Your Guide to Tiered BBB®Accreditation
BETTER PLAN
Welcome Welcome • Packages • Seals for Advertising • Authorization to Use BBB Trademarks • Setting up your BBB Business Profile • Promoting your BBB Accreditation • BBB Customer Reviews • Accreditation Agreement •
You are now part of a group of outstanding businesses committed to advancing trust in our community. At BBB, we believe in the power of trust, and our mission is to advance trust in business. We believe that businesses who embrace trust as a core value in their organization will see that it leads to growth in employees, customers, community, and their bottom line. To us, trust is the glue that holds communities together; it’s the principle BBB was founded on, and it’s what continues to motivate us today. BBB is proud to work with organizations like yours, that lead with integrity and high ethical standards. As a BBB Accredited Business, you help support the programs and services BBB provides to consumers and businesses – from helping people find businesses and charities they can trust to sharing best practices in advertising, customer service, ethics in business, and much, much more. We are committed to helping your business take full advantage of all the benefits that come with BBB Accreditation. This guide is to help you get started, and highlights some of our most popular tools, programs, and services. Please keep it close and reference it often. BBB is a community-based resource, a trusted advisor, and a partner in business – please reach out to us with any questions or if we can help in any way.
Brian Catania President & CEO
Based on the package for which you have chosen, your level of participation in BBB programs is as follows: Basic ($60) • Listing in Accredited Business Directory • Social Media Announcement • Access to Mediation Services • BBB Certificate* • QR Code • Monthly BBB Report • Access to Digital Marketing Better (Mid-level – half price of current dues schedule) • Everything from Basic • BBB Printable Seal for offline marketing* • Ability to add Photos/Videos • 1 Free Arbitration • My Review Application • BBB Decals & Stickers* Best (Full Accreditation – current dues schedule) • Everything from Better • BBB Seal for online marketing & email signatures* • Get a Quote • BBB Magnets & Plaque* • BBB Logo in Directory Search • Early Access to Sponsorship Opportunities • Eligible for Interviews with our Social Media Team
Seals for Offline Advertising
Available only to subscribers of “Better” and “Best” Accreditation packages
Seal for Use in Yellow Pages or Other Print Directories
Seals for Online Advertising
Available only to subscribers of “Best” Accreditation package A+ BBB Rating
A+ BBB Rating
Click for Review
Click for Review Click for Review
Click for Review
A+ BBB Rating
A+ BBB Rating
Click for Review
Click for Review
Click for Review
Click for Review
*Authorization to Use BBB Trademarks a.
General authorization. During the term of this agreement, BBB grants you a nonexclusive, nonassignable and nontransferable license to advertise your BBB accreditation and use BBB trademarks only as set out in this agreement. You agree that BBB trademarks may not be otherwise used, copied, reproduced, or altered in any manner. *Your authorization to use BBB trademarks is dependent on the accreditation package that you chose as outlined above.
b. Use of Accreditation Certificates and Decals. You may display the BBB accreditation certificate and decal at your place of business and at trade shows. You may also display the decal on your businessowned vehicles. c.
Use of BBB Seal. You may, within the scope of permission granted below, advertise your BBB accreditation by using the BBB Accredited Business seal (“the seal”) (Attachment 2), as it may be modified by BBB. BBB will provide the seal in various sizes to you. You must receive prior written permission to use another size, and approval will not be granted unless the new size meets minimum height requirement for “BBB” of 1/8 inches tall. Nothing in this agreement or in your use of the seal or BBB name will give you any right whatsoever in the BBB name or seal, or in similar names or seals, beyond the right granted in this agreement.
d. Advertising BBB rating. You may, within the scope of permission granted below, advertise your BBB rating. Upon learning of a change in your BBB rating, you must immediately correct any advertising that includes the rating. You are encouraged to include the seal in conjunction with advertising your BBB rating. Scope of Permission e. Offline advertising media. a. You may state “BBB Accredited Business” or you may display the seal as shown in Attachment 3 in the following media: newspapers, periodicals, billboards, posters, direct mail, flyers, yellow pages or other directory advertising, telephone, TV or radio spots, business cards, stationery, invoices, facsimile cover sheets, other business documents, and patches. Accredited Business patches may be placed only on company owned clothing. If all your physical locations are within this BBB’s service area, you may advertise your accreditation wherever you do business. If you have physical locations in other BBBs’ service areas, your advertising rights are restricted to this BBB’s service area unless permitted by agreement(s) with other BBBs. b.
You may advertise your BBB rating wherever you are permitted to display the seal in offline advertising media except that you may not advertise your BBB rating in yellow pages or any other directory that cannot be immediately revised if your BBB rating changes.
Trademarks (cont.) f.
Online advertising a. You may also display the seal to identify your BBB accreditation on your website and on websites where you advertise so long as (1) you include the words “Click for Review” adjacent to or below the seal as shown in Attachment 3 and (2) the seal hyperlinks to your BBB Business Profile. b.
You may advertise your BBB rating on your web site and on web sites where you advertise as long as the advertising can be immediately revised if your BBB rating changes.
g. Email signatures a. You may also display the seal, with a hyperlink to your BBB Business Profile, as part of your signature block in business emails. BBB Communications h. You consent to receive phone calls, emails and text messages from BBB about your BBB Accreditation, consumer complaints and reviews, and opportunities to participate in other BBB services, programs, and events. You may opt out of marketing and advertising communications by contacting us at accreditedbusiness@atlanta.bbb.org.
Your business login gives you access to all of your account information
Get Started Login to your business account
Follow the steps below to log in to your business account:
1
Log into your BBB Business App, and click “reset password” to access your account.
2 Once logged in, visit the “Get Started” tab to complete your account set up.
3
Then view the “Dashboard” tab to download your BBB Certificate, BBB Seals for offline advertising and your Business Profile QR Code.
BBB provides customers with knowledge about the companies they are going to possibly do business with, which makes people feel safe and sure in their decision. BBB Accredited Business
BBB Business Profile The importance of an accurate business profile on BBB.org Millions of consumers visit BBB.org every week to find trusted businesses and nonprofits. When your business appears in the search results on BBB’s website, it’s important to make sure your BBB Business Profile makes the best impression possible. A complete profile with details about your products and services, reviews from customers, and accurate and up-to-date information, is one of the key ways to leverage your BBB Accreditation. Make it easy for a potential customer to quickly find everything they need to know about your organization through your business profile. A robust, fully completed BBB Business Profile is good for SEO and helps your company stand out from competitors.
Business Profile Checklist: BASIC Business address and phone number Business logo Website and email address
BETTER Products and/or services offered Social media handles Hours of operation Service area
BEST Photo and videos Refund or other customer service policies
You’ve earned The Sign of a Better Business℠ Display it proudly for your customers to see! As a Tiered Accredited Business, you have the opportunity to use the BBB Accredited Business Seal—one of the most respected and trusted symbols in business. When customers see the BBB Accredited Business Seal, they know your business is committed to the highest standards of ethical business practices. Stand out from the competition and enhance your credibility by referencing your BBB Accreditation**.
Website
Email Signature
Company Vehicles
Let potential customers verify your status without leaving your website by installing BBB’s dynamic seal
Insert “BBB Accredited Business” after the contact details in your business email signature
Get more mileage out of your seal - display it on company vehicles!
Social Media
Videos
Business Cards & Invoices
Add the Accredited Business Seal to your social media profiles
Reference your BBB Accreditation in videos promoting your business
Include the seal on your business cards, invoices, estimates, etc.
Print & Digital Ads
Business Location
Radio Ads
Include the seal in print and digital ads
Display the seal on signage around your building
Mention your BBB Accreditation in radio ads
BBB has a variety of office and business products imprinted with the Accredited Business Seal, available for purchase. Reach out to your local BBB for details. **The Accreditation package you choose will determine where and how you can advertise it, so be sure to reference your Accreditation Agreement for details.
Become a 5-Star Accredited Business Manage your online reputation - BBB Customer Reviews Customer reviews matter and your reputation depends on them. It’s today’s “word of mouth” advertising so put your customers to work for you! As a BBB Tiered Accredited Business, you never have to struggle with collecting reviews again. Customers are happy to leave feedback if it’s quick and easy. BBB’s Customer Review App makes getting reviews as easy as sending a text. You’ll be surprised at how quickly your customer reviews accumulate and how easy it is to become a 5-Star Accredited Business. BBB’s customer reviews program uses a proprietary algorithm to aid in identifying fake reviews and makes every effort to verify that a review is based on a real marketplace interaction, which is why consumers trust BBB reviews the most. BBB’s Customer Review App is available to subscribers of the “Better” and “Best” Accreditation tiers. Contact your BBB Account rep for more details.
98% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses... And BBB is, by far, the most trusted review site.
BrightLocal, Local Consumer Review Survey, 2022
Accreditation Agreement You apply for accreditation by the Better Business Bureau (“BBB”) and agree to abide by the terms and conditions set forth below. You understand that this agreement is not effective until accepted by BBB. You agree you will notify BBB if you merge, get acquired or consolidate with another business and acknowledge that any resulting new business must re-qualify for BBB accreditation. 1.
Compliance with BBB Code of Business Practices (BBB Accreditation Standards) You agree you have read and understand the attached BBB Code of Business Practices andcertify that you meet the standards set out in the Code. You agree to comply with the Code,as it may be amended by BBB. The then current Code shall apply to you for the duration of accreditation. 2. Authorization to Use BBB Trademarks a. Permission to advertise BBB Accreditation During the term of this agreement, BBB grants you a nonexclusive, non-assignable and nontransferable license to advertise your BBB Accreditation only as set out in this agreement. You agree that BBB trademarks may not be otherwise used, copied, reproduced, or altered in any manner. b. Use of Accreditation Plaques and Decals You may display the BBB plaque and decal at your place of business and at tradeshows. You may also display a decal on your business owned vehicles. c. Use of BBB Seal You may, within the scope of permission granted below, advertise your BBB Accreditation by using the BBB Accredited Business seal (“the seal”), as it may be modified by BBB. BBB will provide the seal in various sizes to you. You must receive prior written permission to use another size, and approval will not be granted unlessthe new size meets minimum height requirement for “BBB” of 1/8 inches tall. Nothing in this agreement or in your use of the seal or BBB name will give you anyright whatsoever in the BBB name or seal, or in similar names or seals, beyond theright granted in this agreement. d. Scope of Permission i. Traditional advertising media You may state “BBB Accredited Business” or you may display the seal in the following media: newspapers, periodicals, billboards, posters, direct mail, flyers, yellow pages or other directory advertising, telephone, TV or radio spots, business cards, stationery, invoices, facsimile cover sheets and other business documents. If all your physical locations are within this BBB’s service area, you may advertise your Accreditation wherever you do business. If you have physical locations in other BBBs’ service areas, your advertising rights are restricted to this BBB’s service area unless permitted byagreement(s) with other BBBs.
Accreditation Agreement (cont.) 3. Suspension/Revocation a. By BBB BBB may suspend and/or revoke your Accredited Business status at any time if you violate the terms of this agreement or if the trademarks licensed herein are invalidated or cancelled. If this agreement is suspended or revoked, you agree to immediately cease using the seal and/or BBB trademarks. If suspended, you may request review of the suspension under applicable procedures set forth in our Bylaws. Unless the suspension is set aside following a review, suspension will become final and this agreement will be terminated. b. By You You may terminate this agreement on thirty (30) days written notice to us. Dues are non-refundable (See Paragraph(4) Fees). Following termination, you agree to immediately stop using BBB trademarks in all media, to immediately destroy any materials bearing BBB trademarks, to remove BBB plaque and decals from display, and to remove all online identification of affiliation with BBB. 4. Fees You agree to pay fees as set by BBB’s Board. The right to advertise online as set forth in Paragraph 2(d)(ii) applies only upon payment of the license fee specified in the BBB Online fee schedule. All fees shall be deemed fully earned once paid and shall be non-refundable. 5. Term The term of this agreement begins when accepted by BBB and continues unless terminated by either party or for your failure to pay annual fees. 6. Indemnification You agree to indemnify and hold BBB, Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc. (as trademark owner on behalf of the BBB system) and their employees/officers/directors (collectively “CBBB”) harmless against any loss, damage or expense (whether direct, indirect or consequential), including reasonable attorney’s fees, arising out of any misuse of BBB trademarks or of any violation of the terms and conditions of this agreement. You also agree to indemnify and hold BBB and CBBB harmless against any loss, damage or expense, including reasonable attorney’s fees, with respect to all third party claims of any kind, including product liability, arising in connection with your product(s) and/or service(s).
Accreditation Agreement (cont.) 7.
Limitation of Liability You agree you will not sue for monetary damages on any matter concerning this agreement. BBB makes no representations, warranties, or covenants of any kind, either expressed or implied, regarding title to or ownership of any rights in any marks, validity of any marks, the right to license any marks or non-infringement of the rights of others in any marks. 8. Relationship of Parties a. You are not and will not represent yourself as an agent, representative, partner, subsidiary, joint venture, or employee of BBB, nor can you represent that you have any authority to bind or obligate BBB in any manner or in any thing. You shall not challenge the rights of BBB in and to its trademarks, or take any action inconsistent with such rights. b. Nothing in this agreement or in your use of BBB trademarks shall confer any endorsement or approval of your products or services. Your use of these marks is intended only to convey BBB accreditation and a commitment to abide by the Code, and you agree to only use BBB marks in such a manner. 9. BBB Communication You consent to receive phone calls, emails and text messages from BBB about your BBB Accreditation, consumer complaints and reviews, and opportunities to participate in other BBB services, programs, and events. You may opt out of marketing and advertising communications by contacting us at accreditedbusiness@atlanta.bbb.org 10. Content Licensing Agreement You hereby voluntarily and irrevocably grant to Better Business Bureau (“BBB”) (including all BBBs in North America, the International Association of Better Business Bureaus, Inc. (“IABBB”) and their assigns and licensees) (collectively, the “BBB System”), permission to use your business name and/or your company logo for the creation of BBB content. Such permission includes the right to publish, reproduce, distribute, transmit, copy or otherwise use your business name and/ or your company logo in promotional, advertising, and marketing content, in all forms and media throughout the world. You indemnify and release the BBB System from any and all claims that arise from the use and publication of your business name and/or your company logo, and waive any and all rights to or claims for compensation.
404-766-0875 info@atlanta.bbb.org
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