Are you having a problem with a business and you cannot solve it with them? If so, you are able to consider filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The Better Business Bureau is a private organization that serves as a mediator between business and consumers to resolve disputes. However, not all complaints can be filed to the BBB. So, when can I file a complaint with the BBB?
The Situations to File a Complaint with the Better Business Bureau
You may wonder when you are able to file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. You are able to file a complaint with the BBB, if you face these situations.
- You may have tried to resolve a problem with a business such as a poor product or billing disputes, but you have not been satisfied with the solution.
- There are deceptive or fraudulent practices such as deceptive advertising, fraudulent activities, misleading information and many other types of deceptive or fraudulent practices.
- There is breach of contract. Let’s say that a business fails to fulfill its contractual obligations such as not sending goods or services as promised.
- When a business often gives inadequate customer service such as being rude, unresponsive, or having unprofessional behaviour, you can file a complaint with the BBB.
- You get unauthorized charges on your credit card or bank statements from a business.
- You can file a complaint when a business fails to honor a guarantee or a warranty.
- A business misuses your personal information.
It is important for you to note that before you file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, you need to have documentation and evidence to support your complaint such as receipts, emails, contracts, or any other types of evidence.
Some Common Types of Complaints That Are Submitted to the Better Business Bureau
According to the People Clerk site, here are some common types of complaints which are submitted to the BBB.
- The sales of used and new car
- Disputes against any business because of the product or service
- Disputes with phone companies such as returns, overcharges, or bills
- Fraudulent advertising
- Disputes against a charity
- Problems related with privacy policy or practices
The Types of Complaints That Are Rejected by the Better Business Bureau
As explained earlier, not all complaints are accepted by the Better Business Bureau. There are a number of types of complaints that will not be accepted by the BBB and those are listed below.
- Complaints about government agencies
- Complaints against an individual which is not engaged in the business
- Complaints involving employers and employees
- Complaints related to discrimination
- Complaints that are now filed in court
The Requirements for the Complaints to be Accepted by the Better Business Bureau
If you want your complaint to be accepted and processed by the Better Business Bureau, you have to make sure that you meet the requirements as you are able to read below.
- You have to include your full name, address and email.
- You have to provide the name and address of the business.
- You need help from the BBB to be able to solve your problem with the business.
- There is a relationship between you and the business that you are filing a complaint about, for example, you buy goods from the business.
- The problem needs to happen in the last 12 months.
- The business did not do what they had to do, for example delivering the goods.
- In the complaint, there is no abusive language.
- When you are filing a complaint with the BBB, a lawsuit has not been filed.
So, if you want to file a complaint to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) about a business, make sure that you meet the requirements above so that your complaints will be processed.
A bookworm and researcher especially related to law and citizenship education. I spend time every day in front of the internet and the campus library.
