BBB Accredited

Build Trust

Establish and maintain a positive track record in the marketplace. An accredited business or organization agrees to:

1. Have been operational (actively selling products or services) in any BBB service area for at least the most recent 6 months, unless the principle(s) previously operated a similar business with an eligible record (one that qualifies for BBB accreditation).
2. Fulfill contracts signed and agreements reached.
3. Be free from government action that demonstrates a significant failure to support BBB ethical principles in marketplace transactions.
4. Be free of an unsatisfactory rating and maintain at least a B rating at the accrediting BBB and the BBB where it is headquartered, if different.
5. In its relationship with BBB, meet all applicable standards, cooperate with BBB efforts to promote voluntary self-regulation, honor settlements, and complete the required application and monetary obligations.

Advertise Honestly

Adhere to established standards of advertising and selling. An accredited business or organization agrees to:

1. Follow federal, state/provincial and local advertising laws.
2. Abide by the BBB Code of Advertising, supply substantiation for claims upon request, and correct practices when recommended.
3. Adhere to applicable BBB industry codes of advertising.
4. Cooperate with BBB self-regulatory programs for the resolution of advertising disputes.
5. Use the BBB name and logos in accordance with BBB policy.
6. Avoid misleading customers by creating the false impression of sponsorship, endorsement, popularity, trustworthiness, product quality or business size through the misuse of logos, trustmarks, pictures, testimonials, or other means.

Tell the Truth

Honestly represent products and services, including clear and adequate disclosures of all material terms. An accredited business or organization agrees to:

1. Make known all material facts in both written and verbal representations.
2. Ensure that any written materials are readily available, clear, accurate and complete.

Be Transparent

Openly identify the nature, location, and ownership of the business, and clearly disclose all policies, guarantees and procedures that bear on a customer’s decision to buy. An accredited business or organization agrees to:

1. Upon request, provide BBB with all information required to evaluate compliance with BBB standards.
2. Clearly disclose to customers: Direct and effective means to contact the business; Terms of any written contract; Any guarantees or warranties accompanying a product; Any restrictions or limitations imposed; The business’ return/refund policy; Any recurring commitment into which the customer may be entering; Total cost of the transaction.
3. If selling products or providing services on Web sites: Provide any required product labeling information; Disclose the nature and terms of shipping; Provide an opportunity to review and confirm the transaction before the sale is completed; Provide a receipt summarizing the transaction after the purchase.

Honor Promises

Abide by all written agreements and verbal representations. An accredited business or organization agrees to:

1. Fulfill contracts signed and agreements reached.
2. Honor representations by correcting mistakes as quickly as possible.

Be Responsive

Address marketplace disputes quickly, professionally, and in good faith. An accredited business or organization agrees to:

1. Promptly respond to all complaints forwarded by BBB.
2. Make a good faith effort to resolve all complaints, which includes mediation if requested by BBB.
3. Comply with any settlements, agreements or decisions reached as an outcome of a BBB dispute resolution process.
4. Cooperate with BBB in efforts to eliminate the underlying cause of patterns of customer complaints.

Safeguard Privacy

Protect any data collected against mishandling and fraud, collect personal information only as needed, and respect the preferences of customers regarding the use of their information.

1. Respect Privacy: Businesses conducting e-commerce agree to disclose what information they collect, with whom it is shared, how it can be corrected, how it is secured, how policy changes will be communicated, and how to address concerns.
2. Secure Sensitive Data: Ensure sensitive data (credit card, bank numbers, etc.) is transmitted via secure means.
3. Honor Customer Preferences: Respect customer preferences regarding contact by telephone, fax, and email.

Embody Integrity

Approach all business dealings, marketplace transactions and commitments with integrity. An accredited business or organization agrees to avoid involvement in activities that reflect unfavorably on the public image of BBB or its accredited businesses.