBB Reliability Reports® on businesses and charities in our area. Many others use the “Find a BBB Accredited Business” tool on our Website, www.bbb.org, to obtain a list of all BBB Accredited businesses in a certain business category. In many cases, potential customers then contact the business directly, and may never mention that the business was identified from a list of BBB members. Other consumers pick up a copy of the BBB Wise Buying Guide (90,000 copies are distributed to area consumers annually) at a neighborhood retail outlet and use this BBB Accredited business directory to locate a business which provides a product or service the consumer needs. So, the BBB has multiple ways of connecting consumers to BBB Accredited businesses, often without the business even realizing that the BBB had a role in the consumer’s decision to contact the business.
A word about “good business as good business:”
Good business (in the fair and honest sense) is good business (in the “long-term business success” sense.) The BBB is a community of businesses committed to high standards for honest and fair treatment of customers. Consumers value businesses that meet and abide by BBB standards. Good businesses benefit from their affiliation with the Better Business Bureau, and consumers benefit when they choose to do business with BBB-affiliated businesses. The BBB’s work is good for businesses…good for consumers…good for the community. Whether you are a BBB Accredited member business or a consumer using BBB information and services, thank you for supporting BBB’s work to maintain marketplace trust.
*Start with your request for a quote here!*