Lead Mailers Misleading?

[jdeasy]

If I want the BBB to brag on me all I have to do is pay them a fee. They don't care if I am a ripoff artist or not. As long as I will pay them they will be in my corner.

 

[Norwayguy]

Its not only BBB, look at any state consumer affairs department files over the past ten years.

Also, look at the comments posted to this site recently:

Post card for seniors - Face to Face Scams - Scam Detector

What gets me is the author's advice to those reading it:

"Tell your elders to let you know whenever they get such things in the mail. This is a scam and should be ignored at all times."

I am only identifying with the public on this one, not taking sides, but lean toward a more transparent way of doing business. DON"T SHOOT THE MESSENGER.

I understand what you are saying. However the public is not responding to hey buy your life insurance now it is this cheap....Just look at those advertising on TV they have been losing other peoples money since inception. Life Insurance is cheaper now than ever before and we have a lower percentage of ownership than ever.

Add to that DNC laws, Can-Spam, a new anti dialer law and it becomes difficult to reach people. Take my state it is against DOI rules to door knock seniors without thier prior knowledge. However it is not illegal to knock those under 65...What does a home owned by someone over 65 look like.

 

[kspear81]

funny how a simple post can get such a response.

 

[Newby]

If I want the BBB to brag on me all I have to do is pay them a fee. They don't care if I am a ripoff artist or not. As long as I will pay them they will be in my corner.

Only until you get complaints through the BBB.

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They are like AARP. Consumers think the BBB is some type of watchdog with clout and authority. That is the way BBB markets itself. However what they are really about is selling memberships. All a business has to do with a BBB complaint is respond. That is it and the case will close. You don't have to resolve anything. It is much more troublesome to have a complaint on a Yahoo, Goggle, or Yelp review.

http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/business-bureau-best-ratings-money-buy/t/story?id=12123843&ref=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.yahoo.com%2Ftablet%2Fs%3B_ylt%3DA0oG7iWdPT9SeC0Am_vBGOd_%3Fp%3Dbbb%2Bis%2Ba%2Bscam%26ei%3DUTF-8%26fr%3Dipad%26fr2%3Drs-bottom%26rs%3D5%26xargs%3D0%26pstart%3D1%26b%3D31%26xa%3Dc3ri0MeQoPHeVCn6ulbODw--%2C1379962653

I need to see an example of where they market them self as a watchdog with clout and authority. I haven't seen it.

I've seen the TV newsertainment shows on them. Same as the annuity sellers, funeral home scammers, bank frauders, restaurants serving bogus things, etc. those shows can always find odd ball cases and report like they are the norm.

Bottom line, would you rather your customers try to resolve their problems on google or through the BBB?

 

[BWB]

Have you ever dealt with the BBB on the other side? I have and trust me, it is a wise guy good fellas type of organization, their legit practices are noticed less and less everyday by consumers.

As a consumer, I have dealt with the BBB. As a business owner, not yet. I guess it depends what side of the coin you fall on. I can totally understand the business owners point of view. However, as Newby said, its legit to most consumers. IMO, it is a small price to pay. Just like that stupid DUNS gold seal!

 

[John Galt]

As a consumer, I have dealt with the BBB. As a business owner, not yet. I guess it depends what side of the coin you fall on. I can totally understand the business owners point of view. However, as Newby said, its legit to most consumers. IMO, it is a small price to pay. Just like that stupid DUNS gold seal!

That is just it. It is not a small price to pay. I don't consider strong arming me into paying ANY organization a fee so I can get their arbitrary and mediation "Protection". Heck, I got family in NJ, Las Vegas and Chi town if I need some mobsters or goodfellas "Protection" to help me out

I understand where you are coming from and as I have said before I have been on both sides of the equation. I guess I am more of traditionalist who prefers to see the world as the way it is and not as some organization or consumers wish it was.

 

[Newby]

That is just it. It is not a small price to pay. I don't consider strong arming me into paying ANY organization a fee so I can get their arbitrary and mediation "Protection". Heck, I got family in NJ, Las Vegas and Chi town if I need some mobsters or goodfellas "Protection" to help me out

I understand where you are coming from and as I have said before I have been on both sides of the equation. I guess I am more of traditionalist who prefers to see the world as the way it is and not as some organization or consumers wish it was.

John, the fee is only so you can use the logo in your advertising. Everything else works the same regardless of you paying a fee.

It's completely voluntary.

I had no idea so many business owners hate the BBB. I just don't see this misleading advertising of theirs that you guys apparently do.

 

[jdeasy]

John, the fee is only so you can use the logo in your advertising. Everything else works the same regardless of you paying a fee.

It's completely voluntary.

I had no idea so many business owners hate the BBB. I just don't see this misleading advertising of theirs that you guys apparently do.

I can't see any value in them that you do. What will the BBB do for me? I called them one time years ago to make a complaint about a business and they pretty much ignored it. That was back when I thought the BBB was something good for the consumer instead of just a member organization.

 

[HoosierLife]

This has never happened to me but I've been told by two business owners were basically shaken down for a better rating. "Pay X $$ and you will get an A, if not you will get a D rating."

I've also heard its regional. Different mafia levels running different BBBs in different parts of the country.

But this is all heresay...

 

[houcoogster]

This has been my experience with them as well. It's just an expensive sticker to put on your front door. I haven't ever been asked about it the whole time I've done insurance. If they want something done all they have to do is call TDI.....much more effective than BBB.

IK can't see any vlaue in them that you do. What will the BB do for me? I called them one years ago to make a complaint about a business and they pretty much ignored it. That was back when I thought the BBB was something good for the consumer instead of just a member organization.