bizlife
Building Business Better
INTEGRITY AND TRUST ARE HALLMARKS FOR THE BBB
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By Ellen Ashton-Haiste
or more than a century, the Better Business Bureau has been the go-to organization to guarantee integrity in the business world. Now, in the 21st century, the Bureau is promoting its brand to new generations of consumers and business owners. “We are on a mission to demonstrate our relevance on both the consumer and business side and to facilitate the operation of a fair and ethical marketplace,” says Jennifer Matthews, chief executive officer for the BBB serving Western Ontario. Trust and integrity are the cornerstones of the organization, Matthews says. In order to be accredited, businesses are thoroughly vetted and must commit to a set of practice standards. Once approved, the business is listed on the Bureau’s website and may use the BBB logo on its materials. “Having that seal attached to its brand elevates the business in the marketplace,” she says. “It’s a sign that it’s a business consumers can trust.” If a business fails to live up to those standards, the status can be revoked, and prospective customers can see reviews – both positive and negative – on the website. On the consumer side, the Bureau offers multiple services in addition to ensuring business credibility. “We work a great deal on fraud prevention, helping
consumers avoid potential scams,” Matthews says. The website includes a ‘scam tracker’ section, where people who feel they have been victimized can record their experiences as a precaution for others. The BBB also monitors the reports and sends out media warnings when a trend is detected. Recently, Scam Tracker Risk Report was added to this section, listing the top 10 risks in Canada in 2021. Number One on the list was crypto currency, which Matthews says speaks to the BBB’s relevancy for a younger demographic. “It’s often assumed that it’s an elderly population that is vulnerable, but all age groups are hit by scams. This is why everybody can use our services.” Those services include events like a recent ‘data destruction day,’ working with the Environmental Recycling Association and Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre to safely shred electronic hard drives that might contain personal identification data. The Bureau also provides advice and tips to increase awareness of dangers such as social media phishing schemes and online shopping hazards, which was the Number One risk tracked in the U.S. in 2021. As a non-profit agency, all services provided by the BBB are free of charge to consumers.
Able Property Management 519-671-9774 www.ableproperty.org Better Business Bureau Serving Western Ontario 519-673-3222 www.bbb.org Boutique Firenze 519-649-4122 www.boutiquefirenze.ca Definitive Lawn & Garden Service 519-709-6763 www.definitivelawngardenservice.com Home Planet Properties Group 519-854-6001 www.homeplanetpropertiesgroup.com Hyde Park Equipment Ltd. Hyde Park:519-471-1400 Scotland Drive: 519-471-1402 www.hydeparkequipment.ca Old Castle Renovations 519-860-9640 www.old-castle.ca Prestige Kitchen & Bath of London 519-203-1224 www.prestigekitchenandbathoflondon.ca
● FOR MORE INFORMATION • BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU serving Western Ontario • 190 Wortley Road, Suite 206 • 519-673-3222 • www.bbb.org May/June 2022 Lifestyle 37
