International business can be exciting, but it’s also full of potential problems. Sometimes, those problems can’t be avoided, but one organization that can help minimize risk is the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB gathers complaints from consumers and businesses to make sure businesses are operating with transparency and honesty. For more information on how to take advantage of the BBB’s free services, read this article on the importance of the Better Business Bureau in international business.
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Why Bother?
The BBB is important for a variety of reasons, but especially if you’re looking for businesses for sale. The BBB can help you research a company before doing business with them, and they also offer a complaint resolution service if you have any issues with a business.
Plus, the BBB is a great resource for finding businesses that are accredited and have a good reputation. For instance, it’s a fantastic way to find businesses for sale. If you’re looking for businesses for sale, the BBB offers detailed information about the business including assets, the number of employees, annual revenue, and more.
You can even see how long the business has been in operation! If you see something that catches your eye or sparks your interest be sure to ask questions so you know exactly what you’re getting into before making an investment.
How to Become Better Business Bureau Accredited
Becoming accredited by the Better Business Bureau is an important step for any business, but especially for businesses that want to operate internationally. The BBB provides a level of credibility and trust that is essential when doing business with customers and partners in other countries.
Plus, being accredited by the BBB can help you attract more customers and grow your business. Here’s how to become accredited:
- Make sure your business meets all of BBB’s standards for accreditation.
- Contact your local BBB chapter for a list of the necessary documentation.
- Check with the state or federal government on any requirements related to registering as a foreign corporation or opening an office abroad
- Submit your completed application form and documentation package to the local BBB chapter nearest you.
It may take up to two weeks for your request to be processed and another three months before you receive notice from the national office about whether or not your request has been granted. If approved, congratulations! You are now an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau!
What does Better Business Bureau Accreditation Mean?
Being accredited by the Better Business Bureau is a sign that a company is trustworthy and operates with integrity. This designation is important for businesses that operate internationally, as it can give potential customers confidence that they will be treated fairly.
The BBB also offers dispute resolution services, which can be helpful for businesses and consumers alike. It’s not uncommon for international shipments to take longer than expected to arrive, or for something to go wrong during shipping.
Customers may worry about how to handle these situations if their business partner doesn’t offer customer service locally or speaks another language. With the help of BBB’s dispute resolution services, this problem can be solved quickly and amicably through an independent arbitrator who speaks both languages.
6 Steps on Becoming Better Business Bureau Accredited
- Make sure your business is eligible. To be accredited by the BBB, your business must be for-profit, headquartered in the U.S. or Canada, and at least six months old.
- Check if you already meet BBB standards. The BBB has a set of Standards for Trust that businesses must uphold. If you’re already meeting these standards, great! You can move on to the next step.
- Pay the accreditation fee. Accreditation with the BBB costs $425 and includes a two-year membership.
- Fill out an application form with all required information about your company.
- Send the completed application form, along with any other requested materials, to the BBB headquarters office via mail or email.
- Await results! Once your application is submitted, it takes the BBB up to four weeks to review it.
Once they make their decision, they’ll send you an email informing you whether or not your business has been accredited. From there, congratulations! Your work will only get easier as long as you keep upholding those standards laid out by the BBB and report any changes promptly.
Common Myths About Better Business Bureau Accreditation
The Better Business Bureau is a well-respected organization that provides accreditation to businesses that meet its standards. However, there are some common myths about the BBB and its accreditation process.
Here are a few of the most common myths
- The Better Business Bureau will do anything for money.
- Being accredited by the BBB means the business is reputable and trustworthy.
- Accredited companies are more likely to be successful than non-accredited companies.
- Being accredited by the BBB means that you have nothing to worry about when it comes to fraud or scams because they have all been screened out.
- It’s better to choose an accredited company so if something goes wrong with the transaction, your complaint will be taken seriously.
- If you buy from an unaccredited company and don’t like what you bought, there’s no way to get your money back.
- An unaccredited company won’t provide customer service after the sale has been made.
- There are lots of fake Better Business Bureaus that scam people into thinking they’re accredited.
- Buying from an unaccredited company could lead to identity theft and other personal safety issues.
- Companies can pay to become accredited by the BBB if they pay enough money.
Tips on how to succeed with Better Business Bureau accreditation
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a well-respected international organization that sets standards for businesses to follow. To be accredited by the BBB, businesses must meet certain requirements and adhere to a strict code of ethics.
Here are some tips on how your business can succeed with Better Business Bureau accreditation
1. Make sure you have all the proper licenses to operate in your industry
2. Respect the rights of employees, customers, and suppliers
3. Avoid deceptive or misleading practices
4. Have reasonable customer service policies such as handling complaints and providing refunds promptly
5. Keep accurate records of transactions
6. Provide products and services at fair prices
7. Respond quickly to concerns
8. Don’t discriminate
9. Advertise truthfully
10. Offer a money-back guarantee
11. Use ethical methods to market products
12. Be truthful in reporting contact information
13. Follow the law 14. Be open and honest
15. Stand behind what you sell
16. Sell quality goods
17. Develop long-term relationships
18. Pay attention to details
19. Be courteous
20. Be sensitive to diverse needs
21. Don’t make exaggerated claims
22. Treat others the way you want to be treated yourself
23. Maintain appropriate levels of financial solvency
24. Stay out of legal trouble
25. Watch for changing legislation
26. Communicate clearly
27. Act with integrity
28. Put safety first
29. Take responsibility
30. Live up to commitments
31. Protect assets
32. Operate efficiently
33. Embrace change
34. Be prepared to change with the times
35. Get feedback from consumers
36. Deliver prompt service
37. Acknowledge mistakes
38. Continually improve
39. Contribute to society
40. Learn from mistakes
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