Educated consumers result in fewer complaints says the Better Business Bureau

(From the Better Business Bureau)                                                                         

 

 

CHICAGO, IL – Inquiries for Business Reviews to the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and northern Illinois (BBB) jumped by over 16-percent in 2011, a sign consumers are taking the initiative to investigate companies before doing business with them.  

 

“We are very pleased the BBB has become a greater resource for consumers who are following our advice to check out free BBB Business Reviews before signing a contract or making a purchase,” says Steve J. Bernas, president & CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois. “If consumers would consistently do this simple first step, there would be fewer upset and dissatisfied shoppers.”

 

The total number of inquiries fielded by the BBB in 2011 was 4,482,760, a marked increased over the 3,853,476 in 2010. Visits to the BBB website, www.bbb.org/chicago, increased by 40-percent.

 

“The reason for the inquiry increases,” explained Bernas, “is the intensive education campaign the BBB has sponsored through its use of billboards, radio, print, online advertising and public events.”

 

Complaints to the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois dropped by nearly 5,000 in 2011 compared to the 55,528 handled in 2010.

 

The top 10 types of businesses receiving complaints for northern Illinois in 2011 were: Department Stores, Financial Services,Insurance Companies, Auto Repair & Services, New Car Auto Dealers, Airlines, Collection Agencies, Retail Florists, Used Car Auto Dealers, and Restaurants. 

 

Consumers seeking Free BBB Business Reviews can visit their website at www.bbb.org