How to File a Complaint with the Better Business Bureau over the Internet (USA)

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-02 02:12

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a group of private entities that operates in the United States and Canada to foster the existence of a fair market for businesses and consumers. The entity collects information regarding the trustworthiness, fraud and ethical practices of business activities, reporting scams and other business-related issues to the public. Furthermore, the BBB gives consumers the opportunity to submit complaints that can help the body itself act as a mediator between the consumer and a particular company. If you live in the United States, this article will tell you exactly how to file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau over the Internet.

Steps

Step 1. Review the BBB Complaint Acceptance Guidelines

There are some rules to follow to file a complaint. For example, the BBB does not accept anonymous complaints, or complaints that do not relate to the sale or advertising of a product or service. Therefore, be sure to thoroughly analyze the guidelines before you set out to file your grievance.

Step 2. To get started, visit the Better Business Bureau's US website and click the "File A Complaint" button

Step 3. Click on the "Next" button to continue

Step 4. Select the options that best relate to your complaint

• Select the country in which the company you intend to file a complaint against is located.

• Choose what type of service or product is relevant to the complaint. Unless it is about a vehicle, cell phone or mobile carrier, charity, or advertisement for children, select the "a product or service" option.

• Select whether or not you are a military service employee, a civilian employee of the Department of Defense, an employee or a retired military. If none of these alternatives work for you, select the "No" option.

  

  Step 5. Click the "Next" button to continue

  

  Step 6. Select your country of residence from the drop-down menu, enter the postcode and click on the "Next" button

  

  Step 7. Search the BBB corporate database for the company you are filing the complaint against

  This will facilitate the process that regulates the complaint. You can do this by entering the company phone number, the company name or by searching for the URL. Follow the instructions to find the company and click "Next" when done.

  • If you cannot find the company in the database, enter its contact information manually and click "Next".

    

    Step 8. Then you will be shown the specific section of the BBB that will handle your complaint

    Click on the "Next" button to go directly to the BBB division website.

    

    Step 9. Enter your contact details and click the "Next" button

    

    Step 10. Select a category from the "Primary Classification" drop-down menu and describe the problem in 2030 characters or less within the text entry field

    Click the "Next" button when done.

    

    Step 11. Fill out the complaint form to share as much information as possible about the product, service and company dealing with your complaint

    These questions are optional, so it is not mandatory to answer in order to submit the complaint. However, the more information you give the BBB, the easier it will be for the body to take action. Click on the "Next" button when done.

    

    Step 12. Select the conciliation method you want from the drop-down menu and enter what description you prefer regarding the resolution of your problem

    The BBB will use this information to facilitate an agreement between you and the company in question.

    

    Step 13. Review the information entered in your complaint

    You can use the "Back" button at the bottom of the page or the browser back button to change incorrect information. When you are ready to submit your complaint, click the "Submit" button at the bottom of the page.

    Advice

    • Complaints regarding serious legal issues, such as discrimination or issues that arise prior to litigation, are generally better handled by the public administration and the legal system. Compulsory the BBB Complaint Acceptance Guidelines.

      Warnings

      • The BBB can reject complaints that contain foul language or offensive terms. For more information check the BBB Complaint Acceptance Guidelines.