2016 Business Development

business with one of the most recognized symbols of trust across North America!

Align your

2016 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT denver.bbb.org

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

7,207

39,958 Dynamic Seal Clicks

BOULDER

Facebook Impressions

7 Million Page Views

Business Reviews Read

25,331 Request a Quote Email Sent

$ Data collected from the Nielsen Company (2012), Alexa (2013), CBBB (2014)

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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 7 million website page views in 2015 Utilize BBB website for your business growth.

Online Business Directory Page Views Over 520,000 consumers per month visited BBB’s Online Directory in 2015...a great marketing opportunity!

Request A Quote 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 over 7,000 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 • 520,000 Consumers per Month in 2015.

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 65% of BBB Accredited Businesses experienced revenue growth compared to

Non-ABs

ABs

Non-Accredited Businesses at 54% revenue growth.

REQUEST A QUOTE LEADS 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. Over 25,000 Request A Quote emals sent (April - December 2015) 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 2015 REQUESTED BY CONSUMERS

A

B

C

D

F

4,076,484

WHAT ARE THE FACTORS THAT DETERMINE A BUSINESS’S RATING? Specific factors include: • Complaint Volume (Weighted by Complaint Age) • Unanswered Complaints • Unresolved Complaints • Complaint Resolution Delayed • Failure to Address Complaint Pattern • Type of Business • Time in Business

• Transparent Business Practices • Failure to Honor Mediation/Arbitration • Competency Licensing • Government Action (per action) • Advertising Review (per incident) • BBB Trademark Infringement

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

BBB CUSTOMER REVIEW PROGRAM BBB Denver/Boulder offers a valuable way for your customers to engage with your business: the 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 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.

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NETWORKING

and Education

EVENTS AND NETWORKING BUSINES S•

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.

Join our Lunch ‘n Learn educational workshops that are designed to enhance and grow your business.

Sponsorship ���������� 10+ Programs including: Packages, Panels, Workshops Event Details �������� Generally held from 11:15 am - 1:00 pm Attendance ����������� 40+ registrants Demographics ����� Professionals of all levels 2016 Topics Include: Marketing Series - Marketing for Small Businesses, Search Engine Marketing, New Marketing Channels Customer Service - How to Handle Complaints Social Media Series - LinkedIn, YouTube & Pinterest, Facebook & Twitter HR Series - Hiring & Firing and HR Laws Tickets are discounted for BBB Accredited Businesses and Charities

Each year, BBB Denver/Boulder recognizes their Accredited Businesses and Charities with an annual event. This event is a celebration and Thank You to our loyal Accredited Businesses where they can connect with other business leaders while enjoying an exciting night out! Moonlight Over Monte Carlo is a fun-filled evening of casino gaming, music, food and drinks. Plan to join us in 2016!

Visit denver.bbb.org for a list of current events and workshops.

A Fun Night of Gaming, Music, Dancing, Food & Libations!

Attracting more than 500 attendees, this event recognizes one small, medium and large business, and one small and large nonprofit that actively demonstrate ethical practices in the communities in which they operate. Over the past 12 years, the BBB and BBB Foundation has honored 26 Torch Awards recipients.

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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.

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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)

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

Includes: • 2 Logo Listings in 2 Types of Business (TOBs) • 1 Additional Location

Includes: • 2 Logo Listings in 2 Types of Business (TOBs) • 1 Additional Location

Added Value of Package $410

Associate PLUS Level

Added Value of Package $575

Senior PLUS Level

Supporting PLUS Level

Partnership PLUS Level

Cost: $775 Up to 20 Employees

Cost: $945 21 - 50 Employees

Cost: $1170 51 - 350 Employees

Cost: $1650 351 - 600 Employees

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

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

Added Value of Package $1,020

Basic Accreditation Number of Employees

Annual Fee

*601 + 451 – 600 ................. $ 1,425 351 – 450 ................. $ 1,170 251 – 350 ................. $ 1,020 151 – 250 ................. $ 890 51 – 150 ................. $ 815 21 – 50 ................. $ 685 11 – 20 ................. $ 605 6 – 10 ................. $ 555 2– 5 ................. $ 505 1 ................. $ 470

Added Value of Package $1,185

Additional Locations Number of Locations

Annual Fee

1 - 9........................ $ 165 Additional Locations $60 each

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

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ABOUT BBB DENVER/BOULDER Boulder

Broomfield Denver

Gilpin n

Adams Jeff ers o

Clear Creek

Douglas

Arapahoe

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 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., Canada and Mexico. Each BBB is responsible for monitoring businesses that are headquartered in its region. BBB Denver/Boulder is proud to serve 12 counties and millions of consumers, and more than 100,000 businesses in the area since 1951.

becomeaccredited.org Representative___________________________________________________________ Phone Number___________________________________________________________

BBB Serving Denver/Boulder 3801 E. Florida Avenue, Suite 350 • Denver, Colorado 80210 Business Development Phone 303.996.3645 • info@denver.bbb.org denver.bbb.org • tomorrowsmarketplace.org • becomeaccredited.org

January 13, 2016

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