February 9, 2017

Despite its errors, the TinA article demonstrates that BBB’s reporting system is an invaluable free source of information to consumers.

TinA’s own analysis shows – but the article does not highlight – that the vast majority of companies are appropriately rated by BBB… even under TinA’s standards. Of the 63 companies they looked at, 43 are rated D or F, or have no rating. Their report also fails to mention that the BBB Business Profiles did prominently disclose the government actions, per BBB policy.

It is unfortunate that TinA’s reporter and editor turned down our offer to explain the BBB rating system in detail before they published the article, as we could have helped them avoid misunderstandings and correct several mistakes.  For example, as explained on BBB.org, pending actions do not affect BBB ratings, and 19 of the actions cited by TinA are pending.

A champion for truth in advertising for 105 years, BBB is a critical source for information supporting many government actions, and for fair, ethical, and balanced guidance on advertising claims.