Learn more about how the BBB works

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 07/01/2019 (2521 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It’s a new year, and for those who don’t know what the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is and what services and programs the non-profit corporation offers, we’d like to start off with a fresh introduction.

Most people know the BBB is an organization that sets standards for and works to improve trust between buyers and sellers. Less known, however, is the BBB Institute for Marketplace Trust. It’s a team of experts working to educate both consumers and companies on how they can better operate in the marketplace.

It empowers consumers to make smart purchases and to avoid falling prey to scams. That means researching the biggest challenges shoppers face today. From online scams to unethical business practices, the Institute finds out just how people across North America are impacted. It then uses that information to create tools that help people recognize and properly react to scams and other unfair marketplace policies.

But how can you access these resources? The BBB wants as many people as possible to become more informed consumers. It offers in-person training sessions as well as public education online. You can access it at bbbmarketplacetrust.org. You can also get the latest updates on the institute’s research and programs by signing up for the Institute’s Marketplace Trust newsletter.

The Institute also emphasizes education for companies and business owners. The BBB’s goal is to create a marketplace where consumers and businesses benefit each other, and trust each other.
The BBB offers resources and assessments to businesses, which help them understand and implement ethical practices. The tools also help companies support their employees. Businesses that preach and practise ethics at all levels see the rewards for both themselves and their customers.  

Sometimes company executives or owners don’t know what’s going on in every part of their business. Sometimes they don’t know that certain policies are unethical. The Institute for Marketplace Trust helps them to do an analysis of all their practices and guides them through what should be improved.
It doesn’t favour buyers or sellers, but works with both to create a community of trust.

The Institute for Marketplace Trust is just one staple of the BBB. The organization combats unethical marketplace behaviour on all fronts — conducting investigations, ensuring businesses maintain standards, keeping a reliable review system of all businesses, and resolving specific disputes between shoppers and businesses.

For more information on your local chapter of the BBB, visit bbb.org/Manitoba.