What Is the (BBB) Better Business Bureau? What Trades Teams Should Know About Accreditation

When homeowners search online for HVAC technicians , electricians , plumbers , or other field service contractors , they want to feel confident they are choosing a reliable company. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a nonprofit organization focused on advancing marketplace trust by helping consumers find reputable businesses. Many contractors view BBB accreditation as a way to strengthen their credibility and show customers they follow high standards.

Before deciding whether to pursue BBB accreditation, it is important to understand the history of the Better Business Bureau, how the BBB rating system works, what business accreditation actually provides, and what alternatives you may want to consider.

History of the International Association of Better Business

The organization that would eventually become the International Association of Better Business Bureaus began in 1912 as part of the National Vigilance Committee, a group formed to prevent misleading advertising and unethical business practices. Initially, the National Vigilance Committee focused on consumer education. Its main goal was to educate people on how to avoid misleading or deceptive advertising.

The movement continued to grow, and groups across the country began forming their own local bureaus. Over time, the BBB council took on more responsibilities. It still focused on helping consumers understand honest advertising, but it also began handling consumer complaints, offering dispute resolution, and guiding businesses toward better conduct.

Now, the national group goes by the International Association of Better Business Bureaus and oversees BBB offices in the United States and Canada.

What the Better Business Bureau Does Today

Now the Better Business Bureau runs a large online directory where consumers can look up business profiles, read reviews, and check BBB ratings. Each profile shows basic company information, customer complaints, a BBB rating from A+ to F, and whether the business is accredited. These ratings are based on 13 factors, including how long the business has been operating, complaint history, and whether the business follows BBB standards.

Businesses do not need to be accredited to receive a BBB rating or appear on the website. In many cases, the BBB creates a basic profile when it has enough public information or when a customer submits a complaint. If a business wants BBB accreditation, it must have been operating for at least six months, apply through its local bureau, meet BBB standards, and pay membership fees each year.

Benefits of BBB Accredited Businesses

BBB accreditation can offer several advantages for businesses that want to build trust with customers. Here are the main benefits:

• Builds credibility with customers: Many people see a BBB accredited business as more trustworthy. Meeting BBB standards can help your company look honest and reliable.
• Helps increase marketplace trust: The Better Business Bureau is known for promoting fair and honest business practices. Being part of the BBB can show customers that your business cares about transparency and good service.
• Ability to use the BBB seal: Accredited businesses can display the BBB accreditation seal on their website, marketing materials, and social media. The BBB seal can help your company stand out and look more professional.
• BBB business profiles and ratings: Your business appears with a BBB rating from A+ to F. Many consumers check BBB business profiles to compare trustworthy businesses before making a decision.
• Scam alerts and safety tips: The BBB offers scam alerts, marketplace tips, and consumer protection information.

Limitations of BBB Accreditation

There are a few common misunderstandings about the BBB , so it’s important to know what the limitations of the organization are:

• Not a governmental agency: The BBB is a private non-profit organization. It has no legal authority to fine businesses, enforce rules, or require companies to respond to consumer complaints.
• Funding model raises concerns: Since accredited businesses fund the BBB, some consumers feel the rating system is not fair. However, the BBB claims accreditation does not affect ratings and that the organization only provides unbiased information to the public.
• Inconsistent experiences between local bureaus: Each local business bureau operates independently. Ratings, complaint handling, and services can vary by region, which may create different experiences for businesses.
• Not all complaints reflect overall performance: A small number of complaints can impact a rating, even for businesses with many satisfied customers.
• Younger consumers rarely use the BBB: Many younger customers rely more on Google Reviews, Yelp, Angi, or social media instead of checking BBB business profiles. This can limit how useful accreditation is.

Alternatives to BBB Accreditation

BBB accreditation can help businesses look more trustworthy, but it is not the only way to earn customer confidence. Most homeowners now rely on online reviews, clear communication, and an easy service experience when choosing a contractor.

• Build a strong online review presence
• Make your website easy to use
• Offer recurring service plans
• Improve your customer experience from start to finish

These strategies all help build trust in ways that matter to today’s customers. FieldPulse supports each of them, making it easier for contractors to deliver a smoother, more reliable service experience.

How FieldPulse Helps You Win More Business

Customers trust businesses that communicate clearly and deliver consistently—not just those with a badge on their website. FieldPulse helps you show professionalism in the ways that actually matter to homeowners: fast responses, transparent pricing, reliable scheduling, and consistent follow-up.

Build a strong online review presence with FieldPulse

Make your website easy to use with FieldPulse

FieldPulse helps your website feel more professional and easy to navigate by giving customers simple ways to book service online. With the FieldPulse Booking Portal , homeowners can easily request service anytime, which makes your business look more organized and credible.

Offer recurring service plans with FieldPulse

FieldPulse makes it easy to set up and manage recurring service plans through its Maintenance Agreements feature . You can schedule seasonal tune-ups, create automated reminders, and keep track of every customer’s plan in one place. This helps you stay connected with customers year-round and deliver consistent service that builds long-term trust and repeat business.

Improve your customer experience from start to finish with FieldPulse

FieldPulse helps you deliver a clear, reliable customer experience from the first touch to the final payment . Automated reminders and real time updates keep customers informed, while digital estimates and invoices make it easy for them to review and approve work. When communication is simple and every step feels organized, customers are far more likely to book again and recommend your business to others.

If you’re ready to win more business by giving customers a smoother, more reliable experience, FieldPulse can help. Get a free demo to see how it works.