How to Sign Up With the Virginia BBB

Accreditation with the Better Business Bureau will attract business.

The Better Business Bureau is a national consumer reporting and review agency. The Better Business Bureau works to protect consumers from scams and fraudulent business practices. The BBB has an accreditation process that provides companies with a "seal of approval" to recognize the business as viable and trustworthy. There are several benefits of signing up with the Virginia Better Business Bureau, including anautomated quoting system and a membership newsletter.

Instructions

1. Visit the Richmond Virginia Better Business Bureau "About Your Business" page and enter your business information. (See References.) This adds your business profile to the BBB database. At the top of the form, click "I am interested in learning more about BBB Accreditation." Complete the remainder of the form and then click, "Submit Information".

2. Review the Better Business Bureau "Code Of Advertising" and "Accreditation Standards." You must agree to both.

3. Check the email you used to complete your Better Business Bureau profile. It will contain the accreditation application and details to submit it.

4. Complete the first part of the application and click "Calculate Dues." The system will provide you with the calculation of fees required to process your application.

5. Enter your credit card details or your banking information to process the accreditation application payment, then click "Submit."

6. Respond to requests for further information from the Virginia Better Business Bureau. The Bureau may request information such as customer testimonials, income statements or other documents to verify your business meets the organization's standards.

7. Wait for the determination from the Better Business Bureau. If approved, the Bureau will list your business as accredited and process the fees. If denied, the Bureau will mail you a letter of the decision and inform you of any action necessary to overturn the denial.

Tips & Warnings

• Your business must be in operation for at least one year before you can apply for accreditation.

References

• Virginia Better Business Bureau: Benefits of Accredidation
• Virginia Better Business Bureau: About Your Business
• Virginia Better Business Bureau: BBB Accredidation Application Process:
• Better Business Bureau: Online Accreditation Application

Resources

• Virginia Better Business Bureau: About Your Business
• Virginia Better Business Bureau: Code Of Advertising
• Virginia Better Business Bureau: BBB Code of Business Practices (BBB Accreditation Standards)