How The BBB Has Ruined Your Buying and Selling Experience January 12, 2011
Posted by Bryan Connelly in : General, Marriott Timeshares, New Features, News & Events, Timeshare Rental, Timeshare Resale, Timeshare Resource, Travel , trackbackABC News discovers a misleading grading system that has deceived consumers for over 2 years
For decades the Better Business Bureau has been seen as a beacon of truth to those who needed to know the difference between a trustworthy business and a deceptive one. Recently, the BBB has had a light shined on its own operation, as ABC News and 20/20 investigates. Business owners are accusing the bureau of running a “Pay for Play” scheme, extorting money and potential customers from businesses that refuse to purchase a membership.
Many consumers utilize the BBB as a resource to find out which companies they can trust. Unfortunately, over the past 2 years a growing number of entrepreneurs have witnessed a skewed representation of their businesses. Despite resolved complaints and genuine service, without paying a membership fee these owners would never be seriously represented by the BBB. And the consumer is left in the dark and forced to overlook an otherwise reputable company, only to choose the one that bid the highest.
Some Los Angeles-based business owners have already confirmed multiple errors made by the BBB’s grading system. While some have purchased accreditation for non-existent companies, others have proven their point by getting an ‘A’ rating for a known terrorist group. Better Business Bureau executives maintain that the grade was given in error, but an overwhelming number of business owners, and consumers, have come forward to tell their side of a potentially harmful and deceptive business practice.
Company owners are being solicited by a telemarketing racket that promises a better grade for the price of around $400. This fact has been confirmed time and timeshare again by multiple companies nationwide. And without paying this fee, there is no way to get a higher score. BuyATimeshare.com stopped paying for its membership in 2010. Having worked in timeshare resales, this author can attest for the damage it has done to the industry, and to our reputation as an independently owned business.
The acknowledgment of this scam is paramount in an economy that cannot afford to squander it money on those who would rather Pay to Play than to provide a reliable product. BuyATimeshare.com urges consumers to base their buying and selling decisions on more than just a BBB grade, or any website that is designed to embrace the negative power of a complaint.
Comments»
no comments yet - be the first?