Tips on becoming a BBB accredited business

Tips on Becoming a BBB Accredited Business 

Most firms are already doing what it takes to become a BBB accredited business. However, sometimes BBB accreditation applications get "stuck" because of problems that could be avoided or handled in advance. 

Examples of Common Problems:      

1. Be licensed, if a license is required. If your business is required to be licensed by a state, county, or city agency, make sure that you have a valid, current license before applying for BBB accreditation. BBB accredited businesses are required to operate in lawful ways. If you are not sure about whether your type of business requires a license, contact the BBB.
2. Avoid misuse of BBB logo or name. Firms that are not BBB accredited businesses may not use any form of the BBB logo or name in advertising, on a Website, or in any other kind of communication. Companies that are misusing the BBB name or service mark are not eligible for BBB accreditation.
3. Make sure your ads meet BBB standards. Quite often, well-intentioned businesses are not aware that certain kinds of statements in their advertisements might be considered improper or misleading. If you are unsure about whether your ads meet BBB guidelines, take a moment to check the BBB Advertising Code.
4. Check to be sure your Website meets BBB standards. Websites may lack a privacy policy, information about the security of online financial transactions, and important details about transactions. To learn more about the BBB e-commerce guidelines, which are required for BBB accredited businesses, review the BBB's Accredited Business Standards
5. Be in business for at least one year. The Better Business Bureau welcomes information about brand new businesses for our database. However, to be eligible for accreditation, your firm must have been in operation for a minimum of one year, and in certain instances, there may be additional requirements. 
6. Abide by BBB Accredited Business Standards. If your company has a problematic track record of consumer complaints with the BBB, we will be happy to help you improve your customer service procedures, so that your company can eventually become eligible for BBB accreditation. For additional information, please review the BBB's Accredited Business Standards
7. Business Tax Receipt.  formerly known as an “Occupational License”.  According to the City/County Tax Collector a Business tax is a method used by a local government to grant the privilege of engaging in or managing any business, professional and occupation within its jurisdiction. Chapter 205 of the Florida Statutes governs the authority of municipal governing bodies to collect the business taxes in Florida and set provisions for the enforcement of this process.  This requirement is different for each municipality.  If you are not sure if your business needs a local Business Tax Receipt just contact the BBB and we can help.
8. Corporation/Ficticious Filling.  Any entity that transacts business in Florida as a corporation is required by Florida Statutes to file documents of incorporation or authorization with the Division of Corporations and pay the filing fee.  A Fictitious Name Registration is required of individuals who do business under any name other than their legal personal name or a properly registered corporate name, partnership, trademark, service mark or limited liability company. For more information please visit: www.sunbiz.org  

If the above items are in check for your business then you may be eligible to apply for BBB Accreditation with your Better Business Bureau. To Start an application click here and a Business Relations Representative will contact you to discuss the advantages of being a BBB Accredited Business.

To check thereliability of a companyand find trustworthy businesses, visit BBB.org.

BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB provides objective advice, free BBB Business Reviews® and BBB Wise Giving Reports®, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses when there is a difference in viewpoints. For more than 100 years, Better Business Bureau has been helping consumers find businesses, brands and charities they can trust. In 2013, people turned to BBB more than 132 million times for BBB Business Reviews on more than 4.5 million businesses and Charity Reports on 11,000 charities, all available for free at bbb.org. The Better Business Bureau Serving West Florida is one of 112 local, independent BBBs across North America that provide business reviews on companies within its 11 county service area. These counties include: Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, Hardee, Desoto, Charlotte, Lee & Collier.

Tags: Florida Small Business