The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is not a government agency, but a nonprofit organization that consists of many independently incorporated local bureaus, spanning the entire nation. The organization serves as a go-between between consumers and businesses, collecting data and providing free reviews on more than four million businesses. In 2012, the BBB handled over one million disputes between consumers and businesses.
According to their website, the BBB’s mission is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust. BBB accomplishes their mission by:
- Creating a community of trustworthy businesses
- Setting standards for marketplace trust
- Encouraging and supporting best practices
- Celebrating marketplace role models
- Denouncing substandard marketplace behavior
Since 2004, the more than 112 local BBB’s across the U.S. have participated in a program that provides free services to service members and military families. The program, called BBB Military Line, offers resources to military families, including consumer protection and lessons in financial literacy. The BBB’s Military Line is an extension of their stated mission that is specially geared to benefit the military community.
The BBB is always looking to add businesses to its list of members. If you, as a Veteran business owner, would like your business to become a member of the Better Business Bureau, begin by contacting your local BBB, which can be found on the organization’s website.
For more information about consumer protection, or affiliating your business with the BBB, please visit www.bbb.org or search BBB Military Line.
