As a consumer, I tend to go down a rabbit hole of checking reviews and ratings (like Consumer Reports, the Spruce, etc.) but that's when researching products rather than services. For services I tend to go more by referrals, whether from personal referrals or my local moms group on Facebook. I never really think to check the BBB website. What do your competitors do? Do you have any intel on how your current and past clients found you? When you were on BBB, do you feel like you gained any exposure with potential clients?

This morning I talked marketing strategy / exposure with a friend in the service industry. Her current caseload is full but she's planning ahead, and advertising feels uncomfortable for her line of work (mental health therapist / solo practitioner.) She didn't get any referrals from Angi's List and stopped using that but honestly I can't remember if she used that for her current role or when she was in real estate. Other than personal referrals, we discussed exposure via content sharing... e.g. posting informative articles, blogs, etc. (while protecting patient privacy of course.) She's looking into a site called Alignable where she might gain cross referrals from other therapists in different specialties. I understand that your field is much different, but I'm mentioning Alignable and content creation in case those routes may be helpful. For example, maybe you could virtually meet builders or architects who may have clients needing a KD, and you may have clients seeking a good builder.

My gut feeling is BBB has become a pay for play organization and panders to that more than anything else. I feel that way about CR at times as well. I know ither don't but for the like of me I cannot see how a couple window companies get great review with CR and are top rated products, hen the reality if they are crap. But I digress......

Smart consumers know it's pay for play. Uniformed consumers still think it's capable of forcing a resolution in their favor with a customer complaint. They don't realize that all a business has to do is "respond", even if it's a "nope, we've done everything we are gonna do" type response.

Not worth the cost, IMHO.

1. How important is a certification from the BBB to you? Not at all important.

2. Did you check out the ratings of the companies you use? Sometimes, but more often I use companies based on referrals/local word of mouth.

If I'm not sure who to call, a good indicator is how many of their trucks I see on the road or lawn signs around the area -- indicators that they're at least worth calling for an estimate, since so many locals are using them they must be ok. It's a starting place, but of course it's up to me to do my due diligence after that point.

3. Is the BBB becoming an outdated institution due to Google reviews, Houzz reviews...etc? IDK because I don't read reviews on the BBB. Ratings on Y**p and G***e have to be taken with a gigantic grain of salt. I do occasionally read them but I know that often the opinion isn't even worth the time it takes to read them. But again, might be at least a starting place if I have nowhere else to start. Angie's used to be terrific back when it first started but it pretty much useless anymore; I haven't checked Angie's in years.

Minardi voiced my thoughts perfectly. Not worth it.

I'm a consumer who looks into whomever I'm going to be paying with some scrutiny. I read all the reviews I can find, and take those that come from paid places like Yelp with a grain of salt. I don't recall the last time I searched BBB because I've been horrible companies with good BBB ratings and it made me laugh.

(I'm thinking of a huge regional plumbing service near us--horribly overcharge people--and usually it's a very elderly person getting on Nextdoor to say that the plumber charged them $650 and changed out the flapper on their toilet--"Was I overcharged?").

I care more about Nextdoor than Yelp, and I value reviews that tell me what it is that customer liked about the service. Yelp is much less valuable because...well... we know what goes on with Yelp protecting businesses etc.

BBB is one that I would never look into. I am all too aware of its pay-to-play reputation, and in this day of social networking, I am quite sure its importance has declined and will continue to decline. I'm sure there are some really elderly people who look at it.

Nextdoor and probably a lot of social media is enough like "word of mouth" that if I were you, I'd ask satisfied customers to mention your business there. And forget about BBB, as a waste of money.

Not sure if another opinion is needed but I have only used BBB a couple times with no resolution of my issue. Any reviews online, in general, mean little to me, too. I prefer word of mouth with personal experience. I do read contracts and anything else before I sign. I also have a son who reads these contracts after I have 😁.

It seems like you have made a decision but here is my somewhat dissenting opinion.

I never use the BBB to investigate a purchase. However, I probably am more willing to trust a business that displays the certification and suspect most people are. There is actually research about how people are likely to trust certified and credentialed businesses even when they are made up.

I also suspect the opinions here are going to be biased. I bet most people here believe they are well positioned to pick a great designer. However, what if they were picking a different service that they knew nothing about? Would they be more likely to engage a consultant who displayed a BBB certification? I probably would, just because it is an indication of how important customers are to your business. Even if the certification itself is useless the fact that you see value in displaying some type of commitment to customer service has value in my view.

Having said that, I am not sure it is actually worth the money. I am just saying you should recognize there is value there. Maybe you could find an alternative method to accomplish that same thing. Like displaying a customer service promise or something.

Good luck.

I love BBB. I especially like the " get a quote" service. I can provide a complete description of the needed service, when it's needed, provide details and photographs. This worked out great for garage panel repairs and landscaping projects. ONLY interested parties reply, and I've never had to wait for responses!

I don't know if this service is country -wide, but it's wonderful!

Not positive, but I think BBB is a bunch of local services under a national banner, so services vary by locale.

I would hope that my potential customers see that my 41 years in business is a commitment to my customers and quality work. We also have been members of the Houzz community for over 11 years which I think also adds legitimacy. I'm still a bit torn on the decision. My business partner thinks it's a waste of $. I, on the other hand, think for the small amount, even if we get one customer from it, will pay for it.

I really do appreciate everyone's opinion on this. Thank you so much!

Kelly

What is the fee up to now? The Cost expense might be low for the Benefit of using the logo display. 10K is NOPE. 1K is, well there are worse marketing methods than that where you get nothing for your money. Just look at what Houzz wants to charge.

It's a bit under $1000.

My business never suffered by not being a BBB member.

It's not whether or not you'll get a poor review; it's inevitable, however, it is your response to that review that's important to the customers you want.