A BBB Accredited Business gets to be one only after the Better Business Bureau has determined that the business fully meets the organization’s accreditation standards.
In order to be officially certified, a business must file an application to the agency and pay an annual recurring fee which covers the costs of the vetting process and program membership.

The payment covers the initial applicant evaluation and approval process, the ongoing monitoring for compliance assurance, as well as general support of services provided by the Better Business Bureau to the general public.

Businesses that are interested in the BBB’s stamp of approval are required to be contractually committed to the BBB Standards for Trust, which are the agency’s accreditation standards.
The code details 8 core principles which reflect key aspects of creating and maintaining trust in the marketplace, and it guides businesses on how they should treat customers – fairly and honestly under all circumstances:

• Build Trust
• Advertise Honestly
• Tell the Truth
• Be Transparent
• Honor Promises
• Be Responsive
• Safeguard Privacy
• Embody Integrity

Additionally, in order to be eligible for an accreditation review, businesses must meet a number of minimum qualifications.

Just to name a few: a minimum of “B” rating; being in business for at least 12 months; supplying the BBB with all relevant business information, documents, licenses and bonding required by law in the applicant’s jurisdiction; being free of government sanctions or ethics violations; working closely with the organization if the business has a record of customer complaints; adhering to legal and BBB rules and codes regarding advertising – and more.

In case a business stops meeting their standards after being successfully certified, the accreditation will be revoked. This is an action that will be reflected in the company’s online BBB Business Review, in order to alert consumers.

Members of the program get the ability to display the BBB’s highly recognizable graphic badge on their website, advertising materials, physical location, or other business assets.
This well-known trust seal provides instant recognition and may increase trust among potential customers.

The reason? Many consumers see the symbol as a sign of legitimacy, honesty, trustworthiness, good business standing, reputation, and reliability. It is awarded by a professional, unbiased and well-recognized business accreditation nonprofit organization.

In a highly competitive market, any advantage that a company can get over its competitors can greatly influence its bottom line and long-term success.