Years ago (1991), I decided to join the BBB. The economy had soured at the time, and belonging to such an organization might be worthwhile to boost my business I had thought.
After paying those dues for a few years, the only thing I had gotten out of being a member was less money in my bottom line, it seemed. :blink:
I perceived that recommendations were more dependent on whether I was a paying member, rather than the integrity of my business practices. I may have been wrong, but decided to discontinue paying for a membership that did not offer any real benefits to my business model.
Fast-forward to last week. The economy is going sour again, and I received a telemarketing call from them trying to sign me up to be a member. While the guy persisted and would not take "no" for an answer (I hate it when they do that), I explained that the only thing they did for me the last time was make my wallet thinner. :furious:
Of course, he did not like that statement from me. Too bad, that's his problem. It's my wallet, and if I want to keep my money in there, that's my decision! :laughing:
Yesterday, I encountered this article about them, confirming my suspicions that they skewer their recommendations based on whether you are paying membership fees, and not as much how well you operate your business. :blink:
While their official rating system has only recently been changed, my perceptions of that practice were the same, nevertheless. So, now I have been vindicated, it would seem. :whistling
Anyone else here care to tell about their experiences? Are you a dues-paying member, and do you think you're getting your money's worth?
After paying those dues for a few years, the only thing I had gotten out of being a member was less money in my bottom line, it seemed. :blink:
I perceived that recommendations were more dependent on whether I was a paying member, rather than the integrity of my business practices. I may have been wrong, but decided to discontinue paying for a membership that did not offer any real benefits to my business model.
Fast-forward to last week. The economy is going sour again, and I received a telemarketing call from them trying to sign me up to be a member. While the guy persisted and would not take "no" for an answer (I hate it when they do that), I explained that the only thing they did for me the last time was make my wallet thinner. :furious:
Of course, he did not like that statement from me. Too bad, that's his problem. It's my wallet, and if I want to keep my money in there, that's my decision! :laughing:
Yesterday, I encountered this article about them, confirming my suspicions that they skewer their recommendations based on whether you are paying membership fees, and not as much how well you operate your business. :blink:
While their official rating system has only recently been changed, my perceptions of that practice were the same, nevertheless. So, now I have been vindicated, it would seem. :whistling
Anyone else here care to tell about their experiences? Are you a dues-paying member, and do you think you're getting your money's worth?