2014 Business Development Catalog

Align your

business

ESS • BREAK FA SIN S BU

T

‘N

reporting

nice

control

right

conduct customers

disclosure

marketplace

truth

legal

daily

life promise

responsive

available

philosophy

goals

control

marketing

informed

ource Res

Han

TRUST

le

h o ri t y

industries

transparency

code

Aut

results

people

Valu ab

clients

open

honor

time

honesty

fair

helpfulness

money

justice

leader issues

morality

companies

privacy

integrity

relationships

ethics

across North America!

information

strategy standards prosperity powercooperation

recognized symbols of trust

ES • GRO W BYT TH

with one of the most

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C

2014 Denver/Boulder

denver.bbb.org becomeaccredited.org

om

When the larger business community sets standards for transparent and honest practices, then hopefully new businesses will follow those standards and the entire marketplace wins. That is self-regulation at its best, and one of the reasons we've supported the BBB for so long is because it leads this effort. It's been to our great advantage to follow the eight standards, especially adhering to truth in advertising. Being ethical has helped us be successful. We value the honesty, integrity and continuity of the BBB. William Lorton Cook Howard Lorton Galleries “A+” Rating and Accredited Since 1953

pl ai n t s

TRUST

in the Marketplace

BBB EIGHT STANDARDS FOR TRUST BUILD TRUST

HONOR PROMISES

ADVERTISE HONESTLY

BE RESPONSIVE

Establish and maintain a positive track record in the marketplace.

Adhere to established standards of advertising and selling.

TELL THE TRUTH Honestly represent products and services, including clear and adequate disclosures of all material terms.

BE TRANSPARENT

Openly identify the nature, location, and ownership of the business, and clearly disclose all policies, guarantees, and procedures that bear on a customer’s decision to buy.

Our Vision An ethical marketplace where buyers and sellers can trust each other.

Our Mission To be a leader in advancing marketplace trust.

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Abide by all written agreements and verbal representations.

Address marketplace disputes quickly, professionally, and in good faith.

SAFEGUARD PRIVACY Protect any data collected against mishandling and fraud, collect personal information only as needed, and respect the preferences of consumers regarding the use of their information.

EMBODY INTEGRITY Approach all business dealings, marketplace transactions, and commitments with integrity.

LEADER

in the Community

LOCAL IMPACT OF THE BBB

Accredited Businesses and Charities

TWO KEY REASONS WHY BUSINESSES BECOME BBB ACCREDITED • For customer trust and confidence • For enhancement of a company’s reputation

4,030,695

3,373,095

Total website visitors in 2013

Total unique website visitors in 2013

BBB leads as the preferred resource of choice for hiring companies and purchasing decisions

7 7 out of 1 0 0 C O N S U M E R S

Rating sources are among the TOP FIVE INFLUENCERS

on decision to purchase

are familiar with BBB

8 4 out of 1 0 0 C O N S U M E R S are likely to consult BBB and would consult BBB for contractor purchases

7 1 out of 1 0 0 C O N S U M E R S are likely to consult BBB and would consult BBB for in-person purchases in a business or store

2013 BUSINESS REVIEWS READ

*December 31, 2013: 7,723 Accredited Businesses and Charities Data collected from the Nielsen Company (2012), Alexa (2013), CBBB (2013), and MGA Communications (2013)

2

PROMOTE

your BBB Accreditation

ADVANTAGES OF ACCREDITATION WHY BECOME BBB ACCREDITED? Trusted BBB Logo Logo links to your BBB Business Review creating powerful Search Engine Optimization.

More than 4 million website visits More than 3.3 million unique website visits Utilize BBB website for your business growth.

Online Business Directory 25,000 consumers per month visited BBB’s Online Directory in 2013...a great marketing opportunity!

Request A Quote 12,000 quotes in 2013…take advantage of every opportunity to promote your business.

BBB Affinity Programs Each program is designed to reduce your business costs.

Customized BBB Business Reviews Economically market your business by customizing your review.

Business Events and Workshops Acquire new business leads through BBB networking and events.

Marketing Opportunities Market to millions of consumers and nearly 8,000 Accredited Businesses and Charities.

VALUE OF ACCREDITATION 87 percent of current Accredited Businesses say their company’s accreditation with the BBB is of high value.

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BALANCE VISIBILITY Our Logo...Your Credibility Advertise BBB Accreditation in all of your marketing materials! BBB Accredited Business logos are available for use in your printed materials and also online.

By installing the BBB dynamic logo on your website, you are letting your potential customers know that you’re a BBB Accredited Business and you are installing a powerful back-link to our website! Due to the active nature of the dynamic logo, it links consumers directly to your BBB Business Review at denver.bbb.org, and may increase your organic search engine optimization.

ENHANCE VISIBILITY BBB Online Directory • 25,000 Consumers per Month in 2013.

Your company is listed in our Accredited Business online directory by name and industry. Consumers can find your phone number, send you an email, find your location, request a quote from you, and view your BBB Business Review.

BBB Business Review Your BBB Business Review states your company is an Accredited Business and assures consumers that you adhere to the BBB Code of Business Practices.

As a BBB Accredited Business, you can “Claim your Review” to customize it with: • Photos (including your company logo) • Informational videos • Description of your products and/or services • Hours of operation • Service area and more!

GROW

your Business SAVE TIME 54%

65%

REVENUE GROWTH IN 2013 65% of BBB Accredited Businesses experienced revenue growth compared to

Non-ABs

ABs

Non-Accredited Businesses at 54% revenue growth.

REQUEST A QUOTE LEADS • 12,000 QUOTES IN 2013 Consumers visiting your BBB Business Review and online directory listing can request bids directly from your business or from BBB Accredited Businesses in a particular industry and zip code. Once a bid is submitted, it is reviewed by BBB staff and then emailed to you as a “Lead from your BBB.” We can also send you a text message alerting you to the lead in your inbox. Call 303.758.1658 to add your cell phone number in our database to receive these important messages!

SAVE MONEY LOYALTY AMONG CURRENT ACCREDITED BUSINESSES MEDIUM

N

SES IN

RE

AC

ES

LO W

GH HI

CUR T

LOYALTY CRE

DIT E D

B

US

• 92 percent are likely to renew their accreditation • 88 percent are likely to recommend a business to become BBB Accredited

I was initially skeptical about joining the BBB, but my accreditation has already paid for itself several times over. I always survey my customers and they are telling me they are finding me on the BBB website.

Chris Weis, Pro-Serve LLC “A” Rating and Accredited Since 2013

BBB AFFINITY PROGRAM Pinnacol Workers’ Comp. Safety Group 4% discount on workers’ compensation insurance for qualifying Accredited Businesses.

Mountain States Employers Council 49% discount on membership to companies with 10 or fewer employees.

Perfect Processing & TransFirst Credit card processing services from our partner companies that may reduce your costs for accepting credit cards.

Public Service Credit Union Pre-approved credit union benefits for employees (and their family members) of BBB Accredited Businesses.

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ENHANCED Business Reputation BBB LETTER GRADE RATING SYSTEM WHAT IS THE RATING SYSTEM? The BBB rating system relies on an A+ through F letter-grade scale. The grade represents BBB’s degree of confidence that the business is operating in a trustworthy manner and will make a good faith effort to resolve any customer concerns. All businesses can be rated.

The rating system is not impacted by a business’s Accreditation status or cost of Accreditation.

BUSINESS REVIEWS IN 2013 REQUESTED BY CONSUMERS

A

B

C

D

F

WHAT ARE THE FACTORS THAT DETERMINE A BUSINESS’S RATING? Specific factors include: • The type of business and its business model • Length of time the business has been operating • Whether the business has appropriate competency licensing • Total volume of complaints filed against the business, compared to the company’s size • The number of answered/unanswered complaints • The number of resolved/unresolved complaints • An overall complaint analysis • Number of complaints with a delayed resolution • Responsiveness in addressing complaint patterns

• Government actions against the business • Advertising integrity • Business background information available to BBB for evaluation • The extent to which BBB is able to develop a clear understanding of the business • Whether the business has honored mediation/arbitration commitments • Whether the business has had its BBB Accreditation revoked

WHERE CAN CONSUMERS FIND A BUSINESS RATING? Individual business ratings are prominently displayed at the top of BBB Business Reviews. Consumers can research the Business Reviews of more than four million businesses online, free of charge, at denver.bbb.org.

If we had known how much new business the BBB would bring to us, we would have become members 33 years ago. The truth is, we appreciate what you do to help the public find businesses that they can trust regardless of the new business you provided us last year. Keep it up. You provide a great service.

Gary Cox, Northglenn Tax Service A+ Rating Since 2012

5

ALIGN

with Innovation

NEW BBB CUSTOMER REVIEW PROGRAM BBB Denver/Boulder recently announced the launch of a new, valuable way for your customers to engage with your business: the new BBB Customer Review program! Adding to the many free impactful services the BBB provides the public, BBB Customer Reviews give additional insight into a company’s behavior and are facilitated in a fair manner. BBB Customer Reviews offer your clients a new way to voice positive opinions about your company. Reviews on our website are easy to post and trusted to be authentic. This service is for all local businesses, not just BBB Accredited Businesses.

HOW CAN BBB CUSTOMER REVIEWS BENEFIT MY BUSINESS? • Engaging content increases search engine optimization (SEO) to your website.

• Positive reviews may increase referrals to grow your business.

• A positive review can be an extension of your marketing campaign.

• Customer reviews engage your younger demographic customer.

• The BBB confirms each review was written by an actual customer before its posted to ensure trust and integrity

HOW CAN MY BUSINESS GET REVIEWS? • Encourage your customers to write a positive review directly on your BBB Business Review.

• Promote the new option by sharing our social media posts.

• Place your BBB dynamic seal on your website so customers can easily click through to write a review for your business.

Our BBB Denver/Boulder was one of the first BBBs across the nation to launch the customer review program. We’re proud to offer complete reviews now, so customers can not only help us understand where problems might lie, but perhaps even more importantly, how companies are providing exemplary service to consumers across the region.

Su Hawk, President & CEO

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NETWORKING

and Education

SIGNATURE NETWORKING EVENT Networking for business connections is important, and BBB is proud to offer events throughout the year. Mingle with hundreds of fellow professionals and business leaders in a relaxed and engaging atmosphere. Be sure to meet others and increase visibility of your company at BBB events!

EDUCATION SERIES - denver.bbb.org/events BUSINES S•

At a Glance

R

I• O

OWTH GR

BBB ROI Series Results of Integrity

Conventionally, ROI stands for “return on investment.” However, integrity may be the single most important practice in which a company can invest.

SS SINE • EMP OW BU GROW NT • TH ME ER

BBB Empowerment Series BBB & Mountain States Employers Council Partnership

Employees are key to the growth and success of any business. An organization with satisfied employees demonstrates employee retention and a sense of community.

Sponsorship ������ 4 Programs including: Packages, Panels, Workshops Event Details ���� Generally held 8:00 - 10:30 am Expected ������������ 40+ registrants Attendance Demographics: Professionals of all levels and roles Topics Include: Social Media: It’s Not a Fad, Business Identity Theft Tickets are discounted for BBB Accredited Businesses and Charities

At a Glance Sponsorship ������ 4 Programs including: Packages, Presentations, Panels, Workshops Event Details ���� Generally held 11:00 am - 1:30 pm during lunch including networking, presentation/panel and Q&A Expected ������������ 80+ registrants Attendance Demographics: Professional leaders, including executives, entrepreneurs, HR leaders Topics/Presentations Include: Affordable Care Act, Instilling Company Standards and Expectations Tickets are exclusively offered to BBB Accredited Businesses & Charities

ESS • BREAK FA SIN S BU T ‘N ES • GRO W BYT TH

BBB Breakfast ‘N Bytes Software Training Program

Learn Microsoft Office, one of the world’s most widely used office platforms.

At a Glance Sponsorship ������ 4 Programs including: Packages, Trainings, Workshops Event Details ���� Generally held 8:00 - 10:00 am Expected ������������ 40+ registrants Attendance Demographics: Professionals of all levels and roles Training Includes: Outlook Training, Excel Training Tickets are exclusively offered to BBB Accredited Businesses & Charities

SINESS • GO BU VE R T EN NM • GROWTH

BBB Government Program Education and Business Opportunities

Learn about the legislative issues that impact your business.

At a Glance Sponsorship ������ 5 Programs including: Packages, Panels, Presentations Event Details ���� Generally held 8:00 - 10:30 am including networking, presentation/panel and Q&A Expected ������������ Demographics: Professional leaders, including executives, Attendance entrepreneurs, marketing leaders Topics/Presentations Include: Attorney General’s Office, Procurement Panel, Identity Theft and Cyber Security Tickets are discounted for BBB Accredited Businesses and Charities

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RESOURCE

to Consumers

BBB SUPPORTS THE COMMUNITY Representing 12 counties and more than 2 million consumers.

FREE ONE-OF-A-KIND BUSINESS REVIEWS AND CHARITY REPORTS One of the BBB’s primary functions is to provide free, non-biased Business Reviews and Charity Reports.

Before doing business with a company or donating to a charity, consumers can contact the BBB by phone or online to find out the following: • BBB Rating (A+ to F) is based on a history of complaints, details of the company’s responses, government actions, proper licensing, company size, and more.

• Reports on nonprofits tell you whether or not the organization meets the BBB’s 20 standards for Charity Accountability which consist of information on its finances, fund raising, governance and oversight, and overall effectiveness.

• Dispute Resolution Services The BBB’s basic complaint processing services are free to the public. BBB trade practices specialists act as a neutral third party and facilitate communications between the complainant and the organization that is receiving the complaint. Other dispute resolution services consist of mediation or arbitration. BBB staff facilitate these hearings using the services of volunteer professional mediators and arbitrators.

Fees range from $150-$500. Either service is always offered to seniors, (59+ years) at a flat fee of $25. BBB Accredited Businesses receive one free arbitration or mediation per year.

The business community believes BBB is a valuable resource for consumers, offering unbiased information on businesses and charities.

Source: MGA Communications 2013

• Advertising Review The BBB’s roots are in encouraging truthful advertising, so we are proud to have a strong advertising review program. Within this program, BBB staff regularly reviews local advertising to insure companies meet BBB Code of Advertising Guidelines. These guidelines mirror Federal Trade Commission laws and rules.

• Activity in the community News media regularly seeks the BBB for its expert advice on businesses, charities, scams and general information for consumers. We further our outreach efforts by producing and participating in community events and speaking to seniors, multi-cultural, and military families, about issues that directly affect them. In addition, our BBB Foundation supports the future of youth and students by raising up an ethical workplace for tomorrow.

8

9

INVEST

in Your Business’s Future

BBB ACCREDITATION FEES Associate Level

Senior Level

Supporting Level

Partnership Level

Cost: $645 Up to 20 Employees

Cost: $795 21 - 50 Employees

Cost: $1020 51 - 350 Employees

Cost: $1500 351 - 600 Employees

Includes: • 2 Logo Listings in 2 Types of Business (TOBs) • Waived Administration Fee

Includes: • 2 Logo Listings in 2 Types of Business (TOBs) • Waived Administration Fee

Includes: • 2 Logo Listings in 2 Types of Business (TOBs) • 1 Branch Company • Waived Administration Fee

Includes: • 2 Logo Listings in 2 Types of Business (TOBs) • 1 Branch Company • Waived Administration Fee

Added Value of Package $730

Associate PLUS Level

Added Value of Package $895

Supporting PLUS Level

Partnership PLUS Level

Cost: $775 Up to 20 Employees

Cost: $945 21 - 50 Employees

Senior PLUS Level

Cost: $1170 51 - 350 Employees

Cost: $1650 351 - 600 Employees

Includes: • 3 Logo Listings in 3 Types of Business (TOBs) • Waived Administration Fee • Introductory 6-Month Logo Banner Ad on Denver/ Boulder BBB Online Directory Home Page

Includes: • 3 Logo Listings in 3 Types of Business (TOBs) • Waived Administration Fee • Introductory 6-Month Logo Banner Ad on Denver/ Boulder BBB Online Directory Home Page

Includes: • 3 Logo Listings in 3 Types of Business (TOBs) • 1 Branch Company • Waived Administration Fee • Introductory 6-Month Logo Banner Ad on Denver/ Boulder BBB Online Directory Home Page

Includes: • 3 Logo Listings in 3 Types of Business (TOBs) • 1 Branch Company • Waived Administration Fee • Introductory 6-Month Logo Banner Ad on Denver/ Boulder BBB Online Directory Home Page

Added Value of Package $1585

Added Value of Package $1750

*Companies with 601+ employees: cost $1650 + $5 per employee over 600

Basic Accreditation Number of Employees

Annual Fee

Additional Locations Number of Locations

Annual Fee

*601 +.............. $ 1,650* 451 – 600.................. $ 1,350 351 – 450.................. $ 1,095 251 – 350.................. $ 945 151 – 250.................. $ 815 51 – 150.................. $ 740 21 – 50.................. $ 610 11 – 20.................. $ 530 6 – 10.................. $ 480 2 – 5.................. $ 430

1.................. $ 395

10..................$ 850 9..................$ 780 8..................$ 730 7..................$ 665 6..................$ 595 5..................$ 540 4..................$ 475 3..................$ 385 2..................$ 280 1..................$ 165

Additional TOBs $55 each One-time Administrative Fee $75

10+ Locations $50 each

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ABOUT BBB DENVER/BOULDER Boulder

Broomfield Denver

Gilpin n

Adams Jeff ers o

Clear Creek

Arapahoe

Douglas

Yuma Washington

Elbert

BBB Denver/Boulder 12-County Service Area

Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a private, nonprofit organization that provides services and programs to assist consumers, businesses, donors, and charities. The focus of BBB’s activities is to promote an ethical marketplace by encouraging honest advertising and selling practices, effective dispute resolution and charity accountability. The services and programs offered by BBB, help consumers be more informed, and help businesses “grow” with integrity at their core.

The BBB’s history dates back to 1912 making it one of the most successful nonprofit organizations in the U.S. Originally, the BBB started out as “Vigilance Committees” of Advertising Clubs, established to correct abuses in advertising. They very quickly broadened their function to monitor other marketplace activities and business performance.

Today, there are 113 Better Business Bureaus in the U.S. and Canada. Each BBB is responsible for monitoring businesses that are headquartered in its region. BBB Denver/Boulder is proud to represent 12 counties and 2 million consumers, and more than 100,000 businesses in the area since 1951.

becomeaccredited.org

Representative___________________________________________________________ Phone Number___________________________________________________________

BBB Denver/Boulder 1020 Cherokee Street, Denver, CO 80204 4730 Table Mesa Drive Suite E-101, Boulder CO 80305 Business Development Phone 303.996.3645 • info@denver.bbb.org denver.bbb.org • boulder.bbb.org • denver.bbb.org/foundation • becomeaccredited.org

May 6, 2014

This publication created and co-designed by Vickie Denham, Graphic Designer, BBB Serving Denver/Boulder.