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Guest Blog: Could The Right Time To Travel To Hawaii Be Now?

2/8/2012

Posted on 2/8/2012 by

People are always asking when is the best weather in Hawaii? My answer, everyday! The truth is the weather is gorgeous 12 months out of the year. It does tend to be rainier in December and January on certain parts of the islands. However, you cannot go wrong with the beautiful warmth and intermittent rain showers that produce unbelievable rainbows.

As for traveling during the less crowded times we recommend September-December and the Month of May (Avoiding Holidays). Prices are cheaper, and there are less people traveling due to children being back to school. This time period is considered off season so it’s a great time of year to snag a good deal.

Speaking of good deals, last minute offers are on the rise. So many fantastic deals if you are flexible. Tip of the Day: If you avoid Flying on a Fri, Sat, Sun you will save money on airfare.

Mahalo

Article Courtesy of Jenifer Snyder

Jenifer@SaveOnAloha.com

Direct Line: 800-728-3668

http://www.SaveOnAloha.com

Celebrate the BBB Centennial - Advertise in the UT

2/8/2012

Posted on 2/8/2012 by

Union Tribune Special! BBB Centennial Celebration Section - Deadline: February 13^th

Wish your BBB a Happy 100th Birthday and advertise your Accreditation to approximately 750,000 San Diegans!

The UT San Diego will publish a special BBB Centennial Celebration section on Sunday March 4th. Additional copies of this section will be distributed at the BBB Centennial Super Mixer on Wednesday March 7th and throughout the rest of the year.

How does it work?
The BBB has pre-negotiated special rates and added value for you in this special section. As a participant, you buy the advertising you want directly from our media partners. Each section has been formatted to carry the BBB brand message reinforcing our accredited business' commitment to ethics in the marketplace. The BBB framework helps consumers decide who gets their business.

Who can participate?
Any BBB Accredited Business in good standing can participate in this special section.

This special offer has 5 levels of participation:

• Full page: 10"x21.5"

Price: $11,094-Black&White/$12,758.10-Color

• Junior page: 10"x15"

Price: $7,740-Black&White/$8,901-Color

• Half page: 10"x10.75"

Price: $5,547-Black&White/$6,379.05-Color

• Quarter page: 4.92"x"10.75

Price: $2,773.50-Black&White/$3,189.53-Color

• Eighth page: 6.61"x4"

Price: $1,376-Black&White/$1,582.40-Color

• Sixteenth page: 3.22"x4"

Price: $688-Black&White/$791.21-Color

Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to promote your business, sign up now!

For more information or to sign up please contact Jeff Rankin at 619-293-1576 or jeff.rankin@utsandiego.com

Celebrate the BBB Centennial - Advertise in Special UT Section

2/8/2012

Posted on 2/8/2012 by
By Andy Ramos Wish your BBB a Happy 100th Birthday and advertise your Accreditation to approximately 750,000 San Diegans! The UT San Diego will publish a special BBB Centennial Celebration section on Sunday March 4th. Additional copies of this section will be distributed at the BBB Centennial Super Mixer on Wednesday March 7th and throughout the rest of the year. How does it work? The BBB has pre-negotiated special rates and added value for you in this special section. As a participant, you buy the advertising you want directly from our media partners. Each section has been formatted to carry the BBB brand message reinforcing our accredited business' commitment to ethics in the marketplace. The BBB framework helps consumers decide who gets their business. Who can participate? Any BBB Accredited Business in good standing can participate in this special section. This special offer has 5 levels of participation: • Full page: 10"x21.5" Price: $11,094-Black&White/$12,758.10-Color • Junior page: 10"x15" Price: $7,740-Black&White/$8,901-Color • Half page: 10"x10.75" Price: $5,547-Black&White/$6,379.05-Color • Quarter page: 4.92"x"10.75 Price: $2,773.50-Black&White/$3,189.53-Color • Eighth page: 6.61"x4" Price: $1,376-Black&White/$1,582.40-Color • Sixteenth page: 3.22"x4" Price: $688-Black&White/$791.21-Color Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to promote your business, sign up now! For more information or to sign up please contact Jeff Rankin at 619-293-1576 or jeff.rankin@utsandiego.com

BBB Appears On San Diego 6 To Discuss Valentine's Day Scams

2/6/2012

Posted on 2/6/2012 by
BBB President/CEO Sheryl Bilbrey appeared on San Diego 6 this morning to discuss Valentine's Day scams that should be on the for front of consumers' minds.

Consumer Alert: Don't Get Bowled Over By Super Bowl Advertising

2/2/2012

Posted on 2/2/2012 by

With Super Bowl Sunday approaching, many of us are making last-minute runs to the grocery store for a little more salsa, or are shoring up our plans to hit the local bar, all under the guise of seeing who proves victorious: Eli or Tom.

The real reason we plan parties and clear our schedules on this particular Sunday each year? Many will agree that the commercials are just as big of a draw, if not bigger than the NFC/AFC showdown.

Companies from all walks – sodas to cars to websites to pharmaceuticals – pay out of the nose (often upwards of $100,000 per second) to have their commercial shown during the Super Bowl. And for good reason as the Super Bowl is one of the most watched television events of the year.

Who wouldn’t want to see Matthew Broderick reprise his role as Ferris Bueller, or see a 4 year old Darth Vader turn a car on using the “force?” The advertisements shown during the Super Bowl are arguably the best and most entertaining of the year, but should we have our guard up as consumers when we watch them?

Your BBB says yes! Super Bowl commercials are akin to watching mini-movies. They are dynamic and original, but unlike movies, have one distinct objective: to persuade you to buy a product. Here are some tips that shouldn’t squelch your enthusiasm, but help you get through Super Bowl Sunday without buying a new Lexus or a lifetime supply of Pepsi.

Remember You’re A Target. The commercials are funny and entertaining, yes, but remember that it was designed to make you feel a part of the group. Don’t get bowled over by a relatable advertisement.

Don’t Buy Into The Buy-In. Enjoy it, but always question the commercial. A good ad can make a consumer feel lesser for not owning a product, but asking yourself important questions before you feel that way can save you time and money. Ask, “Does the music or sound in the commercial make it more appealing?” and “Is this something that will really make me happier?”

Disregard Shiny Objects. Celebrity endorsements can make a product seem special or better than other like-products. When you feel attracted to a particular product for no particular reason, ask yourself the above questions!

Enjoy But Do Your Research. If you saw an amazing commercial and now feel like you cannot live without a product, that’s understandable. Make sure you do your research though. Always check out the business or service on BBB.org first. We can help you make smart purchasing decisions.

Most of all, enjoy a day of football, food and very funny commercials. Everyone at the BBB will be doing the same!

Guest Blog: When Buying "A Girl's Best Friend..."

2/1/2012

Posted on 2/1/2012 by

The prospect of buying diamond jewelry can be an intimidating task but there are ways to buy smart and get quality products without ever leaving your desk. Whether you are looking for an engagement ring or just a present for someone you love, the ability to buy fine jewelry online can save time and money if done right. Many retailers offer the ability to shop online in addition to or as a replacement for buying in a physical store. This is something you should take advantage of.

There are many benefits to buying diamond jewelry online. One of the benefits is that you can save time and avoid the hassle of driving around to different retail jewelers. Instead, you can reallocate that time to conducting research about diamond quality, company reviews and the level of service that is provided. We stand behind the idea for customers to spend time researching the four c’s of diamonds (cut, clarity, color and carat), so that you make an informed decision about the quality of diamonds you end up buying. Once you have an idea of the diamond quality you are interested in for your purchase, you can move into the shopping stage.

Another benefit is that you can instantly price compare from the privacy of your own computer. You probably already have a budget in mind, now you have to find a source for fine jewelry that can meet that price point. Also, by shopping around online, it is relatively stress free, because you are without the inconvenience of being hassled to purchase from a sales person.

When comparing different fine jewelry retailers, look for customer feedback, testimonials or third party review sites to get a background on the company. You can also inspect their customer service page to explore their return policy, restocking fee, shipping rates and delivery time. I can also suggest utilizing a retailer’s support; by phone, email or chat, should you have any unanswered questions or would simply like to communicate with a live person.

Article Courtesy of Marilyn Deschamps. For more information about this online jewelry retailer, please visit: http://www.anjolee.com

Friday Feature Presentation: Earn Money For College, Become A Student Ambassador

1/27/2012

Posted on 1/27/2012 by

The Better Business Bureau Student Ambassador Program is here to help pay for those Expensive tuition fees!

What is the Student Ambassador Program?

The Student Ambassador program is a voluntary program to bring information on scams and frauds to the entry-level consumer. With high disposable incomes, young consumers are easy targets for scam artists. The Student Ambassador program is designed to train students to deliver this information to peer groups on campus.

Student Ambassadors will receive two hours of training on the educational information that they will be asked to share. They will then have the opportunity to develop and deliver their presentation to a small peer group. Each ambassador is responsible for scheduling a minimum of 3 presentations: one per month from March-May. The more peers you present to, the higher your chances of winning one of 3 scholarships (1^st place: $2500, 2^nd place: $1500, or 3^rd place: $1000)!

Each Ambassador will be required to make the presentation to a minimum of two peer groups. Students may choose to work in teams of two, however, if a scholarship is awarded, the team will divide the earned scholarship.

Why should you participate?

Not only will this be a great experience for your high school student, your high school community will benefit from the value of this important and relevant education. Upon completion of the program, students will receive a certificate, designating them an official Student Ambassador of the Better Business Bureau and recognizing their contribution of volunteer time toward marketplace ethics. Plus, your students will appreciate this as a resume builder. A recognition event will be held annually to award certificates and incentive prizes.

Important Dates!

Deadline to Apply is February 8^th 2012!

The First Train the Trainer session will be held on February 18^th 2012 at UCSD Extension Mission Valley from 10am-12pm

Student Ambassador Awards Reception will be held on May 23^rd 2012

How do I sign up?

Click here to apply online now! Or print out the form and mail or fax to:

Andy Ramos, Student Ambassador Program Coordinator

Better Business Bureau

5050 Murphy Canyon Rd #110

San Diego, CA 92123

Fax: 858-496-2141 Attn: Andy

Questions?

For more information please contact Andy Ramos at (858) 637-6199 ext. 324 or aramos@sandiego.bbb.org.

SCAM ALERT: Another Phishing Scam With A Twist Targets BBB Name

1/26/2012

Posted on 1/26/2012 by

Thursday, January 26, 2012 (SAN DIEGO, CA) - Better Business Bureau is warning businesses to beware of two new scams, both of which use the BBB name to lure victims into clicking a link or providing access to their private, personal information.

The first of these scams is in the form of malicious e-mail. Though it is not the first phishing attack perpetrated against the BBB, this attack has a different angle. Scammers, posing as the BBB, have contacted Accredited Businesses asking for them to follow a link to update their information.

PLEASE BE AWARE that the email, as shown below, is not coming from the BBB. If you receive an email that is at all suspicious, please do not click any links and forward it on to info@sandiego.bbb.org.

Good morning,

Many thanks for helping your Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Offering our service to BBB Accredited Businesses, we do our best to assure that the information we provide to potential consumers is as exact as possible. In order for us to provide the right data to the public, we request that you verify the information that we have recorded for your company.

We encourage you to use our ONLINE FORM to provide us with this updated information. Please use the following URL to access to this form on our website:

http://app.alaskaoregonwe sternwashington.bbb.org/sbq
(UserID: 774435805536 Password: ZfBEu)

Many thanks again for your support, and we hope to hear back from you soon.

Kind regards,

Better Business Bureau
Accreditation Services

The second of these morning scams hits closer to home as this phishing attack begins on the phone lines. Our office received notification that a scam company, calling from phone number 858-102-3252, has been calling consumers and businesses. These scammers assume the BBB identity, and offer callers help in removing a virus from their computer due to a phishing scam.

**UPDATE** Due to a recent investigation, your BBB has discovered that the above phone number has been disconnected. However, experience tells us that another phone number will surface in time.

Once the victim has been convinced of the legitimacy of the caller, these scammers install what they call better antiviral software for their victims. This however, is yet again an elaborate phishing scam.

If you are contacted over the phone by a suspicious or unexpected person, hang up your phone. Your BBB will not call you to remove a virus from your computer.

As a trusted brand, the BBB is often a target of scams and attacks. Please rest assured that we are doing everything in our power, to stop the culprits of this attack. Please continue to send your scam emails to info@sandiego.bbb.org, and if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call your BBB at 858.496.2131.

Guest Blog: Hire A Chimney Sweet Now, Save Money Later

1/25/2012

Posted on 1/25/2012 by

Hire a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep this fall to protect your most important investment - your home.

While many homeowners are struggling to keep up with regular home maintenance expenses this home heating season, the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) shares the reminder that saving money in the short term by delaying routine maintenance may mean additional expense in the long run.

Preventive maintenance is one way to keep down the cost of keeping your home safe and warm this season. The CSIA and National Fire Protection Association both recommend that homeowners call a qualified professional for an annual chimney inspection.

Only a qualified professional, like a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep will be able to identify and resolve structural and maintenance issues before potential carbon monoxide intrusion and chimney fire hazards risk your time, health and money.

Qualified chimney professionals do much more than simply run a brush up the flue. A CSIA Certified Sweep will identify and help address installation issues, identify possible venting issues, provide needed maintenance and they will help you identify ways to operate your fireplace more efficiently.

Annual chimney inspections and chimney maintenance is best left to a qualified chimney professional like a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep. The CSIA administers the CSIA Chimney Sweep program by which chimney sweeps prove their technical aptitude by passing a series of two exams on industry codes and standards and by signing the CSIA Code of Ethics and maintaining a required level of continuing education.

Learn more about chimney safety and locate a CISA Certified Chimney Sweep in your area by visiting www.CSIA.org.

Article Courtesy of Marietta OMara of Weststar Chimney Sweeps.

Visit their website: www.weststarchimneys.com

Consumer Alert: Rain May Fall; What To Do If Your Roof Does Too

1/23/2012

Posted on 1/23/2012 by

When it Rains it pours! Follow These Tips Before Hiring Your Next Roofing Contractor.

The process of rebuilding a new roof can be both slow and frustrating, and most people just want to hire the person that can get the job done as quickly as possible, but keep in mind, taking the time to do some hands on research can really pay off in the long run. Try using these helpful tips before you hire your next roofing contractor.

Ask for Recommendations. One of the best ways to find a trustworthy contractor is to ask your friends and family for references. You can also contact a Professional Roofing Association like the Roofing Contractors Association of Southern California for some referrals. They can supply you with a list of reputable and available contractors. You can visit their website at www.rcasocal.org

Hire only licensed contractors. The most important thing to know when selecting a contractor is to make sure they are properly licensed. Contact the contractor’s state license board at www.cslb.ca.gov to verify the company’s contract license.

Ask for References. Don’t be afraid to ask the contractor for 3 different references and a review of past work.

Compare and Contrast. Do your homework, call at least three different companies and ask for bids before you select the right contractor.

Write it down. Get a written contract and don’t sign any documents unless you fully understand the terms. The contract protects both you and the contractor by including everything you agreed upon, so make sure you write out exactly what the contractor will and will not do.

Never pay in Cash. It’s not a good sign when the contractor asks you to pay up front and in cash. Wait until you are completely satisfied with the job before making the final payment.

Don’t Feel Rushed, Take Your Time. Contractors might want to pressure you into making an immediate decision, but taking your time might help save you any future trouble.

Do they have insurance? Another good tip is to make sure the contractor carries Workers Compensation Insurance and General Liability Insurance in case of any on the job accidents. Get copies of these policies for your records.

Contact the BBB. All you need is the company name and address, and the BBB can help find any additional information on the company. They can also give you a list of accredited Roofing Contractors in your area.

The typical life expectancy of a residential roof is about 15 to 20 years if properly installed. Maintaining your roof, keeping your gutters clean of debris and following these simple tips can help save you a lot of time and money. For more information visit bbb.org or call us at (858)637-6199.

Guest Blog: Students realize the dangers of drunk driving through ‘virtual death experience’

1/19/2012

Posted on 1/19/2012 by

Many people learn through their mistakes – but it’s often through mistakes where lessons are learned the hardest. But what if you could make a mistake – virtually – and learn from the experience without the burden of any negative consequence?

Students at San Diego Mesa College have gotten to do just that after the San Diego Police and Fire Departments held a mock DUI arrest and virtual death after students underwent a simulated drunken drive. The initiative is due in part to the 13,000 deaths related to DUIs every year.

Interested students watched with their jaws dropped as the San Diego Fire Department gave a live demonstration of the Jaws of Life, a spectacular hydraulic rescue tool that cuts, rams, busts, and wields doors open after a catastrophic drunk driving accident occurs and an injured person must be rescued.

“I thought it was really interesting, it made me realize a lot,” said Sophomore Alba Islas.

The demonstration, however, was not without its more poignant moments as Monica Zech, a Public Information Officer in El Cajon, spoke to students about her accident which was caused by reckless driving. After the accident, Zech underwent a $65,000 surgery to help her become mobile again.

“I really don’t drink but it’s still good to see and be aware of these things,” said Sophomore Caroline Andrade.

SDPD asked students to undergo a field sobriety test and handcuffed students after they engaged in the mock DUI arrest.

In addition to the dangers of drunk driving, students learned about traffic violations and ticketing.

“I’m here to let them have an idea of what we do,” said Officer Gabriel Espiritu. “I wanted them to undergo what the impaired driver does.”

Officer Amalia Sidhu added: “I’m helping to bring awareness of what alcohol does to the body.”

Teen driving & DUIs

Not every student is fortunate enough to undergo simulated drunk driving initiatives – but parents can help reduce DUIs in their household by enforcing their own “rules and regulations” for their teen and/or young adult drivers. Start by downloading your free parent/teen driving contract and outline the rules for reckless and drunk driving. Then, consider the following suggestions as you write your contract:

Consequences clearly defined

Discuss the consequences if a negative event occurs: speeding or traffic violations, accidents, or damaging a vehicle.

Contract length

There will be a time when your teen will finally have to be responsible for their driving on their own, without intervention from parents. Make sure to determine how long the contract will last; you may consider keeping the contract valid until your new driver exists his teenage years.

An open-door policy in asking for help

Teens will be teens, so if a mistake does happen, and underage drinking occurs, allow your teen an opportunity to call you when s/he needs to. Discuss consequences later; let your teen know you have an open-door policy if s/he runs into a troubling situation. It’s better to invite your teen to call you if an emergency presents itself rather than risk a car accident.

Article Courtesy of the Law Offices of Michael Pines, APC

As specialists in car accident injury, the law firm is dedicated to helping injured people collect maximum financial recovery. A car accident injury resulting from a DUI can be a complex case and our law firm can answer your legal questions for free. Call us now at 1-800-655-6585 for your free legal evaluation.

Don't Just Resolve, Absolve

1/18/2012

Posted on 1/18/2012 by Sheryl Bilbrey

Resolving to do differently, be better in the New Year is a ritual that dates back more than 4,000 years. I bet you have a laundry list of both personal and professional resolutions on which you are already wavering.

If that isn’t the case, congratulations, you have iron-will. However, if you are at all like me, and are already irresolute in your resolutions, maybe it’s because they have a design flaw.

Resolutions, for the most part, don’t work. I’m not shirking thousands of years of tradition; rather I’m suggesting that every time one of my own resolutions fails it is usually because it is tethered to the previous year’s failures. This year, let’s start 2012 off with a bang and absolve ourselves from what fell short in 2011.

Here are a few of my suggestions for what you can do to achieve business success in 2012. Here, at the BBB, we have tried some of these tips and have seen great success.

Don’t just join, participate in social media. It’s no longer joining the band wagon. Social media is a part of our lives and a huge factor in business success whether we like it or not. Use this free marketing opportunity to engage with current customers and attract new ones. Social media is the new frontier of marketing and the possibilities are endless. Join the rest of us and you won’t be disappointed.

Take full advantage of your BBB Accreditation. Your BBB offers so many benefits to each of our Accredited Businesses – everything from low-cost, pre-negotiated advertising to our Request A Quote program (which links your business to consumers more efficiently through our website) to BBB Logo recognition. Learn more about Accreditation benefits by visiting the Business Login Page on the BBB website. For help and additional information, contact us at info@sandiego.bbb.org.

Enter the BBB Torch Awards. Start early, give it your all and you could walk away with a Torch trophy and an unprecedented opportunity to advertise and market your business as one of the most trustworthy and respected in San Diego County.

Cut your to-do list in half. I’ve said it before, it’s hard letting go. Delegating your workload to your employees can be difficult because it requires trust and faith in their ability, but if you allow yourself to cut out the mundane and tactical parts of your workload, you will find that you have more time and energy to strategize new ways to expand and market your business, undoubtedly increasing your successes.

Don’t be afraid to do something different. The true message I would like to leave you with is not to be held-back by 2011’s botches. Reinvent yourself, your services, or your mission. Sometimes all your business needs to reach the next level of success is a little creativity, imagination and flexibility.

I hope your 2012 reaches new heights in every way. Here’s to our future successes and failures, and our resolutions being tied only to the present. Happy New Year to all!

Making Our Mark: In Case You Missed It...BBB B2B Mixer

1/17/2012

Posted on 1/17/2012 by

By Andy Ramos

On the evening of January 12^th, over 120 people made their way down to the Fleetwood Lounge located in the heart of Downtown's Gaslamp District for your BBB’s first bi-monthly mixer of 2012. The cool and contemporary design of the Fleetwood Lounge as well as the warm San Diego sunset shaped the mood for an enjoyable night of business networking for some of San Diego’s top business professionals.

Thanks to the support of this year’s Mixer Program Underwriters; Aflac and Modern Postcard your San Diego BBB B2B Mixers are free of charge for all of our accredited business with an optional donation to the BBB Foundation Program. For non-accredited business there is a small fee of $25. Be sure to visit with Aflac and Modern Postcard during one of our next mixers to find out how they can help you and your business!

B2B Mixers gives business professionals the opportunity to socialize and network with prominent business people from all over San Diego and Imperial Counties. Like always, we encourage everyone to attend and give all companies, accredited and non-accredited alike, a chance to network with the professionals that surround them.

If you are currently a non-accredited company, you have the opportunity to learn about the benefits of accreditation from business owners who personally profit from the advantages your BBB has provided them. The majority of our guests at our bi-monthly mixers are accredited, so you are sure to meet representatives from businesses with our seal of approval. Accredited Business members can be distinguished at our B2B mixers by having the BBB logo on their nametag.

Why should you attend B2B Mixers? These events are an excellent opportunity for your company to take an active and tangible role in the community. When you get out into the community and meet people you will boost your reputation and even gather new leads. Plus, that face-to-face personal connection could make the difference between you and your competitor.

Overall the first bi-monthly mixer of 2012, at the Fleetwood Lounge was a huge success, to say the least, linking top business professionals and hopefully helped to build long lasting relationships.

For more information on B2B Mixers and other San Diego BBB events click here . Don’t forget we are hosting a Special Mixer on March 7^th; your San Diego BBB will be celebrating its 100th year anniversary with a centennial celebration, for more information click here.

Consumer Alert: Choosing The Right Gym To Make Your Resolutions A Reality

1/13/2012

Posted on 1/13/2012 by

By Erin Levine

It’s no secret that one of the top New Year’s resolutions is to get healthy. Every year we make promises to ourselves to eat better and exercise more often. There are a variety of tactics to achieving these goals, but whether you are trying to lose weight or just get in better shape, joining a gym is an obvious way to improve your health.

The gym is a great tool for making these resolutions a reality, but it is can also be a large financial commitment. Choosing a gym should be treated like any other big purchase. Aside from checking out the gym's BBB Business Review, here are some additional tips to keep in mind before signing any contracts.

Be clear on all terms. Many gyms use special introductory offers to boost new memberships. You can get a great deal this way, but make sure you understand the terms of the deal and what you will be charged once the period is over. You also want to be clear on how to end your contract, as it is almost always easier to join a gym than it is to cancel membership. This also includes whether or not membership renewal is automatic, and what the gym’s policy is on using facilities at multiple locations.

Make sure it makes sense. The location of your chosen gym should be a convenient one, and the hours of operation should be conducive to your schedule. You should also double check that you can afford the monthly fees, which can add up quickly. It is easy to fall victim to high pressure sales tactics, so think it over thoroughly.

Get EVERYTHING in writing. Salespeople will promise you the world to get you to join their gym. Make sure all verbal promises are written in the contract. As with any purchase, make sure you have copies of everything you sign. If something comes up after you sign, it will be much more difficult for you to dispute your case if you do not have the paperwork.

Taking steps towards achieving your health goals is an excellent New Year’s resolution. Use these tips to help you make the best choices along the way.

For more information on choosing a gym, or to check out BBB Accredited gyms, visit sandiego.bbb.org.

Guest Blog: What Happens to a FICO Credit Score after a Short Sale?

1/11/2012

Posted on 1/11/2012 by

On July 15, 2011, the California Legislature enacted a new law (SB 458) expanding protection for homeowners against personal liability after a Short Sale to include all trust deeds against a property. Prior to this enactment, homeowners were restricted to no deficiency judgments on first trust deeds only.

In a blog post on FICO.com-The Banking Analytics Blog, the company analyzed several credit profiles to reflect how credit is affected by various scenarios including mortgage late payments, Short Sales and Foreclosures. Some parameters in selecting credit profiles were based on criteria such as utilization, delinquency, usage, etc. All credit files used had a current and active mortgage loan. Take a look at the results below:

From the findings above, the FICO scores fair better after a Short Sale without a deficiency judgment. The New Law is applicable under the following circumstances:

Mortgage loan is solely secured by a deed of trust
Mortgage loan is for a one-to-four residential unit property
Borrower sells for less than the outstanding loan balance owed
Lender provides a written short sale approval
Title voluntarily transfers to a buyer by grant deed or other conveyance document recorded in the county where the property is located
Proceeds of the sale have been tendered to the lender or lender’s agent in accordance with the parties’ agreement

Homeowners that meet the above guidelines are generally protected from lenders requiring a borrower to pay a deficiency judgment on a one-to-four unit residential unit property. This was most commonly seen with second trust deeds. Some lenders were requiring a deficiency judgment against the seller, requiring the seller to pay back the remaining balance on their loan amount after the Short Sale closed. All in all, a Short Sale with no deficiency balance scored a higher FICO score than Foreclosure and Bankruptcy alternatives. Although there are some exceptions to the law, most homeowners can settle a Short Sale without walking away with a balance owed to the bank on any trust deed against the property.

Byline: Tiana Uribe is a licensed real estate broker and owner of West Coast Living Real Estate Group. She holds a Masters Degree in Marketing.

President's Blog: BBB Benefits You Should Know About And Take Advantage Of In 2012

1/10/2012

Posted on 1/10/2012 by Sheryl Bilbrey

Another January 1^st has come and gone. Each year, we all rack our brains for a new interest or activity to add to our already full plates. We try windsurfing, spending money learning to make jewelry or gardening, we may even go so far as to shell out the cash for one of our expensive new habits and then curl up on the couch with a movie in lieu of that class or training.

No one is perfect. I’m certainly not. This New Year’s Day, I made a decision that I wasn’t going to add any new habits or hobbies to life; rather, this year I am going to take advantage of what has been right in front of me for years.

And I’ve been thinking, though my resolution applies to my non-work life, why can’t it apply to our professional lives? This year, why not resolve to take full advantage of all of the programs and services your BBB Accreditation affords you.

I know you may be thinking that all your company needs from the BBB is logo recognition, and it’s true that consumers’ association with our trust mark is one of the largest draws of your BBB Accreditation, but we offer so much more than plaques and decals. Over the next year, I challenge you to utilize each of the below services, and you will enjoy added value to your Accreditation.

Business Login Page: The Business Login page is your hub for Accreditation benefits, news and online services. From the login page, you can pay your Accreditation dues, print out a QR Code, update business information and more. It’s an important resource that we think all Accredited Businesses should use and use often.

Networking Mixers: Every other month, your BBB holds a B2B Networking Mixer at a unique San Diego location. Ushering in around 150 business owners and executives at each event, BBB Mixers are a great way to make important connections in the business community while enjoying the city and a free drink. Join us at our next mixer is Thursday, January 12^th at 4pm at The Fleetwood in downtown San Diego (click here to RSVP).

Request A Quote/BBB Coupon Program: Both of these programs are yet another way that your BBB is helping connect consumers directly to your business. Both are run through the BBB website and can be set up through the Business Login Page. Not only does allowing consumers to use coupons and request quotes from your business make you more accessible, it also establishes additional links to your website from the BBB site, which enhances your Google rankings.

To learn even more about the services and benefits your BBB offers Accredited Businesses, visit the BBB homepage. Happy New Year to all!

Consumer Alert: Keep Your Travels As Enjoyable As Our Unseasonal Weather

1/5/2012

Posted on 1/5/2012 by

By Valerie Simson

The major holidays have come and gone, but the first few months of the new year are sprinkled with holidays, which are opportune and popular times for an extended weekend trip. And though most of the dreary winter weather seems to have passed (knock on wood), you can still encounter many airline travel woes.

Here are some tips and ideas to help you get the most out of your not-so-winter getaway:

1. Fly early. If you can manage, book an early morning flight. They’re less likely to be affected by problems at other airports (such as a delayed incoming flight). And if the flight is cancelled you’ll have more opportunities to catch another flight as the day goes on.

2. Be prepared for security. Before even entering the line, remove your jewelry, items from your pockets, and outer clothing layers. Take off your shoes well ahead of your turn to place your carry-on on the x-ray conveyor belt. This will get you through security more efficiently and will keep you from holding up the line behind you.

3. Avoid connecting flights as much as possible. While this may not be possible for all destinations, it’s wise to avoid connections as much as possible. If your initial flight is canceled, you can find some solace in the fact that home is not so far away. But if your connecting flight is canceled, you’re trapped in an unfamiliar place with the stress of trying to find a way out.

4. Not all cities are lucky to have San Diego’s pleasant winter weather. Your connecting flights are prone to all kinds of weather-related delays and cancellations. Fog, ice and snow may be uncommon to your local airport, but weather can really snarl your travel plans, so plan your connecting flights accordingly.

5. Keep your airline’s reservation phone number at hand, as well as your flight’s confirmation number. If your flight is canceled or severely delayed, chances are you aren’t the only traveler who needs to speak with a customer service representative. Avoid lines at the airport reservation desk and call the airline directly to rebook your flight.

6. Other important phone numbers you shouldn’t fly without: those of your cruise line, rental car agency, hotel, and other groups who may be awaiting your arrival. They will need to be informed if you’re flight is delayed or canceled.

For more tips and information, visit bbb.org or call (858) 496-2131.

Sheryl Bilbrey Appears On NBC To Discuss Gym Memberships

1/5/2012

Posted on 1/5/2012 by
Is your New Year's Resolution to get in better shape this year? If you answered yes, chances are that you aren't alone. BBB President/CEO Sheryl Bilbrey appeared on NBC San Diego this week to discuss gym memberships in the New Year, and how to choose the right contract for you.

BBB Names Top Ten Scams of 2011

1/4/2012

Posted on 1/4/2012 by

Better Business Bureau investigates thousands of scams every year, from the latest gimmicks to schemes as old as the hills. Our new Scam Source (www.bbb.org/scam) is a comprehensive resource on scam investigations from BBBs around the country, with tips from BBB, law enforcement and others. You can sign up to receive our Scam Alerts by email, and you can also be a scam detective yourself by reporting scams you’ve discovered.

We’ve divided scams up into nine major categories and picked the top scam in each, plus our Scam of the Year.

Top Job Scam

BBB sees lots of secret shopper schemes, work-from-home scams, and other phony job offers, but the worst job-related scam can dash your hopes and steal your identity. Emails, websites and online applications all look very professional, and the candidate is even interviewed for the job (usually over the phone) and then receives an offer. In order to start the job, however, the candidate has to fill out a “credit report” or provide bank information for direct deposit of their “paychecks.” The online forms are nothing more than a way to capture sensitive personal data – Social Security number, bank accounts, etc. – that can easily be used for identity theft. And, of course, there is no job, either.

Top Sweepstakes and Lottery Scam

Sweepstakes and lottery scams come in all shapes and sizes, but the bottom line is almost always this: You’ve won a whole lot of money, and in order to claim it you have to send us a smaller amount of money. Oh, and keep this confidential until we’re ready to announce your big winnings. This year’s top sweepstakes scam was undoubtedly the email claiming to be from Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg announcing that the recipient was the winner of $1 million from the popular social networking site. These kinds of scams often use celebrities or other famous names to make their offer seem more genuine. If you aren’t sure, don’t click on the link but instead go directly to the homepage of the company mentioned. If they are really giving away $1 million, there will be some kind of announcement on their website. But don’t waste too much time looking.

Top Social Media/Online Dating Scam

On the Internet, it’s easy to pretend to be someone you are not. Are you really friends with all of your “Friends” on Facebook? Do you have a lot of personal information on a dating site? With so much information about us online, a scammer can sound like they know you. There are tons of ways to use social media for scams, but one this year really stands out because it appeals to our natural curiosity…and it sounds like it’s coming from a friend. Viral videos claiming to show everything from grisly footage of Osama bin Laden’s death to the latest celebrity hijinks have shown up on social media sites, often looking as if they have been shared by a friend. When you click on the link, you are prompted to “upgrade your Flash player,” but the file you end up downloading contains a worm that logs into your social media account, sends similar messages to your friends, and searches for your personal data. The next time you see a sensational headline for the latest viral video, resist the urge to peek.

Top Home Improvement Scam

Always near the top of BBB complaint data are home improvement contractors who often leave your home worse than they found it. They usually knock on your door with a story or a deal – the roofer who can spot some missing shingles on your roof, the paver with some leftover asphalt who can give you a great deal on driveway resealing. Itinerant contractors move around, keeping a step ahead of the law…and angry consumers. The worst are those who move in after a natural disaster, taking advantage of desperate homeowners who need immediate help and may not be as suspicious as they would be under normal circumstances. A large percentage of BBB’s Accredited Businesses are home contractors who want to make sure you know they are legitimate, trustworthy and dependable. Find one at www.bbb.org/search.

Top Check Cashing Scam

Two legitimate companies – Craig’s List and Western Union – are used for an inordinate amount of scamming these days, and especially check cashing scams. Here’s how it works: Someone contacts you via a Craig’s List posting, maybe for a legitimate reason like buying your old couch or perhaps through a scam like hiring you as a secret shopper. Either way, they send you a check for more than the amount they owe you, and they ask you to deposit it into your bank account and then send them the difference via Western Union. A deposited check takes a couple of days to clear, whereas wired money is gone instantly. When the original check bounces, you are out whatever money you wired…and you’re still stuck with the old couch.

Top Phishing Scam

“Phishing” is when you receive a suspicious phone call asking for personal information or an email that puts a virus on your computer to hunt for your data. It’s almost impossible to avoid them if you have a telephone or an email account. But the most pernicious phishing scam this year disguised itself as official communication from NACHA – the National Automated Clearing House Association – which facilitates the secure transfer of billions of electronic transactions every year. The email claims one of your transactions did not go through, and it hopes you react quickly and click on the link before thinking it through. It may take you to a fake banking site “verify” you account information, or it may download malware to infiltrate your computer.

Top Identity Theft Scam

There are a million ways to steal someone’s identity. This one has gotten so prevalent that many hotels are posting warnings in their lobby. Here’s how it works: You get a call in your hotel room in the middle of the night. It’s the front desk clerk, very apologetic, saying their computer has crashed and they need to get your credit card number again, or they must have gotten the number wrong because the transaction won’t go through, and could you please read the number back so they can fix the problem? Scammers are counting on you being too sleepy to catch on that the call isn’t from the hotel at all, but from someone outside who knows the direct-dial numbers for the guest rooms. By the time morning rolls around and you are clear-headed, your credit card has been on a major shopping spree.

Top Financial Scam

In challenging economic times, many people are looking for help getting out of debt or hanging on to their home, and almost as many scammers appear to take advantage of desperate situations. Because the federal government announced or expanded several mortgage relief programs this year, all kinds of sound-alike websites have popped up to try to fool consumers into parting with their money. Some sound like a government agency, or even part of BBB or other nonprofit consumer organization. Most ask for an upfront fee to help you deal with your mortgage company or the government (services you could easily do yourself for free), and almost all leave you in more debt than when you started.

Top Sales Scam

Sales scams are as old as humanity, but the Internet has introduced a whole new way to rip people off. Penny auctions are very popular because it seems like you can get something useful - cameras, computers, etc. – for way below retail. But you pay a small fee for each bid (usually 50₵ to $1.00) and if you aren’t the winner, you lose that bid money. Winners often are not even the top bidder, just the last bidder when time runs out. Although not all penny auction sites are scams, some are being investigated as online gambling. BBB recommends you treat them the same way you would legal gambling in a casino – know exactly how the bidding works, set a limit for yourself, and be prepared to walk away before you go over that limit.

Scam of the Year

Yep, it’s us – the BBB phishing scam. Hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions, of people have gotten emails that very much look like an official notice from BBB. The subject line says something like “Complaint Against Your Business,” and the instructions tell the recipient to either click on a link or open an attachment to get the details. If the recipient does either, a malicious virus is launched on their computer…a virus that can steal banking information, passwords and other critical pieces of information needed for cyber-theft. BBB is working with security consultants and federal law enforcement to track down the source of these emails, and has already shut down dozens of hijacked websites. Anyone who has opened an attachment or clicked on a link should run a complete system scan using reputable anti-virus software. If your computer is networked with others, all machines on the network should be scanned, as well.

For more information on these and other scams, go to BBB Scam Source (www.bbb.org/scam). Sign up for our Scam Alerts and learn about new scams as soon as we do.

Making our Mark: 5 Resolutions Your Company Should Make In 2012

1/2/2012

Posted on 1/2/2012 by

By Rachel Newman

A friend, who just started a small law and mediation firm, called me last week for marketing advice, specifically online marketing advice. His website, which has only existed for 6 months, has still not reached the first page of Google under common search terms, and he was looking for SEO tricks that would help him achieve that goal.

Here’s what I told him: Barring deceptive and unreliable black hat techniques, there are no magic tricks to SEO. Let’s not mince words. The internet is still uncharted territory for all of us (even the self-proclaimed experts), but one thing is certain: even if the landscape looks different online, successful marketing strategies haven’t really changed much.

Build relationships. Get your company name out there. These are all still goals online and off.

His quest got me thinking, though, and thus I developed five New Year’s resolutions that will be critical to your marketing success in 2012:

“I will seek accreditation by the BBB.” Not only does accreditation through the BBB validate your company among consumers and other businesses as a leader in marketplace integrity, it also provides invaluable marketing opportunities. First and foremost, each BBB Accredited Business has the opportunity to link their website to and from the BBB website, which provides an enhanced Google ranking.

“I will create a unique voice for my company.” While this may not be a measurable effort, a company with a straightforward message and an unwavering voice will not only win the allegiance of their customers, but be far more memorable to new and potential customers.

“I will finally get my business on social media platforms.” And most importantly maintain my presence on whichever social media platforms I choose. Let’s face it: social media is not going away. It’s not a fluke. Start up your accounts, do a little light reading and start engaging with your customers and building relationships with new and potential clients or customers. If you’re accredited, your BBB is here to help you with any glitches or concerns!

“I will look for opportunities to guest blog and use article marketing sites.” Improving your Google rankings is as easy as getting to know the rest of the online community. Do a little research. What website or blogs could use your input or expertise? You’ll benefit tremendously if they link to you in one of their blogs or post a blog of your own. This isn’t going to happen instantly though. Start small by commenting on, and getting to know the owners of the blogs or websites that you admire and think would be valuable partnerships to forge in the future.

“I will measure my efforts effectively and learn from my mistakes.” Measuring the return on investment is not only important in paring down spending at your company, but can also be an effective way of measuring what is and isn’t working for your business online. Measuring your efforts could be the difference between six or 100 new visitors to your website or social media page.

Guest Blog: Going Native: The Outstanding San Diego Scenery is ideal for Planting Plants

12/23/2011

Posted on 12/23/2011 by
SAN DIEGO, California – September 28, 2011-- Imagine the scorched earth of a rugged terrain. As the sun beats down upon the cracked ground, you begin to notice the cacti, lizards, shrubs, and sparse landscape features that are typical of a desert ecosystem.

Moving through the wide open wilderness we find ourselves coming upon a lone rider on a plodding, half-dead horse. The immediate dangers are snakes and exhaustion; however, the even greater threats to the weathered cowboy are outlaws lurking in the area, waiting to drop in like the vultures idly circling above him. Regardless of potential dangers he rides on: as we take a closer look at the weathered cowboy, with his low-hanging head, his body appears to tell the defeated story of a warrior at the end of his battle. Our eyes travel up his rusty spurs, past his faithful six-shooter, to discover a dirty bandage adhered to his cracked skin with dried blood and sweat. You begin to wonder - was this an injury he received from a tough battle against a local warring tribe, or the result of a recent shoot-out with lawless bandits? As he continues to make his way across the barren landscape he has only one goal, one focus - to get through...Southern California.

Palm trees and verdant grassy landscapes are as natural to the semi-desert arid climate of San Diego as a cactus in Moscow. Although we expect a few luxurious amenities in the world’s 37^th largest economy, many typical or traditional choices are completely unsustainable.

As we indulge in modern convenience that requires the exploitation of a finite resource such as water, we have no choice but to make sacrifices by either compensation or conservation.

When considering compensation to pay away the problems with a depleting water supply, also include in that budget the energy expended to import water (maintaining waterways, filtration, distribution, and infra-structure upkeep), the cost of water dependence on the local economy (money leaves the city and county), and the effort our politicians extend towards water policy to ensure our way of life (as opposed to other crucial issues we face). Also consider the fact that after supplementing the earth with fertilizers and pesticides (which each hold their own sets of problems), a lawn will likely be mowed using carbon-producing gas-consuming tools.

In many ways the solutions to water issues are literally in our backyard - our landscape. A luxury in Europe, where Napoleon used landscaping to show power by defying common practice of clearing the land for productive agriculture, the grass lawn is a constant maintenance nightmare in San Diego, where it accounts for 66% of the average Southern Californian’s water use.

Water conservation considerations with landscaping are generally cost-effective and simple: use less water. Reducing your water use is much less difficult than the average person would think; consider simply using mulch to retain water and watering earlier in the morning or later in the evening. Take water conservation up a notch with residential “greywater”(wastewater generated from domestic processes such as washing dishes, laundry, and bathing) which is a valuable water resource that can be recycled to irrigate plants on-site ( e.g. your house). Be sure your greywater does not contain harsh chemicals like bleach and soaps by using green cleaning supplies.

If you want to go the extra mile on your established landscape, consider the “MP Rotator” from Hunter Irrigation (a local business in San Marcos and an irrigation solutions giant in the industry), which can reduce irrigation needs by up to 40% by reducing the application rate of water towards the grounds actual absorption rate (aka less wet sidewalks for everyone).

If you are just tired of paying for pesticides, fertilizers, mowing, water, and the other costs that go along with a well-manicured lawn, then consider the very affordable native landscaping concepts created by Susan Krzywicki from Krzywicki Consulting (San Diego, CA), which will optimize your backyard to look beautiful and be beneficial for the entire San Diego environment. To get some tips on turning a green carpet into an SD experience feel free to stop by the California Native Plant Society's monthly meetings (Every 3^rd Tuesday, Casa Del Prado, Balboa Park) to help maintain San Diego as the picture perfect postcard by Planting Plants.

Final Breakdown:

Less than 1% of the world's water is freshwater (vital resource everything alive on Earth needs and shares).

More than 80% of sewage in developing countries is discharged untreated: polluting rivers, lakes and coastal areas. Conserving water preserves an irreplaceable natural resource, while reducing the strain on urban wastewater management systems. In developed nations wastewater treatment is costly and requires continuous investment to ensure quality as demand rises. Households, not public agencies, often make the largest investment in basic sanitation, with the ratio of household to government investment typically 10 to 1. In just one day, more than 200 million hours of women’s time is consumed for the most basic of human needs — collecting water for domestic use. At 40 hours a week it would take 961 years for a single person to accomplish this this task. At home the average American uses between 100 and 175 gallons of water a day. In the world 884 million people lack access to safe water supplies; approximately one in eight people. Every 20 seconds, a child dies from a water-related disease.

Article courtesy of Ronnie Das of How Can I Help San Diego. Visit the How Can I Help San Diego website for more information.

12 Scams of BBB Christmas: USPS Scam

12/23/2011

Posted on 12/23/2011 by

12 Scams of BBB Christmas: eCards

12/22/2011

Posted on 12/22/2011 by

Consumer Alert: Door-to-Door Repairmen Not Necessarily Mr. Fix It

12/22/2011

Posted on 12/22/2011 by

By Valerie Simson

Each winter, many homeowners face common maintenance issues—leaky roofs, leaf-laden rain gutters, and faulty heaters. And this means an increase in door-to-door handymen coming to the rescue to conveniently patch up all of your problems. But you should be wary of any type of repairman who comes to your door for an uninvited visit.

While not all handymen are ill-intentioned, people operating under the guise of a door-to-door handyman are often scammers. Arm yourself with these tips should you receive an unexpected maintenance call to your property:

Are you a typical target? These scammers will commonly target young, inexperienced homeowners and the elderly, usually through finding survivor names in the obituaries or by looking for homes with wheelchair ramps. They will identify a problem and warn that if not taken care right away, the problem will get worse. They typically take payment up front and perform a small task to gain the victim’s trust, but never return to complete the job. When the owner attempts to contact the handyman, they find the number has been disconnected.

Verify their business. Ask for a business card and look for a company name on their vehicle. Be especially cautious of repairmen that arrive by foot or bicycle.

Resist the pressure. Never invite an unsolicited person into your home, no matter what problem they claim requires repair. And remember, if any supposed handyman becomes forceful or threatening do not hesitate to contact your local law enforcement.

Be dubious of duos. Be cautious of workers that arrive in pairs, especially if they insist on doing work inside your home—one may try to distract you while the other steals from you.

Know California handyman laws. Under state law, handymen are allowed to perform work without a contractor’s license, but only if the cost of the work doesn’t exceed $500—and that amount includes labor and supplies. If a handyman provides you his license number, check it through the Contractors State License Board’s site or call the CSLB consumer information line at 1-800-321-CSLB (2752).

What if the utility company arrives without prior notice? Power company imposters may come to your house to audit your heating and cooling costs. Or perhaps they claim there’s been an emergency in your area and they need to come inside to work on some wiring in your home. In these cases, the utility company should’ve notified you before sending a crew. Take their names and call the utility company to verify this information.

Phone a friend. If you do need to employ the services of a handyman, ask for references from friends and family. Just because a handyman has identified a problem on your property doesn’t mean you need to hire that person to fix it.

Check with the BBB. If the handyman provides you a company name, contact the BBB for more information on that business. You can also receive a list of accredited handyman companies.

While you may not be able to avoid encounters with door-to-door handymen, you can certainly avoid being scammed. For more tips and information, visit bbb.org or call (858) 496-2131.

BBB PSA Reminds Adults & Children They're The Boss Of Their Money

12/22/2011

Posted on 12/22/2011 by
Just in time for the holidays, the Abominable Snowman has something to say about how to handle your money! So, what do you think of this video? We give it two thumbs up!

12 Scams of BBB Christmas: Gift Cards

12/21/2011

Posted on 12/21/2011 by

Guest Blog: If Your Home Could Talk, It Would Ask for Caulk

12/21/2011

Posted on 12/21/2011 by

It’s a shame that our homes can’t talk. If they could, they’d go on and on about the benefits of caulking, the otherwise unsung -- and often overlooked -- hero of home painting.

Without benefit of this counsel, we are often so enamored of our new paint colors that we rush to get them on the walls, skipping over caulking in the process. Yet properly applied caulk is a “can’t miss” investment that costs very little, but pays big dividends.

Caulking is such an important component of a quality paint job that it actually serves not just one purpose, but three:

1. It can shield a home from water damage by filling exterior gaps, cracks, and joints, and providing a watertight seal indoors in bathrooms, kitchens, and other living areas where moisture is present.

2. It enhances the energy-efficiency of a home by retaining heat and air-conditioning and preventing the infiltration of outside air.

3. It gives any interior or exterior paint job a more “finished” look.

When applying caulk, go about it the right way. First, prepare the surface you’ll be caulking by scraping off any loose paint or deteriorated caulk that you find on the seams and joints. Then clean away dirt and grime with a solution of soap and water. (Often, mildew can also be removed by adding a small amount of household bleach to the cleaning solution.) Rinse the surface and allow it to dry before applying the new caulk.

In most circumstances, top quality acrylic latex caulk or siliconized acrylic caulk offers the best performance. That’s true regardless of whether you are caulking the interior or exterior of your home.

These types of caulk adhere well to almost any surface. They are extremely durable, and flexible enough to expand and contract when temperatures rise or fall. What’s more, acrylic latex and siliconized acrylic caulks are paintable, which is not true of similar-sounding silicone caulks.

If you’ve never applied caulk before, take a few minutes to practice in an out-of-the-way area. It does take some getting used to. But when you’re done, you won’t have any trouble getting used to the cost savings: A tube of caulk can cost less than a couple of light-bulbs, but it can save plenty on your energy bills.

This is a guest post by Debbie Zimmer, a blogger, speaker, and a nationally recognized expert on color, use of paints in interior and exterior design, and decorative painting techniques. She can be found on Twitter as @PaintQualityIns and the Paint Quality Institute blog.

Making Our Mark: In Case You Missed It...14th Annual Torch Awards

12/20/2011

Posted on 12/20/2011 by

By Andy Ramos

Although it looked like rain, there was nothing but anticipation and excitement in the air Tuesday, December 13th. In its 14^th year, the BBB Torch Awards is the BBB’s way of honoring local Accredited and Non-Accredited Businesses who symbolize ethical and honest business practices in our marketplace. This year’s BBB Torch Awards presentation luncheon was held at the beautiful Town and Country Resort Hotel and Convention Center in San Diego’s Mission Valley area.

As the attendee’s filled the ballroom, they were presented with a delicious lunch while George Chamberlin, Master of Ceremonies for the 14^th consecutive year, kicked off the celebration with a few short words just before keynote speaker Les Tenney took the stage.

The room fell silent as Les Tenney described the heartfelt story of his 3 ½ years as a prisoner of war in Japan. In spite of the brutal and inhumane treatment he received while on the Bataan Death March and while working in a Japanese coalmine, he was able to survive because of his strong love of country, his positive attitude, and his goal-setting philosophy. Lester Tenney has long ago forgiven the Japanese for the mistreatment meted out to him while a POW, but he says: “I will never forget.”

Tenney went on to read an excerpt from his award winning story, “My Hitch In Hell” a first person account of the Bataan Death March and life as a POW of the Japanese. His speech ended in a well-deserved standing ovation from all of our honored guests.

Along with the Torch Award Winners, five students were awarded with cash scholarships for writing exceptional essays about The Importance of Ethics & Integrity in our Community. The 2011 scholarship recipients are Andrew Alvarado from Hilltop High School, Eduardo De La Toba from Eastlake High School, Daimen Sagastume from Monte Vista High School, Lilia Ortiz from Bonita High School and our top scholarship recipient was Anthony Puzo from Carlsbad High School, who shared his essay with our attendees.

Puzo wrote about how lack of ethics and integrity “can bring a country to its knees,” and he cited Iraq and Libya, as well as Germany in 1933. Puzo wrote: “Ask anyone who has had to deal with the fallout of a person of poor moral character. They know the destruction.”

This year seven businesses and one non-profit were presented with a 2011 Torch Award, while eight other businesses were named as finalists.

This year’s winners of a 2011 BBB Torch Award included A 1 Hearing Aid Centers of San Diego (one-to-four); Health Savings Associates Insurance Services of San Diego (five-to10); Marrokal Design & Remodeling (11-to-24); Jackson Design and Remodeling of San Diego (25-to-99); ASI Hastings Heating & Air, Inc. of El Cajon (100-to-249); Barney & Barney LLC of San Diego (250‑to-499); San Diego County Credit Union (more than 500); Outreach for Humanity of San Diego (charity/non-profit category).

This year’s finalist include Royal Rooter, Inc. of Oceanside (one-to-four); Dream Design Builders of Rancho Bernardo (five-to-10); ReSource Floors of San Diego and Toyota Certified of Santee (11-to-24); Bill Howe Family of Companies of San Diego and Action Air Conditioning, Heating and Solar of San Marcos (25-to-99); Coles Fine Flooring and Toyota of El Cajon (100-to-249).

Overall, the 14^th Annual Torch Award Luncheon was a huge success! The BBB wants to congratulate all of our winners and finalists, and give thanks to all of the companies who entered, as well as the BBB’s sponsors. Your dedication and commitment to conducting your business in an ethical fashion is commendable. Rain or shine, we hope to see you again next year!

Presenting Student Sponsor: Sycuan Casino

Ethics Partner: SDG&E

Gold Sponsors: Jack In the Box

UCSD

San Diego Business Journal

Security Business Bank of San Diego

Ethics & Integrity Supporters: G.S Levine

Silver Sponsors: Cox Communications

Union Bank

Luce Forward

Viejas Casino

12 Scams of BBB Christmas: Grandma Scam

12/20/2011

Posted on 12/20/2011 by

Guest Blog: Tis the Season For Jolly and Cheer, Let’s Prevent Home Fires This Year!

12/20/2011

Posted on 12/20/2011 by

How-to Fire Proof Your Home During the Holiday Season.

Every year, holiday fires injure approximately 2,600 individuals and cause nearly $930 million in damages, according to the United States Fire Administration (USFA). It is important to be extra cautious during these joyous days because more often than not, our attention is easily distracted either by sugar rushes, visiting family members or the twice weekly holiday parties. Here are a few simple steps to take to ensure your family and festivities are fire-free this season.

Firstly, let’s talk about the Christmas Tree. I understand those luscious green branches and that pine-tree smell is irresistible; but the bottom line is switching to an artificial tree is the easiest way to lower the possibility of a fire in your home. However, for those who cannot resist the calling for tradition, remember to keep your tree fully watered. Trees that are strong and hydrated are less likely to catch fire than those that are dry and brittle. Because dry and brittle branches catch fire quickly and often spark, once Christmas has passed and it is time to dispose of your tree, do not try to burn your tree in the fireplace. Take your tree to a recycling center or schedule a time for your community pick-up service to take it off your hands.

For those who celebrate Hanukkah, please remember the menorah should be monitored at all times while lit. Though the windowsill is a popular place to display your holiday spirit, curtains can easily catch fire; instead put your menorah on an open table on top of a fire retardant surface to avoid hot wax dripping and causing a fire. Yet, most importantly (and I know this will be hard), keep the menorah out of children’s reach. It is important to include children in the ceremony, however, the fire is real and must be handled carefully; always have an adult light the candles. You may want to consider purchasing an electric flameless menorah to have a complete worry-free celebration.

Another important tip to abide is to never leave something cooking in the oven if you are going to leave the house. Tempting as it may be to let the gift basket cookies finish baking while you pick up the kids from carpool, just say no. If you run into traffic or take longer than you plan, the baking goods will overcook and could catch fire.

Lastly, don’t overload your extension cords or electrical outlets. When stringing lights together, do not link more than 3 light strands, and plug these into an extension cord before plugging it into the wall. You should also periodically check that the wires are not hot to the touch, especially lights decorating your tree. Don’t forget to hit the switch on the holiday lights when you hit the hay for the night. If you find yourself falling asleep before turning off your lights, try setting up a timer that will automatically turn off all lights at a designated time.

Simply following these safety tips you will free your minds from worry and help you enjoy this special time with friends and family. Happy Holidays!

Article Courtesy of Megan O’Neal, Marketing and Communications Coordinator for SDA Security. To learn more about SDA Security, click here.

12 Scams of BBB Christmas: "Dear Santa" Letter Scams

12/19/2011

Posted on 12/19/2011 by

12 Scams of BBB Christmas: Door-To-Door Help

12/16/2011

Posted on 12/16/2011 by

12 Scams of BBB Christmas: Layaway

12/15/2011

Posted on 12/15/2011 by

Consumer Alert: BBB Warns Payday Loans Could Be Costly In The End

12/15/2011

Posted on 12/15/2011 by
By Erin Levine

Everyone can use a little extra cash to get by until payday, right? With the holidays just around the corner, payday loans, also known as “cash advances” or “deferred deposits” look more attractive than ever. But proceed with caution – these small, short-term, high-rate loans can come at a very high price.

How they work: According to the California Department of Corporations, in a payday loan, a borrower writes a check to a lender in exchange for a short-term cash loan. The borrower pays a fee and the lender does not cash the check until the borrower’s next payday, up to 31 days. The maximum loan amount that can be borrowed is $300 and the maximum fee a lender can charge is 15%, up to $45. While this amount doesn’t seem too high, the fee is actually the equivalent to an annual percentage rate of 460% for a two week loan. To put things in perspective, a new car loan APR is generally between 4% and 7%.

If you take out a payday loan: Borrow only as much as you can afford to pay back, in full, on your next payday. If you cannot afford to pay back the loan, it is strongly advised to not take out a second payday loan, because this can led to an expensive cycle of debt that will be difficult to recover from.

Try to find alternatives. According to the Federal Trade Commission, you may want to consider other options before taking out a payday loan. You could try obtaining smaller loan from your credit union or a small loan company, and some banks even offer smaller, shorter term loans with competitive rates. You could also consider a credit card cash advance, or see if any of your local community-based organizations will offer small loans. Regardless of the option you choose, you will want to make sure to shop around for the best deal, by comparing APR’s and finance charges.

If taking out a payday loan is the option you choose, make sure to be familiar with California’s Payday Lending Laws, put in place to protect the lender. You can find these, and even more information on Payday Loans from the California Department of Corporations by reading this guide.

12 Scams of BBB Christmas: Payday Loans

12/14/2011

Posted on 12/14/2011 by

Guest Blog: Be The Ultimate Visitor, Practice Sustainable Tourism

12/14/2011

Posted on 12/14/2011 by

Sustainable tourism is widely considered to be the fastest growing segment of the world’s largest industry. Often times, sustainable travel is thought to simply mean limiting the negative environmental impacts of travel. However, the definition is much more encompassing.

Sustainable Tourism in basic terms is tourism that does not deplete economic, social/cultural and environmental resources. The ultimate goals of sustainable tourism are to provide a high-quality experience for the visitors, strengthen the host cultures and communities, and to develop tourism-related livelihoods while preserving the surrounding environment.

There are three main pillars of sustainable tourism which include economical, social/cultural, and environmental. Sustainable tourism should not impact the environment, or even better it should directly contribute to environmental conservation. Secondly, sustainable tourism is concerned about socio-cultural aspects. Tourism shouldn’t negatively impact the destination’s cultural society and should actively contribute to cultural preservation. Thirdly, ecotourism focuses on economic sustainability. The impact of tourism operations in the host country’s communities should be a positive economic impact.

A sustainable tourism business creates employment for the local people and benefits the local industries and businesses that supply the tourism industry. Thought should be given as to how tourism can benefit local communities in ways which reduce the economic leakage in destinations. Economic leakage occurs when the money earned through tourism does not remain within the host country. For every dollar that a tourist spends, not much of that dollar actually remains in the destination. For example, in Fiji economic leakage has been reported as high as 65%, meaning for every dollar spent in that country 35% of that is all that remains.

Another shift in the travel industry has been a return to travel agents. Recently, travelers frustrated with online bookings have been returning to travel agents. A study conducted by Forrester Research, a market research company, found that in the first 3 months of 2010, 28% of leisure travelers in the U.S. who had book their trips online said they were interested in going to a good traditional travel agent, while in 2008 that number was 23%.

Forrester also reports that that number of leisure travelers who enjoyed using the internet to book their vacations dropped to 46% in 2009, from 53% in 2007. Travelers are increasingly finding that online booking options are unable to meet their more complicated travel needs, such as a desire for sustainable tours and lodges. Travel agents help clients avoid the frustrating complications that can be associated with travel and take action if something goes wrong.

As the eco travel industry continues to grow and travelers look for more unique trips such as swimming with sea lions in the Galapagos Islands and interacting with local indigenous tribes in the Amazon, travel agencies will continue to thrive.

Article courtesy of Ali Dempsey of Global Basecamps.

12 Scams of BBB Christmas: Non-Delivery of Online Purchases

12/12/2011

Posted on 12/12/2011 by

12 Scams of BBB Christmas: Charity Fraud

12/12/2011

Posted on 12/12/2011 by

Friday Feature Presentation: Torch Awards Tuesday, Will You Be There?

12/9/2011

Posted on 12/9/2011 by

By Rachel Newman

For over 10 years, your BBB has presented the community with an annual list of companies who are doing business with the utmost honesty and integrity, and this year is no exception. On December 13^th, the San Diego BBB invites all of our Accredited Businesses to join us at the Town & Country Resort and Hotel to honor the Torch Award winners of 2011 and enjoy a memorable luncheon.

The Torch Awards for Marketplace Ethics is a competition that is open to all Accredited and Non-Accredited San Diego Businesses. Companies who enter must justify how their business makes strides in increasing transparency between themselves and the consumer, as well as how they foster good-will and ethics in the community.

The winners are the Torch Awards are entered in the International Torch Awards competition, and are given an unprecedented opportunity to receive recognition and promotion in the local marketplace. Not only are winners of the Torch Awards given the opportunity to advertise their award and make their business more recognizable to the community, they are featured prominently on the BBB homepage for an entire year and in the February edition of San Diego Magazine.

This isn’t any ordinary awards show. Each year, the luncheon is packed full with over 400 of San Diego’s top business executives, and the BBB expects no less in 2011. With most of San Diego’s top business leaders on hand, this signature business event will honor not just winners and finalists of the Torch Award, but several other leaders in the local community.

George Chamberlin will take the stage as Master of Ceremonies for the 14^th consecutive year. Chamberlin, best known as the host of the “Money in the Morning” radio show and the “Money Matters” segments on NBC7, is as entertaining as he is well-qualified to emcee the luncheon. The keynote speaker of the event is veteran and POW Lester Tenney, who will speak on his survival of the World War II Bataan Death March.

As is tradition, the BBB will also recognize the Accredited Businesses who have reached Silver and Gold Circle status with the BBB, meaning that they have been accredited for 25+ or 50+ years, respectively. The luncheon will also host the high school juniors and seniors who entered the BBB’s annual scholarship contest. Entrants wrote essays on “The Importance on Ethics & Integrity in our Community,” and the winner will read their entry during the luncheon.

Make sure you are there to help usher in this year’s Torch Award Winner. The San Diego BBB invites you to purchase a table of eight seats at $600, or buy single seats at $75 each. This event will sell out and there are only a few days remaining, so make your reservations now. To RSVP for this memorable event, visit bbb.org, call your BBB at 858.637.6199 or email Andrea McNelis at amcnelis@sandiego.bbb.org.

Your support of the Torch Awards for Marketplace Ethics helps us continue to this cherished San Diego tradition. Together, we can help maintain San Diego’s reputation as one of the best places to conduct business. For more information on sponsorship opportunities or to learn more about entering the 2012 Torch Awards, please visit bbb.org or email Andrea McNelis at amcnelis@sandiego.bbb.org. We hope to see you there!

12 Scams of BBB Christmas: Fake Vacation Rentals

12/9/2011

Posted on 12/9/2011 by

Consumer Alert: Stay Safe While Traveling This Holiday Season

12/8/2011

Posted on 12/8/2011 by

Each year, I look forward to winter with great anticipation. The season brings celebration, good food, and gathering with loved ones. For most people, it also means traveling, and traveling in unfavorable weather at that.

Being from the San Francisco Bay Area, going home for the holidays involves an eight hour drive that begins in the wee hours of the morning, in the company of me, myself, and I. And despite being an adult, I can still count on my father to nag me with safe travel advice before starting out on these annual adventures. But as much as his well-intentioned concern annoys me, his tips have kept me coming home safely. So in turn, I’d like to nag you with the following winter driving tips:

1. Know your route and let others know your route. Whether you’re venturing to a new destination, or making the same trip for the umpteenth time, plan your route ahead of time. Familiarize yourself with the roads and highways on which you’ll be driving and the towns you’ll be passing through. Pack along appropriate maps should you encounter any unexpected detours or road closures. You should also tell the people who are awaiting your arrival the route you’ll be taking, so that if you do encounter an emergency, you’ll be easier to locate.

2. Examine your car before you leave. Few things can spoil a trip like a vehicle breaking down, especially in an unfamiliar town. Check your tire pressure and make sure your tires are ready for wet or icy weather if necessary. Carry and be ready to install traction aiding devices, such as chains, if you know you might encounter snow. Be sure your windshield wipers are working smoothly and clean your headlights and taillights often. If you aren’t confident in your vehicle assessment skills, take your car to a trusted mechanic.

3. Check current weather and road conditions. Prepare yourself for a variety of road conditions, accidents, and traffic. Beginning a few days leading up to a big road trip, I check the California Department of Transportation regularly to stay up-to-date on road closures, construction hours, and traffic. The U.S. Department of Transportation and Sigalert are also great resources for road and traffic conditions.

4. Stay alert. Before hitting the road, be sure you’re well-rested. Stop often to stretch and get fresh air. Staying hydrated and nourished will also help you stay awake and focused on your drive. If you find yourself fighting sleepiness, pull over to a well-lit area, such as a parking lot. Be sure your vehicle is visible to passers-by and lock your doors and roll up the windows. Try napping for 20 minutes and then get some brief exercise before continuing on.

5. Plan your pit stops. Research ahead of time the nearest gas stations, convenience stores and roadside rest stops along your route. If you’re traveling within California, the Department of Transportation provides detailed information about the locations of rest areas and amenities provided.

6. Pack an emergency kit. Assemble a basic cold weather kit—a pair of gloves, a weather resistant jacket, a blanket, a flashlight, phone charger, and jumper cables. Also include non-perishable food, like nutrition bars and bottled water. If you do become stranded, stay in your car and wait for help, and run the engine sparingly. To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, make sure the exhaust pipe is clear of any debris, such as snow or ice.

7. Slow down. Drive according to road and weather conditions. Reduce your speed for things like traffic, fog, rain, and snow. Slow driving may extend your trip, but I can attest that getting a speeding ticket feels much worse than arriving an hour later than planned.

This winter, heed caution on the road, whether you’re traveling 15 miles or 500 miles, and get to your friends, family, and food safely.

For more safety tips and advice, visit bbb.org.

12 Scams of BBB Christmas: Counterfeit Merchandise

12/8/2011

Posted on 12/8/2011 by

Guest Blog: Who Owns Your Domain Name? Is It You?

12/7/2011

Posted on 12/7/2011 by

Your web site has been up and running for a while, and has been very successful. One day you start receiving calls from your clients or customers that your web site is no longer accessible. You call your web hosting company and they tell you the domain name was not re-registered by them and so it is up for sale. If you want the domain name back, you will have to purchase it. How could this happen? I pay for my domain name, but don’t I own it?

The answer is no, you may not. What about all the content – text, images, videos, email, sounds, animations or more – do I own that? Again, the answer could be no. If your web hosting company is the registrar, they can control what other web sites yours points to, which domain name registrar maintains it, have administrative control, change information about your domain name account and have the ability to sell your domain name.

Unfortunately there are unscrupulous web hosting companies out there that will take advantage of those who are not that tech savvy.

There are rules governing domain name registrants. The International Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) manages the domain name system on the internet. ICANN is responsible for maintaining registries of Internet Protocol (IP) address space. Basically, ICANN doesn’t allow the registration of the exact same domain name on the same top-level domain (.COM, .ORG etc.) to more than one person or entity; first come, first serve basis only.

To check to see if you own your domain name go to the WhoIs database and search for your domain name. When the information pops up, look to see who is listed in the “Registrant” field and the “Administrative” fields, including the email addresses. If the registrar is listed as “domains by proxy” or “eNoms”, those are privacy services set up by the registrar to keep your information protected. This is not necessarily a bad thing – it prevents spammers from stealing personal information about your website. If your name or your company’s name is not listed as either registrant, administrator or both, but your web hosting company is, there are steps you can take to gain ownership of your domain name:

1. If you have administrative access, you can logon as an administrator and change it yourself.

2. Review your license terms and agreement with your web hosting company. What does it say about the domain name registration or ownership rights? What about ownership rights to any other data or information on the website?

3. Ask your web hosting company if they will transfer the domain name registration to you. This could have been an honest error on their part and they will not have a problem transferring the domain name. It never hurts to ask.

4. Finally, if none of the above works, you can always take legal action. Check with your registrars’ policy on name changes. If arbitration is needed, most registrars will abide by the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy.

Having control and ownership of your domain name is often overlooked. Take a few minutes to find out who the registrant and administrator are. Take steps to make sure it is YOU.

Photo credit: Flckr

About the author: Jose Rosa is CEO and President of WebJuris, a boutique firm that specializes in offering services for web design, social media and SEO for attorneys and the legal community.

BBB, The Target Of A Phishing Email Scam

12/7/2011

Posted on 12/7/2011 by

Better Business Bureau is issuing an urgent SCAM alert cautioning businesses and consumers about an email that looks like it is from BBB, with the subject line “Complaint from your customers.” This e-mail is fraudulent; ignore its contents and delete it immediately. If you have already clicked on a link in the e-mail, completely delete the message from your inbox and run a full virus scan of your computer.

The e-mails have return addresses that BBB does not use (one example is riskmanager@bbb.org) and it is signed with the address of the Council of Better Business Bureaus, the national office of the BBB system. The e-mail contains a link to a non-BBB web site. Do NOT click on the link.

BBB is working with law enforcement to determine its source and stop the fraudulent campaign.

This is what the email looks like:

BBB In Search Of Consumer And Business Stories, Offering Worthy Reward

12/5/2011

Posted on 12/5/2011 by

Everyone has a story. Good, bad, boring or fascinating: everyone wants their story told. Your BBB hears you loud and clear, and we want to help make that happen.

This December, the San Diego BBB will commence a yearlong celebration of the organization’s Centennial by hosting the “Tell Us Your BBB Story” contest, which will solicit stories from any and all supporters of the BBB. The BBB believes that whether you are male or female, 80 years old or 18 years old, business owner or consumer, your story and your support is crucial to the success of the organization.

Entrants must submit either a video or written testimonial that outlines how the BBB has helped them. Stories can range from how the BBB stopped a consumer from flushing money into a bad company, or how the BBB helped a small business flourish in a tough economy. With the BBB’s vast array of services, each story submitted is bound to be different.

“It’s vital to our organization that we give our Accredited Businesses and the consumers that we serve the opportunity to have their voice heard. They are the essence of the BBB, so who better to speak on our behalf than our supporters,” said BBB President/CEO Sheryl Bilbrey.

So, what’s in it for you? Participants will be entered to win an Apple iPad and/or the opportunity to have their story told in one of the BBB’s television commercials. Yes, you heard right. An Apple iPad is up for grabs, and the only thing you have to do is what comes naturally: tell the BBB about your experience.

While the BBB’s contest is being hosted through SignOnSanDiego.com, there are ample outlets to tell your story. Of course, the contest submission page can be accessed by going to www.signonsandiego.com and clicking on one of the BBB’s advertisements, but you can also enter your video or written submission for the contest from the BBB Facebook page or the San Diego BBB homepage. Attendees of December 13^th’s Torch Award Luncheon will also have the opportunity to tape their BBB story on-site.

While the winners will be announced in early 2012, there is no time like the present to get to work on your BBB story. We are standing by and can’t wait to hear what you have to say. For more information about the “Tell Us Your BBB Story” contest, visit our Facebook page.

###

The non-profit organization Better Business Bureau of San Diego and Imperial Counties opened in 1921, and is San Diego’s largest county-wide business membership organization with more than 6,300 accredited businesses and charities. The BBB promotes business ethics through voluntary self-regulation, consumer and business education, and helps consumers with free pre purchase information and consumer protection advice, including business reviews on more than 101,000 local companies. Before buying decisions are made, consumers are encouraged to phone the BBB's free 24 hour Consumer Helpline at (858) 496 2131 or (800) 600 7050, or visit the website at bbb.org, to obtain free pre-purchase information and a list of BBB accredited businesses by type of industry.

###

Rachel Newman

Public Relation and Marketing Coordinator

Better Business Bureau, San Diego

(858) 637-6199

Rnewman@sandiego.bbb.org

Consumer Alert: Give, But Give Wisely This Holiday Season

12/2/2011

Posted on 12/2/2011 by

By Rachel Newman

It’s official. I am once again a far cry from my original budget for this holiday season. It’s only December 1^st and I am already wrapping, online shopping and in a non-stop brainstorm to bring the best gifts to my family this year. I can’t help it. I’m a bit of a fanatic; a fanatic that tells her family affectionately each year that she is “bringing it, so be prepared.”

I don’t think I am alone though. The holidays are a time that we can all go a little crazy, and over-extend ourselves all in the name of jolly generosity. For those who don’t know, generosity, much like food eaten off a toothpick, is guilt-free. This generous spirit that most of us embody in the final months of the year can be taken advantage of though.

Each year, your Better Business Bureau is flooded in November and December with calls and emails asking about the legitimacy of charities. The holidays are the perfect time of year for scammers to come out of the woodwork pretending to be soliciting for a good cause. We all want to give back and, much of the time, we have the inclination to give back to the charity that is easiest and provides the most immediate service.

Your BBB asks you to fight this urge. Here are a view tell-tale signs you may be dealing with a scam charity, and some tips to keep your money in your hands or the hands of a deserving charity.

Don’t let the charity choose you. It may seem perfectly convenient to give to a charity that knocks on your door, calls your phone or approaches you while you’re out and about, but this is exactly the sentiment that scammers prey upon. Choose to whom you give your money. It may take a little more time and effort, but giving feels better when you know your money is in the hands of someone who will use it for good deeds.

Beware of lookalike charities. Many scammers will develop a fake name for their charity that sounds remarkably like a legitimate charity. Always do your research before giving money, and you won’t be duped.

Beware of contribution collectors. If a charity representative offers to pick up a donation from your home, or from under the mat on your front porch, that is a red-flag. Don’t leave money out for a random person to pick up.

Don’t get pressured. Legitimate charities will still want your money tomorrow. Any time you are in a high pressure situation with a charity, who is reasoning that they need your money today, just repeat those words to yourself. High-pressure sales tactics, charity and otherwise, are usually a strong indicator that the salesman or solicitor may not be on the up-and-up.

Go against your instincts and be a skeptic. It’s difficult during the holiday season, but you should enter into conversations with charities with a healthy amount of skepticism. Ask questions like: “How much of my contribution goes directly to those in-need?”

Keep ahold of your heart strings. Don’t get sweet-talked (or in this case sad-talked). There are a lot of sad stories in the world, but just because someone feeds you a line about necessity doesn’t mean it’s the right charity for you to donate to. Follow your head, not your heart.

For more information about charities, contact your BBB. For information about how to give wisely this holiday season, consult the BBB’s Wise Giving Guide. It’s a one-stop-shop for all of your charity questions.

President's Blog: It's Never Too Late To Be Thankful

12/1/2011

Posted on 12/1/2011 by Sheryl Bilbrey

Like so many of you, I too gorged myself last week on turkey, stuffing and pie. Each year Thanksgiving rolls around and we eat, drink, spend time with family, and, for some, shop in the wee hours of the morning for holiday gifts. And sure, we’re all thankful for the things that we have been blessed with: a roof, good food, friends and family, but how often do we stop and give thanks for our professional blessings?

No, not the espresso machine your office just put in, and no, not those extra few hoidays that are coming up in December. Rather, how often do we stop to thank our customers, not just for buying from us but for supporting our businesses, or to our employees for upholding the mission and reputation that we have built?

This Thanksgiving, the BBB began a contest thanking all of you who have made the Better Business Bureau what it is today. We are asking that you send us your BBB stories: whether we saved you from losing money in a scam or helped your business grow. As a thank you for participating, one contributor will win an Apple iPad

and have the chance to have their story told in one of your BBB’s commercials.

Regardless of the thanksgiving holiday having passed us by, if you think you’d like to make your own list of professional thank you’s, here a few ideas:

Customers are king. Whether you are a B2B or a B2C business, your customers should always feel appreciated. Try to remind your

customers that you are not just grateful for their purchases, but for how they contribute to the success of your business. After all, despite even your best branding efforts, your customer’s will advertise and shape your business more effectively than you ever could.

Employees are your framework. Just like customers, employees should always feel valued. While we are in hard economic times, money is far from the only way to show your thankfulness. Employee appreciation luncheons, an extra day of PTO or even just a hand-written note outlining what each employee does well can go a long way. Take the time to recognize your staff this holiday season and they’ll surely repay you in hard work and dedication.

Patting yourself on the back is not only encouraged, but expected. It’s okay, brag on yourself a little. Your employees aren’t the only people who work hard! Be thankful for all of the time you put into your company, and reward yourself accordingly.

Here’s to a successful holiday season full of good food, drink and personal and professional gratitude! For more information about the BBB’s Tell Us Your BBB Story contest, visit our Facebook page. For more information about the BBB, visit BBB.org.

Guest Blog: Kids' Chandeliers - A Stylish Addition To Your Child's Bedroom

11/30/2011

Posted on 11/30/2011 by

When you are planning to renovate your child's room, there are so many options of decor and accessories, but it is always best to focus on the essentials such as furniture, lighting, flooring and window treatments. When considering lighting your child's room, you may want to consider choosing one of the many styles of kids’ chandeliers for your baby's nursery, or boys or girls room.

Kids’ chandeliers are perfect for creating sweet ambiance to a baby’s nursery or adding a dramatic feel to a teen’s room, or even for homes that embody a particular design style. Kids’ chandeliers can also be added to compliment a home’s current decor and style.

There are child chandelier options to suit any child's personality, style or decor needs. The options truly seem limitless which allows for great fun when decorating your child’s room. Many popular styles and themes include mini chandelier versions which work perfectly in a baby’s nursery or toddler’s room, more dramatic iron kids’ chandeliers in bold colors such as black that work perfectly in a teen’s room or classic styles such as nautical or western styles that are enjoyed in many boys’ rooms. Whatever the style or decor needs, many of the models available today are created with the highest standards of quality and workmanship which allow these kids’ chandeliers to be enjoyed for many years to come.

Undeniably, chandeliers have come a long way. Before, chandeliers were thought to be used only in mansions or to light a dining room or entry way. But today's styles of chandeliers include not only those that work in the main areas of one’s home, but can also be enjoyed by children of all ages and comfortably add a special touch to your child's room.

Today, owning and enjoying a kids’ chandelier is a common luxury. There are so many styles and designs that fit budgets as vast. On the more affordable end, parents or interior designers can find mini chandeliers or smaller styles that work perfectly to add style and sophistication to a baby's nursery or child's room. For individuals with a larger budget, there are designer and custom kids’ chandeliers that feature silk chandelier shades, delicate crystals, and satin bows and detailing to be customized to a child's particular room theme or design. Finding the right kids chandelier has never been easier. A simple online search at an online children's boutique will offer a parent or interior designer numerous options in kids’ chandeliers to choose from before making that special purchase. When renovating or redecorating your child’s room, consider one of the wonderful options in kids chandeliers

Article courtesy of Cheryl James, owner of Cuddles Kids Bedding Boutique, an online children's boutique dedicated to offering parents and kids beautiful designer and custom bedding, kids furniture, room accessories, gifts and more. Visit their website to learn more about choosing great kid’s lighting.

BBB warns of Spanish Sweepstakes Email Scam

11/30/2011

Posted on 11/30/2011 by

The BBB was recently alerted to a Spanish Sweepstakes/Lottery email scam that surfaced in San Diego. If your receive an email that looks like the above, please ignore their claims and contact your Better Business Bureau at 858.496.2131 or at info@sandiego.bbb.org. For more information about lottery/sweepstakes scams, visit BBB.org.

SCAM ALERT! BBB Warns Of Traveling Scammers In San Diego Area

11/29/2011

Posted on 11/29/2011 by

By Rachel Newman

Traveling scammers, despite what some Disney movies may lead you to believe, are very real and can cause some very real havoc on their victims. These nomads move from town to town offering cheap repairs to consumers. Then, once you agree, they do a sub-standard job and be for you’ve realized it, they have already moved on to a new city.

The BBB must report that the traveling scammers have returned to the San Diego area – just in time for the holidays. This group’s tactic is to catch you while you are in a hurry, rushing to get your holiday shopping done, and sell you on the convenience and affordability of their offer.

Here’s the story:

As recently as last week, an out-of-state vehicle was seen in the Carmel Valley shopping center, cruising the parking lot for cars with dents in the bumper. The travelers then approach the car owners, representing themselves as a mobile bumper repair company, and offer to do the repair on the spot for far less than their insurance deductible while the owners are shopping.

The repair job, which usually runs unsuspecting consumers around $250, is never by any means up to industry standards. The traveling scammers fill the dent with Bondo, or putty, do a very rough sanding job, then get spray paint from an automotive shop and spray over the sanded Bondo. The last step is to put a layer of paste wax over the repair and tell the vehicle owner that it needs to set for 24 hours, at which point it can be wiped/washed off.

The vehicle owner leaves, thinking he/she received a good deal, only to discover that when he/she removes the paste wax (which is completely unnecessary – it is only used to further the scam, so owners can’t see how poor the repair job is right away), the repair finish is terrible and the paint color might be close, but it’s not an exact match. Of course, by this time there is no way the vehicle owner can locate the individuals who perpetrated the scam because they have moved on to the next mall parking lot.

For more information on this scam or other traveler scams, contact your San Diego BBB at bbb.org or call 858.496.2131.

Using The Accredited Business Directory To Ensure Marketplace Trust

11/28/2011

Posted on 11/28/2011 by

By Valerie Simson

Many smart shoppers could attest that the Better Business Bureau is a great resource for checking out businesses before making a purchase. Consumers can search the San Diego BBB’s database of thousands of businesses, both accredited and non-accredited. But for those that prefer to only patronize accredited businesses, the search process has become a little simpler.

Your BBB now offers an online Accredited Business Directory. This feature is easily accessible from the San Diego BBB’s home page. Click “Find a BBB Accredited Business,” and you will be directed a search page with a variety of options—from Business Name to City Listings and Most Popular Types of Business, this directory is designed to make your search for accredited businesses much easier.

The Accredited Business Directory also features filters to enhance your searches. You can look for companies within a specific radius, filter businesses by listings that contain coupons and websites, or refine the type of business for which you’re searching. And the best part? Only San Diego BBB accredited businesses will appear in the results so you can be sure you’ve found a company you can trust.

When looking for the right business for your needs, remember to start with trust and refer to the BBB Accredited Business Directory.

Consumer Alert: Keep This Black Friday Scam Free

11/24/2011

Posted on 11/24/2011 by

By Rachel Newman

My favorite holiday is finally here. No, it’s not Thanksgiving; although, I do love sweet potatoes. Black Friday is the holiday of all holidays. The frenzy, the hustle and bustle of winter shoppers, and the amazing deals are something that I look forward to all year long.

If you are like me, you are already plotting your routes for the busiest shopping day of the year. But even if you aren’t like me, you are probably still reluctantly going to trek to the mall because, let’s face it, who can resist getting the new Call of Duty for only $15?

Black Friday is a day where many people will agree that the phrase “Look how much I saved!” means way more than “Look how much I spent!” And, as such, here are a few friendly shopping tips from your BBB alongside some tips for avoiding common scams on this upcoming Friday!

Shopping Tips:

· Do your research before you get to the mall. Compare prices to make sure you are making the most of your money, and check online for better deals.

· Make a list of what you want to buy. Whether you need to stick to a strict budget or not, make a list of what you are looking for so you don’t forget any crucial items and, also so that you know which store to go to.

· Use a credit card. Credit card use makes it easy to track purchases and returns.

· Bring the ad with you. Having the ad with you is a great option, just in case a store isn’t willing to honor what they have advertised.

· Keep your receipts! Always save your receipts, just in case anything goes awry!

Scam Busters:

· Read the fine print and know the policies. Read stores’ return and store credit policies. While most stores have a more lenient return policy during the holidays, some stores will only allow a day or two period when you can return something and receive a full refund.

· Be wary of the bait and switch. Great deals abound on Black Friday, but many retailers will try to bait you with the offer of a very cheap item and then, once you are in the store, degrade the discounted item in favor of a much more expensive option. Always be aware of high-pressure sales tactics, and stick to your guns.

· Use caution at the ATMs. Installing skimmers at ATMs, gas stations and grocery stores has become a popular scam for con-artists. These skimmers steal your credit card information and pin number when you run your card. Try not to use ATMs close to malls. Instead, go to your bank or credit union’s ATM, where you are sure that your information is safe.

· Double check all gift cards. A new trick for fraudsters is to strip the money off of grocery store gift cards. If you are in the market for gift cards this Friday, make sure to verify that the amount that is advertised is actually on the card at the register.

For more shopping and online shopping tips, go to the News Center on BBB.org. For more information about the BBB, visit BBB.org or call 858.496.2131. Happy hunting, Black Friday shoppers!

Guest Blog: Increase Productivity With A Time Clock

11/23/2011

Posted on 11/23/2011 by

If you are running a small or medium enterprise in today’s competitive business world, you are fully aware of the importance of employee time management. Keeping in consideration the challenging workforce tasks, time clocks supported by time attendance software are among the key applications for managers and executives to keep track of employee attendance and hours worked. Time and attendance software itself is a helpful package for business leaders to monitor the arrival and departure of their employees from the office. However, once time clocks are integrated with time attendance software systems, they can do wonders for your organization.

Many businessmen and women fail to realize how much benefit attendance systems can bring to their organization. The implementation of time clocks and time attendance software can play an important role by helping both small and medium businesses save time and money. Below are just a few ways employers attain better productivity with time clocks and time attendance software.

Employee tracking
In routine working environments, employees are usually unaware about the arrival and parting times of their fellow co-workers. If working hours are not properly documented, employees can take advantage of this fact and most often will not be caught or disciplined. However, with the implementation of a time clock and time attendance software, all employees are reassured that their peers are working their scheduled hours and cannot cheat the system. This encourages better organizational behavior in the office, which in turn results in better productivity.

Monitoring productivity
By calculating the employee’s working hours, the time and attendance software takes the responsibility of also monitoring the employees’ productivity. Using weekly reports and daily attendance, the time and attendance software helps executives evaluate the productivity of each employee.

Improving performance
The integration of time clocks and time attendance software also helps in achieving better productivity by making sure all project deadlines are fulfilled by tracking the hours allocated to the project and monitoring its progress. The analysis of the progress and performance of each employee can be done in a truly effective way with the help of employee time clock software.

Maintaining the soft image before employees
You may not want to portrait yourself as a very strict boss. Although, this is usually a requirement in newly set up businesses. Time attendance systems show your strict approach, but keep your soft image. Imagine the impact of daily attendance reports going to the boss if he or she is using a web-based time clock accessible from any part of the world!

Improving employee morale
The introduction of time clocks in the business environment is helpful in improving overall employee morale. With the help of time clocks, employers raise the morale of their best and honest employees by making them happy with rewards, incentives and bonuses.

Article courtesy of Dawn Berry, Public Relations & Marketing Coordinator at ProcessingPoint, Inc.

BBB Is Not Sending This Email

11/23/2011

Posted on 11/23/2011 by

Wednesday, November 23, 2011 - Better Business Bureau is warning businesses to beware of a new malicious e-mail that pretends to be from BBB about a complaint filed against the company. The e-mail first came to BBB’s attention on November 21, 2011.

The BBB has been flooded by calls from local businesses and many across the US have reported receiving a suspicious e-mail from the address alert@bbb.org or services@bbb.org with the subject line “BBB Complaint Case #” followed by a nine-digit number. Both BBB Accredited and non-accredited businesses have been targeted.

The body of the e-mail claims that the company did not respond to a complaint filed by a consumer and includes a link to a page at www.bbb.org where the business can supposedly review the complaint.

BBB is NOT sending this Email!

If you are receiving this email, do nothing! This is a scam.

Because the message is fraudulent, BBB advises any business that receives this e-mail to take the following steps:

Do not click on any links or reply to the message,
Report the message to The Scam Portal,
Completely delete the message from your inbox, and
Run a full virus scan on your computer if you did click on any links.

If you receive an e-mail from Better Business Bureau about a complaint filed against your business and need assistance in determining whether or not it is legitimate, contact your local BBB directly at www.sandiego.bbb.org or 858.496.2131.

For more advice on how to protect your business from malicious online attacks and data breaches visit www.bbb.org/data-security/

A copy of the actual e-mail follows:

From: alert@bbb.org [mailto:alert@bbb.org]
Sent: Wednesday, November 23, 2011 6:26 AM
To: Betty Graham
Subject: Complaint # 22101311
Importance: High

The Better Business Bureau has received the above-referenced complaint from one of your customers regarding their dealings with you.
The details of the consumer's concern are included on the reverse.
Please review this matter and advise us of your position.
As a neutral third party, the Better Business Bureau can help to resolve the matter. Often complaints are a result of misunderstandings a company wants to know about and correct.
We encourage you to use our ONLINE COMPLAINT system to respond this complaint.

The following URL (website address) below will take you directly to this complaint and you will be able to enter your response directly on our website:

http://www.bbb.org

President's Blog: Delegate for Success

11/22/2011

Posted on 11/22/2011 by Sheryl Bilbrey

The top of the pyramid is a scary place. Even though many would agree that being at the bottom of a hierarchical chart is no walk in the park, when you reside at the top many of us know that the air is thinner and you have a long way to fall.

As the CEO of a company, the owner of your own business, or even the manager of a business, it’s difficult to adjust to the idea that you can’t do everything that you want to do, or had the time to do when you had less managerial responsibility. As the CEO at your San Diego BBB, I spend hours each week counseling the managers of my office on how to effectively oversee their staffs.

I have been in the business of management long enough to realize that it is harder for some than others to not sweat the small stuff and trust in the abilities of their employees. However, I can say with absolute certainty that it’s crucial to the success of your company. Studies have shown that employees who feel trusted by their bosses and responsible for vital tasks are often more respectful to their supervisors and happier in their positions overall.

Here are some tips for adapting to life at the top of the pyramid while letting the employees at the wider end flourish:

· Just accept it. There is never just one right way to do something. While there may be a better or more efficient way of doing something, allowing your employees to figure it out for themselves will increase their own (and maybe even your) confidence in their abilities.

· Coaching is key. Obviously, a good manager should not allow his/her employees to run free. Delegating tasks is crucial to your company’s success and to your success as a manager, but taking the time coach staff is just as important. Give them the tools they need to succeed. It will increase morale at your business and also confidence among your employees.

· Trust is supreme. Feel it and pass it along. Much akin to respect, trust is contagious. If your employees know that you trust them to do the tasks that are integral to the company’s success, their gratitude will undoubtedly turn into trust and respect for you as a leader.

These are only a few tips for successful management. Do you have your own ideas? Is there anything you have found to be particularly effective at your company that you think would be helpful at other businesses?

For more information about the BBB, visit BBB.org or call 858.496.2131.

Friday Feature Presentation: BBB Directory, A One-Stop Shop For Trust

11/18/2011

Posted on 11/18/2011 by

By Valerie Simson

With winter upon us there come many expenses, from holiday gifts to winterizing and maintenance of your home. In these tough economic times, parting with your money can be extra difficult.

In addition to searching for a good deal, you may find yourself asking, “Does this business deserve my hard-earned money? Can I trust this business to deliver on their guarantee?” Finding the right company to fit your needs can be one of the hardest steps in the buying process, especially for larger and more important purchases. The BBB Directory of Accredited Businesses is a great place to begin.

The BBB Directory is not your average collection of business listings. The book contains every single company accredited with the Better Business Bureau of San Diego and Imperial Counties.

This means that each company in the directory has earned and maintained a rating of a B+ or higher on the BBB Rating System, as well as committed to the Better Business Bureau’s strict code of fair and ethical standards. This ensures that you will be doing business with companies committed to good and fair service.

And mindful of consumers’ broad range of shopping needs, the BBB Accredited Business Directory has you covered with categories from A to Z. Whether you’re looking to fix a leaky roof or a faulty furnace, or you’re in the market for a new vehicle or firmer mattress, the directory holds listings for the services you need, from business you can trust.

The BBB Directory is also of great value to BBB Accredited Businesses. Accredited businesses get a listing in this exclusive directory, which is hand-delivered to over 325,000 consumers in the San Diego region and accessible online. Accredited businesses also have the option of upgrading their listing at an affordable rate, increasing their visibility as trustworthy business and furthering their ability to leverage their accreditation.

Practice smart shopping this season and remember to consult the BBB Directory of Accredited Businesses before making a purchase. If you didn’t receive a directory in the mail, you can order a free copy by calling 858-496-2131. You can also find the directory in select grocery or retail stores.

Article Courtesy of

Consumer Alert: The Skinny On Cyber Monday Shopping

11/17/2011

Posted on 11/17/2011 by

It’s that time of year again. Tis the season for holiday cheer, winter fun…and overly crowded malls. If you have ever tried to go to Fashion Valley in the month of December, you know exactly what I’m talking about.

It’s no wonder that according to the 2011 Holiday Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, nearly half (46.7%) of Americans will be doing their holiday shopping online this year. But be careful - The holidays are right around the corner, and so is the next fraudster just waiting to scam you.

Here are some tips for smart online shopping this holiday season:

Check out the company. You can do this by searching for their Business Review on the BBB.org website to see their rating. If you can’t find any company information there, try searching the company using your preferred search engine to see if any negative information comes up.
Pay close attention to company policies. Check the return/exchange policy very carefully. You will want to look for return shipping fees, refund policies, and restocking fees. You will also want to read the site’s privacy policy carefully to learn how it uses and shares your personal information.
Go over all the details. Make sure the company has a physical address, a customer service phone number, or some other way to contact them. If you are unsure, try actually contacting the company and see what happens.
Make sure the site is secure. Before you enter any personal or financial information, double check that the URL begins with “https”. The “s” at the end indicates that the site is encrypted and secure.
Keep record. Print any and all purchase confirmation pages and emails. This includes messages about shipping. It is also recommended to print any product information, such as description and price. Be sure to go over your credit card statements for any unauthorized charges.

Online holiday shopping is certainly the way to go if you prefer the convenience of being able to purchase gifts for your loved ones straight from the comfort of your own home, avoiding crowds and yucky weather. But just remember that with added benefit there is always added risk. Keep your holidays happy, and follow these tips for a safe and secure holiday season.

For more information on safe holiday shopping, visit BBB.org.

Guest Blog: Used Car Buying Tips

11/16/2011

Posted on 11/16/2011 by

Purchasing a used car can be a daunting experience. Since it's not a new car, you may not know the complete history of the car. While purchasing a used car from a dealer can be a little more reassuring, you are taking an even bigger chance when purchasing your used car from a private party. There are certain measures, however, that you can take to make sure your used car will be a great purchase.

Vehicle History Report

There are a number of agencies where you can get a vehicle history report on your car. These reports will give you any service records, any repairs done on the car and if the car has been in an accident.

Be cautious, however, because not all vehicle history reports are completely accurate. For example, if the car has been in an accident, but was not reported to the insurance agency, then there will be no record of that accident. Service and maintenance centers may not always report the service records of the cars they maintain.

The main thing to understand is that a vehicle history report may give you most of the history of your car, but it may not be the complete history. It can serve as a conversation starter when asking about the car.

Check Out Mechanical Issues

Make sure that you carefully check out the car from bumper to bumper for mechanical issues. If you are not mechanically savvy, get a certified mechanic to look at it for you. You may also have someone you trust that would also be willing to do it. A certified mechanic may charge a small fee for this service, but it is worth it if you are seriously considering the vehicle.

If a dealership or a private party is not willing to let you bring the car to a mechanic of your choosing, then that is a big red flag and you should consider walking away.

Buying From a Dealership

Make sure the dealership you are buying from is reputable. Get a report from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to check if the dealership is a reliable business that treats its customers honestly and fairly. Also, get the word on the street from friends and co-workers of the best places to buy a used car.

Buying From a Private Party

Make sure that you have all of the paperwork necessary if you are buying from a private party. They should have a clear title on hand that is signed over to you. Both parties will also need to fill out and sign a Bill of Sale that states the vehicle's information, mileage and purchase price. You will need this paper work when registering your vehicle at the local tax office.

Article courtesy of Tony Rastegarpour, who has been working in the automotive industry for the last 30 years. He currently runs an automotive called http://www.cashfortrucks.com.

Consumer Alert: Make Your Cybersecurity A Reality This Holiday Season

11/9/2011

Posted on 11/9/2011 by

By Rachel Newman

The holidays are upon us and that means that many of us will start trolling the internet for the best deals we can find. This is great news for retail stores and bargain hunters, but there is a sect that should be wary: the uninformed.

This week I spent a great deal of time on the phone with grandma. Though that time is usually enjoyed, this conversation was particularly painful. My grandma had received a holiday shopping email which turned out to be a phishing email, and she had clicked on a bad link.

She looked to me for the next steps: We changed the password to her email account, and then moved on to the passwords of all other bank accounts and credit cards. And then, naturally, I emailed her a safe link to one of my past blogs on cybersecurity.

I am writing this blog as a plea to all who plan to find the best deal online this holiday season: remember that your online security is virtually (no pun intended) nonexistent if you don’t take the necessary precautions to protect yourself.

Here are the steps to take to ensure that all of your holiday purchases are fabulous and authorized by you and you alone. Happy hunting!

HTTPS is the new HTTP. If you want to remain safe online, make sure that any time you are asked to enter your personal or financial information, you are doing so on a website which has an address that begins with an https. This ensures extra security for your information.

None of these things are like the other. Try not to have identical passwords. If all of your passwords are different and equally complicated to guess, then you are at much lower risk of having your information stolen.

Hover-Round. Never click on a link unless you are sure that it is from a trusted source or that it leads to a website you recognize. If you want to verify the legitimacy of a link, use your mouse to hover over it without clicking. If it leads to something you don’t recognize than it is best not to click.

Don’t open a suspicious email. If you receive an email in another language or an email that doesn’t make sense, don’t open it. Set up your email to show previews of your mail before you open it. That way you can check what you have received without endangering your cybersecurity.

If you believe you have been hacked, it’s not too late. Follow these steps to keep maintain your security:

Change your passwords. Don’t just stop at the password to your email. Change any passwords from accounts that also have your email address. You can never be too cautious.

Notify your contacts. Chances are, if you clicked on a phishing email, then the rest of your contacts have been sent an identical message by now. Send them a warning email with a title of “Disregard last message, my email account was hacked.”

For more information about cybersecurity and online shopping tips, visit BBB.org or call 858.496.2131.

This article sponsored by

Guest Blog: Even In Our Dry Climate, Raingutters Still An Important Part Of Upkeep

11/9/2011

Posted on 11/9/2011 by

San Diego is an area where many people who live here, feel like rain gutters and downspouts are not an important part of the construction on their house.

It may not rain much here, but when it does the rainfall can cause a significant amount of damage. Let’s start at the foundation. According to many foundation repair companies that I have worked for, having gutters and controlled drainage around the perimeter of a house is critical to the longevity of a foundation, whether it is a slab or a raised foundation.

Our soil here, in many parts of San Diego, is white clay, which is very expansive. Meaning, when it gets wet it swells significantly. Then, when it dries out, it contracts significantly. Eventually this can lead to a distressed foundation.

Also, because our land is hilly, grading during construction is extensive. Modern methods of compacting and reading the compaction of soil has helped alleviate many potential problems; however, years and years of construction on land that wasn't graded and compacted to modern day standards, has helped to support the foundation repair industry.

Water that comes off of a roof, in concentrated amounts, that has nowhere to go but to seep into the soil, contributing to compaction problems around a house’s foundation. It is best to capture that water and channel it away from any vulnerable areas.

Other issues that come about due to the lack of rain gutters are woodwork that becomes damaged due to splattering water off of the roof, stained stucco from the soil around a house, splashing back up on the wall, the inconvenience of getting drenched while trying to get into a house while it is pouring down rain, landscaped areas that are damaged from erosion, flooding, etc.....

All in all, gutters are a very important part of a house, and with modern day seamless gutter technology, gutters are very inexpensive! Especially compared to how much money they will save you in the long run!

Article courtesy of Robert Nelson, Owner and President of Hydro Flow Raingutter Systems. To learn more about raingutters, visit their website.

Eat, Play, Work: A How-To On Building Office Morale

11/7/2011

Posted on 11/7/2011 by

By Mona Terry

When you spend 40+ hours a week at work, work becomes your second home. The people you spend time with become your second family. Just like you can’t choose your relatives, more often than not you can’t choose your co-workers. While everyone may not be best friends, it’s important that everyone get along. Dealing with negativity on daily basis can be hard. It’s also important that different departments get along. It’s easy to feel like the grass is greener in another department (Marketing always gets to go to fun events, Operations is always getting lunch paid by the BBB for meeting their goals, Accounting has the ability to flex their schedule when we can’t….) which can cause resentment. To build morale, here’s what we do at the BBB:

· Eat. And how: Potlucks, breakfast at weekly meetings, donuts brought in by the CEO, dessert for birthdays, extra treats brought in by staff to share, lunch sponsored by the office (every once in a while), etc. Shared food is very popular in our office and goes a long way in making people happy. It allows our foodies to exchange recipes, makes sure everyone is operating on a full belly, and is generally a nice complement to any event.

· Celebrate. We celebrate holidays and birthdays. Very regularly. We find a reason to celebrate almost every month. We decorate cubicles for in-office staff birthdays, send a company-wide email for outside of the office staff birthdays, and have one day where we have dessert to celebrate all birthdays for that month. We celebrate most major holidays with a potluck (see above). We send an email to all company staff when someone passes any year anniversary with the company, so everyone can share congratulations. When someone is getting married, we have a wedding shower. We have baby showers. We celebrate all major events – work related or personal. It feels good when one’s accomplishments/milestones are recognized by the group.

· Encourage healthy competition. During some holidays we have competitions – office decorating, egg hunts, trivia questions, scavenger hunts, etc. We try and group staff together randomly so employees from different departments work together to achieve a common goal - and win a prize, when applicable. We will sometimes have departments compete against each other as it encourages teamwork amongst the members of each department. Some departments will sometimes heckle other departments (we make sure it’s healthy and good-natured, of course) which in a roundabout way helps build morale because it gets departments talking and joking with each other.

Friday Feature Presentation: Leverage Your Accreditation Through Advertising

11/4/2011

Posted on 11/4/2011 by

By Rachel Newman

Among the many crucial decisions that business owners and managers make is a conundrum of how much you should invest in advertising and marketing for your company, how often your advertisement should run and on what platform will they be most effective.

A good marketing and advertising strategy has the power to make or break a business, and the BBB understands that even campaigns of the smallest scale still cost a pretty penny for businesses. Not to mention, the stress of putting together an effective promotion that runs at the right time in the right type of media.

In order to ease the burden of growing your business, your BBB develops a Marketing Program each year that offers Accredited Businesses, exclusively, low-cost and pre-negotiated advertising and marketing opportunities. In each of these advertisements, you have the chance to not only market your business, but also to leverage your accreditation.

If your preference is newspaper and magazine advertising, we offer ad placement through our partnerships with the San Diego Business Journal, San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles Magazine, San Diego Magazine and the San Diego Union Tribune. We also offer several online options for our Accredited Businesses, among them are our Google AdWords program (offered for select types of business), marketing through SignOnSanDiego.com, and an online sponsorship program that the BBB offers through its own website.

We offer both the Famous Faces and Famous Voices programs which companies can participate in for low-cost television and radio advertising, respectively. If you are interested in radio advertising, please be advised that the commitment deadline for Famous Voices is quickly approaching on this November 9^th. The ads will run January through March. For more information, contact Sharon Massey at Radio Broadcasters Association.

While the Marketing Program booklets have already been mailed to all Accredited Businesses, if you have not received one or would like any additional copies, please contact Rachel Newman or call 619.637.6199. For more information online about the Marketing Program for Accredited Businesses, visit BBB.org.

This blog sponsored by

San Diego BBB Appears on NBC to Discuss StubHub Hack

11/3/2011

Posted on 11/3/2011 by
Did you catch your BBB on NBC San Diego's evening news this week? Both President/CEO Sheryl Bilbrey and Vice President Lauren Hill appeared on the segment to discuss the latest cybersecurity attack. StubHub's accounts were hacked last week causing thousands of phishing emails to be sent to unsuspecting consumers - take a look!

Guest Blog: When & Why Your Should Paint The Exterior Of Your Home

11/2/2011

Posted on 11/2/2011 by

People decide to paint for different reasons: Some of us do because we want to improve the look of our home when we notice that it has weathered since the last paint job. This is particularly true of the wood on the South side – i.e. the fascia.

It could also be that we haven’t installed gutters and the water splashing off the dirt is soiling the siding.

On the other hand, it could be because it’s become black with mold on the North side because it trickles down the chimney, or bounces off the cement and wets the stucco causing mold to grow. (Mold is, definitely bad news for one’s health!)

Perhaps the stucco has developed some cracks, and besides being unsightly, moisture is now getting in.

You may also want to sell our home, and your realtor has advised you that the curb-appeal of your home will increase greatly if you do. Plus, a conscientious painting contractor should be able to save you thousands by locally treating termite infections as he discovers them and filling them at the same time so you don’t have to bring in a termite company to do it for about the same price as the paint job might run.

It happens to be true, dollar for dollar, that nothing improves your home the way a top-notch paint-job, with tastefully selected colors and accents can. With the right preparation, the best materials, and expert application it could last for the rest of your lifetime!

Maybe we’ve just had it with the old color.

It was OK for the times you lived in when it was last done, but times have changed, and so have you. Perhaps it’s the color you inherited from the previous owner, and you want to put your own color on the house. Perhaps the Homeowners Association is feeling particularly bullish and they’d like to upgrade the look of the neighborhood.

There are myriad reasons, yet every single one can be addressed properly for optimum results, and what may surprise you the most, is discovering that painting is not always what most needs doing in order to correct the problem.

For those of you who have both the means and the desire to paint for whatever the cause, weather factors should be considered. Specifically, we’ll soon enter into the rainy season-a rarity for San Diego.

If water-damage is among the factors that are influencing your decision, be sure to correct the issue prior to painting and then contemplate that there is never a better moment than right now to get a great deal given the state of the economy as a whole, and the construction industry in particular.

Article courtesy of Marcelo Bermann, owner of American Painting. For more information about American Painting, visit their website.

Friday Feature Presentation: Mixers & How Your Business Can Benefit

10/28/2011

Posted on 10/28/2011 by

By Michael Zamudio

Networking events are usually fun, but in rough economic times like today, they can be a catalyst for the boost your company needs to revitalize business. Your BBB offers bi-monthly mixers that provide an appropriate time and place to socialize and network with prominent business people from all over San Diego and Imperial Counties. Venues so far this year have included: San Diego Civic Theater, Tilted Kilt, UCSD Faculty Club, Bernardo Winery, and Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens. Past guests to our mixers have experienced unique locations where like-minded professionals can network and discover prospective techniques to thrive in this fluctuating economy.

Benefits Unique to BBB Mixers:

· Anyone and Everyone Attends. Whether you are an Accredited Business or not, you are invited. We encourage everyone to attend and give all companies a chance to network with the professionals that surround them. If you are not accredited, you have the opportunity to learn about the benefits of accreditation from business owners who personally profit from the advantages your BBB has provided them.

· Chance to do Business with Companies You Can Trust. There are over 6,400 Accredited Businesses in our immediate area and all are encouraged to attend by your BBB, free of charge. The majority of our guests are accredited, so you are sure to meet representatives from businesses with our seal of approval. In fact, Accredited Business members are distinguished at mixers by the Accredited Business Seal displayed on their nametag.

· Recognition and Branding. At every mixer, each company has the prospect of reinforcing its brand as one with values. As many Accredited Businesses have found, it is very beneficial to co-brand with the BBB and its logo. A great way to gain extra recognition at our mixers is to have your own table with all of your marketing materials and business cards handy. Any Accredited Business can do this by sponsoring a mixer at either the Table Exhibitor or Mixer Sponsor level. Mixer Sponsorship provides you with not only your own [very visible] table, but with a place for your banner, a special shout-out at the event from our President/CEO, your logo on our mixer marketing pieces, and a spotlight article in our BBB newsletter sent to over 6,400 Accredited Businesses in San Diego and Imperial Counties.

We strongly encourage you to attend our last mixer of 2011, coming up on November 3 at Dave and Buster’s in Mission Valley. To RSVP, contact Michael Zamudio.

Scam Alert: BBB Warns Consumers To Be Wary Of Phishing Con

10/27/2011

Posted on 10/27/2011 by

The San Diego Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to be cautious of phishing emails that appear to be from ticket resale website StubHub.

Early this morning, scam artists posed as the ticket resale giant, sending emails to thousands upon thousands of consumers who have accounts on StubHub. The fake emails confirm an over $2000 purchase of boxing tickets.

The email asks for the recipient of the email to login to their account to view and confirm the purchase, or contact the help desk for assistance. Naturally, most consumers will feel inclined to immediately view the purchase through the email, but the BBB warns to do just the opposite. Follow these tips and you can avoid this scam and any future phishing scams that hit your email:

· Don’t click on the links. Use your mouse to hover over the links provided in any phishing email and you will see they do not lead to the website in question. In the StubHub emails, they lead to a website called “hendrycompany.com.”

· When in doubt, call the company. Going to the source first is always a potential victims best option. StubHub representatives will immediately confirm to consumers that the emails are a fake.

· Change your password. If you received this email and followed both of the above steps, don’t take any chances. Login to your StubHub account (go directly to the site; don’t use email) and change your login information. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

· Keep the real company in the know. Send a copy of the email you receive to safety@stubhub.com so they can investigate.

For more information about phishing scams and other cybersecurity issues, visit BBB.org or call 858.496.2131.

###

Rachel Newman

Public Relation and Marketing Coordinator

Better Business Bureau, San Diego

(858) 637-6199

Rnewman@sandiego.bbb.org

Guest Blog: The Press Release is Dead! Long Live Twitter!

10/26/2011

Posted on 10/26/2011 by

By David B. Oates, APR

Ok, I may be overdramatizing this a bit, but I’m no longer a believer that the press release is the primary way most companies can generate good, positive PR. The reason is simple – no one’s reading them anymore!

Here’s why: press releases used to work well when PR firms or in-house marketing folks would blast them to a set list of newspaper and magazine reporters as well as the assignment desks of various television news outlets. But those opportunities are fewer and farther between than at any time in recent history.

Anyone who hasn’t been under a rock over the past year has seen the very visible demise of traditional news organizations. The once high-flying Tribune Company (owners of the L.A. Times, Chicago Tribune, Superstation WGN and others) is still stuck in Chapter 11 bankruptcy, while other long-standing publications like the Seattle Post-Intelligencer are gone all together. Those that remain are struggling with a skeleton staff that are now holding down multiple roles and being pulled in so many directions that they have very little time to digest a 400-word announcement from yet another “leading provider of…[insert your industry here].”

Now that doesn’t mean that news outlets don’t want to hear about an organization’s recent achievements. Far from it – they need credible sources to help them with story ideas and developing topics. But companies need to announce such events in a much different way – online!

So before drafting another standard press release, try these three steps first:

Website news posting – put your piece of relevant news on its own page within your Web site. This will service as foundation to drive journalists and other relevant parties to find out more about your organization and your latest accomplishments.

Post your news on at least three social network systems – This may sound difficult at first, but trust me – it will take far less time and have far greater success once it’s set up. I’d recommend getting started by launching a Facebook and Twitter account in addition to your own blog. From there, link up with friends and business acquaintances as well as the reporters from media outlets that are using the same services (I guarantee that you’ll find some of them there!). Update your status/news on a regular basis and include a link to the news posting on your Web site. If done correctly, organizations will see much more activity than they ever did by just blasting the news out to media outlets.

Get others to do the same – The more people who comment on your news through the same social network services, the more attention it gets, and the greater reach an organization will garner.

At its basic level, this is grass roots/word of mouth marketing – just in an online form. I’ve personally secured new clients through this tactic, and I have seen a significant increase in interest from reporters when I distribute announcements through social media platforms. I may still write the occasional press release for companies, but I’m spending far less time doing so, and figure the tactic will all but be dead in the very near future.

Article Courtesy of David Oates, APR, is the President of Stalwart Communications, (www.stalwartcom.com) a San Diego-based Pay-on-Performance marketing and public relations firm that charges its full fees only when its clients get press, awards and other marketing deliverables. He also launched the social media site, Pay-on-Performance (http://payonperformance.com), to engage business leaders in discussion on this revenue model. David can be reached at david@stalwartcom.com.

San Diego BBB appears on Fox5 To Warn Business Owners

10/25/2011

Posted on 10/25/2011 by

San Diego BBB's Vice President of Operations Eva Velasquez appeared yesterday on Fox 5 San Diego to warn business owners of a scam being perpetrated locally. Small business owners should be on the lookout for fake letters requesting money that appear to be government documents. Learn more by watching the interview.

BBB Appears On San Diego 6, Discusses Layaway

10/24/2011

Posted on 10/24/2011 by

Did you catch BBB President/CEO Sheryl Bilbrey this morning on San Diego 6 news discussing layaway plans and scams? If not, catch the video interview now and read up on some layaway tips from your BBB!

With the holiday’s fast approaching, we all have our eyes on the perfect gifts to give and be the recipient of this season. Those perfect gifts, though, don’t always come cheap, and while it’s never the goal to overspend during the holidays, it happens to the best of us.

The alternative many experts say consumers will take advantage of this fall? None other than layaway. Though its popularity may have diminished over the last few years, it seems to be seeing a resurgence among many popular holiday-shopping stores including Walmart, Toys R’ Us, Kmart, Hallmark and Sears.

Layaway, for those who have forgotten or simply don’t know, is a program offered by retail stores that allows consumers to put money down on a product months in advance and pay it off in smaller increments. Once payment of that item is complete, the consumer is free to pick it up from the store. Layaway has a rich history with the holiday season, as it is almost solely used in the last few months of the year.

Layaway can be a great program for consumers if they are well-versed in both the benefits and detractors of the plan. Don’t let the big stores pull the wool over your eyes. Follow these tips to give great gifts this holiday season while you stay in the black.

There may not be interest, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t paying extra. It’s true that you don’t pay interest on a product while you make your layaway payments, but there is a program fee of around $5-10, and if you fail to make your payments, there is usually a cancellation or restocking fee. Both of these are almost always non-refundable.

Start now! If you are serious about putting items on layaway this holiday season, it’s never too early to get your shopping started. Most layaway plans allow for 5-12 week payment options. The earlier you start, the smaller your payments will be, and thus easier to pay off.

Be a smart shopper, ASK QUESTIONS. Before you agree to a layaway plan, read the fine print and ask questions like “What happens if this item goes on sale?” “How much money to I have to put down?” “What happens if I miss a payment?” The more you know about your layaway program, the less you will have to worry about as you make your payments.

For more information about holiday scams and layaway plans, check out BBB.org and take a look at the BBB President/CEO’s San Diego 6 television interview about layaway scams and plans.

We want to hear what you think – Is layaway great for holiday shoppers or should they stay-away from layaway? Click here to answer and make your voice heard!

Guest Blog: Meeting Payroll In A Money Crunch

10/19/2011

Posted on 10/19/2011 by

Corporations today hold a higher share of cash and liquid assets on their balance sheets -- $2 trillion – than at any time in nearly fifty years (source: Wall St. Journal, 9/7/11). Of course, many smaller businesses are also trying to keep a cash cushion, as the economy continues to stumble and government debt roars ever higher.

Unfortunately, most small and medium-size businesses don’t have the luxury of being cash-rich, as they wait for their customers to pay their invoices on a timely basis. These companies may be profitable on paper yet struggle to maintain adequate cash flow in order to meet payroll, order inventory, and pay all of their other regular bills. For cash-strapped businesses that are not publicly held, there are basically three options for becoming more liquid:

1) Obtain a working capital loan from a financial institution
2) Arrange for short-term loans from personal funds or from family and friends
3) Factoring of accounts receivable

The first two are cheaper and more suitable for companies with steady and predictable income. Banks salivate over high-caliber companies that just occasionally need short-term financing.

For companies that either do not want bank financing or would have trouble obtaining it, factoring is a viable solution. The premise of factoring is simple. Once you are set up with a factoring company, the factor fronts you 75-85% of the amount that you invoiced out to your customers within 24-48 hours -- no more waiting for your customers to pay you 30 or 60 days later. When the customer does finally pay, you receive the remaining amount owed less a small fee to the factoring company.

The advantages of factoring include the flexibility to only factor how much you need (as long as it is at least $20,000 per month), no minimum contract term, and the funding decision is based on the creditworthiness of your customers rather than that of your own business. Staffing companies, manufacturers, distributors, and service companies are some of the ideal candidates. Factoring can be used by nearly all commercial companies, as well as those in the health-care field.

To get started, a factoring company generally needs a completed profile worksheet, a report showing the accounts receivable aging, and a copy of a current invoice with backup documents from you. Normally, a business can be set up to enjoy factoring in less than two weeks.

Factoring is not for everyone, but most companies can use it to stabilize their income streams and grow their businesses to the next level. Especially in this type of unpredictable economy, factoring may be exactly the right choice for you.

Article courtesy of Alan Noblitt of Seaside Capital Inc. To learn more about Seaside Capital, visit their website.

President's Blog: Reenergize Your Managerial Style

10/18/2011

Posted on 10/18/2011 by

Even if you live each day in accordance with the expression “do what you love and love what you do,” there are bound to be times in your career that you find yourself not as enthusiastic about your work as you were at one point.

It’s the ebb and flow of life and it applies to all types of professions and all levels of employment. However, as managers, bosses, owners or any person in a leadership role, your ruts have the potential to be more costly to company profits, and can weigh on the office morale. As leaders, we set the tone, and even though we are human and susceptible to bouts of ennui, we must work through them more quickly that the rest of our staff in order to ensure a happy and productive workplace.

You may argue that the best answer to your languor is taking a day off to gain perspective. And while that may get you out of your rut some of the time, in my opinion, it’s only a temporary fix to a larger problem. Leaving your problems behind might be cathartic, but those problems will undoubtedly be waiting for you when you get back.

If you find yourself with an ever-long case of the Mondays, here are a few tips to get you out of your rut and back to your peak performance.

· Get back to what you love. You more than likely started your company, whether it was a restaurant or a construction business, because you loved to cook or loved to build, but as an executive, you probably spend most of your time now managing and worrying about larger business issues. Try for a few hours or even a day getting back to the nitty-gritty of your business. You will feel refreshed and remember why you started doing what it is you’re doing.

· Drop some weight. Frequently, work can become cumbersome because as a manager you hold on to too much. Delegate is the name of the game. If you give your staff some of the tasks that they could easily complete, you will have more time to focus on what is important.

· Get some perspective. We may not want to do it, but it’s true that as a leader of a company, the employees you spend the most time with are usually those with the poorest performance. Try forming a brain-trust (hey, it worked for FDR). Set aside an hour a week to hear from your best and brightest. They will feel rewarded and recognized for their good work, and you will feel refreshed by their enthusiasm.

· If it’s not working, chuck it. This applies to product lines, operating procedures and employees. Don’t be afraid to fire, discontinue and forget about the facets of your company that aren’t working. Allow the flourishing parts of your business to grow and lose whatever, and whoever, isn’t performing well.

· Reevaluate and set new goals. Sometimes we are dragged down by obsolete objectives – working towards the same goal for so long that we feel like we may never reach it. This is a common issue. Set smaller goals for yourself that you are able to accomplish in a quicker amount of time, and you won’t constantly feel plagued by worry.

For more information about how the San Diego BBB can help your company reach your goals, visit BBB.org or give us a call at 858.637.6199.

Making Our Mark: Easy Ways To Stay On The Cutting-Edge of Mobile Marketing

10/17/2011

Posted on 10/17/2011 by

As I sit at my computer this morning with several browser windows open as well as my email and a few word documents, you’d be surprised to find out that I’m not paying the slightest bit of attention to my computer screen. No, I have my nose buried in my iPhone, checking on my email as well as doing various other work tasks.

Before you can ask, yes, as I write this I do feel a tinge of over-indulgence and I can’t help but think how my Thoreau-praising high school English teacher would be waving his finger if he could see me now. That’s beside the point though, just as I am overly engaged by my cell phone, so are many of your customers.

Next time you are in a coffee shop, grocery store, airport, even the movie theater, stop and look around. I will wager that more than half of the people surrounding you are completely absorbed by their smartphones – checking email, playing games, sending/receiving text messages.

The question at hand is, how, as a business owner, do you leverage your customers’ obsession with mobile communication? It’s no longer enough to say that you have a website or an email address. In today’s constantly changing marketplace, successful businesses survive and thrive because they take their company to consumers. Here are some easy ways to get your business riding the mobile marketing wave before the day is through:

· Build (and promote) it and they will come. Building an app is a great way of promoting your business to mobile users. There are quite a few companies now specialize in building apps and websites for business owners. However, if you’re building an app be prepared to promote it to your current and potential customers. Set aside not just money to build the app, but money to advertise it.

· Make your site mobile. If your website is not optimized for mobile usage, then you may be missing tons of valuable sales opportunities. Websites that aren’t optimized may be completely inaccessible or confusing to users. Building a mobile site is a free, and guided process thanks to several helpful online programs.

· Make your emails mobile. In the same way that creating a mobile website is crucial to your business’ success, ensuring that all emails you send can be viewed through a mobile device will help you capture more sales opportunities. Make sure your email’s title is concise and that all of the important information is close to the top. It’s never a bad idea to send a test to your own phone.

· Use text messages and QR codes to energize consumers. Sending special deals and offers through text messages or QR codes is a cutting-edge and creative way of spreading the word about your company. Be sure if you are sending text messages to your customers that you don’t abuse the privilege of having their personal phone number. Use it sparingly.

· Encourage reviews before your customers get out the door. Post a sign in your store asking “How’d we do?” Include a QR code to the review section of your Facebook page or to your review site of choice, and then consider periodically reaching out to consumers who gave you good reviews.

For more information about mobile marketing or the BBB Marketing Program for Accredited Businesses, visit BBB.org.

Friday Feature Presentation: Torch Award Scholarship

10/14/2011

Posted on 10/14/2011 by

With the cost of higher education constantly on the rise, finding ways to pay for college can be a daunting. Your BBB aims to ease this burden for local high school students through the Torch Awards Scholarship Program.

Five students have an opportunity to receive a scholarship and make their search for financial aid a little less stressful.

The San Diego Better Business Bureau invites all high school juniors and seniors to write and submit an essay addressing, “The Importance of Ethics and Integrity in Our Community.” The essay should be no longer than 400 words and must include students’ views on ethics, personal and otherwise.

A panel of independent judges will evaluate the essays using the following criteria:

· Inclusion of personal viewpoints and/or examples (5 points)

· Relevance to the them (5 points)

· Readability and clarity (5 points)

· Spelling and grammar (5 points)

The authors of the top five essays will be awarded scholarships in the amounts of $1500, $1250, $1000, $750, and $500 respectively.

The top five scholarship recipients will also be guests of honor at the BBB Torch Awards for Marketplace Ethic on December 13, where they will receive their scholarship checks. Additionally, the top winning essay will be read by its author at the awards luncheon.

All students in the graduating classes of 2012 and 2013 who attend high school in and reside in San Diego or Imperial Counties are eligible to submit an essay.

The deadline for submissions is October 24th at 5pm. For more information and to obtain an application form, please visit the BBB website.

Friday Feature Presentation: Torch Award Scholarship

10/14/2011

Posted on 10/14/2011 by

A panel of independent judges will evaluate the essays using the following criteria:

· Inclusion of personal viewpoints and/or examples (5 points)

· Relevance to the them (5 points)

· Readability and clarity (5 points)

· Spelling and grammar (5 points)

The authors of the top five essays will be awarded scholarships in the amounts of $1500, $1250, $1000, $750, and $500 respectively.

All students in the graduating classes of 2012 and 2013 who attend high school in and reside in San Diego or Imperial Counties are eligible to submit an essay.

The deadline for submissions is October 24th at 5pm. For more information and to obtain an application form, please visit the BBB website.

NEW! BBB iPhone App Makes Finding Trusted Businesses Even Easier

10/14/2011

Posted on 10/14/2011 by

ARLINGTON, VA — Last year, consumers turned to the Better Business Bureau 87 million times to help them find trustworthy businesses and charities. Now they can have that information in the palm of their hand with the release of the official BBB Search app, a convenient, mobile BBB solution available for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. The app was approved by the Apple Store and is available for download as of today.

“For 100 years, BBB has been the trusted source for unbiased information on businesses and charities,” said Stephen A. Cox, President and CEO of the Council of Better Business Bureaus. “We have data on more than 4 million businesses in the United States and Canada – an amazing wealth of information to help consumers find trustworthy businesses…and to help them avoid those that are not. We are excited to offer this information to consumers on the go.”

BBB Search features include:

Search for local businesses by name, phone, URL, or category type
Search via current location or specified city, state or ZIP code
Display search results in list or map views
Access previous searches through the history menu
View the BBB Business Review for every business listing, complete with BBB Rating, contact info, BBB Accreditation status, consumer complaint history, and more
Save a listed business's info to Favorites or iOS contacts
Share a business's BBB Business Review URL via email, Twitter, or Facebook
Find a local BBB near you
Read the latest BBB Consumer News

Today’s launch follows a successful soft launch in June, with additional enhancements and fixes:

BBB Consumer News now includes a "pull down to update" feature.
BBB Business Reviews display a mobile-optimized interface within the app.
The ZIP code keyboard now supports letters for Canadian postal codes.
If a ZIP code was set in the Search Options, that ZIP code is also used as the default location for the Find a BBB search field.
Tapping on Find a BBB automatically displays the closest BBB location based on current ZIP code setting.
When adding a selected business to iOS contacts, the business's phone number is now always included.
Improved error handling with more descriptive and user-friendly messages.
Several minor bug fixes have been implemented and a reported crash bug on iOS 3.x devices is now fixed.

BBB Search 1.1 is available as a free app download on Apple's iOS App Store for devices running iOS 3.1 or higher. An Internet connection is required.

App Store: Find BBB Search app in the app store.

For more information, please visit: http://www.bbb.org/iphone/

About BBB
As the leader in advancing marketplace trust, Better Business Bureau® is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Every year, more than 87 million consumers rely on BBB Business Reviews and BBB Wise Giving Reports® to help them find trustworthy businesses and charities across North America. Visit http://www.bbb.org for more information.

# # #

For press inquiries, please contact Kelsey Owen:
email KOwen@council.bbb.org or phone 703-247-9376

BBB iPhone app screenshots for press use only:

Guest Blog: Window Film, it's Sunscreen for Your Windows!

10/12/2011

Posted on 10/12/2011 by

Whether you call it window film, or window tinting, they both mean the same thing. The benefits of home window tinting are wide-ranging. Windows open your home to natural lighting, warmth and views of the outside world. Unfortunately, they also open you up to high energy costs, heat build-up, excessive glare, and the premature fading of interior furnishings.

How is Window Film Made?

Different polyesters are transformed during the manufacturing process to produce a thin, transparent film that offers crystal clarity. Polyester film is durable, tough and highly flexible, absorbs little moisture and has both high and low temperature resistances. Most window films consist of six or more layers depending on the window film chosen and are applied to the interior side of your windows.

Cut Your Home Cooling Costs Up to 50%

According to the EPA Energy Star Buildings Manual in the United States, approximately half of a home's utility bills are wasted by loss of heat and heat gain through untreated windows. Home window tinting can significantly improve energy efficiency. With a thin, virtually invisible addition to your home's existing windows, window film can help you save up to 50% on cooling costs. In addition to blocking heat, residential window tint reduces glare, making it easier for you to watch television or work on a computer in the comfort of your home. Today’s window film is made with ultra-clear, distortion-free materials; you won't even know it's there.

Protect Your Home’s Interior Furnishings

Most fabrics, furnishings and artwork can fade simply by allowing daylight to pass through an untreated window. Home window tinting will block up to 99% to 99.9% of all UVA and UVB rays, helping to protect your family and preserve the color of your furnishings, fabrics and carpets. Glass can be a real hazard in the home when broken from accidents, storms, or break-ins. Film is not only transparent but acts as a powerful barrier to hold glass in place should an impact occur.

When Replacement Windows Aren’t in the Budget

While damaged or deteriorating windows simply have to be replaced, home window tinting provides an affordable alternative to replacement when your goal is to improve energy efficiency. In fact, the cost for quick, professional installation is about one-tenth the cost of replacement windows!

A knowledgeable window film company can help you to select the perfect window film for your home or office.

Article Courtesy of Linda Dietz, owner/CEO of Eco Tint & Shade. Visit their website for more information about window tinting and screens.

The Operative Word: A Little Employee Recognition Can Go A Long Way

10/10/2011

Posted on 10/10/2011 by

By Mona Terry

Everyone wants to be recognized for a job well done – and while monetary incentives are always nice, they aren’t always necessary (or, in our case, feasible).

While studying for my MBA I learned in a class that saying “thank you,” while appreciated, isn’t enough. It’s important to be specific in your praise so that the person being thanked understands what it is they are doing that is appreciated - is it getting a job done thoroughly and ahead of schedule or stepping up to the plate when nobody else would? Now, do I remember to do this all the time? Unfortunately, no. But I should (in fact, in typing this I am making a mental note to do so).

Here at the BBB, we have implemented some ways for employees to praise their fellow staff members and for management to praise employees during our weekly meetings:

· Torch Cards. Each quarter Operations staff members are given a “Torch Card” with the employee’s name, quarter, year, and a BBB Torch on it. Employees and Operations Management are encouraged to give out Torch Cards to an employee who has gone above and beyond the normal call of duty. The person handing out their card writes the date and the reason the card is being given. Employees then collect others Torch Cards and can turn in 4 cards for a day off, not to exceed 2 days off per year. We share in our weekly meeting who has given/received a Torch Card and why, so everyone can share in the congratulations. Management is not included in receiving the Torch Cards, but can hand them out.

· Kudos. We put Kudos and Torch Cards as one item on our weekly agenda. We encourage staff and management to share “kudos” during the meeting, acknowledging work or a good deed that may not be worthy of a Torch card, but is still worth mentioning. The kudos can be silly sometimes (“thanks for the candy bar, I needed the sugar”), but still feel good. Management will take this time to recognize individual employees or recognize the group for a job well done.

· “Happy” letters. Every once in a while a business owner or consumer takes the time to write to our employees and tell them what a great job the BBB is doing, or how helpful a specific employee was. We encourage staff to share these letters/emails with the rest of the department, or at least with management. And we try and share these with the public, too! It’s nice to hear from someone outside of the office that our hard work is recognized and allows staff to see that their work is not going unnoticed.

Friday Feature Presentation: It's A Jungle Out There. Let Your BBB Help You Advertise Wisely.

10/7/2011

Posted on 10/7/2011 by

Competition is rife in as large a city as San Diego. Your business is constantly striving to beat your competitor’s prices, service and quality, and getting a step up on a company that offers exactly what you offer isn’t always easy.

To help Accredited Businesses stand apart from the rest, each year the San Diego Better Business Bureau compiles a Marketing Program offered exclusively to Accredited Businesses. The Marketing Program offers fixed insider discounts of all types of marketing and advertising, including television, radio, print and online. We cover all the bases so that your company can reach the most consumers possible.

This year, the San Diego BBB invites all of our Accredited Businesses to join us for our annual Marketing Breakfast on October 20^th at the Handlery Hotel in Mission Valley. As our guests, you will enjoy a continental breakfast, while having the opportunity to meet and greet with our media partners and learn about what the value-added BBB Marketing Program for Accredited Businesses can do for your company.

If you are an Accredited Business interested in more information or RSVPing, please email Rachel Newman. To learn more about becoming an Accredited Business and the benefits the BBB offers, please call 858.637.6199 or visit BBB.org.

Consumer Alert: Smart Money Saving Tips From Your BBB

10/6/2011

Posted on 10/6/2011 by

By Rachel Newman

I came across an interesting article today. In the article someone wrote that saving money wouldn’t be so hard if we could stop blowing it. It’s a simple, if not silly message that oddly resonates. Each week we release a consumer alert that warns against scam artists and unethical business practices, but how often do consumers scam themselves?

Consider this: how often do we pay out of the nose for an item we could get at low-cost or even for free? If you research my shopping habits, you’d conclude that I do it far too often. We buy brand items when we should buy generic, we pay for bottled water when the government filters it for us.

With the holidays fast approaching, I have compiled a list of money-savings tips to get all of us penny-pinching consumers through to January without feeling the strain.

· New or used? If used will do, forget about new. Often consumers put down extra dollars to buy new cars, furniture and certain clothing items that could be bought second-hand at much lower prices. Don’t get gouged by the showroom. Do some research and you might walk away with a good product and some extra cash.

· Fees are for fools. A popular trend now at many major banks is a fee for checking accounts. Fees can be grating and money-sucking to consumers who are watching their bank accounts closely. The solution? Search out major banks, community banks and credit unions that offer free services. They are plentiful throughout San Diego.

· Try a permanent health kick. One of the fastest ways to needlessly drain your bank account is spending money on highly-taxed items like cigarettes and alcohol. Both come at a premium to consumers and degrade health. Other items like packaged, processed food have the same effect and run at a high cost.

· Live within your means. The most painful way to spend your money is on credit card interest and late-fees. Consumers who only spend what they can pay will save buckets of money in interest, and never have to stress about hefty late-fees.

· Always start your search with the BBB. At the BBB, we offer programs and guides for smart spending. Through BBB.org, consumers can research thousands of local businesses and find out which company can offer the lowest price with good quality service.

For more information about smart spending or BBB Accredited Businesses, visit BBB.org.

Article courtesy of

Guest Blog: Email Marketing, A Great Tool For Every Business

10/5/2011

Posted on 10/5/2011 by

If you’re a small business you probably find yourself asking the following questions:

How should I promote my business?
What do I do to get my products or services in front of consumers?
How do I know what’s effective?

The internet is a valuable marketing tool for your business. If you are a large business looking to market to a large demographic, or a small business remaining local, the opportunities are just a few clicks away. You already understand you have to establish some sort of online presence, but the next step is getting it out there. The internet must be used as your marketing tool, and if you do not market to your clients, someone else will. In our first BBB Guest Blog, we will discuss Email Marketing options available to your business and why you shouldn’t waste any time utilizing them.

What is Email Marketing?

If you’re asking yourself this question it’s probably because you’re not doing it. Email marketing is the simplest and one of the most effective ways to reach out to prospects and clients. You can reach a substantial amount of prospects (or clients) by receiving consent from subscribers, and then communicating to them on subjects that interest them; providing instructions or information on a topic or product.

Why use Email Marketing?

Email marketing is perfect for sending out promotional information to try and acquire new clients, or persuade existing clients to buy something new! Email marketing for your current client base can be effective in encouraging client loyalty, and enhancing the existing relationship. Additionally, you are able to track your efforts with open rates and landing pages…and email is the one thing that most every person in the world checks every day!

Methods of Email Marketing:

As a business you want to reach out to potential clients and keep in touch with existing customers. The following are two processes which help you to do just that:

Attract New Customers:

Obtain mailing lists (We also provide this type of service)
Offer them to Opt in to your newsletter
Provide them with educational material 1-2 times/mo.

Keep Existing Clients:

Notify them that they need to opt in to your newsletter to receive updates
Address them 1-2 times/mo. with educational material
Address them with an offer only once per month

Best Practices of Email Marketing?

Email marketing should not be used to bury your prospects and clients with propaganda or information on your product or service. Best practices include:

Email your list 1-2 times per month only
Track Open Rates
Use an Email Marketing company to deliver your newsletter or send out
Drive the reader to your website to obtain more information

Article Courtesy of Mark Drake, owner of WebsiteService4All.com. For more information, visit their website.

Making Our Mark: Showcase Your Business At Low Or No Cost

10/3/2011

Posted on 10/3/2011 by

By Rachel Newman

My dad is a small business owner. No, my dad is a stubborn small business owner. He insists each year on spending hundreds of dollars on over-priced advertising. No matter what I tell him, he still pumps money into the same marketing strategies, and then complains about his clientele.

Even after his business was involved in an armed robbery, in which he thwarted the bad guy and was thus nicknamed Dr. Awesome (he is an optometrist), he still refused to leverage his 15 minutes of fame into a golden marketing opportunity. The reason he declined, I can only assume, is because my dad doesn’t understand one key aspect of marketing: where you put your money matters.

The type of advertising you choose matters not just in terms of how much return you see for your dollar, but in the kind of return you see. If you spend hundreds of dollars advertising in the Penny Saver or on Groupon, then you will naturally pull clients that are penny pinchers. If you spend money on online advertising, then you will more than likely reach a younger demographic that is technically savvy.

What many small business owners, including my father, don’t realize is that there is a wealth of cheap opportunities out there that allow you to diversify and reach outside of your target market. Some of the expensive advertising options can be great for your business, but try a few of these, and I think you will see results:

· Don’t just shout it from the rooftops, make it echo. Look for opportunities to take your business to the community. Make a list of the topics that you are qualified to talk about, and then contact local clubs and groups to see if they would be interested in having you as a guest at one of their meetings. Most importantly, ask them to refer you to other groups. Word of mouth can be your strongest marketing tool.

· Brand yourself. Often times, it’s not enough just to have your name and address on a business card. Get creative. Create a logo and tagline, and put it on your business cards and store fronts. After that, think of a promotional item that gels with your business and would be of interest in the community. If you are an electrician, consider a light up keychain, or if you are a plumber, try branded water bottles.

· Write a press release. Anytime something happens, put pen to paper and get it out there. Even if it doesn’t get picked up by a big media source, there are many online outlets for you to get the word out. You never know who might be reading about your company.

· Hoof it. Flyers can be an extremely low cost way of reaching an unmatched number of consumers. Put on some comfortable shoes, and start posting flyers all over your community: at grocery stores, college campuses, and doorsteps.

· Get online. The internet and social media can be scary places, but they are the best free marketing your company can get for itself. Join Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and engage in the conversation. Just make sure you are ready to have a steady presence on your page, because not being active online can be just as costly to your business as not being online at all.

Don’t be like my dad, try one or all of the above and watch the customers pour in. Get out there and show your company off to the community. For more information about marketing opportunities with your San Diego BBB, visit our website. To RSVP for the October 20^th Marketing Program for Accredited Businesses Breakfast, contact Rachel Newman.

Friday Feature Presentation: Want 650,000 Consumers To Know Your Business? Let Us Help.

9/30/2011

Posted on 9/30/2011 by

By Valerie Simson

Delivering your message to consumers can be challenging, especially when competing with the noise of the Internet, Facebook, and other temporary advertising outlets. The Better Business Bureau’s Directory of Accredited Businesses ensures your advertising literally lands in the hands of thousands of people. No other directory provides consumers the ease of browsing for a service, and the confidence of selecting a trustworthy business, like the BBB Directory.

The deadline for securing your ad space in the BBB Directory of Accredited Businesses is fast approaching, so act now to ensure that your business will be listed in this invaluable guide. The only county-wide directory published by a non-profit organization, the BBB Directory is designed to target the consuming public in an effort to enhance your BBB Accreditation.

· Who receives the Directory? Over 325,000 copies of the BBB Directory are published every six months, and are hand-delivered to virtually all 650,000 single family homes in San Diego County annually.

· Where else can the Directory be found? Copies are also mailed to all BBB Accredited Businesses and placed in select grocery and retail stores.

· Who is eligible to be listed in the Directory? All accredited businesses receive one basic listing as an Accreditation benefit. Additional listings and display advertising are available ranging in cost from $100.00 to $8,000.00 per issue.

· When is the deadline for Directory submissions? Friday, October 7th, at 5 p.m.

· Want to purchase a listing but need help with ad specifications? Ad design is free with all purchased advertisements. Ad specs will be provided to any advertiser wishing to handle their own artwork.

For more information, or to purchase a listing, contact Bob Day at (619) 972-3948 or bob@bbbpages.com.

Sheryl Bilbrey Appears On NBC San Diego To Discuss Debt Collectors

9/30/2011

Posted on 9/30/2011 by
BBB President/CEO Sheryl Bilbrey appeared on NBC San Diego to discuss the rights of both debt collectors and consumers. Watch the video to find out the lengths a debt collector can go to in order to get their money back.

Consumer Alert: Advance Fee Scams Look To Steal Your Money, Identity

9/29/2011

Posted on 9/29/2011 by

By Michael Zamudio

The public may be aware that scams exist, but so many people are reluctant to believe that they could fall victim to a con.

Unfortunately, now more than ever, consumers must take caution in all their marketplace dealings in order to protect personal information. Scammers constantly monitor and utilize Craigslist to con unprecedented amounts of innocent people every single day. Even organized crime has reached the Internet, and Craigslist is no stranger to cyber-criminal activity. There are many fake ads on Craigslist, but one very popular sting to watch out for is: Advance Fees.

Advance Fee Scam: A con encouraging people to send money to an unverified person or place in the hopes of receiving more money back.

It may seem like common sense to keep your money where it is safe, but there are clever con-artists out there who use their smooth communication and business skills to trick victims into joining a business venture with them.

Advance Fee Scams are widespread and the most common scams originate in none other than Nigeria. Nigerian bank scams swindle consumers with what seems to be legitimate phone numbers, fax numbers and emails to keep in constant contact. They create a close business relationship with their victims which can last several months. There are stories of people being conned into traveling all the way to Nigeria to meet their “business partners,” where they are taken advantage of even more.

These Advance Fee Scams are relevant here in our own backyard too. Many scam artists will pretend to buy something from a seller on craigslist and send them a fake check for higher than the intended amount. While the innocent seller is unaware they have a fake check, the con man will ask to be sent a check for the difference, pocketing that money. The bad fortune for the victim does not end there; the seller is held liable for the fake check when it bounces at the bank.

Also, there are instances of fake job offers, in which the scammer will ask for a registration fee to connect to clients, or ask for bank information to sign up for direct deposit before you even go in for an interview. Providing scammers with this information gives them access to your hard earned savings.

Another form of advance fee scams is linked to rental applications when trying to find a new place to live. It is common for a scammer to claim he is in a foreign country and send a forged check that is higher than the amount needed and requests to have the difference wired back to him. As simple as it seems to avoid these mistakes, they happen constantly and scammers are not slowing down.

To keep your money in your own wallet, please:

Tip 1: Deal locally and meet with people from whom you are selling or buying.

Tip 2: Verify businesses through official organizations such as your BBB or the Federal Trade Commission.

Tip 3: Follow your instincts, and remember the age-old adage – If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

For more information about Advanced Fee Scams, visit us at BBB.org.

Guest Blog: An Intro To Burial At Sea

9/28/2011

Posted on 9/28/2011 by

Burial at sea [1] has become very popular as a funeral choice. Not surprisingly, each year hundreds of families choose to scatter ashes off our San Diego coastline.

What are some of the laws regarding a burial at sea? The majority of folks aren’t aware of significant changes to California funeral law starting in 1998. The following has been prepared to help clear up a few of the most common misunderstandings. Please note: this applies to the State of California only.

“I own a boat. May I scatter ashes at sea myself?” To answer that, let’s examine three scenarios.

1. If you are the legal next of kin, you may scatter them yourself. You still need to have a permit from the State and must notify the EPA within 30 days.

2. If you plan to offer scattering services to the public, you MUST have a “Cremated Remains Disposer (CRD)” license issued from the California Office of Consumer Affairs. There is a nominal $50 annual fee. You’ll need to file a detailed annual report. There are other regulations you will need to follow. Cremated Remains Disposers are strictly regulated in California the same as funeral homes.

3. If you have already been advertising/soliciting ash scattering services without a CRD license, you are breaking the law and could be fined $5,000 for each instance and your current phone number may be permanently disconnected. While an individual may perform 10 or fewer burials annually (considered by the State to be incidental) without a CRD license, the following still applies for each set of cremains: (1) You may not advertise or solicit burial at sea, even if you expect to scatter less than 10 cremains (2) there must be a valid permit, (3) the next of kin must be on board, and (4) you must file with the EPA.

Interesting Fact: Captains are licensed through the United States Coast Guard (USCG). Boats less than 5 gross tons are licensed through the California DMV. Boats over 5 gross tons are documented through the USCG. None of the above 3 licenses legally allow for burial at sea in California waters.

“How far off shore do we have to be?” Three miles used to be the legal distance you had to travel off shore to scatter ashes. This still holds true for most states. California now requires a distance of only 500 yards, or five football fields.

“Are there any permits required to scatter ashes at sea?” Yes. This is form VS-9 “APPLICATION AND PERMIT FOR DISPOSITION OF HUMAN REMAINS” available from the San Diego County Vital Records Office.

These are just a small sample of the many questions we receive on a regular basis. More details and regulations can be found at the Cemetery and Funeral Bureau website: http://www.cfb.ca.gov

Article courtesy of Anya Shortridge, owner of Ashes On The Sea. Visit the Ashes on The Sea website for more information about Burials At Sea.

[1] Although the phrase “burial at sea” has traditionally meant a whole body burial at sea, today it is a generally accepted term synonymous with scattering ashes at sea.

CEO Sheryl Bilbrey Appears on San Diego 6

9/28/2011

Posted on 9/28/2011 by
BBB President/CEO Sheryl Bilbrey appeared Monday on San Diego 6 to discuss credit card scams. Watch above to learn how to bust a credit card thief!

Consumer Alert: Is Your Smart Phone Protected?

9/23/2011

Posted on 9/23/2011 by

By Erin Levine

Technology is ever changing, but the rules of online safety are not. While the latest technology brings us new benefits and exciting fun features, it also brings us a new set of potential problems. Smartphones, which are essentially a computer and a phone all in one, are definitely convenient and fun to use, but they are also potentially threatening when it comes to your personal data security.

Smartphones use mobile apps, a software program you can download and access directly using your phone, to access games, news, and any of our other favorite pages on the internet. Because you can often download these apps with just a click of a brightly colored button, you may not be thinking about how these apps are paid for, what information is gathered, and who has access to this information.

Free apps are often distributed through app stores and are paid for by advertising space, version upgrades, and special app features. Some apps are actually a form of advertising, and are offered free to interest you in another company’s products.

The types of information apps could potentially have access to include contacts, call logs, internet, calendar and location data, and information on how the app is being used. While some apps only ask to access data they need to function, some gather all sorts of other nonrelated personal information, and may be sharing it with other companies. Since it is sometimes confusing as to what information the app is collecting and how it will be used, it is important to always read the “permissions” before installation, and make sure the information being collected makes sense for the use of the app.

Another risk that comes along with these apps is the potential of malware. Just like with phishing emails, these malware apps are often hard to differentiate from legitimate apps. According to OnGuard Online, if your phone sends emails or text messages that you didn’t write, or installs apps that you didn’t download, you may have malware on your Smartphone.

Luckily, as technology and potential security threats progress, so does protection against these threats. For example, Symantec has released a free Android app called Norton Mobile Security Lite that automatically scans downloaded apps and updates for these kinds of threats and blocks phishing sites, similar to the antivirus you have on your home computer.

Security threats will always be an issue, but that’s no reason to not enjoy what technology has to offer. Always be aware of what information you are giving out, and for more information on how to be safe, secure and responsible online, visit onguardonline.gov.

This article sponsored by

BBB Warns Consumers of Businesses Misrepresenting Themselves as Government Agencies, Charging for Free Services

9/21/2011

Posted on 9/21/2011 by

SAN DIEGO, CA - August 17, 2011 - The Better Business Bureau serving San Diego and Imperial Counties (BBB) is warning consumers to beware of websites and businesses claiming to provide assistance with immigration services. The BBB recently became aware of an increase in operations claiming to provide passport, citizenship and immigration services, in particular the website www.usaimmigrationsupport.com.

In July alone, the BBB received 32 complaints filed by consumers which eclipses all other months this year. The BBB has a total of 46 complaints since January 2011 when consumers began contacting the BBB in earnest with their concerns. In 24 of those complaints, consumers allege US Immigration Organization, the business that operates the website www.usaimmigrationsupport.com, misrepresented itself as a government entity. The BBB of Chicago and Northern Illinois has turned this information over to Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s office for their review due to the increasing number of complaints being received.

“Immigrants who may speak little to no English can easily fall prey to unscrupulous businesses” said Sheryl Bilbrey, president, & CEO of the San Diego BBB. “Businesses are willing to take advantage of anything from a language barrier to someone who is short on time, and scam innocent people out of their money.”

“Consumers have spent anywhere from $75 to hundreds of dollars on these services, thinking they were receiving official assistance with their passport, visa, and naturalization applications”, Bilbrey noted. “In return, they received only the applications that are free and easily accessible through the federal government.

"It is very important for people to fully read and understand any website and its disclaimers before doing businesses on it," the BBB president stated. "This is particularly necessary when a person is seeking assistance involving personal identification or government programs. There are operations whose intent is to deceive people into thinking the business is something it is not, so people send money and the business also gains access to information about their identities.

Evelyn Riddick of Oceanside, CA, found US Immigration Organization during a search online. She says, “I submitted a form for passport renewal (DS-11) and the fee was 149.00 dollars. I submitted all my personal information in these forms and in return I expected to have an expedited passport. I received an email with my application saying that it was complete and to proceed to the post office for verification of my identity. Upon arriving at the post office the clerk advised me that there is no such thing as filing online and that I would have to pay the fee all over again. My concern is not only the fact that I paid 149 dollars but that I submitted my entire personal profile.”

In the wake of similar activities around the country, the Federal Trade Commission has created multi-lingual educational materials for consumers. These tools can help educate consumers to avoid immigration scams and provide the means to file FTC complaints and report suspected scams or fraud.

The BBB offers tips to individuals looking to obtain legal status in the U.S. while avoiding common scams:

· Never sign blank documents that may contain inaccurate information

· Always retain your original documents and only provide photocopies if necessary.

· Do not make online payments or send money to someone who is not a licensed attorney.

· Make copies of every document you prepare, submit and keep for your own records.

· Request a receipt as proof of payment.

· Check the California Bar Association for licensed attorneys who provide immigration services.

For more advice on fighting fraud and finding businesses and organizations you can trust, visit www.bbb.org

###

Rachel Newman

Public Relation and Marketing Coordinator

Better Business Bureau, San Diego

(858) 637-6199

Rnewman@sandiego.bbb.org

Guest Blog: Keeping Your Files Safe While Driving

9/21/2011

Posted on 9/21/2011 by

If you are traveling back and forth to work with client files in your car, you might want to start taking precautions, especially if those client files contain sensitive information.

Imagine this scenario…

You’re just leaving the office after a long day.

But like any good hard working employee or business owner, there’s always more work to be done and hard deadlines that need to be met.

So you pack up a few client files and load them into the back seat of your car so you can do a little work at home.

On the way home, you remember that you have to stop by the grocery store to get some milk and cereal so the kids can eat breakfast in the morning.

By the time you eventually get home, and get the groceries into the house, you’re just too tired to consider any more work for the evening and decide that you’ll wake up extra early in the morning to get a few things done before leaving for work.

Now, imagine if at some point in the above sequence your car is stolen or broken into and your briefcase is stolen. If this were to ever happen, you’re going to have to come to grips with some potentially painful consequences.

You are going to have to notify your clients that their documents were stolen and that there is a potential for identity theft. This could not only be crushing for your customers, but also for you professionally.

Here are some tips you can take in order to protect work documents that are routinely transferred to and from your secure office location:

1. You will want to have an accurate accounting of what documents were stolen. Only keep a minimal amount of client information when transporting documents back-and-forth between your office and home. If multiple employees are routinely taking home client information, you may want to implement a client information checkout procedure at the office. It’s much better to know which clients were affected than having to notify each and every one of your clients of a data breech.

2. Don’t assume your vehicle is safe. Keep in mind that you have customers’ information sitting in the car if you decide to make pit-stops on the way to or from the office. When you get home, be sure that you also bring in the documents where there’s a more reasonable expectation that they are safe.

3. Don’t leave documents lying around at home, in the office, or in the car if at all possible. This information should be protected just as you protect the information in your computer with passwords and behind firewalls. Keep physical document with sensitive information in secure filing cabinets or destroy those files on a routine basis if they are no longer needed.

Taking a few extra moments and steps to protect your customers data is not only the right thing to do professionally, but it is also an important policy to implement in order to protect the good name and reputation you’ve taken so long to build.

About the author: Mike Krauss is the CEO and President of Total Secure Shredding, Inc. a local San Diego Disabled Veteran owned document destruction company.

Making Our Mark: Your Guide To Facebook For Today & Through Their Next Major Change

9/19/2011

Posted on 9/19/2011 by

By Rachel Newman

For marketers, Facebook can be your most useful tool, but it can also be the most frustrating. As someone who considers themselves “tech-savvy,” I am constantly befuddled by Facebook’s new rules, changes and its users.

Just as I start to get a handle on the bevy of personalities who use Facebook and the rules which govern it, everything changes. Suddenly, demographics have changed, applications I used every day no longer exist; I am back at square one. Clearly, social media is expanding faster than any business owner can anticipate.

Facebook keeps companies and users on their toes with new features and confusing new guidelines which accompany those features. For everyone out there who can’t seem to stay ahead of Mark Zuckerberg and gang, here’s a simple guide to posting methods and design techniques that should help your company page take off:

Go against your gut. Even though the time you are most likely to post on Facebook will be your working hours, fight that feeling. Posts that go live on the weekends or between 5pm and 2am get the most response from Facebook users. Obviously, we don’t expect you to be waiting up till 11pm to post a new status update for your company, but websites like Hootsuite can help you schedule and post updates when you aren’t by your computer.

Post, post, post. You may not want to badger your fans with tons of posts and updates, but studies show that a company that posts often and consistently will illicit the most response from their fans, as well as gain a larger following. However, each business must find the right balance between posts and un-followers.

Give your fans a little personal with your business. Updating links and new statuses is good, but businesses will get the most interaction from their fans when they post photos and videos of people and happenings around the office. Stay professional, but by letting your customers see the human side of your business, they will feel a greater connection and loyalty to your company.

Encourage the needs and questions of all of your consumers. Naturally, you should respond to any questions asked of your business on your Facebook page, but what if you took that next step? Try to anticipate the needs of your customers by adding apps and features to your company’s page. Try an events page, so that customers can access upcoming sales information or special dates for your business. Add a consumer email app, so that you can increase your mailing list. If you are feeling especially adventurous, try a Static HTML app, where you can add your own content that can link to your website, emails and anywhere else your heart desires.

Keeping your information fresh and staying as up-to-date as possible with the ever-changing world of social media is crucial to success. Follow these tips and you’re sure to get a few more fans and keep the ones you already have happy. For more information or to like the San Diego BBB, visit our Facebook page.

This article is sponsored by

Friday Feature Presentation: Business Reviews Now Feature Facebook Like & Google +1

9/16/2011

Posted on 9/16/2011 by

By Erin Levine

Researching companies on bbb.org before doing business with them is crucial when trying to figure out which companies to trust and which to avoid. These reports are increasingly user-friendly and easily accessible via the web and BBB iPhone app. The BBB delivers information on over 45,000 local companies a day to you, our local consumers. Now, your BBB also helps you harness the strength of a Facebook “like” or a Google “+1” straight from your BBB Business Review.

The redeveloped BBB Business Reviews have a gang of great new features that benefit both our Accredited Businesses and the consumers who are seeking you out. One that should not be overlooked is the Google “+1” and Facebook “Like” buttons. These buttons allow consumers to share content they like with others, and are especially beneficial to smaller businesses that may not be taking part in forms of paid advertising.

This feature can potentially give your company a great amount of exposure because when a consumer clicks one of these buttons, it shows up in their news feed, giving their entire network the opportunity to see your company’s Business Review and BBB rating. Consumers are pack animals, if their friends like it, chances are they will want to check it out too. It just takes one “Like” or “+1” to start gaining this momentum.

Another way these buttons give you more exposure, particularly the Google “+1” button, is the influence it has on search engines. Each time your BBB Business Review’s Google +1 button is clicked, it becomes more relevant in Google search results, a benefit that is invaluable.

Word of mouth is one of the most effective ways of marketing. If a company is recommended by someone you trust you will be more likely to do business with them. The Google “+1” and Facebook “Like” buttons are essentially a recommendation from someone in your social network, and chances are the people that are in your social network are people whose opinions you value.

These new additions add even more credibility to your most trustworthy source of pre-purchase information. So what are you waiting for? Check out the new BBB Business Reviews on BBB.org and help your family and friends find businesses they can trust.

This article sponsored by

Consumer Alert: Catch A Credit Card Crook

9/15/2011

Posted on 9/15/2011 by

By Rachel Newman

Recently, a long and intimidating article crossed my desk from an investment group. It looked like a page out of a text book from a college economics class in which I would have gotten a C. My first reaction? Naturally, my mind went to burying it beneath a large pile of papers that I had no hope of reading. However, as fate would have it, I decided to read it.

It was an article about credit card theft, but it wasn’t your usual article about checking bank accounts regularly and knowing your credit score (even though both are important!). Instead, the article espoused the benefits of knowing how a credit card thief operates in order to bust them. And since, according to Banc Investment Group, counterfeit, cloned, alerted and forged cards are up 12% since last year, it seems like we should all take every step to thwart these thieves before they hurt us or someone we love.

Of all of the articles I read, boy, am I glad I read this, so that I now have the good fortune of sharing it with you. Want to catch a credit card crook? So that you know what to look for, here are a few of the most common ways they screw up:

Not on the straight and narrow. One of the first things you can look for if you suspect a credit card thief is the symmetry of the numbers on the credit card. When a card is counterfeited, the crook usually uses an embossing machine that can only imprint one number at a time. As such, the numbers are often skewed or warped.

So unattractive. A red flag in credit card theft is the magnetic stripping. Thieves are lazy, cheap, inexperienced or a combination of all three, and they often don’t coordinate the magnetic strip on the back of the card with the numbers on the front. To keep you from finding out, often they will destroy the magnetic strip so that you have to manually enter the number. Use caution whenever you have to manually enter a credit card number.

Matchmaker, matchmaker… You may not realize, but each type of credit card has a corresponding number that the company uses in all of their cards. Check your wallet and you will find that your American Express begins with a 3, your Visa begins with a 4, your MasterCard with a 5 and your Discover card with a 6. Many credit card thieves fail to do even the most basic research, and often just by matching the card with its corresponding number, you can bust the bandit.

Your credit card: Now playing in 3D. Another great way to catch a credit card thief is to check out the hologram, which is located on the front of all credit card times except for AmEx which has a strip on the back. Most legitimate credit cards have a sharp appearance, but often forged credit cards will look dull and have a 2D appearance.

Make ‘Em Sweat. Last, but not least, the easiest way to catch a credit card con-artist in action is to observe their behavior. Unless they are very experienced and sociopathic, thieves will usually appear nervous and may try to distract or confuse you. Stay focused, check the above tips and you will be on your watch to uncovering credit card fraud.

For more information about credit card fraud, visit BBB.org or give us a call at 858.495.2131.

This article is sponsored by

Guest Blog: Know What to Ask When Hiring Your Wedding Florist

9/14/2011

Posted on 9/14/2011 by

By Shellie Ferrer

Choosing the right florist for your wedding is every bit as important as choosing the flowers themselves, but researching names and figuring out what to look for can leave your head spinning like a floral kaleidoscope. Before you start flipping through portfolios hoping for inspiration, here are some inside tips to first inspire your hiring savvy.

First things first: Setting your wedding date. Try to avoid holiday weeks. Unless you absolutely have your heart set on getting married the week of Mother’s or Valentine’s Day, there is no reason to pay three times what you would any other time of year. Prices go up around holidays but the product stays the same. After you choose your date and move on to interviewing potential florists, discuss which flowers are in full bloom the month of your wedding. For example, you’re going to pay higher prices for peonies in April, at the beginning of their blooming season, than you will in June or July. Carefully selecting both your wedding date and your flower choices will help you avoid unnecessarily higher prices.

When you meet with florists, of course you’re going to inquire about their pricing. However, the costs don’t end with product and design, and you want to know every detail in advance. If you want things like a toss bouquet or flowers for your cake, find out if they are included in your wedding package or if they are extra. Ask if there are additional charges for vase and equipment rental, or to incorporate any non-floral elements like feathers or pearls into your design. Be sure you understand all of the delivery fees. It’s very possible you’ll have more than one location for your bouquets, boutonnieres, and corsages to be delivered to. Does the florist charge a separate fee to deliver to each location? Ask how everything will get returned to the florist. Will they send someone to pick up equipment at the end of your reception and if so, what’s the charge? If you handle the return, do they charge you an additional fee if it’s not done within twenty-four hours? Knowing all of this information in advance keeps you from any surprises when you get your final invoice.

Finally: Design ideas and trade secrets. Don’t think you have to spend $300 on each centerpiece to have a gorgeous reception. Beautiful flowers abound and there are endless combinations to make your wedding distinctive and unique. Add creative elements like peacock or ostrich feathers, or draped pearls to bring texture and style to your arrangements. A lovely addition that will invoke emotion is wrapping your bridal bouquet with ribbon made from a mother or grandmother’s bridal gown. Lastly, find a florist who will listen intently to your desires and incorporate your ideas into flawless designs that are one of a kind, just like your wedding is meant to be.

Article courtesy of Shellie Ferrer of InStyle Event Planning. For more information, visit their website.

The Operative Word: Effective Managing - Part 2

9/12/2011

Posted on 9/12/2011 by

By Mona Terry

In my last blog I wrote about three lessons I had learned from my experiences as a manager. Recently I was reading articles about what makes an ineffective manager and an unproductive work environment and I was thinking “Boy, am I glad that doesn’t happen where I work.” The articles discussed things like micromanaging, saying one thing and doing another, expecting more out of employees than oneself, etc. I was also discussing with a friend this weekend the difficulties of managing a team who had a previous boss that was a micromanager – my friend is not a micromanager. Here are some of my personal observations from my management experience:

· Micromanaging does not work – most of the time. We largely have a micromanaging free environment at work. It starts from the top and trickles down. There is a large level of trust between management and all employees. The reason I threw in that micromanaging does not work “most of the time” is that trust has to be earned. When I am working with a new employee, or an existing employee that has taken on a new task, I make sure to double check their work and give plenty of feedback in regards to my expectations and what corrections need to be made, if any. Once I am comfortable that the employee is well versed in his/her job, I move on. Mistakes will happen, but I have no reason to believe that the employee will suddenly change his/her ways and start doing things differently. If that does happen, then I go back to evaluating what’s being done and giving feedback. In essence, when that trust is broken we go back to rebuilding that trust. And that can take some micromanaging. If the trust cannot be rebuilt, then I have to look at the job duties that are assigned and determine if there needs to be a shift in job duties, or if the person is just not a fit. I also have set the expectation that I like feedback. When a task has been completed, I ask for follow up. If it’s a simple task, I ask to be notified that the task is complete. I don’t need to know how because I trust it’s being done correctly. If it’s a complex task, I ask for more detailed feedback – to be copied on an email, a synopsis with the results, etc. And I try to provide the same level of detail and follow up with my employees and my boss when asked for assistance with a task.

· It’s hard to set the same level of expectations for every employee, but I expect to get the highest standard one can commit to, including me. I expect the best from all my employees. Plain and simple. I expect the best from myself – I give my all. Every employee has different capabilities. And unfortunately, it does seem to be true that you reward the hardest and most capable workers with more work. The flip side of taking on more work is the employees who take on more work also get the recognition that comes with taking on additional duties – higher pay, more recognition, title changes, etc. If I have an employee that struggles to produce the minimum requirement of 5 widgets a day, for example, but the widgets are all built well in the timeframe asked then I have an employee who is doing his/her job. If I have an employee that can get through 7 widgets a day, also built well, and can also organize and ship the widgets, then that’s fantastic. It doesn’t mean the 5 widget per day employee should not be working here – he/she is meeting our minimum standard – but this employee also won’t be given the opportunity to expand into new areas. It’s important to set a minimum expectation, but we can’t always ask employees to perform like others. That expectation would set the stage for an extremely unhappy work environment. We want motivated employees who get the job done. And everyone contributes in a different way. We look for strengths that complement each other.

· Employees who buy in to the bigger picture tend to be happiest. We are extremely mission driven in the Operations department. It’s one of the traits we look for when we hire. As a nonprofit organization this may be easier to find than at a for profit corporation. Management strives to remind our employees about why they are doing the job they are doing. It’s easy to get lost in the daily grind and focus on the tasks at hand and not why we are asking the tasks to be completed to begin with. I’ve been managed by someone who felt that the “bigger picture” was only for management and the employees should just know what work needs to get done. It was easy to get jaded when there was a particularly bad week, or to feel like there was a hidden purpose that really didn’t make any sense. As I mentioned in my last blog, my employees like to be “in the know.” I don’t blame them. I think most employees do. So we share. We talk about where the organization is heading, whether we agree or not, we share our good days and our bad, and we talk about what a difference we can make and are making. It feels good to work for a company that is doing its best to make a difference. And we try and make sure all our employees feel the same way.

The Operative Word: Effective Managing - Part 2

9/12/2011

Posted on 9/12/2011 by
By Mona Terry

Micromanaging does not work – most of the time. We largely have a micromanaging free environment at work. It starts from the top and trickles down. There is a large level of trust between management and all employees. The reason I threw in that micromanaging does not work “most of the time” is that trust has to be earned. When I am working with a new employee, or an existing employee that has taken on a new task, I make sure to double check their work and give plenty of feedback in regards to my expectations and what corrections need to be made, if any. Once I am comfortable that the employee is well versed in his/her job, I move on. Mistakes will happen, but I have no reason to believe that the employee will suddenly change his/her ways and start doing things differently. If that does happen, then I go back to evaluating what’s being done and giving feedback. In essence, when that trust is broken we go back to rebuilding that trust. And that can take some micromanaging. If the trust cannot be rebuilt, then I have to look at the job duties that are assigned and determine if there needs to be a shift in job duties, or if the person is just not a fit. I also have set the expectation that I like feedback. When a task has been completed, I ask for follow up. If it’s a simple task, I ask to be notified that the task is complete. I don’t need to know how because I trust it’s being done correctly. If it’s a complex task, I ask for more detailed feedback – to be copied on an email, a synopsis with the results, etc. And I try to provide the same level of detail and follow up with my employees and my boss when asked for assistance with a task.

It’s hard to set the same level of expectations for every employee, but I expect to get the highest standard one can commit to, including me. I expect the best from all my employees. Plain and simple. I expect the best from myself – I give my all. Every employee has different capabilities. And unfortunately, it does seem to be true that you reward the hardest and most capable workers with more work. The flip side of taking on more work is the employees who take on more work also get the recognition that comes with taking on additional duties – higher pay, more recognition, title changes, etc. If I have an employee that struggles to produce the minimum requirement of 5 widgets a day, for example, but the widgets are all built well in the timeframe asked then I have an employee who is doing his/her job. If I have an employee that can get through 7 widgets a day, also built well, and can also organize and ship the widgets, then that’s fantastic. It doesn’t mean the 5 widget per day employee should not be working here – he/she is meeting our minimum standard – but this employee also won’t be given the opportunity to expand into new areas. It’s important to set a minimum expectation, but we can’t always ask employees to perform like others. That expectation would set the stage for an extremely unhappy work environment. We want motivated employees who get the job done. And everyone contributes in a different way. We look for strengths that complement each other.

Employees who buy in to the bigger picture tend to be happiest. We are extremely mission driven in the Operations department. It’s one of the traits we look for when we hire. As a nonprofit organization this may be easier to find than at a for profit corporation. Management strives to remind our employees about why they are doing the job they are doing. It’s easy to get lost in the daily grind and focus on the tasks at hand and not why we are asking the tasks to be completed to begin with. I’ve been managed by someone who felt that the “bigger picture” was only for management and the employees should just know what work needs to get done. It was easy to get jaded when there was a particularly bad week, or to feel like there was a hidden purpose that really didn’t make any sense. As I mentioned in my last blog, my employees like to be “in the know.” I don’t blame them. I think most employees do. So we share. We talk about where the organization is heading, whether we agree or not, we share our good days and our bad, and we talk about what a difference we can make and are making. It feels good to work for a company that is doing its best to make a difference. And we try and make sure all our employees feel the same way.

Friday Feature Presentation: BBB Ratings

9/9/2011

Posted on 9/9/2011 by

By Valerie Simson

In these uncertain times, consumers are placing a high worth on their money. From job cuts and stock market woes to the increased cost of living, consumers are feeling a financial pinch. People are not only more aware of what they spend their money on, but also of where they spend their money. Now more than ever, most consumers can only afford to give their money in businesses that can be trusted to deliver on their promises. Your San Diego BBB helps you find such businesses.

BBB Business Reviews point consumers to businesses they can trust—and businesses to avoid—and feature a comprehensive ratings system. These unbiased evaluations of a business’s reliability and trustworthiness carry a letter-grade, which can range from an A+ to an F. The higher the grade means the higher the BBB’s degree of confidence that the business is operating in a trustworthy manner, and will make a good-faith effort to resolve any customer concerns. These ratings give consumers both an idea of whether or not a business can be trusted as well as the confidence a consumer can have in their purchase.

The BBB ratings system is based on a proprietary formula that considers 17 factors, which BBB has found to be important attributes of reliability and trustworthiness. These factors include how long the business has been operating, government actions against the company, and any advertising issues found by BBB. A majority of the scoring, however, is determined by consumer-reported complaints that have been assessed by BBB, including the number of grievances, their severity, and how a business resolves the complaints that it receives.

The great news for consumers is that the BBB provides ratings for both Accredited and Non-Accredited Businesses. This is just one more way your BBB helps consumers make educated buying decisions.

If you are a business owner and don’t see your company’s rating listed on the San Diego BBB website and would like more information about that, please call (858) 637-6199 or email info@sandiego.bbb.org.

Consumer Countdown: AT&T Sued Again, USPS Downfall & More

9/9/2011

Posted on 9/9/2011 by

By Rachel Newman

· Best Buy says the more the merrier, when it comes to their website. Electronics giant Best Buy announced this week that it will allow third-party vendors to sell their merchandise on the Best Buy website, creating an Amazon-esque atmosphere. The store’s website will undoubtedly gain authority in their realm, create better customer relations and, most importantly, drive most if not all electronics-based traffic to their website. What do you think – is this a brilliant idea?

· Vegans rejoice and proclaim “No shark fin soup for you!” Recent legislation, known as the California Shark Protection Act, is cracking down on those who buy, sell, trade and eat shark fins (a delicacy specific to the Chinese community). The Protection Act is looking specifically at shark fins because of the harsh way in which they are harvested, while other groups who use and produce shark artifacts or merchandise are still under the radar. The California State Legislature will vote on the act next week. For more information, visit the CNN website.

· Google gives Zagat a 27 out 30 rating and acquires the decades-old company. In an effort to strengthen their ratings system, Google acquired Zagat this week. Zagat, for those who have forgotten, was a pioneer in rating businesses – the company uses consumer reviews and opinions to rate retail and nightlife in cities across the country. Zagat, under the wings of Google, hopes to successfully combine and “optimize the potential of the Zagat Brand” and the resources that Google can provide. For more information, visit the Google Blog.

· Senators request Americans write love letters. As the Postmaster General announces the USPS’ dwindling funds and looming bankruptcy this week, United States senators brainstormed on ways to save the staple of American culture. While reduced workers and increased efficiencies were quickly considered, other senators suggested marketing campaigns to encourage Americans to write more often. To read more about the state of the USPS and plans for its protection, click here.

· Guess who’s Sprinting to the courthouse now. Number three cell phone carrier Sprint filed a suit against AT&T this week in an effort to block a merger between AT&T and T-Mobile. This lawsuit comes on the heels of a similar suit filed by the Department of Justice last week which sited the merger as antitrust. Sprint has spoken out to the FCC and the Senate previously about their vehement opposition to the merger, but their lawsuit is the first action the company has taken. AT&T shot back, claiming that Sprint’s lawsuit is only concerned with protecting the company’s bottom line, not protecting consumer interests. What do you think? Read more here.

Utilizing Your Chamber of Commerce

9/8/2011

Posted on 9/8/2011 by

Your local Chamber of Commerce is an important instrument in your business’ tool box. By maximizing your chamber membership, you can actually use the chamber to gain greater visibility in your community, and ultimately, grow your business.

A Chamber of Commerce is essentially a live social network. Your chamber membership will give you the opportunity to capitalize on this community and help you to connect with other members. It is also a key local business source, and has the ability to share important information with you. But first, you must know how to use your local chamber to your – and your business' – advantage.

1. Networking. In my opinion, this is the #1 reason to join your local chamber. Most Chambers host monthly networking mixers, where you get the opportunity to mingle with other members, and enjoy a cocktail or two. It is almost impossible to reach everyone in your community, but you will not reach anyone if you do not get yourself out there.

2. Referral Groups. These groups generally meet once a month or so, and every participant is guaranteed exclusivity in their field. This is a great option for those new to networking that may be slightly uncomfortable with it because the group is usually under 30 participants. It is also a good way for you to meet other local businesses (and consumers, AKA leads) if you are new to the area.

3. Training. Some Chambers offer training programs and workshops. This is an excellent way to utilize your membership, and if these trainings are free (or provided at a much discounted rate), then your membership has just paid for itself. Trainings can vary in size and topic, but they are a great way to get valuable information on marketing, branding, networking and other ways to grow your business from experts in the field.

4. Member Discounts. Many Chambers offer some kind of discount program. While types of discounts will vary depending on the membership base and location, they are generally discounts on anything from group health insurance to $5 off at the local pizza place.

5. Advertising. You will want to contact your Chamber to see what advertising package they specifically offer, but Chambers do tend to provide their members with the opportunity to advertise in their newsletters, directories and website, at a reasonable rate. Consumers are proven to be more comfortable doing business with a Chamber member, because they tend to have a positive perception of those involved in this type of community.

Whether you are trying to gain greater local visibility, or brush up on your business skill set, joining your local Chamber of Commerce can be a great option for you and your business. Check out BBB Accredited Chambers of Commerce in your area here.

Guest Blog: 4 Ways to Attract Customers in a Tough Economy

9/7/2011

Posted on 9/7/2011 by

Social Media Marketing

Social media marketing simply means to build a community around your business. In order to do that, you need to have a very strong idea of what your business provides, and who your preferred audience is. Once you've established that, you can use tools like Facebook Pages, Twitter, and a blog to build rapport with your customers.

Social media marketing is best combined with real-world social marketing such as events, VIP sales, coupons, and other useful things for your customers. Business owners often make the mistake of blurting out marketing messages at every opportunity. Social marketing doesn't work that way – you have to provide timely, interesting, useful information (not always about your business) in order to build a community.

Daniela Baker, social media advocate with CreditDonkey shares a few tips to attract customers in a tough economy:

Use a blog to establish yourself as an expert in your niche. Offer advice and tools for your customers
Use Facebook to publicize events, link to interesting online content about your niche, and start conversations
Use Twitter to provide short, timely information (can be cross-linked with Facebook), and let customers know what you're thinking

Referrals

Referrals from customers are gold to a business. According to the University of Florida, referrals can be one of the lowest cost, most effective sources of prospective clients. Referrals by trusted friends and family are incredibly powerful – particularly to professional service businesses like doctors, hair stylists, lawyers, accountants, and financial advisers.

Businesses like this require a great deal of trust between customer and provider, and it can be hard to attract new customers through traditional advertising and marketing. However, once a customer is made, the lifetime value of such a customer can be high.

Getting referrals can seem like hard work, however, it can be as simple as asking. Ask happy customers for the names and contact information of friends and family who might benefit from your services. If possible, offer discounts to customers for bringing in new business.

Ask customers during each visit whether they know of anyone who might be interested in your services
Offer discounts to both old and new customers for the referral
Ask new customers if they were referred by someone
Offer an annual referral bonus period where customers can earn discounts or prizes for referrals

Social Deals Sites

Social deals sites are cropping up all over the place. The biggest players are Groupon and Living Social, however there are many niche sites like Gilt Groupe, Ascent, and others that cater to specific markets. If you are trying to lure a young, internet-savvy group of customers, consider offering a deal on one of these sites.

The key is to making a one-off social deal work for your business is to convert deal customers into repeat business. You may not end up making money on an initial deal, however, the advertising and word of mouth can make it worthwhile by raising your business' profile in this market. Consider offering an incentive for new customers to return like: waiving membership fees (if you are a gym or membership-oriented company), a discount on a second purchase, or discounts on purchases by friends.

Repeat Customers

The easiest customers to get are ones who have already done business with you. Online businesses like that track a lot of metrics about their customers know that repeat customers spend more money and spend more often than new customers. The cost of acquiring these customers is also much lower, since they already know about your business.

However, in order to bring them back, you have to know who they are. Building an email list is very important for marketing purposes. Consider offering customers an instant discount or free product for signing up to an email list. Once they've given you permission to contact them, you can send out monthly updates, coupons, birthday gifts, and notify them of special sales. The possibilities are endless.

If you've had experience attracting customers in a tough economy and have some tips, we'd love to hear about them in the comments!

Article Courtesy of Daniela Baker of Credit Donkey. For more information, visit their website.

Scam Alert: FTC Issues Warning

9/7/2011

Posted on 9/7/2011 by

The FTC released a warning late last week, cautioning small business owners to be wary of any emails they received from the Federal Trade Commission that claim to be in reference to a complaint.

According the FTC website, malware has been circulating online using the trusted FTC name to fool business owners. Emails marked “URGENT: Pending Consumer Complaint” claim that a complaint has been filed against your company with the agency. Most often, those who click on the link provided in the emails unknowingly install a virus on their computer.

The FTC recommends deleting any suspicious emails you receive claiming to be from them. For more information about viruses and malware, check out this BBBlog.

Consumer Countdown: Willie Nelson, AT&T Mergers & More

9/2/2011

Posted on 9/2/2011 by

By Rachel Newman

1. We’ll see you in court. Maybe. The Department of Justice filed a claim against cellphone juggernaut AT&T on Wednesday in regards to their merger with #4 service carrier T-Mobile. The DOJ claims that the joining of the two competitors will “remove a signification competitive force from the market.” The Department of Justice’s concerns, which are shared with several consumer groups and the #3 service provider Sprint, are that the merger is anti-competitive and would likely result in higher prices and lower quality products and services. AT&T reports that it plans to “vigorously” fight the anti-trust suit and continue in the completion of their union with T-Mobile. Look here for more information.

2. There can only be ONE single cup brewer. Starbucks revealed this week that beginning in November the coffee-giant will sell single-cup capsules in grocery, department and drug stores. Following the suit of coffee suppliers like Keurig and Dunkin’ Donuts, Starbucks executives say they are looking to expand and grow their sales by offering customers easy alternatives to coming into their stores or brewing an entire pot of coffee. For more information, click here.

3. When life hands you lemons…sometimes the federal government demands you give them back. A Wisconsin woman recently became very aware of a disease that is affecting fruit quality in Florida and causing certain plants to be quarantined within the state. The women claims the Department of Agriculture notified her that her mail-order lemon tree would have to be confined and removed from the state to prevent the spreading of such diseases to other plants. USDA is reportedly giving buyers of lemon trees from a particular nursery in Florida the shake down in an effort to collect any other infected plant-life. For more information about the reclaimed fruit, click here.

4. Doggy bags of the future. To-go containers may look different than what you are used to if State Senator Alan Lowenthal has anything to say about it. Lowenthal, author of a bill which is unsurprisingly opposed by container manufacturers, will soon go before state congress to persuade lawmakers to outlaw Styrofoam containers in California. For more information, click here.

5. Food with integrity and apparently Willie Nelson. Known for supporting local farms, Chipotle has teamed up with country singer Willie Nelson to release an anti-factory farm advertisement which marks the rise and (what they hope to be) the fall of factory farms. Willie Nelson sings Coldplay’s The Scientist in the animated advertisement. This ad is one of a many pushes from the fast food chain to see change in an industry that depends primarily on foods that are transported miles and miles. To watch the advertisement, click here.

Friday Feature Presentation: NEW! BBB Wordpress Blog

9/2/2011

Posted on 9/2/2011 by

If you’re reading this, you probably already know that the BBBlog is a great place to go for the latest and greatest in consumer news. We cover scam and fraud alerts, as well as keeping you up-to-date on the latest happenings in our marketplace.

What you may not know is that recently your BBB developed a new blog on which Better Business Bureaus from across the country can share. On this new Wordpress-formatted blog, you can find the latest news and updates from Minnesota, New York, Texas, Oregon (just to name a few), and last but certainly not least, your very own San Diego Better Business Bureau.

Read up on topics from home improvement and health tips, ideas for better marketing strategies and the latest scams for which you should be on the lookout. Leave your own comments and tips, and get the perspective of other BBB-ers from across the country.

Heard enough? Give our new BBBlog a look, and send your San Diego BBB a shout out while you are there!

Consumer Alert: Senior Scams

9/1/2011

Posted on 9/1/2011 by

By Erin Levine

Scams and frauds are, for the most part, an equal opportunity evil. However, many of these are targeted at senior citizens, the fastest growing demographic to be victimized by scam artists. Because older people are generally more trusting in strangers, more likely to be home during the day, and tend to be on fixed incomes, they are especially vulnerable to fraudsters.

Below are some of the most common scams committed against seniors:

Foreign Lotteries. This is when the victim receives a call or email letting them know they won a large sum of money in a lottery from another country. You usually have to send money upfront, and sometimes you will even receive a phony check. These are illegal.

Home Improvement Scams. Con-artists will offer to repair your home, overcharge, and do bad work. They will even arrange financing but the lender will charge high fees and the payment will not be affordable.

Telemarketing Scams. These calls offer a great deal on a product but the caller asks for personal finance information and uses it to get to your bank account.

Phishing. These emails generally look like they are legitimately from your bank, asking for social security or other sensitive information. These are used to steal your identity. Beware, these emails may even include your bank’s logo, but any legitimate company would never ask for confidential information this way.

Phony Charities. These tend to appear to be associated with the police or fire departments, but they are scam artists soliciting money for a fake charity.

Investment/Healthcare Scams. This is when you are contacted regarding above-market returns or a good deal on healthcare, but the solicitor will not provide company information.

To protect yourself or someone you care about, it is important to always check with your Better Business Bureau before doing business with a company or donating to a charity that you are not familiar with. For more information on ways to avoid being scammed, visit us at BBB.org.

Guest Blog:Soaking Up the Savings This Summer

8/31/2011

Posted on 8/31/2011 by

Fun, Sun and Some Energy Conservation:

By Ronnie Das

Begin by setting yourself in a beautiful Bonita as we find ourselves on the roof reaping the rewards of radiant heat by installing 20 solar modules. On a hot summer San Diego day solar advantages are the clear choice for accepting our most plentiful readily accessible energy source: the sun.

Solar Modules use radiant heat to create DC electricity - your neck uses that solar energy to create sunburns. Quick Tip: When installing panels remember to use sunscreen and a hat to cover yourself as much as possible . As for me, a readily unprepared lifestyle gave way to my present circumstances, on a roof with no direct shade because the machine we are installing has the sole purpose of capturing heat. I guess as an ex would say “Should've got the hint,” but I got through it and had some fun in the sun as I learned about a sustainable energy solution for San Diego.

Fun fact: The Earth receives more energy from the sun in 1 hour than is used in the entire world in 1 year. It would take roughly 0.3% of the world's land area to supply all our electricity needs via solar power.

Bias and pride aside, San Diego is setting the scene as pioneers in solar power standards. In June 2007, San Diego was selected as a Solar City by the U.S. Department of Energy because of its commitment to adopting solar technology at the local level.

Nationally, San Diego is ranked 4th for producing and using environmentally preferable green energy (US EPA 2007). To put 4^th in perspective the renewable energy reductions of carbon dioxide emissions is equivalent to planting 40,187 acres of trees. The sustainable energy efforts from our city adopting photovoltaic systems saves nearly $170,000 annually.

Kyocera, which is an international conglomerate, has a solar module manufacturing plant in Kearny Mesa, which provides jobs in the growing energy industry. No other time in history has energy been more important than now, and San Diego has clearly established itself in fostering alternative energy to provide choices locally, nationally, and internationally.

Energy has become the forefront of every presidential campaign for 2012, and coupled with an economic strategy, focusing on job creation has become the leading topic in today's political landscape. Outside of politics, increases in energy prices make traditional sources of power less obvious as the standard choice for consumers. Brighten up to the high standards of the solar industry in sunny San Diego.

Solar is a sustainable solution for San Diego, but so is energy conservation. Energy Conservation is the key to energy independence and what you don't know doesn't get managed. Check your electric bill to keep it in check instead of paying a premium price for wasted electricity. Keep kids involved as electric monitors help teach them valuable lessons in energy conservation, saving money, and sticking to good habits. Teaching toddlers (and ourselves) to take the time to turn off TV's, lights, and other electronics is a great way to be part of a sustainable solution. Powerstrips are energy efficient, and a safe, easy way controls for kids to save power during the day.

If your slightly more technical, be sure to solve the age-old question, how many of you does it take to change a light bulb? Incandescent lights can be switched to low-cost (<$3,at any home improvement store) or no-cost (trade program with SDG&E) energy-efficienct lighting choices (ex. CFLs, LEDs). Energy Star qualified lighting use less energy, and produces about 75% less heat than incandescent lighting, so you'll feel real cool as you save money.

Hopefully you can start saving with several of these sustainable solutions as you soak up that sun this summer in San Diego.

How Can I Help? Episode 4: Solar Diego featuring Bill Clinton, Independent Energy Solutions, Baker Solar Electric Inc, SDG&E, County of San Diego Operations, and California Center for Sustainable Energy. Find out more on how to use natural energy to light up your life on our official website http://howcanihelpsandiego.com/?page_id=989

Catch All New Episodes of 'How Can I Help?' Fridays at 6:00 PM on ITV – Channel 16 in San Diego.

Keep Innovation Thriving

8/30/2011

Posted on 8/30/2011 by Sheryl Bilbrey

Think about all of the great ideas you’ve had in your life on which you never followed through. That movie script you never wrote? The Mexican/Chinese fusion restaurant you never opened? Maybe you even came up with an idea for a social media site that limited the number of characters an operator could use?

What stopped all of these great ideas from coming to fruition? It could be that someone you trusted told you that it was foolish to continue down that path, or maybe you didn’t have the finances or time to fund such a project. However, for me, it is rare that I give up on an idea; more commonly, I allow my once great idea to dry up and be forgotten along with a mass of other great ideas that just didn’t make it through the cognitive stages.

Here, at the BBB offices, we work each day not only to foster new ideas, but to drive those concepts into reality. Recently, your BBB has created new benefits like QR Codes, as well as re-launching our BBB Business Review search feature. Both of which are intended to facilitate a smoother pathway between local businesses and consumers.

If your business is having trouble transferring thought into reality, here are some tips that should help you design, budget and unleash your idea on the world:

· Remember there is strength in numbers. Get your entire staff involved. Even if you are looking for a new marketing idea, you may be surprised by the innovative notions that come out of your accounting department. Send an email to your entire staff, or ask those interested to join in a brainstorming meeting.

· Delegate, delegate, delegate. Ideas often die because the creator is unwilling to relinquish control. Let others help you by leveraging their strengths. You don’t need to project the budget, schedule the meetings and be the sole contact for the higher-ups in the company. Give your idea wings; don’t drag it down by overtaxing yourself.

· Don’t be afraid to be a wet blanket. Someone has to be critical. Often, when there is a great idea, no one wants to be the person to discuss what could cause the concept to fail, but that is a crucial part of planning. Armed with the knowledge of your idea’s shortcomings, you are better prepared to shore up any holes and fight naysayers in the later stages of development.

· Take the term “deadline” literally. You don’t want an idea to consume your work life, but don’t let your new project get sidelined by your everyday tasks. Establish goals and set aside enough time to ensure that you meet each of them. As the head of a project, you should also confirm that the rest of your staff is doing the same.

Like what you see? To get a monthly consumer news update from your BBB and be entered to win a night's stay at the Town & Country Hotel, sign up for our email list!

To read more from BBB President/CEO Sheryl Bilbrey, click here to visit the President’s Blog.

BBB Appears on NBC San Diego

8/30/2011

Posted on 8/30/2011 by

BBB Vice President of Operations Eva Velasquez appeared yesterday on NBC San Diego to discuss scamming trends that follow natural disasters such as Hurricane Irene. Click here to watch the video.

Making Our Mark: A Few Ideas To Get Your Creative Juices Flowing

8/29/2011

Posted on 8/29/2011 by

It isn’t easy to always be at the top of your game. For most of us, even if we eat our Wheaties every day, the likelihood that we bring creative and competitively-charged ideas to work with us each morning is far-fetched.

At the BBB, the members of our marketing department pride themselves on working together as a team. I assume most of your marketing departments do the same. We bounce ideas off each other and brainstorm for new and creative ways of attracting both consumers and businesses to the BBB brand.

Despite even our greatest brainstorms, there are times that I sit at my desk with a blank stare, pondering what a blog topic should be or racking my brain for a promotion that would best anything the BBB had done in the past.

Though, we think we come up with some pretty great stuff here to keep all of our readers, joiners, participants and everything in between entertained, that doesn’t stop us from striving to attain even more. If you are one of San Diego’s best and brightest companies, we are sure you know the feeling.

In order to help you reach that next level in your marketing campaigns, reap the benefits of our research – Here are a few ideas to get those creative juices flowing:

· Promotional creativity. For small businesses, keeping costs low is often a primary objective in marketing. Luckily, promotions don’t always have to be big and flashy to capture the attention of your audience. Sometimes less truly is more in marketing. Think of how to pursue your target audience in a catchy and memorable way. For instance, if you own a used bookstore that offers a buyback program, go to your local library and hide your business cards in the books.

· Turn those frowns upside down. Excuse the silly expression, but making people smile should be a goal of every finance or billing department. Fact: No one likes to get billed for something. Also a fact: Everyone likes a surprise. Recently, a billing company made paying invoices fun for customers when they attached a lottery ticket to each of their statements. Now, instead of dreading incoming invoices, their customer’s look forward to them.

· Where social media and reality intersect. Make your social media come alive by running promotions that start online, but instruct your fans to do something outside of their computer to support your company. Post instructions for a contest online in which your customers have to take pictures with your merchandise at their favorite landmarks and then return to your social media pages to post them online.

· Break out of your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to let a little personal leak into your business. A “My wife just gave birth to our first son, so you get 20% off this week” sale, is creative and eye-catching. It also makes your customers feel more connected to both you and your brand.

For more information about the San Diego BBB’s social media and marketing efforts, visit our social media page at BBB.org.

Increase Productivity, Ditch Angry Birds

8/26/2011

Posted on 8/26/2011 by

By Rachel Newman

I had the misfortune of having to go the DMV yesterday. Being one of the DMV’s customers who “lacked foresight” (as a DMV worker phrased it), I did not have an appointment and so had plenty of time for quiet reflection.

I looked around the waiting area, where the rest of my unprepared brethren sat, and while there were a few people reading a book or chatting with a neighbor, the bulk of those waiting were face down, completely absorbed in their smart phones. I can only assume they, too, were in the middle of a lively game of angry birds.

I put down my bird-loaded slingshot momentarily to contemplate how this lack of focus is probably leaking into the BBB office without my even realizing it. Productivity is not something that is easily harvested in the workplace. Careful calculations and forethought create the office environments that allow employees to produce the most and the best for the company that pays them.

The question I pondered as I waited at the DMV for number B285 to be called was this: How do I and the rest of the BBB staff stay productive in a work environment that, each day, finds a new way to pull us away from the task at hand? Here’s what I’ve come up with:

· Stay focused. It’s not always likely or possible, but do your best, and encourage your staff to keep personal time to a minimum – Keep cell phones out of reach and personal email accounts closed. It may seem counter-intuitive, but even office email accounts can be a distraction during the working hours. Discourage obsessive email checking by recommending to your staff that they open their email only once an hour.

· Don’t be a control freak…about the small stuff. It can be hard to delegate to other staff. Payroll and copywriting are just a few of the tasks that executives often try to handle on their own. According to Entrepreneur.com, upper-level executives spend too much time on smal, low-value tasks. That wasted time pulls them away from what should be their real focus: revenue-generating activities.

· Praise and reward. The best way to encourage your staff to stay motivated and productive is to let them know how much their work means to your company. You can do this through outright praise and reviews, or by less overt methods, like paying for additional, work-related courses at a local college. If an employee feels indebted or loyal to you and your business, they will work harder and stay more motivated in order to maintain your praise.

· It takes a village…Encourage team work whenever possible. Not only will working as a team, keep your staff more engaged and happy with their work, it also has the power to infuse new ideas and methods into projects. Team work can also produce healthy competition among coworkers which will almost always be to the betterment of your company.

For more information about about the San Diego BBB, visit BBB.org. Follow us on Facebook!

Friday Feature Presentation: Make Shifty Car Dealers Eat Your Dust

8/26/2011

Posted on 8/26/2011 by

By Erin Levine

Buying a car is a daunting task. I know, because I am currently in the market for a new vehicle. There are so many choices and so much research to be done – do I want new or used? Should I buy from a dealer or a private party? Car or truck? You get the idea.

It seems that regardless how much work you put into finding the right car, you are still at risk of ending up with a lemon. The exact criteria for what a lemon is can vary from state to state, but it is essentially a newly purchased car that ends up having a serious problem that affects the ability to drive the car safely. This is where the Lemon Law comes in. In general, to be covered under the Lemon Law, the car must be relatively new and still under the manufacturer's warranty. The manufacturer will get a reasonable chance to repair the problem, or buy the car back.

But what if the manufacturer won’t cooperate? Your BBB has a program called AutoLine, a program available to all Accredited Businesses and Consumers. The goal of BBB AutoLine is to open the lines of communication between the consumer or business and the manufacturer, to resolve your auto warranty or lemon law dispute as quickly as possible. By visiting the AutoLine page on the BBB website, you will be provided with a list of everything you need before you file your lemon law complaint, as well as a guide to preparing for the arbitration. You may also contact their Hotline number at (800) 955-5100 for further assistance.

Just in 2011, your BBB has held 26 AutoLine hearings. While it is always important to do your research, sometimes it just isn’t enough. Lemons happen, and your BBB is here to help you through the dispute resolution process, completely free. For more information on the BBB AutoLine Program, the California-specific description and rules, or for a list of BBB Accredited Auto Dealers, visit us at bbb.org.

Consumer Alert: Throw A Net Over The Super Villains Of Facebook

8/25/2011

Posted on 8/25/2011 by

By Rachel Newman

Technology evolves at lightning speed. As soon as we buy a new computer, it’s obsolete. There is a new operating system every week, and we are eating Facebook’s dust on a regular basis. Even more difficult to keep up with than the ever-changing landscape of technology, though, is the fast-paced world of the hackers and con-artists that inhabit the friendly pages of Facebook.

These “super-villains” cannot be thwarted by security setting changes or heightened awareness. They stay steps ahead of Facebook’s constant attempts to block them from the site. They even seem to come back stronger with each attempt. Lately, the BBB has noticed that these scams and their consequences have only become more prevalent on the leading social media site in the last few months. We want to help, so here is a breakdown of the Facebook “super-villains,” and their kryptonite.

· The Clickjacker. These scammers often appear after a big news story lands in the media. Seen recently in the aftermath of Bin Laden’s death and the Casey Anthony verdict, hackers present Facebook users with the opportunity to view an “exclusive” video. Once you click to see the content, the hacker now is able to gain access to your account and personal information, as well as spam your entire friend list with the same con.

ü The Kryptonite? Common sense prevails. Like most scams, you have to ask yourself, “Is this offer too good to be true?” If the answer is yes, then don’t click. How could you get word of a Casey Anthony confession before CNN, anyway?

· The Phisherman. It all looks normal, if this con-artist is doing his/her job right. You get an urgent email from Facebook to change something on your account or you could face deletion. You click the link and are taken to a login page. You enter your information, and that’s all they need; now they have your email and password as well as total access to your account.

ü The Kryptonite? Stop. Check the URL first. If you see this www.facebook.com/badguy’surltrick, navigate away from that page. Scammers use these smoke screen websites to trick unsuspecting users into sharing account information.

· The ‘Friend’ Who Cried Wolf. This is the youthful version of the ever-popular “Grandma Scam:” you are scanning your newsfeed when a desperate friend sends you a message that tells you they are stuck in a foreign country with no money and no chance for escape. That is, unless, you, their doting friend, can send over a large amount of money by wire without letting on to their parents. Do it quick too.

ü The Kryptonite? Take a breath and let this scary information sink in. First, try calling your jeopardized friend to make sure they aren’t resting comfortably at home. If you can’t get ahold of them, try a mutual friend or one of their family members. Verifying the information is key in not taking the bait on this tried-and-true scam.

· The Rogue. The scammer creates an app that looks real enough, but exists only to extract your email and password, as well as any other personal information they can access. These apps often use scare tactics insinuating they are an authority from Facebook. Recently a scam artist appeared to be advising users that Facebook was shutting down, and only those who accept his/her app would be able to remain on the site.

ü The Kryptonite? A healthy dose of skepticism should do you well. Check the author of the app or the page for typos or an unprofessional appearance. You can even try a Google search. Often times, you will uncover the truth within minutes of beginning your research.

For more information on scams, visit BBB.org, and to “like” the San Diego BBB on Facebook, visit our fan page.

Guest Blog: How Hiring the Right Wedding Coordinator Protects Your Big Day and Saves you Money

8/24/2011

Posted on 8/24/2011 by

Your wedding day will be the most fun, the most emotional and likely costliest day of your life to date. Having the right wedding planner in by your side will ensure that the fun and the happy emotions are run high, excess costs kept are low, and that your best interests are always put first. Not only is the day itself an emotional roller coaster but so is every aspect of planning a wedding and many brides and grooms quickly find themselves feeling overwhelmed and under knowledgeable. With so many options available for a wedding, it’s no surprise that coordinating them is an industry unto itself. With the right guidance your wedding planning process can be as exciting and romantic as your proposal was. Here’s how.

It’s true, weddings can be costly, but this is where a true professional coordinator becomes invaluable. First off, they know who’s who amongst industry professionals, who to go to, and what to avoid. Because of their network of professionals they are able to obtain quotes that are lower than you would get if you called the vendor yourself. When you hire a coordinator, you will get the most out of your wedding dollars.

Second, they know event contracts and will review yours before you sign. They know who will charge a minimum amount for food, regardless of your guest count simply because your wedding is on a Saturday. They know which venues charge fees to cut your cake and which charge an additional fee if you bring your own alcohol and bartender.

A coordinator knows how to either negotiate these fees or get them waived entirely. Even though the initial price tag for a coordinator may seem high at first glance, by getting you the best vendors for your budget, saving you hundreds in additional fees, thousands by not letting you pay for food you don’t get, and negotiating your base charges for other services, you’ve covered the cost of your coordinator with change to spare.

Your goal when hiring a wedding coordinator is to find a true professional. Be careful not to hire an "on the side party planner". Take your time to look for a coordinator who is knowledgeable about every aspect of the wedding industry and will do so much more than just help you with your design. A professional coordinator will not only assist with venue and vendor selection, but they will be familiar with etiquette and various cultural and religious traditions and see that all are observed. They will create your itinerary, help everyone understand their responsibilities, assist with gift purchases, even help you plan your honeymoon if you desire. When hiring your coordinator find someone who will be working for you from your engagement to your honeymoon and the time between when you said "yes" and when you say "I do" will be everything you’ve been dreaming of.

What’s All This Noise About Nokia?

8/24/2011

Posted on 8/24/2011 by

Twitter is all aflutter this morning with the news of Nokia’s latest smartphones. Powered by Symbian Belle, the newly released Nokia 600 and Nokia 701 have features that should have technophiles and music lovers alike excited. For all of us who don’t speak ‘techie,’ here is a breakdown of what you should know about the Nokia 600:

· It’s the first smartphone to feature an FM Radio antenna, which allows users to both listen to the radio as well as transmit audio files from their phones to any FM radio.

· It is NFC-enabled which means that users can play music wirelessly through certain accessories, as well as take advantage of tap-to-share picture settings (just to name a few options).

· The Nokia 600 has the ability to play up to 60 hours of music through 3.2 inch touch screen on a phone that weighs in at 100g.

The popularity of the somewhat groundbreaking phone is yet to be seen. If you are in the market for a new smartphone, do you think you’ll give this phone a shot?

The Operative Word: Learning to Be an Effective Manager

8/22/2011

Posted on 8/22/2011 by

By Mona Terry

When I first started as a manager, I had risen from the ranks and went from informally coaching and helping fellow staff members to being directly responsible for the success and well-being of the department. I had taken the place of a much-loved department lead whose management style was very different from my own – he chose to help people by jumping in and helping them do their work, while my style was to spot inefficiencies and give staff members the tools they needed to complete their own work. The transition from friend and co-worker to manager and, sometimes, disciplinarian was tough. My then boss’ management style also differed from my own but as a first time manager I didn’t realize that trying to emulate her style made me ineffectual because it didn’t sit comfortably with me. It’s been 5 years since I was promoted and I now have a new boss and an almost entirely new staff. I am much happier in my role and my growth has in turn led to a happier staff. Here are three big lessons that I’ve learned:

· The concept of “friend and boss” is hard to maintain in a small organization. When I started as a manager, I was able to go to happy hour and socialize with my former co-workers, now staff members, and separate private jokes, raucous behavior, and personal relationships from a working relationship. My friends/co-workers were not always able to separate the two. I tried so hard to maintain my friendships and still be seen as one of the gang, that when I had to coach someone because of poor performance or unacceptable behavior the coaching was seen as a personal attack or was not taken seriously. I learned to balance being friendly, and learning about and being open to chatting about personal lives, with being a boss and having to maintain some distance. I no longer am “in” on all the personal jokes and emails that fly around the department and that’s okay. I still have a great working relationship with my employees and can share in the fun – sometimes.

· Just because I’m an expert doesn’t mean things have to be done my way. Boy was this a hard one for me. Yes, I’m a bit of a perfectionist. And I have really high standards for myself and for my staff. It’s what helped get me promoted. We decided to try out 360◦ reviews a couple of years ago and had staff review management’s performance. In my feedback I was told that I am not open to other people’s way of doing things and quite a few people felt everything had to be done my way. I always considered myself a fair and open-minded person so I was floored. I did some soul searching (and asked for some in depth discussions and coaching with my boss) and realized they were right. In my quest to get things done quickly and the “right” way, I was losing the opportunity to give my staff growth. I had figured out how to do things the right way and I had to give my staff the same opportunity to figure it out for themselves. As long as they arrived at the appropriate conclusion in an acceptable amount of time, it didn’t matter HOW they got there. And if we differed in opinion on what the “right” conclusion was, we could discuss our differing opinions and come up with a mutual solution. There are some problems that only have one answer and aren’t up for discussion, but there are enough challenges that have multiple solutions and are worth discussing. The discussion and openness to hearing various sides go a long way in building trust in the employee-manager relationship and helps both parties understand one another.

· It is important to communicate often, clearly, and respectfully. We have done multiple personality tests over the years as a fun activity for staff – staff enjoys seeing how they compare to their coworkers and everyone learns a little bit more about their BBB family members. We have a very diverse staff and, as you would expect, each person has their own needs, wants, feelings, and communication styles. Learning each person’s personality type helps me cater my messages so I can ensure I am being understood by my staff. I also know that even though I think I’m being clear it doesn’t mean the person hearing my message understands what I am trying to convey. I try to follow up my conversations with “does that make sense?” or “do you have any questions?” I have also learned to think out loud. Sharing my thought process helps my staff understand where I am going and why I am going the direction I am going. I’ve also learned that my staff likes to be “in the know.” Change is hard, so as a manager I’ve learned to communicate when there is going to be change – small changes such as adding a new printer for another department that will be sharing space with the printer my staff uses and bigger changes such as changes to policy or changes within the greater organization. If I suspect it will impact my staff, even in a minor way, I will share the change so the staff knows what is coming and can share their opinions and reactions and get used to the change before it happens. Whether the change is something they can impact or not, their opinions are heard and their concerns addressed. My boss likes to say “now tell me why you think this is a bad idea….” It elicits smiles, and allows everyone to feel heard.

For more information about the San Diego BBB, visit bbb.org.

Friday Feature Presentation: Using Your Business Login Page

8/19/2011

Posted on 8/19/2011 by

By Rachel Newman

Wouldn’t it be nice if everything you needed in life was always at your fingertips? You could dial into your phone to find the remote you lost, press a button to jump the line at the DMV and even traverse the security line at the airport instantly. Wouldn’t it be nice if everything you needed from your BBB was at your fingertips too? You could pay your dues online, create coupons that would be posted to your BBB Business Review, even view all of your company’s BBB statistics!

Fortunately for you, the San Diego BBB can make most of those dreams come true. For those who don’t know, Accredited Businesses have access to an exclusive website that offers great benefits and services with the click of a button. The Business Login Page gives Accredited Businesses more control over and access to tons of important information, programs and updates from the San Diego BBB.

Keeping consumers engaged with, and up-to-date on the new happenings of your business is simple with the “Update Your Business Information” section and the “NEW! Photo/Video Upload” section, which when added can be seen alongside your BBB Business Review (click here to view example).

The Business Login Page also gives Accredited Businesses the chance to view and print BBB-branded seals, logos and QR codes for their company. These badges allow businesses to share their accreditation with the community in new and different places. The logos and seals can be added to your website, social media and blogs, while the QR codes can be printed out and added to any signage around your office, your marketing materials or anywhere else that your BBB printed logo could be inserted.

Of course, these services are just a tip of the iceberg! See for yourself. Visit BBB.org and click the Login button in the top left corner. Need help logging in? Give us a call and we’d be happy to help you. We may even have some useful tips on finding your remote, but you’re on your own at the DMV!

Smart Shop Tips For Pencils, Justin Beiber Folders And All Your Other Back-To-School Needs

8/18/2011

Posted on 8/18/2011 by

By Rachel Newman

From a very young age, I understood not just the importance of a freshly pressed outfit with price tags newly ripped from the seams, but the value of pencils sharpened like daggers and Lisa Frank notebooks ordered by beauty. I guess you could say that I was a bit of a back-to-school shopping nut. I would drag my parents up and down the aisles of Target, Office Depot or the children’s section of Sears in search of anything and everything that would make this school year the best school year.

You can probably also guess that as an adult, I still love a new outfit and that as each September rolls around I start to long for the days of shopping sales for a glittery pencil sharpener or a three-ring binder featuring the faces of the Backstreet Boys. As September of 2011 approaches, many parents may be searching for ways to keep their kids happy and their costs down.

Your San Diego BBB knows that while spending your money is easy, stretching dollars is not. Here are some tips for the back-to-school shopper who wants to get the most bang for their buck without breaking the bank:

· Make a “grocery list.” Most of us know that you shouldn’t grocery shop on an empty stomach. Similar to walking the aisles of an Albertson’s while we long for a snack, try not to go back-to-school shopping unless you are prepared with a list of your needs and, if you can afford it, your wants.

· You know you gotta shop around. Do your research. The sale price isn’t always the best price. Most of us are familiar with the trappings of misleading advertising, and there is assuredly going to be a fair share of misleading back-to-school ads. Be prepared. Read the fine print, and compare prices online before you leave to go to the stores.

· Keep your competitive edge. Look into every stores policy. Many stores accept competitor’s coupons and match, or sometimes beat, competitor’s pricing. While it is unlikely that you want to quibble over an 18-cent folder, on larger purchases, it may be a good idea to keep this strategy in your back pocket.

· Clip coupons. Don’t depend solely on the in-store discounts. Look online and in newspaper advertisements; either can be a great source for finding the best markdowns. The BBB is also a great resource for coupons. Click here to check out what back-to-school specials Accredited Businesses are offering.

· Keep track on your shopping. Keep a list of what you have bought and how much you have spent. That way, you won’t be surprised when the credit card bill comes.

For more information about smart spending and how to avoid shopping scams, visit bbb.org.

Guest Blog: The Benefits of Green Cleaning

8/17/2011

Posted on 8/17/2011 by

Green cleaning is defined as the use of environmentally friendly ingredients and chemicals to preserve human health and environmental quality. You may not think about this very often, but you are constantly exposed to a large variety of cleaning products throughout your day. Numerous cleaning products are used on nearly every surface in your home or office, from the kitchen and bathrooms to the windows, floors, and furniture. Many of these products are harmless, but a number of common cleaning products are petroleum based, and can have adverse affects on both your health and the environment.

According to the EPA, the air inside the average American home is two to five times more polluted than the air outside. This is largely due to toxic household cleaning products, and these toxins can build up into a dangerous chemical cocktail that can cause serious harm. Children, the elderly, and pets are especially vulnerable to the risks posed by traditional cleaning products, and a green cleaning service is a safe and effective alternative. You may also suffer from allergies to chemicals contained in many regular cleaning products, in which case the green option is not only the eco-friendly choice, but also the only option that doesn't leave your nose itching and your eyes watering.

Green cleaning involves the use of natural, non-toxic products to clean your home. White distilled vinegar is a popular and effective cleaning solution, as it doesn't contain any of the harmful chemicals found in many traditional products. When choosing your home's cleaning supplies, check the labels and go with products that are biodegradable and "phosphate free". These products are often not much more expensive than traditional cleaning supplies, and they can make a huge difference in your home's air toxicity levels. That's a pretty big deal, as according to a study done by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the average Californian spends 87% of their time indoors.

Article courtesy Golden Shine Cleaning Agency. For more information visit their website or view thei r BBB Business Review.

President's Blog: Managing Millennials For Workplace Success

8/16/2011

Posted on 8/16/2011 by Sheryl Bilbrey

A few months ago, I watched a television show in which a young interviewee proclaimed (in a tongue-in-cheek manner) that he was not interested in the position he was interviewing for unless he was going to be constantly praised and could wear his hair long.

While it’s a humorous, if not silly illustration of the younger generation, some of it rings true. It isn’t that the Millennial or Gen Y generation (being those who were born between 1982 and 2000) is truly averse to working hard, or is worse than preceding generations, but they most definitely have a different work style.

According to an USA Today interview with the CEO of an HR company, the workers of the Millennial Generation demand flexible schedules and a better work/life balance than previous generations. They would prefer to take a long break in the middle of the day and finish working late at night.

As the CEO of an organization who employs a vast number of Gen Y-ers, I have come to realize two things. One being that this new generation of workers is undeniably different (though not necessarily bad), and two being that the “everyone gets a trophy” generation can be managed easily by following a few simple guidelines:

· Use their comfort with technology to your advantage. The current generation is, to say the least, tech-savvy. Keep them connected with their work in and out of the office by providing them with remote access to email, office instant messengers, etc.

· RESPECT IS PARAMOUNT. The Millennial Generation believes in mutual respect. They will respect their managers much more if they feel that it is a two-way street. Supervising them is far easier if they are allowed to take liberties while on the clock afforded to them because of their hard work and your respect.

· Keep them in the loop. Set up regular meetings with your staff so that not only do you know what they are doing, but they know what it is that you are doing, as well. If the Millennial Generation feels listened to by managers who respect them, they will be more likely to show loyalty to your business, work longer hours, and deliver a higher quality product.

· Emphasize your expectations for quality over quantity. Let your Gen Y workers know that you care more about the quality of the finished product than when/where it was completed. This will motivate your staff to prove their responsibility, seriousness and adherence to deadlines, in order to earn them the freedom that they desire in the workplace.

To read more from BBB President/CEO Sheryl Bilbrey, visit the San Diego BBB President’s Blog.

Making Our Mark: Can We Keep This Phone Call To 140 Characters Or Less?

8/15/2011

Posted on 8/15/2011 by

By Rachel Newman

A few weeks ago, I was speaking with a reporter; having emailed her a pitch for a news story, I was following up over the telephone. I was sharply informed by the busy journalist that emails and phone calls were rarely checked, and that all communication should take place through Twitter.

What?

Did I doze off at my desk and wake up in a “Bruce Willis’ Surrogates-esque” world? I’m only 22. I was enjoying tweeting and poking on Facebook before every D-list celebrity got the memo. My objective here is not to say that I know more than anyone else (because I don’t), but rather to note an interesting transformation taking place in the marketing and communications field.

My issue: I am young (by the markers of the business world), and yet I have to wonder have we tripped and rolled down a slippery slope. I’d hate to work in time when the communications field is shuns actual communication between colleagues.

I wonder in a year’s time, will all communication that exceeds 140 characters be ancient, a dinosaur in the age of social media? And should we as consumers, as marketing and public relations professionals be pleased with the changing tides?

Like most change, I see it as a double-edged sword. On the one hand, sending a pitch that is only 20 words speeds up the process by which reporters can cull through the tens of proposals they see each day. This increased rapidity can speed up how fast important news stories reach an audience, but we most definitely sacrifice something for the haste.

Relationships are important in almost any professional atmosphere, but they are sacrosanct in the public relations and marketing world. It is because of relationships that reporters know a press release has been done honestly and is worth the time it will take to follow up and do research. Knowing that you have a source at a news station, or, for a reporter, knowing you have the stability of a trusted source for your beat, is crucial to shared success, and it is nearly impossible to foster that kind of faithful rapport online and in less than 140 characters.

My fledgling mind points me in one direction, a joint effort. A tweet can be a fast way to tip off a reporter, but phone calls and emails should always be not just accepted but expected.

Do you think the niceties and desire (or pushiness) to see a news story reach the public are what keeps our communications world alive? What do you think about the changes in how we interact with each other?

For more information about sharing your voice, take a look at the BBB’s Guest Blog.

Guest Blog: How to Hire the Right Roofing Contractor

8/10/2011

Posted on 8/10/2011 by

Your roof protects your home, your family and all your belongings. Deferred roofing maintenance can cost you more in the long run. When you need roof repairs or a new roof entirely, how do you go about selecting the right roofer for the job?

First, do your research. Check online for reviews and ratings. The local Better Business Bureau and Chamber of Commerce are good places to start. You can also ask friends and family if they can refer someone.

Second, contact one or more roofing contractors to request a free estimate. A legitimate company should be willing to invest the time to get your business. Have a list of questions to ask the contractor when you meet with them.

Third, always make sure the contractor is properly licensed, bonded and insured. You can ask to see copies of licenses and certificates of insurance. These should include a state contractor’s license, General Liability Insurance and Worker’s Compensation Insurance. If a roofing contractor does not carry Worker’s Compensation, you may notice that the estimate is considerably less in price. But this means that his/her workers are not covered for injuries sustained on the job.

Ask to see a list of references. If the contractor is reputable, he/she should have them on file and be able to provide them immediately.

Make sure the roofing contractor is highly qualified in installing your product. Whether it’s tile, shingles or skylights, they should be knowledgeable about the materials and how to install them. Some contractors are actually certified by the manufacturer and should be willing to show their certifications.

Upon receiving a proposal and contract, make sure the contracts are legal and state your rights and the contractor’s rights. The contracts should also specify materials, length of warranty, and what it covers. The contractor may reserve the right to revise a job cost for unforeseen circumstances, such as wood rot or termite damage revealed when surface materials are removed. They should provide a written addendum or change order for any additional labor or materials.

You will mostly be asked to pay a percentage up front (a deposit), a percentage when materials are delivered, and the balance upon completion.

Make sure all proper permits are pulled before the work is started. Permits are not always required – this may vary by job type and city/county laws.

To ensure timely installation, make sure your job is properly scheduled. To ensure the highest quality of work, ask who will be supervising the job daily.

In order to be free of any liens, make sure your roofer offers you a material and labor lien release before final payment. Upon final payment, you should receive a manufacturer’s warranty signed, dated and authorized from the roofing contractor.

Finally, relax and enjoy your new roof!

Article courtesy of Shawn Preman, owner of Christian Roofing. For more information about Christian roofing, visit their website.

San Diego BBB Appears on Fox 5

8/9/2011

Posted on 8/9/2011 by
San Diego BBB appears on Fox 5 news to warns consumers about a debt relief company that may not be operating ethically. President and CEO Sheryl Bilbrey discusses how to find a trustworthy debt relief company and why consumers should use caution when doing business with Accredited Debt Relief.

Watch Out for False Promises from OnlineBuinessScams.com

8/8/2011

Posted on 8/8/2011 by

Watch Out for False Promises from OnlineBuinessScams.com

For Immediate Release – August 8, 2011 - BBB cautions consumers to watch out for a business that is deceptively charging fees to use BBB complaint resolution services.

OnlineBusinessScams.com is contacting consumers who were victims of work-at-home or business opportunity offers. The company claims they can help the consumer recover the money they lost. Consumers from at least 20 states have reported to BBB they were charged an upfront fee ranging from $1,500 to $18,000 – usually a percentage of the lost funds - for assistance.

Consumers have informed BBB that, after paying the fee, they are instructed to send OnlineBusinessScams.com a letter of complaint about the work-at-home or business opportunity that victimized them. OnlineBusinessScams.com then returns the complaint back to the consumer with an envelope addressed to BBB which they are to mail.

BBB has no information that this company has assisted consumers in recovering lost funds other than providing them with an envelope addressed to BBB.

OnlineBusinessScams.com website was created in January, 2011.

BBB wishes to remind all consumers that our services are free. Consumers never have to pay a third party in order to receive help from BBB.

Complaints can be filed online at bbb.org or taken by phone at (858) 496-2131.

Friday Feature Presentation: Is There Anyone Who Doesn't Love A Discount?

8/5/2011

Posted on 8/5/2011 by

By Erin Levine

Who doesn’t love a great deal? In today’s economy, consumers are interested in finding new and additional ways to save money. I personally even get a small buzz when I find a particularly good discount. So why not drive deal - seeking consumers to your business by offering an Accredited Business Coupon?

The Accredited Business Coupon Program is a free program that allows Accredited Businesses to promote their products or services to consumers by advertising a discount offer on the Deals & Discounts page on the BBB website.

Consumers can simply search for a coupon by "Type of Business", or if you know the name of the specific company you are looking for, you can also search by Company Name.

Through the Deals and Discounts page, consumers can find a coupon offer for almost any service they might need, from businesses that are al BBB Accredited. From this listing, they can not only view the coupon offer, but they can also check out that company’s BBB Business Review and even Request A Quote, all from one page. On top of the excitement of getting a deal, this is convenient for the consumer, and they can be confident in their decision to do business with a BBB Accredited Business.

Participating in the Accredited Business Coupon Program is another free way to market your business, and leverage your BBB Accreditation. While offering a lower rate than a competitor can be effective, it can sometimes go unnoticed. But by offering a discount, your business can actually highlight the discounted services.

Offering a coupon can increase interest in your company, which can in turn increase your number of new customers, and ultimately your sales, as well as entice your former customers to come back. It’s a win-win; businesses improve sales and retention, and consumers get a great deal from a business they know they can trust.

As an added bonus, your customers may even share the news! Customers get satisfaction in knowing that they are, in fact, saving money, and offering a coupon gives them the power to do so. Maybe I like to brag, or maybe I just like to help people out, but when I catch the Coupon Buzz, I want to tell everyone about the money I saved.

How to Avoid the Abuses in the Entertainment Field

8/3/2011

Posted on 8/3/2011 by

I was discovered at the age of 4 dancing next to my Mom in the streets of New York. My parents were approached by a talent scout who wanted to represent me and my parents were not interested in me being in the business. It happened again at the age of 12 and my parents once again were not really interested in getting me into the entertainment field. Then at 17 I had a say and I said “Yes” to what was to be my career until today. Here are some important tips that I have learned to help others with their careers.

The important tools you need are:

(1) Passion for being in the spotlight (the child or adult really needs to want this career.

(2) Talent – It can be dancing, singing, speaking well (monologue or poetry). Skills are really important.

(3) Take direction – you can’t always be the “star”.

(4) Have good people skills.

(5) Eye contact.

The tools of the trade are:

(1) Headshot – Photos are important to show clients.

(2) Resume

(3) Show reel

The first segment of my blog will be to cover photographers.

Set up an appointment to see their work and do not go alone to their studio. If they have a website that helps but many times it is best to meet in person before deciding to do a session. But it can be dangerous to meet with a stranger so once again do not go alone! Try not to have meetings at night. Also do not do “nude” photos because it can be harmful to your image and there is really more work in a wholesome look. Do not drink at a photo session or take drugs. Lots of energy and personality sell. Smile for the camera and good luck.

Selena Parker is a well-known model-actress and TV hostess to the stars. She is the past Western States Representative to the World Modeling Association and is currently head of the Women’s Committee for Screen Actors Guild and AFTRA. She is also the San Diego representative for the Southern California Motion Picture Council.

Article courtesy of Selena Parker, of Selena’s Showcase. For readers with questions, send email to selenasshowcase@yahoo.com.

How Your BBB Stops Bad Advertising

7/26/2011

Posted on 7/26/2011 by

By Justin Carey

Advertising review has a long relationship with the Better Business Bureau. In fact, it was a lack of advertising regulation in the marketplace which spawned the very first BBB. That’s right; the BBB system was pioneered by the Gentleman’s Advertising League (now know as the Ad Club of New York) in New York City nearly a century ago. With the myriad of services your BBB provides, who would have known it all started with advertising!

Here at your BBB, we’re working daily to maintain a precedent in the local advertising community. Our ultimate goal: Truth in Advertising. Not only will truthful advertising protect consumers from local “snake oil” salesmen but it also keeps businesses from using untrue, misleading, and often fraudulent advertising claims to gain an unfair advantage over businesses that advertise sincerely. In essence, the Advertising Review Program here at your BBB protects consumers and competing businesses, alike.

In reviewing newspapers, readers, websites, television advertising, and any other vehicle of advertising every day, we hold local businesses accountable to a set of standards and guidelines known as the BBB Code of Advertising.

This Code of Advertising is published by the Council of Better Business Bureaus, and provides a mass of information about federal and state laws and regulations governing advertising. Not only are our Accredited Businesses held strictly to these standards, but non-Accredited Businesses are as well.

A specific and uniform process of self-regulation with each business is upheld each time an illicit advertisement is published. Advertisers are expected to substantiate any claims or offers made, and upon request, present that substantiation promptly to your BBB. Of note, advertising review plays an integral part in the application process for businesses seeking to become accredited with your BBB.

So you see, without the BBB Advertising Review program, the advertising world would be similar to the Wild West: lawless, misleading, and very risky. Ok, well maybe it wouldn’t be quite as dangerous as the days of Jesse James, but it does convey the importance of your BBB Advertising program in the Southern California Market.

Consumer Alert: Your E-Cycling Questions Answered

7/22/2011

Posted on 7/22/2011 by

By Erin Levine

Manufacturers are constantly coming out with the newest, most upgraded versions of TV’s, cell phones and computers and Americans generally replace their electronics every few years. Instead of throwing away or storing your used electronics, why not “eCycle”?

By eCycling, you can simultaneously de-clutter your space, help others get the opportunity to access technology, and protect the environment you live in.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, “If Americans donated or recycled all their used electronics, we would prevent 2 million tons from ending up in the trash each year. That amount would fill enough 18-wheelers to stretch from Chicago to Los Angeles.”

Can this really make a difference?

eCycling is important for a few reasons. By recycling electronics the proper way, you are protecting your surroundings by doing your part to help control hazardous components such as lead and mercury. It also helps to conserve natural resources and reduce pollution by recovering the old materials which can be used to make new products. Additionally, eCycling can benefit your community by providing electronics to those who need it, and create jobs for professional recyclers and refurbishers.

How can I help?

The best way to get started is to contact local charities to find out where you should bring your used electronics, or you can contact your local recycling center to find out about collection programs and community recycling events in your area. Many manufacturers and retailers also participate in Online and In-store Take-Back/Trade-In programs. You can find participating eCycling partners here.

What can be eCycled?

Computer hard drives, monitors, keyboards, scanners and printers can all be eCycled, as well as DVD players, VCR’s, cell phones and accessories, pagers, MP3 players and a variety of other digital equipment. You will want to contact your local recycling department to see what is accepted in your area.

For more information on how and where to eCycle, please visit the Environmental Protection Agency, or your BBB.

Guest Blog: How to Get Your Business Found by Local Searchers

7/21/2011

Posted on 7/21/2011 by

Consumers are using their computers and phones on a daily basis, looking for local businesses to fit their needs. In fact, according to Google, their Place Pages are viewed millions of times each day. Unfortunately, with more than 50,000 companies in the Greater San Diego area (as reported by the California Economic Development Department), your business may not be one of the top results coming up in their computer or phone.

Google’s Stats & Facts page states that there are 50 million Place Pages listed through Google, creating a tremendous amount of competition for your business. Faced with this competition, it is important for you to ensure that your potential customers are finding you through their online searches.

Here are some tips that you can follow to get your business found by the more than 3 million San Diego County residents who are looking for products and services. Many of these tips can even be used if your business doesn’t have a website.

Make a name for yourself

First, you’re going to want to ensure you have a local business listing for the common search engines. An easy way to check if you are listed is by going to GetListed.org.

Once you see your missing opportunities, it’s time to get listed. For Google, Yahoo and Bing, you will first need to create accounts by going to the following URLs:

· Google: go to Google.com/Accounts

· Yahoo: go to Yahoo.com and click on “New here? Sign Up”

· Bing: go to Bing.com/toolbox/webmaster

Once you’ve created your accounts, add your local listing. Here are the locations you will want to go to for the major search engines and their tools:

· Google: go to Google.com/local/add

· Google Maps: go to maps.google.com

· Yahoo: go to listings.local.yahoo.com/account

· Bing: go to Bing.com/businessportal

Remember to review and update your listings periodically so you can ensure the information you provided is still relevant.

Don’t forget the directories

There are also websites that serve as virtual phonebooks. These directories are utilized by the major search engines for local search rankings. If your company isn’t listed with the directories, your local search ranking could be suffering. Some of these common directories include:

· Yelp.com

· SuperPages.com

· CitySearch.com

Solicit reviews

You can help boost your search engine rankings by getting customer reviews. Major sites like Yelp, Angies List, CitySearch and MerchantCircle allow consumers to rank various businesses. When you get positive reviews, you will also be gaining new customers.

Don’t be misled into thinking these sites are just for restaurants. Yelp has published statistics showing businesses reviewed on its site fall into just about every category, including: Auto, Arts/Entertainment, Beauty & Fitness, Health, Home & Local Services, Nightlife, Restaurants, Shopping, and Travel & Hotel.

The review sites also attract a variety of consumers falling into different age ranges, education and income levels. Yelp has researched its users and has found that they range from 18 to 50+, 65 percent have college degrees, and their income is spread out, with users trending in the higher income ranges (64 percent earn $60+ annually).

Once you’re listed on these sites, ask your customers to rate you. You can solicit ratings when you see or talk to customers or through your e-newsletter. You will want to monitor the sites actively so you can spot any negative reviews and do any necessary remediation to make the situation right.

Utilize SEO terms focused on San Diego

If your company has a website (which is highly recommended), be sure to incorporate geographic focused search engine optimization. To find the appropriate keywords to use on your site, you can use online tools like Keyword Grader, Wordtracker or Keyword Discovery.

When incorporating SEO, be sure to use the keywords in your page title, URL, header tags and page content of your site.

Create a blog that incorporates your industry and San Diego

Blogs are a fantastic way to create keyword rich content while also promoting your business. Use the same SEO tactics with your blog as you use with your website to ensure it helps local searchers find your business.

To fully take advantage of your blog, be sure to link from your blog to your business site and vice versa. Also, you can participate in other local blogs to increase the awareness of your blog. When you get more linking from other sites, this will also increase your search ranking.

Article courtesy of Daniela Baker, a social media advocate at the small business credit card comparison website, CreditDonkey.

Sharpen Your Sales Technique

7/19/2011

Posted on 7/19/2011 by Sheryl Bilbrey

If asked to envision a salesperson, I would venture a guess that most people would have an image in their mind of a sinister-looking man, standing on your doorstep with a throng of encyclopedias or cleaning products. While salesmen today are far more likely to be found behind a desk than behind your front door, it is undeniable that the image of the door-to-door salesman still lives on.

What does this image mean for business-to-business salesmen? Well, even if you are sitting at a desk calling another business, you are more than likely already in an uphill battle with the company representative that answers. This pre-determined struggle could be because the aforementioned rep is envisioning a pushy, polyester-clad person on the other end of the line, or it could be that your sales approach is off.

There are nearly 100,000 businesses established in San Diego alone, and a company whose success relies on their B2B sales knows that each of those companies is a potential customer. However, if you are selling to those customers as you would in a business-to-consumer organization, landing a new client can be a tall order.

Selling is not for everyone, and it certainly isn’t easy, but if you follow your BBB’s tips, your B2B sales team’s approach to selling will be more successful in the short and long-term:

· Build relationships. Get to know your potential client before you make a pitch. If they feel comfortable around you and know the type of person you are, your sales technique will be much more effective. BBB B2B Networking Mixers are an excellent forum to meet and mingle with future clients.

· Do your research. For every minute detail you can remember, the closer you will be to closing the deal. If you know just as much about the company as the employees who work there, potential clients will be impressed and trusting of your ability to understand their company’s mission and values.

· Tailor your approach. No business wants to hear the same generic speech that you have given over your last twenty phone calls. Furthermore, any small or medium sized business can sense when a speech was clearly custom-made for a large corporation. Don’t send the message that you only care about big business; make your speech a little different for each phone call. With your knowledge of each company, you should be able to gauge what the tone and messaging of your sales call should sound like.

· Consider this a first interview. Sales calls are often informal and friendly. When calling from your company to another, try to think of that first call as part of an interview more than dropping in on a friend. The client will be far more impressed if you remain professional, knowledgeable and likeable rather than overly comfortable.

For more information about B2B Sales or to speak with a BBB Accreditation Director about BBB Accreditation, visit BBB.org or call 858.637.6199.

Making Our Mark: In Case You Missed It...July 7th B2B Mixer

7/18/2011

Posted on 7/18/2011 by

By Sammie Bass

The sun was shining in La Jolla as businesses arrived to the BBB B2B Mixer on July 7^th. UCSD’s Ida and Cecil Green Faculty Center’s Interior Courtyard made a beautiful backdrop for an evening filled with the networking of like-minded business professionals.

This Mixer, like all others, was provided to BBB Accredited Businesses free of charge thanks to the dedicated support of our Mixer Sponsors. These companies show up at the mixers not only to provide you with free food and drinks, but to demonstrate how they can help you and your business. At the next mixer you attend, be sure to stop by their tables and chat with them.

Wait, you don't plan to attend a BBB B2B Mixer? Whether your reasoning is lack of time or just lack of desire, it is time to reconsider.

It is common knowledge in the business world that networking will aid in the success of a company, but why?

Networking can improve your business performance by providing a lifeline of support and business generation. When you get out into the community and meet people you will boost your reputation and even gather new leads. People like to have a face they can associate with a company. Additionally, by accumulating a network of professionals in your industry or in a similar field, you create a source of information and support. This is a great realm to discuss issues of common interest.

The degree of your success will depend on many factors, one of which is the events you choose to attend. Determining which networking events to attend can be difficult, but your San Diego BBB makes it easy for you to choose.

The BBB B2B Mixers provide a time for local San Diego businessmen and women to come together and develop sustainable relationships which enables them to prosper during ever-changing economic conditions. Additionally, these mixers provide a unique atmosphere where the attendees are there because they believe in, and uphold, the BBB Standards of Trust. These are exactly the relationships that every businessperson should aspire to cultivate.

Ready to get out and start networking with other BBB Accredited Businesses? Then join your BBB at Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens on Thursday, September 1^st. Click here to stay up to date on B2B Mixers and all the events put on by your San Diego BBB.

Consumer Alert: How to Choose the Right University for You

7/14/2011

Posted on 7/14/2011 by

By Erin Levine

With so many higher education options out there, it is no wonder prospective students are confused. Your BBB is here to help you make the important decision between attending a For-Profit university versus a Non – Profit University.

Non Profit Universities

Non profit schools include state and community colleges, as well as many private universities, and receive a significant amount of funding from the government. The curriculum tends to focus more on academics and research, with degrees ranging from Associate’s to Doctorals. Because the education takes place in the classroom, program completion generally takes a lot more time than a For Profit University. However, the cost is typically much less, with state schools being even less expensive than private universities.

For Profit Universities

For Profit schools are generally a subsidiary of a private company, and in addition to educating students, owners and shareholders expect to turn a profit. The curriculum is usually technical or vocational focused, and while they offer the same range of degrees, the programs can usually be completed much faster due to the classes being online and the very flexible scheduling format. These types of schools tend to be much more expensive than Non Profits and student loan defaults are usually higher.

While both types of universities will provide the curriculum necessary to receive a degree, it is important to consider all the factors before choosing a specific university or program. To make it easier for prospective students to choose a college, the U.S Department of Education has released a College Affordability and Transparency list.

These lists focus on tuition and fees, as well as the average price that is paid by full time students after grants and scholarships are taken into account. According to the Department of Education, these lists also include “a variety of other data about individual schools, including information on admissions, retention, graduation rates and financial aid.”

For more information on For Profit Versus Non Profit Universities, as well as accredited education programs, contact your BBB or the U.S. Department of Education.

Groundbreaking Agreement on Child-Directed Food Advertising, Announced By BBB

7/14/2011

Posted on 7/14/2011 by
Arlington, VA – The Children’s Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative (CFBAI), a program of the Council of Better Business Bureaus, today announced a groundbreaking agreement that will change the landscape of what is advertised to kids by the nation’s largest food and beverage companies. For the first time, these food and beverage companies, who do the vast majority of advertising to children, will follow uniform nutrition criteria for foods advertised to children.

These uniform nutrition criteria, designed by CFBAI and top food industry scientists and nutritionists, will further strengthen voluntary efforts to change child-directed food advertising. Approximately one in three products currently advertised to kids do not meet the new nutrition criteria. While individual companies already have strong nutrition criteria for the products they advertise, the new uniform nutrition criteria will require many companies to change the recipes of these products or they will not be able to advertise them after December 31, 2013. The new criteria encourage the development of new products with less sodium, saturated fat and sugars, and fewer calories.

“These uniform nutrition criteria represent another huge step forward, further strengthening voluntary efforts to improve child-directed advertising. Now foods from different companies, such as cereals or canned pastas, will meet the same nutrition criteria, rather than similar but slightly different company-specific criteria. The new criteria are comprehensive, establishing limits for calories, saturated fat, trans fat, sodium and total sugars as well as requirements for nutrition components to encourage,” said Elaine Kolish, Vice President and Director of the CFBAI.

The result of a year-long effort to further improve the nutrition composition of foods advertised to children, the new CFBAI criteria take into account food science, U.S. dietary guidelines, and the real-world difficulties of changing recipes of well-known foods. The new CFBAI uniform criteria fill gaps in the system of company-specific standards. They also recognize the inherent differences in food categories and their role in the diet, and set calorie and nutrient requirements that are appropriate for ten categories. Under the new CFBAI criteria, different foods such as cereals, peanut butter and dairy products have different nutrition criteria that are appropriate to each category.

“The food supply is a critical component to health and wellness. These criteria are meaningful, but practical, science-based standards that will further encourage healthier foods to be developed and advertised to children. Having criteria that are balanced for both nutritional significance and yet allows inclusion of foods that taste good and are affordable is critical because no matter how healthy a food is, if it’s not consumed it will not improve health and wellness. These criteria strike that balance,” said Dr. Eric Decker, Chair of the Department of Food Science, at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, and a member of the Institute of Medicine’s Committee on School Foods.

The ten product categories are: juices; dairy products; grains, fruits and vegetable products; soups and meal sauces; seeds, nuts, nut butters and spreads; meat, fish and poultry products; mixed dishes; main dishes and entrees; small meals; and meals. Each category has its own set of criteria, such as:

Juices. For juices, no added sugars are permitted, and the serving must contain no more than 160 calories.

Dairy. This category includes products such as milk and yogurt. For ready to drink flavored milk, an 8 fluid ounce portion is limited to 24 grams (g) of total sugars. For yogurt products, a 6 ounce portion is limited to 170 calories and 23 grams of total sugars. These sugars criteria include both naturally-occurring and sugars added for flavoring.

Grains, fruits and vegetable products (and items not in other categories). This category includes products such as cereals, crackers and cereal bars. Foods with ≤ 150 calories, such as most children’s breakfast cereals, must contain no more than 1.5 g of saturated fat, 290 milligrams (mg) of sodium and 10 g of sugar (products with > 150−200 calories get proportionately higher limits). Foods in this category also must provide ≥ ½ serving of foods to encourage (fruits, vegetables, non- or low-fat dairy, and whole grains) or ≥ 10% of the Daily Value of an essential nutrient.

Seeds, nuts, nut butters and spreads. Foods in this category, which includes peanut butters, must have no more than 220 calories, 3.5 g of saturated fat, 240 mg of sodium and 4 g of sugar per 2 tablespoons. Foods in this category also must provide at least one ounce of protein equivalent.

Main dishes and entrees. Foods in this category, such as canned pastas, must have no more than 350 calories, 10 percent calories from saturated fat, 600 mg of sodium and 15 g of sugar per serving. Foods in this category also must provide either ≥ 1 serving of foods to encourage or ≥ ½ serving of foods to encourage and ≥ 10% of the Daily Value of two essential nutrients.

“The foods advertised during kid’s programming are better now than before. CFBAI participants have stepped up to the plate and changed what’s on it. As a result, the fat, sugar, sodium or calorie content of foods advertised to kids has been reduced, and their nutrient density increased. During the last several years, the CFBAI participants have changed the recipes of or created more than 100 products to meet their meaningful, science-based nutrition standards,” said Kolish.
Under the current company-specific criteria, a limit of 12 grams of added sugars was the general standard for children’s cereals. This represented a significant improvement from 16 or 15 grams of sugars in cereals advertised to children prior to the CFBAI. Now, under the CFBAI’s new uniform criteria, the limit for most children’s breakfast cereals is 10 grams of total sugars. Similarly, companies’ sodium standards for canned pastas ranged up to 750 mg. Now, 600 mg of sodium, the level FDA uses in its definition of “healthy” claims for main dishes, will be the maximum.

The Council of Better Business Bureaus created the CFBAI in 2006 to respond to the FTC’s and Institute of Medicine’s calls for greater self-regulation of food advertising to children. As a result, advertising primarily directed to children through traditional and emerging media today are for healthier products, and these new criteria will result in participants improving products even more.

For more details on the criteria, visit: http://www.bbb.org/us/children-food-beverage-advertising-initiative/.

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About the Children’s Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative
The Council of Better Business Bureaus launched the Children’s Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative in November 2006 to shift the mix of advertising messaging directed at children to encourage healthier dietary choices and healthier lifestyles. The 17 participants of the Initiative are Burger King Corp.; Cadbury Adams USA LLC; Campbell Soup Company; The Coca-Cola Company; ConAgra Foods, Inc.; The Dannon Company; General Mills, Inc.; The Hershey Company; Kellogg Company; Kraft Foods Global, Inc.; Mars, Incorporated; McDonald’s USA, LLC; Nestlé USA; PepsiCo, Inc.; Post Foods, LLC; Sara Lee Corporation and Unilever United States. For more information about the Children’s Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative and to view the current pledges of the participants visit: http://www.bbb.org/us/children-foodbeverage-advertising-initiative

Guest Blog: Cool and Comfortable

7/13/2011

Posted on 7/13/2011 by

By Natalie Keithly

As the heat of summer approaches many of us are trying to find ways to cool our living and work spaces effectively and affordably. The right combination of products and technology can ensure you achieve the comfort you need. Some products can save you money and in most cases cost less than you might think.

Whole House Fan:

Whether for your whole house or a smaller version for a single room, whole house fans can bring fresh air from outside and purge hot stall air from inside your home. The smaller versions can be left on all day or night and quietly keep your room cool and comfortable.

Attic Ventilation:

Attic ventilation is often overlooked. This improvement can reduce attic temperatures and thereby improve air conditioning system efficiency by 10 percent. Remember: placement and proper sizing are key to effective heat reduction in an attic space.

Ceiling Fans:

Fans of any kind can help move air and bring nice relief to a space. Air movement by a fan can make a 79 degree room feel like it’s 72 degrees. Ceiling fans are extremely energy efficient and can reduce demands on both air conditioners and furnaces, using less energy than a 100 watt light bulb. Ceiling fans are very effective at any time and in any season.

Ductless Split System:

This is a fantastic way to cool or heat individual rooms. The effects are excellent and we have many happy customers who love them.

These systems are ultra quiet because unlike window or through the wall air conditioners the compressor is remotely located, leaving only the front face and fan in the room being conditioned. Ductless split systems are remote controlled, so they typically go high on the wall to allow for maximum coverage of a room. Some models even have federal tax credits.

Conventional Central Air Conditioning:

A brand you can trust is important when selecting an air conditioning system. Choosing a reliable brand who is a leader in comfort and efficiency will ensure you have a system that will best meet your home’s needs.

Other important factors when choosing a system include making sure the system is properly sized and air balanced. You also want to check that the room registers have fully adjustable levers so you can move air throughout the room space.

Quality products, fit, finish, and workmanship are all crucial to a perfectly working system.

Be sure to consult and hire a reputable company that is licensed, bonded, insured, and has a high rating with the BBB!

Article Courtesy of Natalie Keithly, Marketing Director for Ideal Plumbing Heating Air & Electrical. Click here to view Ideal Plumbing & Heating's BBB Business Review.

The Operative Word: How We Do What We Do

7/11/2011

Posted on 7/11/2011 by

By Mona Terry

In a previous blog, I mentioned how telling someone you work in the Operations department (working on complaints) can be like telling someone you are a doctor – most people would like some sort of advice on a problem they’ve had or are having with a company. The second most common thing we hear – even from people within our office! – is “wow, how do you do it? I could never do what you do.” So how do we handle dealing with complaints all day?

Empathize – we may not have experienced specifically what the consumer is going through, but we are all consumers. I encourage staff members to take a mental step back and try to see things from the consumer’s perspective. How would we feel if we were going through a dispute and were going to a third party that we were hoping could help? What type of service would we want? We may not react the same way emotionally, but everyone handles different situations differently. We’re here to help in any way we can.

Remember, it’s not personal. This was something even I had a problem with when I first started. When you have a consumer or company who is irate at YOU because, as the consumer or company will tell you, YOU sent the letter, YOU processed the complaint, YOU answered the call, and YOU are the bearer of bad news, it’s hard not to take it personally. It’s also hard not to get defensive and defend the actions the BBB has taken because we know that we really are trying to help.

Empathy goes a long way here, too. I tell staff that the individual is upset at the situation, and as we are the bearer of the news they don’t want to hear, we are the natural sounding board for their feelings and opinions on the matter. Being a neutral third party can be hard, but that’s what we are – a third party. We were not directly involved and did not cause the dispute.

Take a breather. Sometimes we just need to walk away for a minute. Grab some water, take a walk, get some fresh air, or read a happy or funny email. Some days are harder than others and sometimes a little bit of distance is okay. If a call is particularly difficult, and our staff member knows that they are not going to be able to handle the call well, I ask them to pass the call to a senior staff member or management. Not everyone is well equipped to handle all callers, and sometimes having someone listen who is not emotionally invested can help not only the caller, but the staff member as well.

Share our experience with our co-workers. We’ve all taken a difficult call, read an emotional email, had a hard day, etc. Talking out our experience with others in the department who understand helps us vent our frustrations and allows us to hear that we’re not alone. It also helps us evaluate the situation with an outsider’s perspective and may take some of the emotional sting out of the interaction.

None of the above is limited just to our department or to our organization. Dealing with stress and emotions in the workplace is one of the battles of almost any job. These tips can be, and are encouraged to be applied to anyone at any job.

Friday Feature Presentation: Give The People What They Want! Upload Photos/Videos To Business Reviews

7/8/2011

Posted on 7/8/2011 by

By Erin Levine

Business is as much about building relationships as it is about making money. When I am choosing who to do business with, I want to feel comfortable with their values and mission. I want personalized service, and the bigger the purchase, the more personal I want my experience to be. If I feel that a relationship is being built, I am likely to not only do business with that company again, but to refer that company to others looking for a similar service.

BBB Accredited Businesses can now highlight their products and services by uploading company photos and videos. These uploads increase the consumer’s awareness of your company’s products and services, employees, facilities and philosophy. This is a free way to easily customize your business review, letting your company’s intended message shine through, and making it easier for consumers to quickly access dynamic online content.

This content can be of your business work space or building, yourself and/or your employees, work you have done, or products you have sold. You can also include your business logo, logos of associations you are affiliated with, and any BBB awards and recognition you may have received.

You have the option to include up to 20 photos and 3 videos. All photographs must be in .png, .jpg or .gif file formats, and must not be more than 540 pixels wide by 400 pixels in height. The videos must be web ready, in avi, .mpg, .wmv, .flv, .mov video files.

Taking advantage of this benefit separates your company from the rest, especially since this feature is ONLY available to BBB Accredited Businesses, emphasizing your commitment to trust through your BBB Business Review.

Make the most of your accreditation and leverage your commitment to ethics in the marketplace while forming a more personal relationship with your customers.

You can find information and instructions on uploading photos and videos here, or you can contact Sammie Bass for further assistance.

Guest Blog: Background Checks & Aptitude Tests For New Hires

7/6/2011

Posted on 7/6/2011 by

Businesses have their share of bad hires. Mine cost my law firm well into the six figures in wasted payrolls, management problems, lost opportunities, correction of problems, etc., etc., etc.

My law firm is really busy right now, and the work is overwhelming. But I’m a lot more reticent to hire, since I have been burned in the past. Additionally, I don’t have a lot of time to supervise or train. Additionally, I have done reference checks in the past only to find that even the worst employees can find other people to vouch for them. Even mass-murdering dictators can name people who genuinely love them and think that they are swell.

I once has an ex-employee actually approach me and ask me to lie — yes, lie — about his dates of service working for me. I refused, but I wonder if there are other bosses who might do it just to be nice, or because they want to get that ex-employee off of their unemployment account, or because the employer is afraid that telling the truth about their employees in a reference check will get them sued. It is awfully tempting with some employees to be nicer about them than they deserve when responding to a reference. (Of course, employers, be careful giving a positive reference about an employee whom you know is a serious liability just to get rid of them, because that could also come back to bite you.)

So that got me thinking. Can you really trust references? Probably not. So I am trying something new: background checks and aptitude testing.

Background checks are a good idea, and I should have been doing them all along. You need to know whether your new hire is an ex-felon. California has some strict rules about background checks for potential hires, however. For example, the potential employee must be given notice of the background check (with what will be looked at, in writing) whenever a background search agency is used. Additionally, the potential employee must consent to such a search, and he or she must be given an opportunity to get a copy of the public records the employer gathers. If the employer gathers public records itself by way of doing a cheap background search, it must allow new hires to decide whether they want public records gathered, or whether they want to waive receiving a copy of them (this is usually an option found on employment applications as a small box or initial line).

Most potential employees, of course, will not have any criminal records. A bankruptcy may not indicate anything really bad, either. Our own government cannot keep itself out of debt; can you really blame John Smith the Office Assistant for buying too many TVs?

So I am experimenting with aptitude testing now. Many of my ex-employees straight-out lied to me about their capabilities. After they were hired, they spent a lot of wasted time trying to figure out how to do things which they had stated that they could do already or trying to hide their ineptitude. So, I’m going to try testing.

I do not have a lot of advice regarding testing yet, because I am new at experimenting with it. But I will say something: make sure you use reputable testing agencies or batteries, especially if you are a large employer. You do not want to get sued for discrimination because only white males from Princeton pass your tests. I am very hopeful, however, that testing will help me weed out the liars quickly, and at less expense.

By the way, I still advocate strict adherence to probationary periods, with formal reviews after 90 days! Some people are just not good fits and will slip through the preliminary hiring cracks, only to fail abjectly once they enter your organization. Weed them out! Remember, there are reasons why big businesses do some of the things that they do… and it isn’t because they are just evil, Kafkaesque machines with too much money. Sometimes they have practices in place that small businesses should adopt for their own protection and success.

Article Courtesy of Alicia Dearn. For more information about Alicia Dearn or the Dearn Law Group, visit their website.

Hundreds of customers left in the lurch as a decade-old gym vacates overnight

7/5/2011

Posted on 7/5/2011 by

June 28, 2011 (SAN DIEGO, CA) – Local gym Lava Sport and Fitness permanently shut down all of their locations earlier this month for reasons that are still unknown to their customers, reports the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

In just 3 days, the BBB received 7 consumer complaints against Lava Sport and Fitness. All consumer complaints alleged the same grievance: The sport club discontinued its business operations and disconnected phone lines without giving its customers requisite notice or returning the monies they had paid. In just those 7 complaints, almost $4000 dollars was reported lost by consumers.

According to these customer complaints, all Lava members were notified that the gym would be closed effective immediately, and that no Lava Sport and Fitness locations would remain open. Instead of refunding the hundreds of dollars due to each gym-goer in membership fees, the owners advised their constituents that other arrangements had been made.

“[I] pre-paid for 2 year-long memberships to Lava Sport & Fitness located in Point Loma. The total purchase price was $950.00 for each membership - paid in full [immediately],” commented Kevin Kellar, former Lava Sport and Fitness member. “On May 27, 2011, Steve Wade of Lava Sport & Fitness [distributed] a letter which stated that all memberships would be transferred to Gold's Gym. [I] discussed the matter with a Lava Sport representative and was informed that…no refunds are being offered to customers. This is an unacceptable offer of reconciliation for termination of contract services.”

Gold’s Gym confirmed with a BBB investigator that they did purchase the memberships of hundreds of members of the sport and fitness club. The BBB has received numerous accounts from members who claim that they were given only two options by owners Steve and Robbi Wade: They could either continue their membership at the two remaining locations of the Boxing Club (a parent company to Lava Sport and Fitness), or transfer their memberships to Gold’s Gym.

This is an arrangement with which not all former Lava customers are pleased. Andrea Evans, whose membership with the fitness club was contracted through February 2012, echoed her displeasure to a BBB Dispute and Information Analyst:

“It makes no sense to transfer my $80 membership at a premium gym [Lava Sport and Fitness] to a lower quality gym [Gold’s Gym] with a $20 membership. I would like a refund of my membership so I can choose my own gym.”

Though the darkened windows of Lava Sport and Fitness may shock many of its former members, your BBB reports that this was not the first bump in the road for the health club. In the past 36 months, the BBB received a steady and continuous stream of complaints about the business, totaling 41 closed complaints. Twenty seven of those were in regards to Refund or Billing Issues, and 8 of those 41 were never responded to by a company representative.

“We take each unanswered complaint very seriously,” said Mona Terry, Director of Operations. “One, let alone 8 unanswered complaints is concerning and can be a predictor for a company’s willingness to respond to any disputes brought to their attention by their consumers.”

A recent investigation of the transfer of membership uncovered that the memberships were, in fact, transferred to the possession of Gold’s Gym. However, the gym and Lava’s former members conflict in the requirements to fulfill their remaining contracts. While a Gold’s Gym representative told a BBB investigator that no additional fees would be incurred by the members, several consumer accounts including that of Kevin Kellar, state that an additional year must be purchased with Gold’s Gym for the former Lava members to retain their past memberships.

The BBB made several attempts to contact the business owners of both the Boxing Club and Lava Sport and Fitness, but none could be reached for interview. A representative for Boxing Club claims that the business has no affiliation with Lava Sport and Fitness. When asked why www.lavafitness.com immediately redirects users to the Boxing Club website, the representative said he did not know. The same rep for the Boxing Club, who claimed to be a manager, told a BBB investigator that the Boxing Club has been under new ownership since the first of June.

If you would like more information about the company or advice on any recourse available to consumers, contact your BBB at BBB.org or call 858.637.6199.

The non-profit organization Better Business Bureau of San Diego and Imperial Counties opened in 1921, and is San Diego’s largest county-wide business membership organization with more than 6,300 accredited businesses and charities. The BBB promotes business ethics through voluntary self-regulation, consumer and business education, and helps consumers with free pre-purchase information and consumer protection advice, including business reviews on more than 101,000 local companies. Before buying decisions are made, consumers are encouraged to phone the BBB's free 24 hour Consumer Helpline at (858) 496 2131 or (800) 600 7050, or visit the website at bbb.org, to obtain free pre-purchase information and a list of BBB accredited businesses by type of industry.

###

Rachel Newman

Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator

Better Business Bureau, San Diego

(858) 637-6199

Rnewman@sandiego.bbb.org

BBB and Fox 5 San Diego Investigate Lava Sport and Fitness

7/5/2011

Posted on 7/5/2011 by
Your BBB collaborated with Fox 5 San Diego to investigate Lava Sport and Fitness, a business which shut its doors recently. If you didn't see it, catch up now!

Friday Feature Presentation: Add BBBOnline Logo, Click With Trust

7/1/2011

Posted on 7/1/2011 by

By Erin Levine

The BBBOnline program, launched in 1997, allows Accredited Businesses to add a special encrypted logo to their website, indicating that their website meets the BBB standards for good business practices. To participate in this program, the Accredited Business must have an operational website, agree to participate in the BBB's advertising self-regulation program, agree to abide by the BBB Code of Online Business Practices, respond promptly to all consumer complaints, and, if requested by the consumer, agree to arbitration for unresolved disputes involving consumer products or services advertised or promoted online.

Approved participants may place the BBB Dynamic Seal anywhere on their website. There are several options to choose from, and it is your choice whether or not to include your rating, which is updated in real-time. When a consumer “clicks to check”, they will link directly to your BBB Business Review, and can confirm your location, time in business, contact names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses. Embedding this special code into your website allows us to track how many consumers are finding you online through the BBB, based on “seal click” statistics.

Linking to bbb.org through the dynamic seal helps improve your company’s overall Google search ability. In February 2011, the BBB’s Alexa ranking was 348 nationally, and the traffic to our site continues to increase! This means that as the traffic to bbb.org increases, so does your company’s online visibility as a BBB accredited business.

Accredited Businesses also now have the option to add the BBB Dynamic Seal to your Facebook Page, making sure that everyone who "likes" your business knows you agree to meet and maintain a commitment to ethical conduct and the BBB Standards For Trust.

So what are you waiting for? Improve your search engine optimization, distinguish your company from online competitors, and promote trust and confidence on the Internet. Sign up for the BBBOnline Program by emailing me today, and allow your current and potential customers to “click with trust”.

Summer Concerts Off-Key To Consumers Suckered By Ticket Sales Scams

6/30/2011

Posted on 6/30/2011 by

By Rachel Newman

Summer is in full force here in San Diego. The beaches are full. The San Diego County Fair is wrapping up its last week, and the tour buses of your favorite bands and musicians are rolling into town.

The hottest months are often host to the best events of the year, whether they are street fairs, comedy shows, late-night movies, or a concert from your favorite band. The summer concert season is always an exciting time for people of all ages and tastes. Despite the inherent differences between Katy Perry, Lil’ Wayne, Ray LaMontagne and Chicago, there is one thing they all have in common: they will be coming to a venue near you this summer and they are sure to draw a big crowd.

Everyone wants to get a front row seat to see their favorite band, and most are willing to camp out overnight, pay the big bucks and, when all else fails, take a gamble on a not-so-sure prospect. Your BBB wants you to enjoy your favorite musicians (whether you enjoy them from the nose-bleeds or from the comfort of backstage), but must warn consumers to use extreme caution when dealing with unknown ticket vendors and sellers.

Follow these tips to make sure your ticket purchase doesn’t strike a sour note:

· Remember supply and demand. If you aren’t lucky enough to nab tickets before your concert of choice sells out, your only option is often to look for ticket resellers. Despite what we all want to believe, you can bet on the fact that as tickets get harder to find the prices for said tickets are going to rise. If you find tickets to a sold out concert at a fraction of the original price, that should be a red-flag. When in doubt, remember the old adage, “If It sounds too good to be true…”

· Better safe than sorry. You may find that it is cheaper to go through Craigslist over a trusted ticket seller, but the reality is that the extra you pay to go through a reputable ticket resale company can save you in the long run. Wouldn’t you rather pay an extra few bucks now and be assured you’ll be going to a concert, instead of losing potentially hundreds of dollars and still not have tickets?

· Leave behind breadcrumbs. Try not to pay in cash or in advance. If at all possible, buy resale tickets through Paypal or with a credit card. These types of payments can be traced, and if necessary, cancelled or challenged if you are within the proper window of time. If a seller requires you to pay in cash, or to pay before you see the product, you should be suspicious of the authenticity of the tickets.

· Just don’t…Please restrain the urge to buy tickets on your way to the venue from someone with a sign on the street corner. It’s tempting, sure. The tickets are cheaper and you don’t have to go through the hassle of paying for shipping. The catch? The chance of getting ripped-off is exponentially higher. Scamming scalpers bank on the fact that the common consumer won’t be able to tell the real from the fake.

· The moral? Wherever a ticket is sold, there is a good chance that a scammer is waiting in the wings. We’re not just talking about Justin Bieber concerts. College sports games, local bands, and amusement parks are just the tip of the iceberg when talking about the possible targets for tickets scammers. Don’t let your guard down no matter the event.

· Check with the BBB. The BBB is an objective and reliable source for the trustworthy ticketing companies in San Diego. Always reference BBB.org before you make a final decision.

For more information about scams in San Diego County, or to find more tips to avoid ticket resale scams, visit BBB.org or call 858.496.2131.

Guest Blog: The Rebirth of the Salesman

6/29/2011

Posted on 6/29/2011 by

By Leslie Ramey

For many, the thought of a salesman can cause a knot in your stomach as you picture a used car salesman telling you he’s “going to make you a deal” as he winks at you. Most of us will go out of our way to avoid the dreaded salesman’s pitch. Unfortunately, that kind of prejudice has cost us a lot of money and time.

Decades ago, it was common place for a salesman to knock on your door and sell you anything from home appliances to chocolates. The salesman acted as our wireless internet. They would inform, educate and bargain with whomever answered the door. When he left, the homeowners would know they had purchased a great product or were glad that they had skipped the deal. Modern techonological times have eliminated the need for a salesman. Why invite a stranger into your home to sell you a product when you can get all you need to know on Wikipedia?

The answer might surprise you. You can’t believe everything you read on the internet. Not only can you not believe everything, but how many hours are you going to waste searching for unreliable and inconsistent information. The easy solution is to allow your local, friendly licensed and bonded sales representative into your home to break it all down for you.

Sales representatives or product specialists are professionals who are responsible for knowing their products inside and out. They must know their competition as well as trends in the marketplace. Many of them have seen 1,000s of situations like the one you might be in.

They have countless number of years of experience navigating through all of the problems and questions that might arise form your purchase. To be successful they must know what their clients needs are and have viable solutions.

When was the last time you asked Google “What is the best type of window for my home?” And then had Google give you a straight forward education on the difference between vinyl, aluminum frames, dual pane versus single pane on one easy to follow site. Think about it, information overload can stop us from learning what we need to know and then allowing us to make the right choice.

Your product specialist is going to give you on- on-one treatment that you can’t get at large chain stores. This attention is exactly what you should want before making any decision. This is why you need to unchain your front door and allow the sales representative into your home. Once he’s in there are a few things you should expect:

1. He should be on time or at the very least update you if he is running late. It’s hard to account for traffic and meetings that run long. But as a sign of respect, he should inform you of any delays.

2. He needs to be prepared to educate you. For this reason, it is very common to have a company request all of the interested parties available. The salesman is going to be able to educate your partner on the product far better than you are.

3. He should give plenty of opportunities for you to ask questions.

It is not uncommon for a sales presentation to last more than an hour, especially if you are being shown home improvement products. For example, if you are being shown replacement windows for your home the sales representative is going to cover a lot of ground. He will discuss with you all of your window options from frame types (grid patterns etc.), glass options from regular to Low E glass, accessories and a plethora of other choices you will have.

If you tried to get this information on your own you could be investing hours and still not have the knowledge base that your sales representatives will have. These are hours you can’t get back and why would you want to reinvent the wheel? If the resource is in front of you, it makes sense to embrace it, pick its brain and then make the best decision for your home’s needs.

I know that getting over the salesman's pushy image is difficult; it’s practically embedded in our genetics. But when you cosider giving an hour of your time to a product specialist, the positives far outweight the negatives. You won't waste time, you’ll learn more about your product than you knew possible and then you’ll be able to make a decision about the merchandise you’re spending your hard earned money on.

Article Courtest of Lelsie Ramey, Internet Marketer for Sierra Window Concepts.

Friday Feature Presentation: Will You Carry The Torch In 2011?

6/27/2011

Posted on 6/27/2011 by

By Erin Levine

Don’t miss your chance to demonstrate your commitment to ethics in the marketplace! Your BBB is already accepting entries for this year’s Torch Awards for Marketplace Ethics. You can expect to see the official entry forms in the July "Your BBB Newsletter," or you can download it here. You can also request to have one sent directly to you by emailing Sammie Bass.

The BBB is a non-profit organization of businesses dedicated to promoting ethics and trust in the marketplace. The annual BBB Torch Awards for Marketplace Ethics recognizes those businesses that have maintained that dedication. A panel of independent judges selects a company from each size category to receive this award, and those companies move on to the Council of Better Business Bureau’s International Torch Awards for Marketplace Ethics competition.

Torch entries must be submitted on 8.5” X 11” paper, not to exceed a 2 inch three-ring binder, and must address the company’s management practices, community relations, industry reputation, and communications and marketing practices. The entry must also include a two page summary that explains why this company should be considered, the company’s position on integrity, relevant business and management practices, and should illustrate the company’s commitment to building trust in the marketplace.

2011 entries are due by 5pm on Wednesday, August 31, 2011, and the winners and finalists will be announced at a special awards luncheon on Tuesday, December 6, 2011. See more information on the 2011 ENTRY CRITERIA HERE.

Because the entry process is extensive, the BBB offers free, one-hour workshops designed to help entrants prepare their company's best entry. Entrants will be guided step-by-step through the entry process, offering ideas for how to complete the entry form and how to review the judging criteria. Please click here for information on 2011 workshops.

Your BBB also offers an annual scholarship program in conjunction with the Torch Awards. The BBB offers cash scholarships to five high school students who write the best 400 word essays on the importance of ethics and integrity in our community. For more information, please see our SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM.

Trust in the marketplace is the key to a company’s survival and growth. Committing to ethical behavior is fundamental to building relationships, and ultimately, building trust. Entering the 2011 Torch Awards for Marketplace Ethics is a reflection of that commitment. The deadline is coming up soon, so don’t forego the opportunity to be associated with this prestigious award and honor.

BBB Appears on CW-San Diego 6

6/24/2011

Posted on 6/24/2011 by
President & CEO Sheryl Bilbrey appeared Wednesday morning on San Diego 6 to discuss mortgage scams with Marc Bailey. Mortgage phishing and reverse mortgages explained...
View the video on the San Diego 6 website and searching "Mortgage Scams."

Consumer Alert: QR Code Safety

6/23/2011

Posted on 6/23/2011 by

By Rachel Newman

As many of you may know, your BBB now has the capability to distribute QR codes, which will lead consumers back to an Accredited Business’ BBB Business Review. I can say with complete confidence, that of our office I am far and away the most jazzed about the new technology. I am simultaneously fascinated by how simple such complex technology is for the end-user and by how QR codes have endless applications.

There can be in magazines, on billboards, on storefronts. They are anywhere and everywhere. Because of the unique ability of QR codes to bridge the gap between our virtual reality and actual reality, many consumers forget that QR codes pose the same dangers as emails and websites.

Much like email, QR Codes were trustworthy enough in their conception, but as they have grown in popularity, they have helped scammers and hackers, who are looking to steal your personal information or corrupt your cellphone, forge new ground. QR Codes are an easy way for hackers to take advantage of you, because most of us are still getting used to the idea that our phone is nothing more than a small computer. This small, handheld computer is still very much venerable in the same way as your desktop at home.

To avoid damaging your smartphone, your BBB warns consumers to use caution when using QR codes, and adhere to the following tips:

· If it smells phishy, throw it back. Most of us aren’t tempted to open emails which are obviously spam. I would dare click on a link in an email from Alma Hooker of the IRS, whose punctuation and grammar leave much to be desired. However, QR codes are tricky because you cannot weed out the bad from the good by simply looking at the barcode. Because the venerability is practically part of the design, BBB suggests downloading an app on your phone which provides a preview to each code before it opens a webpage. This way, you will have right of refusal if you think the QR code is corrupted.

· Back up your information. If you do get a virus from a QR Code which damages the software on your smartphone, not all will be lost if you have backed up your phone to your computer. Generally, a smartphone does this on its own each time you plug your phone into your computer. If you make it a practice to back up your information regularly, you may lose your phone, but at least not all will be lost.

· Use caution when using your smartphone for banking, shopping etc. We hear it all the time, but do we really listen? Using your smartphone to do any of your finances means that you are taking a chance with your money. QR codes give hackers new means of stealing your personal information, but they are not the only ones with access to your information if it’s stored in your smartphone. Pick-pockets and anyone with eyes can gleam credit card numbers without you ever realizing it.

Don’t run for the hills just yet. In my humble opinion, QR codes are one of the most ingenious recent creations in the technological world, and you shouldn’t be scared to jump in feet first. I just suggest looking before you leap.

For more information about QR codes, read the BBB’s QR code FAQ, and to learn more about BBB QR codes for Accredited Business, read last week’s Friday Feature blog.

Guest Blog: Banking On Yourself With Business Basics

6/22/2011

Posted on 6/22/2011 by

By Ronnie Das

A seductive, gold-digging temptress struts through a mansion filled with the sound of champagne glasses clinging and artificial laughter from the surrounding guests at this definitively awkward dinner event. Her glowing smile becomes a sinister smirk as the crowd stares at her in utter disgust.

The elephant in the room at this event is her recent marriage to a man easily four times her age with a large fortune, who happens to be the man of the hour. Today is his birthday. However obvious this woman's intentions, he gains no pity from the crowd - this ruthless business behemoth could write the books on lying, cheating, and stealing (which he did and sold as part of a pyramid scheme in 1981).

His historically deceptive nature has isolated him from any meaningful relationship, so he flaunts his wife more like an object more than a person and parades around town with this sham of a marriage in an attempt to invoke envy. This old man sits alone, uninterested in the facade of friends, drinking to forget work and working to forget home, slowly letting the warm champagne hit his lips.

Now, ever wonder who the lucky second husband to this woman is, after the old guy dies and she gets the money? Life's about opportunities, and every business is an opportunity. Freedom comes with success and failures, but they are the direct consequence of your own actions as opposed to a third party or employer. You have the ability to pursue your own definitions of success and failure to become either a lonely billionaire or revered role model.

When I first started my company I would excitedly tell a friend about my new venture. Inevitably, the first question out of there lips after I discussed my grand idea was “So, what are you doing for work?” Although it seems inconsiderate the reasoning behind asking such a bold question is justifiable.

The truth is that it takes real guts to be your own boss, many small businesses fail in the first three years and a steady paycheck is a great leash. It is only when we inspect that leash that we find on the other end can be a very unstable owner. Big businesses have failed in the past few years and a steady paycheck can become a pink slip.

An entrepreneurial spirit should not to be taken lightly. Many people say follow your dreams, do what you love, but how many of those same people are miserable every Monday, drinking bad coffee and sitting in a cubicle at a place they hate. IF you want to begin to take control of your own life and contribute to society with your own creative, innovative, expression of your unique talents, take the steps to start your own business. The process is quite simple.

A business begins with an idea, not an MBA from Harvard or a million dollar investment. Create your business in two steps. Filing a fictitious business name statement and a proof of publication.

A Fictitious Business Name Statement, which registers your companies name, is a simple form available through the County of San Diego. The cost of filing this form is $30.00, with $5.00 for each additional name (up to 3) you would like to register as well. Also note that each additional owner of your company is $5.00 for any names you register. Now that you've registered you have up to one month to begin the publication process.

The publication process involves an approved newspaper or magazine making your company “public” for the first time and officially registered. This service can cost anywhere between $10 and $100 dollars so be sure to look around - the basics of what you want are a proof of publication sent to the county by the publisher and a copy to be sent to you for your records. And that's it; you've begun the process of profit and personal gain with your own company. Good luck!

Article Courtesy of Ronnie Das, Senior Production Manager of RDF Productions. For more information about RDF productions, visit their website. Ronnie Das' television show "How Can I Help?" is airing Fridays at 6:00 pm all summer on the San Diego County of Education's ITV - Channel 16.

Summertime And The Living's Easy For Scammers

6/21/2011

Posted on 6/21/2011 by

By Rachel Newman

Today marks the longest day of the year and the first day of summer. School is out. Ice cream trucks roam the streets. Sprinklers are used not for water plants, but as makeshift pools. The dog days of summer are fun for kids, full of good memories for adults, and bursting with opportunities for scammers.

Your BBB loves the sun just as much as anyone, but before you grab your inner-tube and lather on that SPF, we’ve got some summertime reminders to keep you scam-sharp.

· Beware the vacation/timeshare scam. Prevalent all over the United States, scammers will ply unsuspecting consumers with beautiful pictures of resorts and sunsets, but don’t be fooled. Do all the adequate research before putting any money down on your new timeshare or summer vacation spot. For more information about summer rental/timeshare scams, refer to the BBB Blog.

· ‘Gone phishin’ for the summer. Though less common in the United States, for those planning to travel abroad: Listen up! With your smart phones out of commission in another country, many of us will search out internet cafés to send emails to family, pay bills & check out Facebook. Do you best to pay all bills before leaving home, and make sure to log off the browser and shut down the computer once you have finished. As added security, consider employing an identity protection service while out of town. They will proactively monitor accounts and send alerts if anything strange occurs.

· They’ve got mail. Your mail, to be exact. A common way for a con-artist to capture your personal information is to wait for you to go out of town, and then steal your bills and statements from your mailbox. Luckily there are a few easy fixes if you want to ward off the bad guys, either ask a friend to come by and pick up your mail while you’re away, put a temporary stop on your mail while you’re out of town or invest in a mailbox that you can lock.

· Be wary of Door-to-Door salesmen. They pop up in your neighborhood as soon as the temperatures rise. Whether they are peddling magazines, cheap home repairs or landscaping, BBB advises consumer to be cautious in hiring door-to-door salesmen who use high-pressure tactics and cannot prove they are licensed with the state. For more information about how to identify a trustworthy contractor, visit the BBB Blog.

Now that you’ve got the details on the summer’s most popular scams, you can do a cannonball right into summer. For more information about scams and BBB Accredited Businesses, visit BBB.org or call 858.637.6199.

Friday Feature Presentation: Get Your BBB QR Codes Here!

6/17/2011

Posted on 6/17/2011 by

By Erin Levine

QR codes are the newest way to engage your customers, who in this day and age are constantly on the go. Though they look complicated, they are just a bar code. The QR code contains a URL that can be read by your Smartphone and takes you straight to the content you want. Think of it as a shortcut – instead of having to search or type in a website, a QR Code gives you instant access to the specific information you are looking for, whether it be coupons, videos, or blog posts.

QR codes are an advantage to your business because they can potentially reduce the amount of printed materials needed, boost your search engine optimization and are almost immediately measureable. It is also a way to turn an otherwise passive situation into one of immediate action by encouraging your customer to make an online purchase, fill out a survey, or register for your mailing list, right now. They can perform these actions as they are on their way to the next errand they need to run, rather than putting it on the to-do list for later.

Your BBB is providing QR codes to all Accredited Businesses. Now, consumers can scan your personalized code, and be directed straight to your BBB Business Review! You can download your own QR Code by logging in at BBB.org . Don’t forget to view our guide on accessing your BBB Business Review QR Code. Once your very own code is opened, you can print it, or save it on your computer for a later use. Or, you can contact us and we will send you a special BBB decal that includes your code.

Use these QR Codes wherever you would use your BBB Accredited Business Logo – you can print it on business cards, banners and posters, direct mail pieces, and even place it on your store front window! Making your BBB Business Review instantly accessible reinforces your commitment to transparency, allowing your customers to feel comfortable choosing to do business with you.

Don’t Let the Day of Your Dreams Turn Into A Scream

6/16/2011

Posted on 6/16/2011 by

I will be a bridesmaid in less than 60 days. Although I am not married, my status in my sister’s upcoming nuptials has given me a unique peek into the world of weddings. I can certainly say that they are a time of excitement and hope for the future, but I also can attest to the fact that after spending countless hours at bridal bazars, cake tastings and dress fittings, they are money-draining machines.

Wedding says are lifetimes in the making. These happy, if somewhat tearful events elicit feelings of love, family, good food, dancing and general merriment, but they’re not free.

As a multi-billion dollar industry, the wedding circuit allows many professionals to make a living off of the ‘special day.’ Among these professions are the master chefs, the meticulous hair dressers and florists, the hip D.Js and the relentless scammers. Although, most hope to have a wedding day of their dreams, for some who fall victim to con-artist tricks, their perfect day can turn into an absolute nightmare.

Weddings are often one of the most expensive days of your life. If fact, there are few purchases you will make if your lifetime that will come close to the amount of money spent on your wedding. Scam artists know this, and take advantage of the fact that most newlyweds-to-be are willing to pay top dollar to ensure a flawless ceremony and reception. To help guide you through, your BBB has assembled some common wedding scams, and some great tips brides and grooms can follow to sleep easy knowing the happiest day of their lives will be scam-free:

SCAMS…

· I’ll believe it when I see it… Beware of the sham event/venue. This scam bears a striking resemblance to any Advance-Fee scam. You give a venue, photographer or wedding planner thousands of dollars in a down payment, and never hear from them again. This scam is particularly dangerous for anyone planning a wedding out of town. Unless you are able to travel to the potential venue, be wary of putting all of your trust in pictures from a website or brochure, or wedding planner from a different country.

· I love your dress. Is that a Fera Wang? The dress, in many cases, is one of the most important aspects of your wedding day. A bride may be thinking she is getting the crème de la crème of wedding gowns, but be disappointed to find out that the labels on her dress have been switched or altered so that the dress appears more valuable. Often dress shops will switch a label out so that the dress seems to be from a designer or of high quality fabric.

· Sound check… In an effort to avoid a band that puts guests to sleep, brides and grooms often vet potential wedding musicians. However, most people simply listen to recordings instead of hearing a band live before making the final decision. The problem: you may not always get what you expect. Many bands have been known to send in demo tapes of musicians that are not them. This ploy leaves you imagining Bruce Springsteen, and feeling disappointed when Bruce’s moonlighting, cover band shows up for your big day.

· Don’t leave your reception in a hoopty. You thought that you paid for and ordered a Rolls Royce to drive you into the sunset on your wedding day, but your getaway car looks different under the summer lighting. Often limousine companies will attempt to attract more customers by advertising limos or cars that they do not own, leaving customers driving away in a car of which they are less than thrilled.

SCAMBUSTERS…

· Show up. If you are buying from, renting from or considering enlisting the services of anyone, don’t put down any money until you are more than satisfied that the vendor will pull through for you the day of your wedding. Make every effort to go to the venue where your wedding will be held, taste the cake, hear the band (in person), and have the vendor sign a written contract.

· Leave breadcrumbs. If you have a paper trail of all of your transactions, then you vendors are far more culpable for any mistake they make on your wedding day. Make sure you have proof of the contracts you have with your merchants and the money you have given to them in advance. If you hold them accountable, they will be more likely to be just as invested in your big day as you are.

· Ensure you’ll have a great day. Consider getting wedding insurance. For all of the money you are sure to spend to make your day perfect, you don’t want a bad egg or missed flight to throw your entire wedding off course. By paying a few hundred dollars you can insure the entire event so that an AWOL florist or a rain delay don’t set you back thousands.

· Check with the BBB Business Reviews. Asking friends and family for their recommendations is always smart, but be sure to consult with your BBB before you make a final decision. We have hundreds of reviews on A+ and F rated wedding vendors, consultants and venues.

For more information about wedding scams and how to make your day an A+, visit BBB.org or call 858.495.2131.

Guest Blog: Is Your Business Prepared For A Lawsuit?

6/15/2011

Posted on 6/15/2011 by

By William R. Simon, Jr.

When you’ve worked hard to set up your San Diego business, you’ll want to minimize the risks of losing the business and the money you’ve earned from it. There are several legal strategies for doing this.

First, you’ll want to make sure that if your business is sued, your personal assets are never at stake. The simplest way to do this is to make sure your business is incorporated, and that all the legal documents for incorporation have been properly prepared and filed. Except in rare circumstances, this guarantees that if someone sues your business, they can’t seize your home, personal investments, or personal bank accounts. The cost of forming and maintaining a corporation is small, the protection of your personal assets from business lawsuits is great, and other legal and tax benefits from incorporation are substantial. This is such a fundamental truth that at our law firm, we routinely tell clients, “If you want to be a business, be a corporation.”

Second, you can protect the assets of your business by dividing up them up among several different corporations, all owned by you. Let’s say you own a business along with the business building, several expensive pieces of equipment, and the business trademark (which is usually the business name). To gain the maximum protection for these assets, we’d create a corporation for business operations, owned by you. For this example, let’s call it “ABC Business, Inc.” You’d continue running your business, making sure that the corporation’s name, “ABC Business, Inc.,” was on all contracts, invoices, and other documents. At the same time (or later, if necessary), we’d create three more separate corporations – again, all owned by you. One of these corporations would own the building, one would own the equipment, and one would own the trademark.

Now, let’s supposed “ABC Business, Inc.” has been sued and the insurance does not cover the entire award against ABC Business, Inc. Since ABC Business, Inc., is a corporation, your personal assets – including what you’ve earned from the business - aren’t at stake. And because the building, the equipment, and the trademark are each held by separate corporations (all owned by you), they aren’t at stake either. All that is likely to be at stake is ABC Business, Inc.’s own bank accounts, contracts, and office furnishings.

However, while the bankruptcy of ABC Business, Inc. is going on, you form a new corporation and start up a new business in the same line of work (or even a different line of work), using the business building, its equipment, and its trademark, since those items were not owned by ABC Business, Inc. and were not part of its bankruptcy. In this example, the multiple corporations – each holding an asset, and each owned by you - would have protected most of what you had worked so hard to create.

Article courtesy of William R. Simon, Jr. at San Diego Law Firm. For more information about San Diego Law Firm, visit www.sandiegolawfirm.com.

Buyback Plans For Technology Products May Not Be A Good Investment, BBB Advises

6/14/2011

Posted on 6/14/2011 by

If having the latest cell phone, laptop or tablet computer is your goal, you may have listened with interest to some stores’ advertised promises to buy back your gadget so you can upgrade quickly.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises consumers to investigate the offers carefully before signing up or paying a fee. The plans are basically a form of insurance that allows you to trade in a gadget in good condition toward another product. However, the value may be less than you expected or it may be hard to qualify for the buyback if you don’t follow specific directions as required in the plan.

“Consumers who have to have the most sophisticated gadgets as part of their job or their lifestyle may find value in these offers,” said Sheryl Bilbrey, BBB president and CEO. “But you have to balance the cost of the plans against what you may actually get back if your item isn’t in tip-top condition when you trade it in.”

The New York Times recently reported that many of these plans come with high price tags, and their value drops sharply if you don’t trade in the old item within a short period of time – often less than a year. It could take longer than that for the new version to arrive on store shelves.

The BBB offers the following tips for consumers who may be considering a buyback plan:

Consider the buyback plan as a form of insurance. The plans basically guarantee a resale value, but that value can drop off sharply over time. The true value may be nominal and may be hard to define, so make sure you read the fine print.
The plans have the retailer’s interest at heart. When you bring back your item, you usually will be issued a gift card good only at that retailer, essentially locking you in to that store for the next technology purchase. In some states, consumers also have found that they have to pay sales tax as many as three times – for the original purchase, when they return the item and again when they use the gift card.
Buyback plans don’t work if you’re forgetful or disorganized. Many plans require you to return the original purchase receipt, power cords and manuals. If you don’t have them, you may not be able to get as much trade-in value for your gadget.
Mobile phone contracts are excluded. You may be able to upgrade your cell phone with a buyback program, but you will still have a contract with the cell phone service provider who may bill you for the life of the contract. Find out whether the service contract can be transferred to a new phone.
Erase any personal data before returning your gadget. To avoid identity theft, make sure that the memory of the gadget is wiped clean before you turn it in. Otherwise, computers and even cell phones can contain sensitive information that could be used to commit identity theft.
Consider reselling gadgets elsewhere. Some consumers have found that they can get more out of their gadgets by reselling them than by trading them in. Online auction or classified ad sites may be a better way to get some value out of your gadgets.

For more consumer tips or to check a company’s BBB Business Review, go to www.bbb.org or call 858.495.2131.

Making Our Mark: In Case You Missed It...15th Annual Gerry Wilson Golf Classic

6/13/2011

Posted on 6/13/2011 by

By Rachel Newman

Despite some late-morning clouds, the atmosphere at the Rancho Bernardo Inn on June 9^th was sunny and warm. From the registrations tables to the putting challenge to Sycuan’s steak sandwich station, happy, if somewhat thirsty, faces crowded the BBB’s 15^th Annual Gerry Wilson Golf Classic hoping to walk away a winner.

Some would be crowned King or Queen of the Wacky Slacks Competition. Others would leave the tournament proudly sporting a “Lowest Net” score with the rest of their team. One lucky team would even have the privilege (and embarrassment) of taking home the “Most Honest Award” which earned them golf lessons, provided by Rancho Bernardo Inn.

This year’s Gerry Wilson Golf Classic hosted just fewer than 100 golfers for a day of golf, games, dinner and a silent auction. Golfers traveled the course through the heat of the day, and were greeted at each hole by a new sponsor who treated golfers to games, pictures or drinks. The sponsorship team from Health Savings Association, who were awarded “Best Overall Theme - Sponsor Table,” provided golfers with a taste of Vegas as they passed out all-natural energy drinks and prizes to the winners of their blackjack table.

Other memorable sponsors were San Diego Employers Association, Coastal Payroll and Eagle Graphics. Eagle Graphics encouraged golfer to take a break from their day and pose alongside a cardboard cutout of the “Three Stooges.” Original and fun, every golfer walked away with their keepsake photo.

After the last ball was sunk, the golfers convened for the BBB’s silent auction where they bid on items generously donated by members of the San Diego Community. The golfers attempted to score great pieces like a four-pack of tickets to a Padres game, a weekend getaway for two and beer tastings before they joined BBB President/CEO Sheryl Bilbrey for a sit-down dinner and awards ceremony.

When all was said and done, the BBB and golfers enjoyed another year of sun, fun and holes-in-one. The BBB would like to thank all who participated in the 15^thsuccessful year of the Gerry Wilson Golf Classic and the BBB’s generous sponsors.

Tee Sponsors: Aflac, Bank of Southern California, Coastal Payroll Services/San Diego Pension Consultants, Eagle Graphics, Encore Capital Group, Health Savings Associates, Herca Solar, On-Site Tech Support, San Diego Employers Association, San Diego Law Firm, TSC Restoration and University of California, San Diego.

Lunch Sponsor: Sycuan Casino

Putting Challenge Sponsor: Jack In The Box

Hat Sponsor: Luce Forward Hamilton & Scripps, LLP

Beverage Cart Sponsor: Barney & Barney LLC

Eagle Tee Sponsors: Access Profession Systems, BMW South County, Cox Business, Lloyd Pest Control & Walter Anderson Nursery

Friday Feature Presentation: BBB Revocations Explained

6/10/2011

Posted on 6/10/2011 by

By Erin Levine

It is common knowledge that there is an in depth application process for potential BBB Accredited Businesses. BBB Accreditation is an honor and not all businesses qualify. But what do most people know about the revocation process? While maybe not the most fun of topics to discuss, it is necessary to touch on. This is not a process that is taken lightly – the BBB WANTS to report the positive information. But it is our duty to also report the negative.

All Accredited Businesses have promised to abide by a strict code of business practices, which includes the commitment to resolve consumer complaints. Every BBB Accredited Business is continuously monitored for adherence to these standards, and a company’s Accreditation status can be revoked at any time for failure to comply with the Better Business Bureau’s Accreditation Agreement, the Standards of BBB Accreditation or the BBB Bylaws.

The BBB Policies are designed to build consumers’ and business’ confidence in our system, which strives to promote ethical business practices and truth in advertising, creating a community where buyers and sellers can trust each other. Some examples of failing to comply with these policies would be if a company loses their license to operate, improper business conduct (such as operating illegally or not fulfilling contracts with consumers), or failure to answer a complaint.

The BBB CEO can first suspend an Accreditation, depending on the severity of the issue, allowing the company time to resolve the matter. If the company does not resolve the issue or it is too serious to justify a suspension, they are taken before the BBB Board of Directors to seek approval for revocation.

Businesses are always notified at least fifteen days prior to any action taken by the Board of Directors, and have the opportunity to submit a written statement addressing the issue. If revocation does occur, the company has the right to appeal, and give the Board of Directors their side of the story one final time.

If a company’s Accreditation is revoked, this information will be published in their BBB Business Review for 3 years. Publicly acknowledging this information is another way the BBB takes the necessary steps to protect San Diego’s consumers and trustworthy businesses, Accredited or not.

If a company fails to maintain their compliance with the BBB Standard, it is necessary to take action. As an objective, unbiased source for company information, it is our responsibility to make sure businesses treat the public fairly and honestly in all circumstances.

For more information about BBB Accreditation, the BBB Standards For Trust or the revocation process, visit BBB.org.

Consumer Alert: Skimming Scammers Skating Shopper Savings

6/8/2011

Posted on 6/8/2011 by

Often, times of crisis and tragedy usher in con-artists and crooks interested in cashing in on others’ misfortune. Now, more than ever, trips to the gas station can be painful. The prices continue to rise and there is little any average consumer can do to stop it. As gas prices reach disastrous new highs, many of us are thinking, could this get worse? Enter the skim scam.

While skim scam may be fun to say, the results can be devastating to hoaxed consumers. So just what is skimming? Using advanced equipment, most often purchased from outside the country, con-artists capture magnetic strip data as you swipe your debit card and keypad information as you type in your PIN number. This can happen anywhere: at ATMs, grocery stores, restaurants and venders of all kinds. However, one of the more popular locations for the scam to take place is at gas stations.

With the ever-growing popularity of debit card use (experts estimate that over 65% of purchases will be made with debit cards by 2013, according to a Nilson Report), gas stations provide the perfect venue for skimmers to harvest your private information. Most people use plastic over cash at the gas station for convenience sake. They often don’t think twice about punching in their PIN number because the closest person is usually over ten feet away, and scammers count on this confidence.

What can you do to battle against this con? The BBB has compiled a few tips to help you stop the scammers from skimming your savings:

· Keep tabs on your bank account. Experts say it until they’re blue in the face, but there is no better firewall against scammers than the somewhat mundane task of a daily bank account check. The more you check your account, the easier it will be to identify if something unusual is taking place.

· Only use ATMs at your bank. While this may be more difficult for credit union users, do your best to use only ATMs attached to your bank. Skimming scams are more likely to take place at conveniences stores and secluded ATMs where there is less foot-traffic and surveillance footage.

· Don’t type in your PIN. If you use your debit card at the gas station, run it as a credit card or simply use a credit card for all gas station transactions. Without your PIN number, direct access to your bank account is impossible, and by using your debit card as a credit card you will have the advantage of greater protection should a fraud occur. **However, consumer should be aware that often times there are discounts for cash users, meaning that credit card use at the gas station can be more expensive that cash or debit card use. A good way to get around this issue is to buy gas cards which you can purchase with your credit card, but you don’t have to pay an extra fee.

For more information on the latest scams, visit the BBB website or call 858.496.2131.

Guest Blog: The Best Tenants Want The Best Treatment- Before you sign

6/8/2011

Posted on 6/8/2011 by

By Neil Fjellestad and Melissa De Marco

Today’s rental tenant is paying their largest household expenditure for rent and they want to make sure that the rent is correctly accounted for and that someone is always available to respond to their requests for service. More tenants have rented at large apartment communities operated by national management companies. They don’t see why they should be inconvenienced because they choose a small independent rental property.

Unfortunately, often tenants that don’t make these modern customer demands are individuals that have financial problems or want to get around normal tenant expectations.

What follows is just one example of major concerns that face today’s responsible rental residents.

Locating and moving into a rental home in San Diego that fulfills your financial and lifestyle requirements is an ordeal. You want to get it over with and get back to normal routines. Often, the review and signing of your lease documents is a hurried part of this process. Is this a problem? Please consider these facts-

· Your best San Diego rental value is going to be secured by entering into a long-term lease. Even if you are renting month-to-month you should have a written agreement.

· A standard lease that adequately spells out terms and obligations for all parties will necessarily be a lengthy document.

· Often, lease documents are not drawn up individually by attorneys but rather are pre-printed forms that may or may not be current nor reviewed by legal professionals.

· By understanding and performing according to the terms of a long-term lease you are demonstrating contractual maturity and credit-worthiness that are transferable to other financial opportunities and/or obligations like a student loan, auto lease or home mortgage.

· By understanding the mutual responsibilities under the lease you will more likely enjoy your residency. You will be confident when and how to hold others accountable when problems arise.

· You will likely reduce your overall costs for housing which is becoming a more important benefit.

With these facts in mind here are some suggestions and/or questions to insert into your rental process-

· Ask the individual that shows you the rental property (house, condo, or apartment) whether you can rely upon the lease agreement they are providing to be a legally binding document that is in compliance with current California landlord-tenant laws. You will either get a clear affirmative answer with details or you will get a vague, evasive one that leaves you unsettled.

· Ask for an opportunity to review this lease and ask questions about its terms. Again, you will either get a response that indicates that such a review and discussion is “standard operating procedure” or you will get an impression that such a request is “out of the ordinary”.

· Each term of the lease should be subjected to an inquiry that includes the following-

A. What does this mean?

B. Why is this included in my lease?

C. What might be the impact to me; now and over the term of the lease?

· You should get straight answers from someone that can explain the lease. Ask for assistance until you do.

· If you have a language barrier bring someone you trust with you to help.

You should allow an extra couple of hours to your rental ordeal in order to be comfortable with your lease and the rental owner or property manager that administers it.

Article courtesy of Neil Fjellestad and Melissa De Marco, Operations and Marketing Coordinator at FBS Property Management. For more information about FBS Property Management, view their website or check out their business review.

The Operative Word: Arbitration

6/7/2011

Posted on 6/7/2011 by

By Michael Sedio

Arbitration, both binding and non-binding, has become a popular alternative to filing a claim in court. In a nutshell, the process can be best explained as two groups of people on each side of a disagreement presenting their side of a dispute to an impartial third party, an arbitrator, who will decide how the matter should be resolved. The issues to be decided and the types of awards that may be considered will be outlined in a document called the Agreement to Arbitrate.

Your BBB offers many forms of dispute resolution, the most common being the complaint process, whereby we seek to open the lines of communication, giving the consumer a chance to have his or her grievances heard, and the business an opportunity to save its customer. Your BBB also offers arbitration in in many other circumstances – the most common types are listed below.

Locally, your BBB conducts arbitration hearings under two distinct sets of rules: pre- and post-dispute.

Pre-dispute hearings are characterized by an agreement to arbitrate in contract material or other form of agreement both parties entered into prior to the dispute. Read the fine print of your bills, invoices and contracts and you will likely find that many of your transactions contain such an agreement. While the specific rules controlling a pre-dispute arbitration agreement vary based on the author of such an agreement, the BBB uses the following rules for companies asking your BBB to administer an arbitration arising from a pre-dispute agreement.

Post-dispute hearings are governed by rules your BBB has developed to handle arbitrations conducted after a dispute has arisen. This is a benefit to customers of Accredited Businesses, and enables your BBB to provide both sides with an impartial third party to assist in the resolution of their dispute.

Post-dispute arbitration proceedings are most often offered at the termination of a complaint filed with your BBB against an Accredited Business in which both parties were not able to reach a mutually satisfying resolution. Prior to offering arbitration your BBB reviews the complaint and all related material in an Arbitration Committee to determine if the complaint is eligible and appropriate for arbitration. If your BBB decides to offer arbitration it is up to the consumer to accept or decline; the business is bound to participate in order to remain in compliance with the BBB Standards of Accreditation.

Business-initiated arbitration is another form of post-dispute arbitration wherein both parties agree that they would like an impartial third party to resolve their dispute but the consumer does not wish to go through the preliminary complaint process mentioned above.

These services are offered at low or no cost to the consumer, and are a privilege of Accreditation for businesses, thanks to the tireless efforts of our talented volunteer arbitrators. If you have arbitration experience or are a licensed attorney, and would like to learn more about volunteering, please contact us to apply.

In all cases the decision to administer arbitration hearings resides with the Arbitration Committee at your BBB, and is reserved for disputes between Accredited Businesses and their customers. Legal advice is solely your responsibility to obtain from a licensed attorney. Visit the BBB website to search for BBB Accredited Attorneys or call our consumer line at (858) 496-2131.

For more information on your BBB’s Arbitration Program please contact Michael Sedio at (858) 427-1121, or msedio@sandiego.bbb.org for more information.

Friday Feature Presentation: BBB Gives Your Search Engine A Little Extra Horsepower

6/3/2011

Posted on 6/3/2011 by

By Rachel Newman

Search engines are thorough by nature. This is great attribute for consumers, as often we can type in very little information to a search engine and find what we were looking for almost by sheer ‘magic.’ However, this search engine magic also means that sometimes Bing or Google give the inquiring minds way too much information.

You can be as specific as is humanly possible, but chances are that your search will yield pages upon pages of choices through which you must sift. A simple business search can be confusing when there are too many options, or can lead you into choosing the wrong company simply because it ranks higher than others in the results.

At the BBB, we’re here for you. We aim to put an end to your search engine woes. With a simple download of our Accredited Business Locator powered by Azigo, you can ‘Start With Trust’ each time you go hunting for a new restaurant or hardware store.

Here’s how it works: Download the free program to your computer. Go to Google, Yahoo, or whichever search engine you prefer, and try searching for a new nail salon, clothing store or ice cream shop. Suddenly, what looked like organized chaos before is now simple. The businesses which have been accredited by your BBB will have a small seal next to their name.

The decision is easy. No more investigating each search result to make sure they are reputable. With the BBB Accreditation Seal next to a business, you know that they are an exceptional San Diego company.

So what does this mean for you, business owners? Use the Accredited Business Locator as an additional benefit of your BBB Accreditation. Spread the word among your customers. The more people who use this Azigo-powered program, the more people there are who will seek out yours and other Accredited Business’ companies.

Not only does this program have the potential to increase interest in your company, but it helps the BBB continue their mission to help trustworthy businesses stand out from the masses. For more information about the BBB Accredited Business Locator or to download it now, visit the BBB website.

Consumer Alert: Don't Get Caught In A Pyramid Scheme

6/2/2011

Posted on 6/2/2011 by

By Erin Levine

These days, who isn’t looking for a new business opportunity that promises high, sustainable profits? However, this way of thinking opens the door for fraudsters to get unsuspecting business seekers to participate in scams of all kinds. One scheme that continues to be popular is the pyramid scheme. These scams are scary and confusing to consumers because they are often disguised as Multilevel Marketing plans, or MLM’s.

What is a Multilevel Marketing Plan?

According to the Bureau of Consumer Protection, Multilevel Marketing plans are ways to sell goods and services through other distributors. These plans promise that if you sign up as a distributor, you will receive commissions from sales you make, as well as sales of the people you have recruited as your distributors, or your “down line”.

On the contrary, a Pyramid Scheme’s commissions are based on the number of distributors recruited, and the sales are made to these distributors, rather than consumers. There is usually a sign-up fee, and rarely is there an actual product or service. The FTC says “it is best to not get involved in plans where the money you make is based primarily on the number of distributors you recruit and your sales to them, rather than on your sales to the people outside the plan who intend to use the products.”

Are you confused yet?

The difference between these two plans can seem unclear, but there is one key distinction – MLM’s are legitimate, and pyramid schemes are illegal. While doing research on the particular company you are thinking about going into business with is always your best tool to protect yourself, asking yourself these key questions may make it easier to determine whether or not you are at risk for being scammed:

1. Is the business focused more on distributor recruitment, rather than selling a product to consumers? Are profits made mainly by membership fees or bonuses as opposed to the sale of this product?

2. Does the product you have been recruited to sell seem too good to be true, and is it priced at an expensive rate?

3. Are there startup costs that include training materials, or are you required to invest a lot of money without receiving a valuable product?

4. Do you feel pressured to join, and is it difficult to reach anyone when you have questions about the business?

5. Are there promises of large profits for minimal work?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you are potentially at risk for being involved with a Pyramid Scheme. While a Multilevel Marketing Plan can be a legitimate and exciting new venture, the bottom line is, do your research as you consider an MLM opportunity. It could be a Pyramid in disguise.

For more information about Multilevel Marketing Plans and Pyramid Schemes, visit BBB.org.

Guest Blog: Why Disputing Bad Credit Doesn’t Always Work

6/1/2011

Posted on 6/1/2011 by

By Marc Chase

If you’re having trouble securing a loan or new line of credit due to the amount of negative information in your credit report, it’s likely you’ve thought about consulting a credit repair firm to help you clean up your report so you can qualify for that loan.

If you’ve researched a majority of the companies offering their credit repair services online, you’ve probably noticed a common theme that runs through just about every site you find: Disputing negative accounts is the best way to get them removed from your credit report, and the quickest way to getting that loan you need.

The problem with this is, disputing everything in your file is hardly the best way to clean up your credit; let alone the only way. In fact, disputing negative accounts at random is a great way to get yourself a lawsuit from creditors who know you’re disputing something accurate.

If you want to make the most of your credit repair efforts, you’ll need an education, not a dispute mill. Most people don’t have too much trouble managing their credit on their own. Simply pay your bills on time, keep your card utilization below 10% of your available balance, and don’t apply for too many new lines of credit at once to make sure your credit score stays looking good.

It’s not until their finances take a hit in the form of a few late payments, some overspending, or the complete upending of the economy, that they find themselves in uncharted waters and in need of help rebuilding their credit scores and profiles.

Which bills should you focus on paying first? Should you close all of your credit cards? Open new ones to offset the problem? In short, how do you get your credit back on track? These are the types of questions many credit repair services don’t seek to answer; only offering to dispute any negative account you want off your report, with little to no input from you along the way.

That’s why the best way to repair your credit is to educate yourself on how credit works (or find a service that works with you, if you don’t have the time to do it on your own). Knowing how the credit system works (i.e., when to dispute vs. when to settle, or when and how to open a new card) is the key to getting the most points for your credit score, and restoring a report that’s taken a few punches.

So if you find yourself overwhelmed by the thought of getting your credit back on track on your own and feel the need to seek out a service for assistance, make sure to look for one that teaches you to properly build and manage your credit, instead of promising to handle all of your personal financial information on their own.

From Marc Chase, President of Product Development for credit services company MyCreditGroup Inc.

BBB Appears on Fox 5 San Diego

6/1/2011

Posted on 6/1/2011 by
BBB President/CEO Sheryl Bilbrey appears on Fox 5 San Diego to discuss F-rated company Fidelity Debt Solutions. Did you see it live? If you missed it, we have the replay right here.

To read more about Fidelity Debt Solutions, check out their BBB Business Review. To learn more about Fox 5 San Diego's investigation of the company, read the article on their website.

The Decline of the Breath Mint

5/31/2011

Posted on 5/31/2011 by Sheryl Bilbrey

It used to be, not all that long ago, that business deals were done in person. Relationships were fostered through telephone calls and lunch meetings, and new contacts were cultivated at seminars and conferences out of the office.

It seems that somewhere between our last tweet and email, the world changed. Many of us can now admit to having lengthy, in-depth conversations with someone without ever hearing their voice. We shake hands virtually. This can be extremely advantageous to a business’ bottom line. It increases convenience and ultimately productivity while cutting costs, but I have to ask myself: What are we losing by skipping this simple exchange? If you ask me, there is a quite a bit at risk.

Don’t misunderstand: The social media world is becoming increasingly vital to a business’ success. The internet is full of opportunities to enrich and expand upon your fan-base. Often, I am first to sing the praises of websites like Twitter, Facebook & YouTube as pages that can enhance your company’s overall appeal to consumers and other businesses. However, social media is not, and could never become, the be-all, end-all of business relationships.

If your hands are magnetized to your keyboard and you’re feeling a little skeptical, allow me to explain why face-to-face, in many situations, can be preferable to an electronic interaction:

· Many thrive on nervousness. Much like a first interview, business meetings and seminars can make us feel anxious. Is this a bad feeling? Absolutely not. To overcome this stressed feeling, we prepare ourselves and formulate possible conversations in our heads. We wipe our hands on our pants, pop an Altoid, and enter these interactions more educated and ready to conquer our nerves. With email being such an impersonal medium, there isn’t as much pressure to bring your A-game to a conversation.

· Building relationships. Sure, we can articulate instructions and procedures over email, and create puns and quips on Twitter, but are we forging the same networks with these connections that could be possible through a face-to-face meeting? No. A good Facebook status can build a larger audience, but a handshake can build a rapport. I say continue tweeting, but consider a lunch meeting or attending a BBB B2B Networking Mixer, so that you can put a face to that handle.

· Make positive memories. When was the last time you finished a webinar and walked away with positive memories about the other attendees or the presenter? According to a study at Cornell University, face-to-face events are more likely to capture a participant’s attention and build networks. Seminars and conferences, though usually come at a higher cost to a company, have the power to create leads and enhance relationships between businesses.

I have a great appreciation for social media and what it contributes to the business world, but if I had a chance, I would seek out all 5,300 BBB Twitter followers, look them right in the eye, and shake their hand.

Friday Feature Presentation: Monthly Reporting To Keep You Informed

5/27/2011

Posted on 5/27/2011 by

By Erin Levine

Your BBB is committed to creating an ethical marketplace where buyers and sellers can trust each other. While we cannot recommend or endorse any business, product or service, we want to ensure that the San Diego community is receiving the most current company information possible. We do this by offering valuable reporting information, updated monthly.

You can find this information right in the YourBBB Newsletter, mailed out bimonthly and emailed monthly, or online in the Monthly Reports section of the bbb.org website. These reports provide a complete list of companies that fall into one of three categories that the BBB thinks consumers should be paying attention to.

The Unanswered Complaints report shows all businesses in this service area that have failed to respond to consumer complaints forwarded to them by the BBB. Failure to answer a complaint can result in Accreditation revocation, a process that is taken very seriously. Disputes are bound to arise when doing business, but a company’s failure to respond is a reflection on their commitment to ethical business practices.

The New Accredited Business Listings are those companies that have most recently been approved for BBB Accreditation. The Accreditation Application process requires that the company meets the BBB Standards for Trust, a comprehensive set of best practices for how businesses should treat the public in a fair and honest manner. Since not every company is eligible for BBB Accreditation, it is exciting to share with the community the newest additions to the BBB membership!

The Renewed Accredited Businesses Listings are those businesses that have most recently renewed their BBB Accreditation, and it lists the number of years they have been accredited. BBB Accredited Businesses must not only meet certain standards to qualify for BBB Accreditation, but they must maintain their commitment to these standards to remain accredited, and are regularly monitored for adherence. Because the continued support of our Accredited Businesses is what makes it possible for your BBB to protect the San Diego marketplace, we truly honor their dedication.

For more information about your BBB’s Accreditation or complaint process, visit BBB.org or call (858) 496-2131. If you are interested in becoming a BBB Accredited Business, you can apply here.

Consumer Alert: Navigating Your Online Finances After Sony Breach

5/26/2011

Posted on 5/26/2011 by

By Rachel Newman

As we stand in midst of the greatest digital theft of all time, I would wager that most PlayStation gamers are thinking back to the times of Pong and wishing for the good old days when the only way private information was stolen was by pick-pocket.

In the course of a several month period, it has been estimated by Sony that over 100 million users’ accounts have been compromised by the breach of Sony’s PlayStation and Online Entertainment networks. According to independent research conducted by the Ponemon Institute, the average cost to each user as an effect of the data breach is $381.

While this is a terrifying prospect to every penny-pinching college student and teenage gamer, the immediate monetary loss to users is far less important that the larger question that arises from the breach. I can’t help, but ask myself, “Could we, as users, have prevented any financial loss on our end?”

True, the hackers are the people who committed crimes and put millions of people in financial danger, but in the Age of Information consumers should accept online identity theft as a constant risk of conducting any financial business over the web.

Most of us have a disturbingly high level of comfort with online transactions, but in a world where faceless online villains are constantly after our hard-earned money, to me, it’s only right that we arm ourselves against ID theft as much as possible, and accept the fact that security is always an uncertainty.

Here are some tips, so when the firewall fails to defend us from hackers, we can activate our second shield of protection:

· Keep them on their toes. Don’t use obvious passwords like “1234” or your birthdate. Try something that even you have to make a point to remember.

· Check thoroughly and often. Don’t look at your credit card bill or financial statements just once a month when the statement comes. Check once or twice a week to make sure that there are not any charges appearing that you don’t remember making. The faster you spot a breach, the easier damage control will be.

· Use “Fraud Alert” on your credit reports. By doing this, you can instruct creditors to follow exact procedures before opening new accounts in your name or making changes to your existing accounts.

· Close your accounts. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Shut off credit cards immediately once you suspect fraudulent charges, and alert the FTC and the police. Also, make sure to follow up with the credit company to guarantee the accounts were closed and that the debts discharged.

Bottom line is that all consumers need to stay vigilant in protecting their information. Just because you trust the company you give your credit card number to does not mean they are infallible. Follow our tips above, and you will remain a savvy consumer.

For more information about common identity theft techniques and the ways to best avoid them, visit BBB.org or call your BBB at 858.496.2131

Guest Blog: A Sure Fire Way To Get Customers To Review Your Business

5/25/2011

Posted on 5/25/2011 by

By Daniel Hernandez

You’ve probably heard it before. If your business does a great job, getting customers to write reviews does wonders for your online marketing efforts. But getting them to actually sit down and writing a 75 word essay about their personal experience with your company can be like pulling teeth.

It’s been proven that good reviews of your business can lead to higher rankings. Moving your company to better areas of visibility on a search engine can deliver very targeted traffic to your website. Google has started showing the number of reviews businesses have below their listing.

Although it can be frustrating it’s almost always worth the effort. Here’s a way to make it a breeze.

Incentivize it. It takes real effort to write a review. Think about how many extra credit essays are written every year in high school and college? If extra credit wasn’t offered, that number would probably drop to almost zero.

Recognize your customers efforts. Offer them a small token of your appreciation upon a completed review. A $10 Starbucks card can greatly expedite the process. They’ll appreciate your recognition of their voluntary labor and very likely write an even more gushing review.

Don’t be afraid to be cheap. Many review websites frown upon compensation for reviews. A low value token of your appreciation is tolerated, a higher value gift will be looked upon as possible corruption and the review will be discarded.

Article courtesy of Daniel Hernandez of San Diego Movers.

Sheryl Bilbrey Appears on San Diego 6, Talks Gas Scams

5/25/2011

Posted on 5/25/2011 by
President/CEO Sheryl Bilbrey appeared Monday on San Diego 6 to discuss the growth of gas scams in the past months. CW's Marc Bailey and Bilbrey discussed the types of scams consumers should be aware of and some tips for avoiding them.

If You’ve Recently Asked Yourself ‘What’s That Weird Barcode Thing In The Corner?’…

5/23/2011

Posted on 5/23/2011 by

By Rachel Newman

What’s black and white and appearing all over your favorite magazines and television programs? It’s called a QR code, and no, it’s not a printing or broadcasting error. Rather, it’s the newest way for consumers to access up-to-date detailed information about anything from contests on your local news station to a sale at Macy’s.

These ingenious little codes work just like barcodes. Though, they are all similar in appearance, each is distinguishable from the rest, and when they are photographed by a smartphone, retrieve specific information. QR codes, or Quick Response Codes, are sweeping the nation, but many of us (especially those still nursing a phone with a retractable antenna) may be feeling left in the dust. Here’s a quick FAQ to get everyone up to speed:

What is a QR Code? A QR Code is a small white square with small sections of black covering it. It can be read by the camera of a smartphone, and once read redirects the smartphone user to a webpage instantly.

How are QR Codes used? QR Codes can be used in an endless variety of ways. Though they were originally intended for use by vehicle manufacturers to track parts, today they can be used to market a business or to provide further information on a product or service. QR Codes can most often be seen in magazine or newspaper advertisements, but also have many unusual applications like their use in replacing informational signs on hiking or nature trails.

**Remember: You have to download a QR Code reader app to your smartphone before you can take advantage of the new technology.

Do I have to have a smartphone to be able to access the information in a QR Code? Yes. Short of owning a barcode reader, a smartphone is the only way that users can take advantage of a QR Code.

Why should my business offer QR Codes? QR Codes are rapidly becoming the new way to retrieve information from the internet. Instead of typing in a URL or searching your business over Google, consumers can simply scan your QR code and instantly access your website. Not only does using a QR Code make your business more readily available to your customers, but it also places you ahead of the technological curve. While QR Codes are still taking off in the United States, experts estimate that they will be a household name in five years. Studies show that their usage in the US has risen 4000% over the last year.

Does the BBB offer QR Codes for its Accredited Businesses? Yes, beginning this week, if you are a BBB Accredited Business, you will be able to download and print a new kind of decal for your company. The BBB-provided QR Codes will allow consumers to instantly access your BBB Business Review, and can be used anywhere on any medium.

Where do I begin? If you would like to access your BBB-provided QR Code, read our instructional guide.

Friday Feature Presentation: BBB Online Video Sponsorships

5/20/2011

Posted on 5/20/2011 by

By Erin Levine

It wasn’t long ago that online videos were sort of a mystery to the common internet user. Creating your own video, even to the most savvy businessman or woman, would have involved a shaky webcam and poor sound quality. However, with today’s technology, creating well-made, informational videos for your business can be done easily in-house. But once your editing is complete, how can you get the most exposure possible?

Businesses of all sizes and industries have embraced the online video world as it becomes easier to use and manage, and viewership continues to skyrocket. But with all the online content floating around, a self-release video blog or how-to video can only take you so far. The BBB wants to help our Accredited Businesses and their videos stand out among the rest in a consumer’s search.

Cue the BBB Online Sponsorship Program:

The BBB's Online Sponsorship program allows your business to sponsor consumer education video clips at bbb.org, at an affordable rate, providing consumers with your own original video content. Online movies are a popular phenomenon because they help companies stay connected with their staff, community, and current and potential customers, by providing a positive and interactive experience.

The BBB's Online Sponsorship program does just that. We provide exclusive placement of your banner, logo, and video commercial throughout our website. In fact, your logo will be the only logo displayed on a page at any given time, and will also appear on the Check Out A Business and Search Results pages for your specific industry. Your sponsorship will be displayed on the home page of the highly trafficked bbb.org website, and the video you submit will play before the BBB educational video selected.

This program has been proven to provide sponsors with DOUBLE the average Click-Through-Rate of online video advertisements, and last year over 1.9 million impressions were distributed to the participating Accredited Businesses.

This program is so successful because only one sponsorship is displayed at a time, so you are never competing for a viewer’s attention. Not only are you getting the opportunity to deliver useful information that consumers want, but you are also emphasizing your association with the BBB, and delivering your brand’s message in a positive way.

The BBB is committed to connecting consumers with trustworthy businesses. The BBB’s Online Sponsorship program is another way for us to leverage that commitment, by providing additional exposure opportunities for our ethical Accredited Businesses, and ultimately creating even more opportunities for San Diego consumers to ‘start with trust.’

Let the BBB assist you in providing an educational and memorable experience for consumers! For more information, visit the BBB website.

San Diego BBB Talks Driving School Scams With Fox 5

5/20/2011

Posted on 5/20/2011 by
BBB President/CEO Sheryl Bilbrey discusses Worldwide Driving School's F-rating with Fox 5 San Diego.

Consumer Alert: Don’t Let a Moving Truck Run Over Your Sensibility

5/19/2011

Posted on 5/19/2011 by

By Rachel Newman

It’s that time of year again. As graduates put on robes and parents wield cameras and Kleenex, there is one common thought between them: Their next move. No, not the metaphorical move onto a career or college, but the actual move that requires, boxes, trucks, sweat, dust and a little reminiscing.

For those who don’t know, we are in the midst of National Moving Month. With approximately 13% of the population changing residences each year, May marks the beginning of the busiest season for movers. While most companies have customer service on their mind and your best interest at heart, the BBB warns that there are a great many moving companies that care more about dollar signs than your satisfaction.

These companies comprise the sizable 8,900 consumer complaints your BBB received about moving companies last year. These complaints range from the mild (lost or damaged goods) to the wild (holding your belongings ‘hostage’ until you pay hundreds or thousands of dollars to the company for them to unload their van).

While some might try to strap everything they own to the top of their car (á la an Ikea commercial), more often than not, people on the move hire movers. Hiring a moving company is a smart and usually affordable way to transport your belongings from house to house or city to city without incurring any damage or loss.

So, how do you avoid getting ripped off, and choose a company that will handle your belongings with care? Your BBB suggest these tips:

· Know your rights: Before you begin looking into hiring a moving company, become knowledgeable of your rights as a consumer. Consult with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association’s website for interstate moves, and check your state regulations if you are staying within the region.

· Research a company before you commit: Don’t blindly enter into a contract with a company before you are sure that it is a good fit for you. Check with the BBB, which has over 17,000 Business Reviews on moving companies across the country. You should also make sure that the company you are considering is licensed with the federal government. You can check licensing on the FMCSA website.

· Get an estimate IN WRITING. Verbal or online estimates are essentially meaningless if a dispute arises between yourself and a moving company. Besides being in writing, make sure the estimate is given after a visual inspection of the items you would like moved, and that there is a “Not to Exceed” clause included. This stipulates the maximum amount of money a company will charge in the event there is a problem with the move.

· Take pictures. Much like documenting scratches on the baseboards before you move into a new apartment, don’t let your items go into a moving truck before you have taken pictures to document their condition. This will help to prove your case, if you believe movers have damaged or lost any of your belongings.

For more information on choosing the right moving company, or to request additional information or file a complaint about a particular company, visit the BBB website. For help planning your next move, use the FMCSA moving checklist.

Guest Blog: Why Carpet Stains Reappear After Cleaning — And How To Stop It

5/18/2011

Posted on 5/18/2011 by

By Igor Liokumovich

Homeowners’ #1 complaint is that carpet stains reappear two-three days after the cleaning. Having encountered this problem a few times, many question the purpose of professional carpet cleaning, and some even give up on that. That’s understandable — who wants to waste money? But is there a way to prevent carpet stains from coming back? To answer that, we need to understand what causes the problem.

Say, you were carrying a dish to the dinner table, and you spilled a little sauce on the carpet. If this liquid reached the bottom of the carpet pile and the subsequent cleaning reached only halfway to the bottom, the stain will remain on the lower portion of the fibers. But here’s what takes place next —

Soon after the carpet cleaners are thanked for what looks like an job well done, a physical process called wicking begins pulling the stain upward from the bottom of the carpet fibers — just like what happens in the oil lamp, where fuel is traveling from the tank up along the wick to the burner, where it feeds the flame. A few days are enough for the stain to climb up to the surface, but it may take up to two weeks. The result is the same — the stains and spots are right where they were prior to cleaning, but you are two hundred dollars poorer.

Unfortunately, there is no quick and easy solution for the reoccurring stains problem. But there is labor-intensive and time-consuming one. This is how it is supposed to be done —

Cleaners must vacuum your whole carpet to remove dry soil and agitate the carpet's pile. Vacuuming is critical, yet it is usually omitted. They should also brush in the pre-spray into the carpet's entire surface — not just the high traffic or soiled areas.

Having given enough time to allow the pre-spray to loosen the dirt particles, guys should start deep-cleaning your carpet with slow crossing multiple passes over the same area — to reach to the very bottom of the carpet’s pile — before moving to the next. The advanced pH-neutral cleaning solution needs to bemixed with the hottest water possible, to make sure that no sticky soapy residue is left in your carpet.

If any of the stains or spots persists, cleaners need to re-work those using additional cleaning materials— until spots and stains disappear. But that’s not all —they still need to groom your carpet for uniform appearance and fast drying, and then place a powerful fan in the room to suck the moisture out of the carpet with dozens of mini-tornadoes.

This is about the only way to deal with reappearing carpet stains — but it works.

Article courtest of Igor Liokumovich of Onsite Cleaning Systems.

The Operative Word: You've Got Questions, We've Got Answers

5/16/2011

Posted on 5/16/2011 by

By Mona Terry

In 2010 your BBB Operations staff answered nearly 21,000 calls. We also answered many more emails regarding complaints and general questions. Below are answers to our most frequently asked questions, some of which were touched upon in my last blog:

· I’m having a problem with a company. What do I do? We always encourage consumers to try and work out their concerns with the business first – preferably with an owner or manager. If there is still no resolution, we will invite you to file a complaint with the BBB and refer you to appropriate government/licensing agency (if there is one). We cannot offer legal advice, or our personal opinion, but we can certainly offer referrals to agencies who can offer you advice.

· What is the point of filing a complaint with your organization if you can’t DO anything? Good question! One common misconception about the BBB is that we are a government agency. We are a nonprofit organization, so we do not have the same authority as government agencies to take action against businesses. What we CAN do is report on consumers’ experience and make that information part of a company’s public report in the hopes that other consumers will read this information. We are also a resource for government/regulatory agencies and some news media, and we can only report on what we’re hearing from the public. The dispute resolution process also allows the business an opportunity to respond to concerns – many consumers are able to achieve resolution with BBB intervention that they may not have otherwise received.

· I am an accredited business – or – I am a consumer and there is a filed complaint; isn’t the BBB supposed to advocate on MY behalf? The BBB is a neutral third party in the dispute resolution process. Our goal is to open the lines of communication between businesses and consumers. We do not and cannot act as judge or jury in determining which party is right or wrong. We hope that by being the first step in the dispute resolution process we are able to assist both parties with coming to a mutual resolution. When that isn’t the case, we are happy to offer other alternatives.

· A company I’m about to do business with has complaints, but still has a good rating. Aren’t complaints a bad thing? Not necessarily. Mistakes happen and sometimes there is miscommunication between a business and consumer. And sometimes no matter what a company does to resolve an issue, a consumer is still going to file a complaint and ask for an alternate resolution. What the BBB looks at is how a complaint was resolved, not the fact that a complaint was received. If a company addresses the issues, makes a good faith effort to resolve the dispute, and is communicative with both the BBB and the consumer, then chances are that the company will continue to act in that same manner if there are other disputes. Also, larger companies generate a higher volume of complaints so some companies may have numerous complaints that have not significantly impacted their rating. We become concerned when a company develops a pattern of complaints that is above and beyond the norm for its industry, a company is unresponsive to complaints or does not make a good faith effort to respond to disputes, or when a company receives an extremely egregious complaint, showing an ethical failure by the business or a failure in regards to the product or service that resulted in significant consumer injury.

For more information about BBB, visit the BBB Frequently Asked Questions page on our website.

President's Blog: Claiming Your Place To Increase Your Web Presence

5/16/2011

Posted on 5/16/2011 by Sheryl Bilbrey

BBB President/CEO Sheryl Bilbrey explains how and why all businesses should claim their place on Google, Facebook, Yahoo etc.
Click to watch the video.

Friday Feature Presentation: BBB Speaker's Bureau Has a Voice That Carries

5/13/2011

Posted on 5/13/2011 by

By Sammie Bass

On the surface, your BBB appears to be just a lean, mean complaint-processing machine – albeit, a title we enjoy– but the BBB does more than answer consumer calls and provide feedback on San Diego businesses. We are a charity-fueled organization with a mission to educate and protect every San Diegan with money to spend.

As part of that mission, we developed a program which brings the community’s savviest spenders to the doorstep of your events, meetings or seminars. If you have an upcoming engagement and need a well-versed speaker, the BBB’s Speaker’s Bureau may be just what your association is looking for.

Not only is this a free service provided by your BBB Foundation, a 501©3 organization, but the BBB speakers are carefully chosen based on their knowledge of consumer affairs, and their ability to inform your audience about important marketplace information.

Our speakers discuss a variety of topics relevant to businesses and consumers including:

· How to become a smart consumer

· Tips on how to spot cons and frauds

· How to investigate before you invest

· The 10 most common scams against consumers

· What happens when you call the BBB

· PLUS free information and services available from the BBB

Your BBB’s Speakers Bureau is available to all San Diego consumers, businesses and associations. Just give us a call and we will organize a volunteer to attend your meeting, luncheon or breakfast. The BBB Speakers Bureau will work with you to find the perfect topic for your attendees; the length and type of presentation is up to you.

Interested?

If you would like to have one of your BBB’s Speaker’s Bureau Volunteers come to your event, contact Sammie Bass, (858) 637-6199 ext. 324 at least one month in advance. This free service is based on our volunteers’ availability, so we cannot guarantee a speaker for all inquiries.

Consumer Alert: BBB Urges, Use Caution When Considering Work-At-Home Jobs

5/12/2011

Posted on 5/12/2011 by

By Erin Levine

“Earn thousands of dollars from home, by being part of one of America’s fastest growing industries!”

Sounds promising, right? Be your own boss, no experience necessary, and the ad even says “no risk”. All you have to do is send $100 to get started!

If it sounds too good to be true…

Guess what? It probably is. Work-at-home schemes are one of the oldest types of consumer fraud, originating during the Great Depression in the 1920’s with “envelope stuffing”. However, there are legitimate work-at-home opportunities out there, and the Federal Trade Commission has some great tips on how to avoid being scammed.

Common work-at-home schemes

1. Envelope Stuffing. This scheme causes a continuous cycle of fraud because it usually requires you to pay a small fee to get started, and requires you to solicit the opportunity to other people.

2. Product Assembly. This scheme requires you to pay for your own materials, and to follow very strict instructions. Once you have completed the work, you do not receive payment because it is never “up to standard”.

3. Medical Billing. This scheme usually offers a high wage for full or part – time work processing medical claims. You are required to invest in the software used to process these claims and are promised leads and technical support. Once the investment has been made, the leads given are out of date or not actual leads.

4. Package Forwarding and Reshipping. This scheme entails having packages sent to you (at no cost) and you are provided with instructions to reship the package to another address, generally a P.O. Box. You are then to report back to the company to receive a check. The check could be phony, or since you have no idea what is in the package, you could be sending stolen merchandise, endangering yourself of being an accessory to a crime.

How can you protect yourself?

According to the FTC, the best way to protect yourself from work-at-home schemes is to ask the employer everything that is involved, and request a written response. A legitimate work-at-home program sponsor should be willing to tell you, in writing, the specific tasks involved with the job, whether the pay is salary or commission, when and how you will get payment, and the total cost of the investment. They should also be able to show you documentation that supports their earnings claims.

Before you consider answering an ad for a work-at-home business, make sure to check out the company with your Better Business Bureau, as well as the BBB where the company is located. Because of the high scam risk associated with them, the BBB will not accredit work from home businesses. However, that doesn’t mean that there are not companies that offer this type of work and are reputable. The BBB urges anyone considering entering into a contract with a work-at-home business to exercise extreme caution. Don’t be afraid to ask questions before dropping money on a “too good to be true” work-at-home opportunity.

Guest Blog: 15 Basic Tips for Facebook Business Pages

5/11/2011

Posted on 5/11/2011 by
By Debra Marbut

1. If you have a business page, use it! Post something interesting and informative at least three times per week. You owe it to the Facebook friends you have acquired!

2. Keep all your comments positive and sincere, whether posting on your page or others. Write your posting content on a word or email draft first to be sure it is exactly the way you want to present it.

3. Mix it up and keep your fans interested! Post photos, links, questions, events, discussions and videos, and vary them. All of this can be accomplished without using applications.

4. You don’t need special graphics or applications to have an effective Facebook page! Correct grammar, punctuation and spelling, thoughtful posts and quality photos always make a favorable impression.

5. Take the time to recognize and comment when others post on your page! Everyone likes to feel special. They took the time to comment and so should you.

6. Keep your content original! Copying and plagiarizing is not only poor etiquette, it is unethical. You will be caught in the act and it only reflects poorly on your business. By doing so, you also put the entity you copied from in a position of appearing like a plagiarist, which is definitely not right!

7. Engage your clients, friends and suppliers by inviting reciprocal discussion. Do not make the mistake of talking at your audience. Keep your postings light, informative and even fun!

8. Keep your postings simple. While your page is primarily business to you, remember that your viewers are there for other reasons. No one enjoys wading through long and complicated postings.

9. Keep your page clean! Remove inappropriate comments and obvious spam. Set your filters to medium content so that you can identify and delete foul language immediately.

10. For optimum exposure, be sure to “like” all of your suppliers, vendors, clients and business acquaintances. Remember, Facebook is simply a viral form of networking.

11. Only make claims, offers and comments you are absolutely prepared fulfill! The social media world is smaller than you think. Your reputation can be enhanced or damaged on Facebook.

12. Keep and eye of the Facebook “news feed” and take the opportunity to make thoughtful, pertinent and complimentary comments.

13. Make sure your contact information is in the “about” section so that prospective clients can find you with ease.

14. Watch your “view insights” regularly to determine details of your page activity. You can easily learn what your viewers appreciate seeing on your page.

15. Add additional page administrators if you are unable to regularly monitor and post on your Facebook page. Be certain that you coordinate with other administrators to avoid unpleasant surprises!

Article Courtesy of Debra Marbut, Social Media Consultant for Unicorn Jewelry & Watch Boutique. For more information about Unicorn Jewelry & Watch Boutique, visit their website.

Making Our Mark: BBB B2B Mixers Are A Must For San Diego Businesses

5/9/2011

Posted on 5/9/2011 by

On a sunny, beautiful day most people in San Diego move West toward the beaches, but last Thursday over a hundred of you shuffled inland to a quaint winery, tucked away in Rancho Bernardo where the BBB was hosting its 15^th B2B Networking Mixer.

The BBB B2B Mixers have been growing steadily in popularity since their creation in early 2009, and we are happy to report that our last mixer was no exception. The atmosphere was lively, the wine and food was tasty, and BBB-ers were ready to mix, mingle & win some great prizes provided by our sponsors. So why should you attend? Let me answer that.

Where everybody knows your name, or at least is ready to learn it…

While the idea of networking makes most people, myself included, queasy, as I look on from the registration table, I must admit that the BBB mixer attendees don’t seem daunted. And, no, no one yells “Norm” as you walk in, but as instructed by BBB President/CEO Sheryl Bilbrey, few talk to the same person for more than five minutes and most participants glide through the room with ease greeting old friends and meeting new ones.

“Why is this?” I ask myself. After careful consideration, I believe that the BBB mixers are 1 part trade show, 1 part buffet and 3 parts well-mixed crowd. Though, yes, the comfort of attendees could be because of their drink ticket or the great food they’re dining on, I think it has far more to do with a fairly equal mixture of regular attendees that usher in newcomers with welcoming arms.

Sell. Sell. Sell.

Sure, everyone knows that networking mixers are all about creating leads for your business, but at the BBB mixers, we offer 5-8 sponsorship opportunities. Sponsors arrive early to the mixers and set up a table touting products and services.

The BBB mixers make for a perfect sponsorship opportunities because they provide a needed distraction and an instant ice breaker. Whether you’re a trepid attendee who is looking for an easy conversation or a seasoned-pro looking for a break, almost everyone stops by the sponsorship tables for one reason or another.

Interested?

Our next BBB B2B Networking Mixer is July 7, and, here at the BBB, we are already hard at work to make it memorable. If you are interested in attending or sponsoring, visit our website. Don’t delay spots and sponsorships fill up quick!

Friday Feature Presentation: Can You Feel The Love?

5/6/2011

Posted on 5/6/2011 by

By Erin Levine

Do you love us? Tell us why!

Here at the BBB, our vision is an ethical marketplace where buyers and sellers can trust each other. Our mission is to be the leader in advancing trust in the marketplace by creating a community of trustworthy businesses. We set and maintain high standards of trust and provide unbiased guidance to consumers and businesses alike.

We want the San Diego community to know that we are always striving to achieve this mission. Do you recall a time when the BBB made an impression on you through this endeavor? Show your love by writing a BBB Love Letter. Consumers and businesses are invited to tell us YOUR BBB Love Story. If we have turned a negative situation in to a positive one, please share with us and the rest of the San Diego community.

According to Mona Terry, Director of Operations, “One large part of what the BBB handles is dispute resolution, so staff is accustomed to hearing about problems in the marketplace; problems with businesses, with consumers, with the BBB, etc. It is refreshing, uplifting, and motivating when we hear stories about our hard work coming to fruition: the consumer that was NOT scammed, the business that was able to retain their customer, and the helpfulness of the BBB staff in pointing a business or consumer in a positive direction.”

BBB Love Letters are a way to reinforce our community’s coinciding commitment to trust. Communicating feedback regarding the effect we have on you, your organization, or your neighborhood helps us to maintain a productive relationship with you by encouraging a dialogue and strengthening this partnership, which ultimately strengthens the work that we do together.

Check out who has already shown us some love.

Every relationship should start with trust. Why not follow up with a BBB Love Story?

Consumer Alert: Going Once, Going Twice...Don't Get Sold On Online Auction Scams

5/5/2011

Posted on 5/5/2011 by

By Rachel Newman

I am an Internet shopper. When I tell you that I spend 3 hours a week shopping or bidding online, you can assume that I am just too embarrassed to admit the truth: which is about 5 hours more than what I previously mentioned.

The Internet is famous for making almost every task effortless for its users. It makes correspondence instant: I can email a pen-pal in Indonesia faster than I could dial a phone. It makes shopping a snap; I can buy a vintage dress off an online auction in less time than it would take me to get in my car to drive to a thrift store. Unfortunately, the internet has also made scamming eager (and unassuming) customers easier than ever before.

Internet auctions seem relatively simple. A seller posts an item, gives it a description, maybe adds a picture, and sells to the highest bidder. This is where more consumers run into a problem: payment and delivery. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), consumer complaints are most often the result of non-receipt of goods and delivering an item different than what was advertised.

So, how do you avoid an online auction scam? The good news is you don’t have to quit your online shopping addiction cold-turkey. The bad news: We suggest making your virtual world and reality meet. The number one tip from your BBB is to verify the seller. If you can’t make contact with the seller of an item outside of the hosting site, you should be cautious about doing business with them.

Here are a few other tips that are helpful in your travels through the world of online auctions:

· Check the seller’s feedback. It may not be the end all, be all of reliability, but overwhelming positive or negative feedback can be an effective measure for judging whether or not you want to do business with a seller.

· Research not just the seller and the product, but the terms of sale. You are far more likely to be pleased with your purchase if you know ahead of time if you know how much shipping and handling will cost, who pays for it and the seller’s return policy (just to name a few).

· Establish a top price before you ever lay finger to keyboard. Whether you are apartment hunting, buying a vintage car or bidding on a pristine-condition Chatty Cathy, consider how much is too much before you start a bidding war. If you know your spending limit, then you are less likely to feel later that you impulsively spent money just to win.

· Leave a paper trail. Using money orders, cash or debit cards leaves buyers without many options if they are scammed. However, if you pay by credit card or through a trusted third party like PayPal, you can file a claim against a seller and possibly recover your money if an item is never delivered or if it is not what you expected and the seller refuses to take it back.

· Check the BBB Business Reviews. If you are considering trying out a new online auction site, check the BBB Business Review or give us a call. We’d be happy to give you the skinny before you start bidding.

For more tips and information about online auctions, for both buyers and sellers, visit bbb.org or call (858) 637-6199.

Guest Blog: Reducing Waste to Increase Sustainability

5/4/2011

Posted on 5/4/2011 by

By Ronnie Das

Do you ever wonder what the teenage version of yourself would do in any given situation thrown at you? Maybe he would demonstrate some fearlessness and break you through that mental wall you've built or often times he might be reckless and crash you into a very real wall. But regardless of whether you secretly house an inner rebellious bad boy or a sweet school boy, the process of maturing takes personal management to control, regulate, and enhance your life. Similarly, a government needs to constantly re-examine its policies to make sure a good idea does not become a financial nightmare. A perfect example of a good theory turned bad policy is The People's Ordinance of 1919 which continues to provide free refuse collection for certain San Diego residents.

In a time when only 70,000 people lived in San Diego and mostly organic trash (such as various types of produce as well as meat and leaf litter) was collected for a fee by a private company to be sold to hog farmers, the idea of the government providing a free service and selling the “trash” to pig farmers was a profitable and environmentally sound policy. Now here we are in 2011 when E-waste and plastics are dumped into landfills outside Miramar Air Force Base. That bumpy car ride along the 52-freeway is a result of trash decomposing at different rates. Now, instead of gaining a profit from selling organic waste to farmers, the city spends $37 million dollars a year to collect and dispose of trash in our environment.

Also, citizens who do not receive no-fee trash service must pay a private hauler to collect and dispose of their trash, in addition to supporting the no-fee service received by others through their contributions to the City’s General Fund. All the while, the 304,000 San Diego recipients of the no-fee service never see a bill and are generally unaware of the true cost of this service. Under this ordinance there is no limit on the amount of waste the City will pick up without charge from an individual household, so there is no incentive to reduce waste if you are the lucky ten percent of the city.

The old saying, “don't cry over spilled milk”, does not apply to the way we should perceive throwing out our trash. Reducing our waste is a positive and crucial step towards creating a sustainable future. A landfill releases harmful emissions into the atmosphere that can travel anywhere. The operation of a landfill itself causes noise, dust, and bio-aerosol emissions as well as very real risks to water, and our precious water supply. Watercourses include everything from the ditches located near the landfill, to the rivers and streams miles away. Rain will wash over the landfill, allowing debris, but more commonly, toxins, to wash into these watercourses. As a resident of San Diego who loves the beach, I find this unacceptable.

Let's face it, San Diego is beautiful. We have a choice to either discourage people from entering by making our city undesirable, or preparing for future growth with increasing efficiency, conservation, and recycling.

Creating a more equitable policy , as well as providing economic incentives for the Mandatory Recycling Ordinance to achieve its goal of full compliance would be a great policy to pursue, but an opinion is worthless without the action to make it priceless. The true goal should be reducing waste in whatever ways possible (recycling, composting, construction waste diversion, etc.) so we do not destroy San Diego's beauty. And for that, I encourage everyone in San Diego to take action. Reduce waste to increase sustainability and decrease your footprint to enhance the environment. Its elementary my friends Recycle, Reduce, Reuse to help create a better tomorrow, today!

Article Courtesy of Ronnie Das, Senior Production Manager of RDF Productions. For more information about RDF productions, visit their website.

The Operative Word: One Phone Call Really Can Make A Difference

5/2/2011

Posted on 5/2/2011 by
By Mona Terry

Answering calls from consumers and businesses is a large part of what Operations staff does every day. Answering calls allows the BBB to keep our ear to the ground and hear about the latest scams, common concerns, point callers to various resources, and create and update reports. When dealing with businesses or consumers who are in the middle of a dispute, calls can be a bit time consuming and callers sometimes get heated. We certainly understand the frustration of being involved in a dispute and the BBB staff is here to do all that we can do to help consumers. Unfortunately, sometimes the best we can do is refer someone to a government or regulatory agency, or small claims court, in the hopes that the issue can be resolved at that level. Here are some things that may be helpful to know when calling our office:

You’re probably going to have to put it in writing. As our staff deals with a lot of information from many different sources, we’re more than likely going to ask for information in writing. It helps us ensure we’re getting all the information we need, the information we have is complete, and there are no mistakes made due to misinterpretation. We’re happy to listen to complaint concerns, responses to complaints, changes to business operations, etcetera, over the phone, but ultimately we need most information in writing.

We can get (lots of) information to you in almost any form. The fastest way for us to get information to or receive information from businesses and consumers is online or through email, so we will generally point consumers to specific places on our website, offer email information, or encourage responses and documentation to be sent through our online dispute resolution software. We can also send or receive information via mail or fax, or connect callers to our automated system to listen to reports. We are happy to send information in whichever format you prefer, or in multiple formats, so please let us know your preference. We generally try to give callers a referral agency to contact other than the BBB, an industry tip, and sometimes a list of Accredited Businesses, when applicable, so please ask what information we can provide for you.

We’re here to help … really! There is nothing more rewarding than hearing callers tell us that they avoided being scammed or received great service because of information we provided. And we also enjoy giving consumers and businesses information so they won’t be scammed out of their hard-earned money. It’s important for us to make a difference. Unfortunately, there are instances when our hands are tied. Staff members have to follow both local and national policy, and must remain neutral when giving out information. We can’t give our personal opinion, and we aren’t always the best organization to assist with a situation. When we can’t help, we give information to resources that can. And sometimes we just get thrown for a loop and have to do some digging to find out how to best handle something brought to our attention. Please be patient – we truly do want to help, even if we’re not the appropriate organization to get involved.

So give us a call! We’d love to hear from you.

Friday Feature Presentation: Be Our Guest

4/29/2011

Posted on 4/29/2011 by

By Rachel Newman

A blog can do so much for your business. Whether a social media butterfly or not, everyone benefits from a well written blog. The problem most internet foreigners face: If you don’t have a website or the wherewithal to create your own blog, how do you get all of the information your years of experience have afforded you into the blog-o-sphere? It’s simple: Try a BBB guest spot.

Your BBB now offers both Accredited and Non-Accredited Businesses the opportunity to contribute to our successful blog. From dentists to house cleaners, painters to social media marvels, there is no subject too big or too small. Your BBB welcomes insight from different types and sizes of businesses from all over the San Diego and Imperial Counties.

While contributing to the Guest Blog is helpful to your business’ success, it was created with consumers in mind. The BBB does its best to provide weekly consumer alerts that educate and inform the public, but it’s impossible to provide a supreme level of expertise on every subject we would like to cover.

That’s where you come in: you are a fountain of information, an expert in your field. You are just what our community needs. Our guest bloggers provide unique insight into topics that are ever-present in the lives of consumers.

But what’s in it for you? Tons. Communicating your knowledge is an important public service, but good vibes are far from all that you get for being a BBB Guest Blog contributor. Let me break it down into three simple ideas: Social Media, Search Engine Optimization & Advertising.

Social Media: Once your blog goes live on our website, we give you a shout out. We direct our consumer and business base directly to your article via Twitter, Facebook & LinkedIn.

Search Engine Optimization: Each Guest Blog written for us has a link to the contributor’s website which boosts your rankings on Google.

Advertising: We don’t want to take credit for you work, so we include a by-line with the writer’s name and company in each guest blog. As a website that hosts thousands of visitors per week, you can rest assured that since your blog is featured on our homepage, your name will be more visible to the local consumers in San Diego.

The BBB Guest Blog is a great opportunity for business people in San Diego who want to help the community while helping themselves. So share your knowledge with the world, and feel good about reaping the benefits.

The BBB Guest Blog appears every Wednesday on the BBB Website with a new contributor. For more information or to send in your first, second or third guest blog, email Rachel Newman. Happy writing!

Consumer Alert: Don't Get Schooled By Diploma Mill Scam

4/28/2011

Posted on 4/28/2011 by

By Erin Levine

You do your homework before choosing a company to do business with, right? The same rule should apply when choosing a school to attend or an employee to hire.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), people have been caught buying phony credentials from “diploma mills”, which are companies that sell degrees online for a flat fee, based solely on “work or life experience”. These fraudulent universities victimize students, employers and accredited universities.

There are two types of diploma mills. The first type sells look-alike diplomas to consumers who know it is fraudulent, but need a certification fast for personal or professional reasons. The other type targets unsuspecting potential students, who are offered an unaccredited degree through the mail and are tricked into thinking they are receiving a degree from an accredited university, when in reality, the meaningless degree has no value.

Because popularity in online education has increased, so has the popularity of the diploma mill scam. These fraudulent universities are taking business away from the legitimate schools, and damaging the credibility of nontraditional education. As for employers, if they don’t do the proper research, they could risk hiring someone who is dishonest, or not qualified for the position, increasing potential liability.

Whether you are an employer shuffling through resumes, or a potential student seeking out higher education, here are some tips to spotting a Diploma Mill:

1. A degree earned in a very short time. It takes about four years to earn an undergraduate degree, and up to two years for a master’s degree. Diploma Mills offer students degrees within as little as 30 days of applying. Also be wary of the ability to earn multiple degrees in the same year.

2. The school is not accredited by a recognized agency. Diploma mills may claim to be accredited, but by agencies that may not even exist. You can check out which schools are accredited by a legitimate organization by visiting the U.S. Department of Education's List of Nationally Recognized Accrediting Agencies, a database of accredited academic institutions. Unless the university is accredited by a nationally recognized agency, proceed with caution.

3. The name of the university is similar to a well-known university. These fraudulent schools tend to market online, and may even have a website address ending in .edu, causing further confusion of authenticity. When checking out a school’s website, it could be a diploma mill if tuition is charged per degree, rather than per credit, there are few or unspecified degree requirements with an emphasis on life experience, or if the school is relatively new or has just changed its name.

Not all online degree programs are diploma mills. Do your homework, and contact your BBB or the U.S. Department of Education for more information on accredited education programs.

Guest Blog: Employees come. Employees go.

4/27/2011

Posted on 4/27/2011 by

How California Employers Must Cut a Final Paycheck

By Alicia I. Dearn

A small business owner told me that he has a “zero comeback” policy for employees. Once they quit, they're gone for good, with zero exceptions. As he put it, “You gotta bury the dead and get on with the living.”

I agree, because while I believe in cultivating good employees and long lasting working relationships, I also realize that for some, it's just a job, which pays the bills. Going our separate ways is a fact of life, especially within employment. As awkward and uncomfortable as parting ways professionally can be, there are ways to ensure that as an employer, you know you are handling it the right way.

Here are some basics that every California employer must know about the final day with an employee.

1. Timing: You don't have the liberty of waiting until the next payday to pay final paychecks. If the employee quits with notice of 72 hours or more, their final paychecks must be issued on their last day. If they give you less than 72 hours’ notice, then you have that 72 hour period to pay from the time of notice. If you terminate them, the final paycheck is always due immediately.

2. Inclusion: Final paychecks must include all payouts for bonuses, commissions and vacation/PTO.

3. Location: If the final check is not issued on last day for some reason, then you must hold the paycheck at the normal place of payment for pick up. An employer may mail the check to the employee if it is requested (and it's advisable that this be in writing). Otherwise, hold it until it can be collected.

4. Deduction: Deducting money from a final paycheck is tricky. Do not deduct for advanced wages or loans from final paychecks unless it has been agreed in writing. There are permissible deductions for malfeasance, garnishments and (sometimes) equipment/company property wrongly retained by the employee. Regardless of whether it is from a final paycheck or not, always deduct with extreme care.

Avoiding penalties: Be prompt with the final paycheck, because failure to do so can incur waiting time penalties, for the final paycheck. Waiting time penalties can cost the employer the employee’s wage for an eight hour day times thirty days. For example, a minimum wage employee, even if he is part time or even just on-call, will have a waiting time penalty of $8 x 8 hours x 30 days = $1,920. This penalty only increases for higher salaries, and its application is very rigid. Thus the penalty can be tens or hundreds of times more money than the actual underpaid wage.

Use these basic tips for cutting that final paycheck properly in California. These, as well as other good HR and termination practices will help ensure your status as a Better Business, and hopefully keep ex-employees from returning from the dead to haunt you.

For more information about Alicia Dearn or the Dearn Law Group, visit their website.

Your Company’s Greatest Asset Is You

4/26/2011

Posted on 4/26/2011 by Sheryl Bilbrey

If someone asked you to describe your five best qualities, would you be able to do it? What if they asked you to list off the 5 best attributes of your company? That’s even harder, isn’t it? It’s safe to say that even though most of us love talking about ourselves and our accomplishments in theory, when we’re asked to have an outright brag-fest, we are at a loss for words.

The ability to generate interest in your company via adjectives is an acquired skill. Often times though, business owners’ success relies solely on their ability to network and boast about their company to potential clients and customers. What most of us don’t realize is while the spoken word is important to the success of a business, the words written about your company on your website often hold equal weight.

I was surprised recently when Google Analytics for the BBB website revealed that our About Us page was viewed by nearly 1500 unique visitors in just one month, which makes it the seventh highest ranking page on the BBB site. Of the tens of thousands of pages our website offers, our About Us page is clearly important to the thousands of visitors the BBB website hosts each month.

Soon after making this discovery, I realized that this statistic is probably not unique to the Better Business Bureau. If fact, I would wager that most businesses host substantial amounts traffic on their About Us page without realizing it. Considering that page can give so much rich information about your business to consumers, I would also venture that all of our About Us pages could use a facelift.

Again, talking about yourself can undoubtedly be awkward and take time and practice to be able to execute with ease, humor, and humility, but try the following tips for a successful About Us page, and give your potential customers what they want: the reassurance that they are dealing with the crème de la crème of businesses.

· Know your audience. Just as with the rest of your interactions with customers, your About Us page should be targeted. Before you start writing a mission statement and a history, consider to whom this is aimed, and what that audience wants from you. If you think your customers are looking for extraordinary customer service that’s what you should talk about. But if all they want is a low margin of error and punctuality, then don’t invest space bragging about your great customer service.

· Situation-Action-Result. Writing an About Us page is incredibly similar to writing a resume; you want to establish credibility with your audience. Give them specific examples of why your company is ahead of the rest, and be sure to include the results of all of your hard work.

· Keep it updated. Once is never enough. While your slogan or values may not change every month, your capabilities, features, and clients do. Keeping your information up to date won’t just keep your readers interested, but it can help your Search Engine Optimization, as well.

· Customers don’t put much stock in fake photos. It’s fairly easy for us all to tell whether a photo pictures your employees or a group of models in business casual attire. Drop the stock photos, and try snapping a few shots of your staff working hard. A picture says a thousand words, and you might find that a picture of a happy staff says words like credible, relatable, or hard-working.

It doesn’t need to sound like a sales pitch. Just stick to the facts and accolades, and your About Us page will look new and improved in no-time. For more information about the BBB, visit our About Us page.

BBB appears on KUSI Morning News

4/26/2011

Posted on 4/26/2011 by

Just in time for summer! President Sheryl Bilbrey discusses timeshare scams and F-rated company 5 Star Resort Marketing on KUSI's "Good Morning San Diego." Check out the video for tips on how to avoid getting swindled.

Making Our Mark: Cold Calling For A Cause

4/25/2011

Posted on 4/25/2011 by
By Rachel Newman

I’ve got your digits. Will you answer ‘The Call’?

Cold calling is no fun. The hang-ups and disinterest alone are enough to turn someone off of the practice. Telemarketers can tell you that it can be disheartening when no one wants what you’re selling. Here at the BBB marketing department at this time of year, we are cold calling every day, but it’s not what we’re selling, it’s what we’re giving away that sets us apart.

If you haven’t heard, our 15^th Annual Gerry Wilson Golf Classic is right around the corner. Businessmen and women, who all share an enthusiasm for creating divots on the green, will come together on June 9^th to raise money for our Foundation. This Tournament is the BBB’s only opportunity to raise money to fund our charity programs. Military Line, Student Ambassador and the numerous consumer protection services we provide on a daily basis only survive because of the generous donations we receive from people in our community.

So you don’t like golf?

That’s okay. There is still another great way for you to help us accomplish our mission to protect the consumers living in San Diego: answer my phone call. As we have done in past tournaments, after the last putt is taken, the BBB will host both a live and silent auction with items that have been donated from businesses in the community.

We have received all kinds of donations in the past, like gift certificates, signed Padres memorabilia, even hot air ballooning across the county. There is no donation too big or too small. And to show our gratitude, we give your business a little love. Businesses who donate to our live or silent auction are recognized in the program, seen by hundreds, and on our websites, which is viewed by tens of thousands weekly.

It’s true that cold calling isn’t our primary job in the marketing department, but this time of year, we all take great pride in raising money for a Foundation that does so much good in the San Diego community. So we call and we call again.

Have you heard from us? If you haven’t received a call or letter from us, but are interested in donating to the BBB Foundation, please contact sbass@sandiego.bbb.org or call 858-637-6199.

Friday Feature Presentation: Don't Just Tell Them, Show Them

4/22/2011

Posted on 4/22/2011 by

By Erin Levine

With the abundance of businesses out there claiming to be trustworthy, today’s marketplace can be competitive. How can you emphasize your commitment to trust through your BBB Business Review?

BBB Accredited Businesses can now highlight their products and services by uploading company photos. Uploading photos increases the consumer’s awareness of your company’s products and services, employees, facilities and philosophy. This is a free way to easily customize your business review, letting your company’s intended message shine through.

These photographs can be of your business work space or building, yourself and/or your employees, work you have done, or products you have sold. You can also include your business logo, logos of associations you are affiliated with, and any BBB awards and recognition you may have received.

Taking advantage of this benefit separates your company from the rest, especially since this feature is ONLY available to BBB Accredited Businesses.

When I am researching a product or service, pictures help me visualize who I am choosing to do business with. I am more likely to commit to a business that is willing to show me their commitment to marketplace ethics.

Whether you’re displaying a product, or pictures of your past work, you are taking the opportunity to enhance your credibility as a business. It’s one thing to say you do something, and it’s another to show it.

Don’t just tell your customers they should trust you– SHOW them.

Want to learn more, view our how-to video here.

Consumer Alert: Tips For Your Home Improvement Project

4/21/2011

Posted on 4/21/2011 by

The Better Business Bureau began because of a desire for trust in advertising and ethics in the community. For the last century, the mission of the BBB has remained the same: establishing marketplace trust.

What many don’t know is that your BBB does more than rate businesses and take consumer complaints. Your BBB is a non-profit, non-government organization for the public; we resolve disputes between consumers and businesses, provide consumer alerts and tips on the latest scams, and offer deals and discounts from BBB Accredited Businesses.

Our services are offered free to the public, and our ratings can be trusted because they are based on objective criteria, like proper licensing, length of time a company has been operating, or how a company responds to their complaints. Our fair, trusted method of rating businesses provides consumers with a stable foundation for which to base their purchasing decisions. When using bbb.org, consumers can be confident that they are finding accurate, trustworthy business information to help them with the decision on who to hire for a home improvement job, BBB Accredited or not. Consumers feel an added sense of confidence when hiring a BBB Accredited Business as the BBB has already thoroughly vetted the company.

Your BBB has an extensive list of home improvement specialists. The BBB lists 10 items to be aware of when looking for a home improvement specialist:

· Hire only licensed contractors or landscapers. A Contractors State License Board (CSLB) license ensures that the contractor you are doing business with is upstanding, and is up-to-date on all pertinent information for the industry.

· Check a contractor’s license number. Consumers can confirm a contractor’s license by visiting the CSLB website at www.cslb.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-321-CSLB(2752). Be prepared to give the contractor’s name, license number and business address.

· Confirm the contractor or landscaper has worker’s compensation insurance for all employees.

· Get multiple bids. As is smart with any business deal, you should always contact more than one company to request a quote for the service you need. Your BBB has a quick and easy way to get multiple bids called “Request a Quote.” Just visit bbb.org and click on the “For Consumers” page.

· Ask for references. Hiring a contractor should mirror the same process as hiring an employee. It is in your best interest to check them out as much as possible. Make sure their other customers have been happy with the job they’ve done.

· Read and understand the contract before you sign it. Make sure all project expectations are in writing, and NEVER sign a contract unless you have read and fully understood its terms.

· Don’t pay cash. If you pay by check or credit card you have a documented trail of what you have already paid your contractor.

· Don’t pay more than 10% down or $1000, whichever is LESS. Contractors cannot ask for more than 10% or $1000 for down payment.

· Keep records. Don’t count on the contractor to keep your records for you. Keep a file of all contracts and invoices that are in regards to your project. Staying organized will keep both you and your contractor on track.

· Don’t make the final payment until you are completely satisfied. You may also consider making progress payments, which means paying in smaller amounts as work is completed.

Visit BBB.org to learn more about a business or charity, sign up for consumer tips and alerts and much more. Start with Trust, Start with a BBB Accredited Business.

Guest Blog: BBB Ratings

4/20/2011

Posted on 4/20/2011 by

I’m thrilled and honored to be an accredited member of the BBB. BBB is the only place where the public can go to find true accurate rating of companies they may want to do business with.

When 20/20 aired their poorly investigated story on the BBB’s rating system I was fit to be tied. The BBB is the only true rating system out there that cannot be manipulated. All others can. Pretty strong statement but I’m confident and comfortable making it. I follow all the different rating sites since they directly impact my business. We’ve actually had unfavorable reviews written and posted by competitors. This practice is not uncommon.

I am grateful to report overall we have excellent ratings with the many different rating sites, and we’ve worked hard to earn them. Yet I can promise that others buy their 5 star reviews. While I have not participated, there are companies calling me regularly offering to post positive reviews for a fee. Many companies buy into this. They buy fake reviews, yep fake reviews! I’m not convinced the consumer has figured this out yet. These reviews are easy to spot but you have to do the research. You can click on a review and then the reviewer’s profile/reviews to find some interesting patterns.

Recently in a popular computer magazine, the writer tracked someone named Chappy. All Chappy’s reviews were 5 stars. On August 6^th posted 17 reviews. However, when you look a bit deeper into the detail you’ll see lots of odd/interesting points. On one of those reviews Chappy claims to be Megan M of San Diego. On that same day… posts reviews in the names of Craig B of Denver Co, DG of Chicago IL, Danielle of Minneapolis, MN, Christi of Costa Mesa, CA. Then he claims to be living in Legend Park Apts in Schaumburg, IL yet takes his/her garage door to be fixed in Lake Forest CA! He then goes to a dentist in Boston MD, and uses a Spine Doctor in Chatham NJ. I can go on and on. He reviews one attorney with 5 starts every week.

All complaints are verified by the BBB and the process is followed from start to finish. No way to cheat and no way to manipulate your scores. Pretty easy to know where the true value is to a customer trying to find quality company to do business with.

Love you BBBJ Thank you for providing the best rating service out there! I’m grateful to be associated with an organization that has the best interest in mind of both the consumer and those businesses dedicated to ethical business practices.

Guest Blog: BBB Ratings

4/20/2011

Posted on 4/20/2011 by

I’m thrilled and honored to be an accredited member of the BBB. BBB is the only place where the public can go to find true accurate rating of companies they may want to do business with. When 20/20 aired their poorly investigated story on the BBB’s rating system I was fit to be tied. The BBB is the only true rating system out there that cannot be manipulated. All others can. Pretty strong statement but I’m confident and comfortable making it. I follow all the different rating sites since they directly impact my business. We’ve actually had unfavorable reviews written and posted by competitors. This practice is not uncommon. I am grateful to report over all we have excellent ratings with the many different rating sites, (we’ve worked hard to earn them). Yet I can promise that others buy their 5 star reviews. While I have not participated, there are companies calling me regularly offering to post positive reviews for a fee. Many companies buy into this. They buy fake reviews, yep fake reviews! I’m not convinced the consumer has figured this out yet. These reviews are easy to spot but you have to do the research. You can click on a review and then the reviewer’s profile/reviews to find some interesting patterns. Recently in a popular computer magazine, the writer tracked someone named Chappy. All Chappy’s reviews were 5 stars. On August 6^th posted 17 reviews. However, when you look a bit deeper into the detail you’ll see lots of odd/interesting points. On one of those reviews Chappy claims to be Megan M of San Diego. On that same day… posts reviews in the names of Craig B of Denver Co, DG of Chicago IL, Danielle of Minneapolis, MN, Christi of Costa Mesa, CA. Then he claims to be living in Legend Park Apts in Schaumburg, IL yet takes his/her garage door to be fixed in Lake Forest CA! He then goes to a dentist in Boston MD, and uses a Spine Doctor in Chatham NJ. I can go on and on. He reviews one attorney with 5 starts every week.

The point being that the BBB’ ratings are based on a point system combining 16 elements with a maximum number of points awarded or deducted for each element. There are some elements where the business can only lose points. Elements include type of business, time in business, competency of licensing, complaint volume, unanswered complaints, unresolved complaints, serious complaints, complaint analysis, serious complaints, complaint resolution delayed, failure to address a complaint pattern, government actions, advertising review, background information, clear understand of business, mediation/arbitration and revocation. All complaints are verified by the BBB and the process is followed from start to finish. No way to cheat and no way to manipulate your scores. Pretty easy to know where the true value is to a customer trying to find quality company to do business with. Love you BBBJ Thank you for providing the best rating service out there!!!. I’m grateful to be associated with an organization who has the best interest in mind of both the consumer and those businesses dedicated to ethical business practices.

E-Cigs Trial Offers Turn Out To Be a Total Drag

4/19/2011

Posted on 4/19/2011 by
The Better Business Bureau has received complaints from consumers who tried a free Internet offer for smokeless cigarettes, but ended up being burned when they were unexpectedly charged for the trial.

Not every BBB has received complaints, however consumers in 44 states have filed more than 360 complaints against Direct E-Cig of Naples, Florida and London, England this past year.

Consumers say they ordered what they thought was a free starter kit, only to find out later that the company billed their credit cards for $100, $200, or more.

Direct E-Cig has an “F” grade with the BBB, the lowest possible rating.

In response to complaints, Direct E-Cig told BBB its website states consumers must go through a cancellation process within 15 days “to avoid being billed the full price of the kit of $109.95 and future monthly shipments,” though many consumers were solicited by direct mail and say they never saw the cancellation policy.

Even if consumers are dissatisfied with the product and follow the return policy exactly, the free trial offer will end up costing them money. The website notes that Direct E-Cig charges $7.50 for each opened or missing cartridge and a $10 restocking fee on all returns.

On its website, Direct E-Cig calls its product “a revolutionary electronic smoking device designed as a great smoking alternative to traditional tobacco cigarettes.” The site says smokers can smoke “virtually anywhere, without the flame, ash, tar, or carbon monoxide.”

However, a warning in small print on the company’s site states “This product contains nicotine, a highly addictive substance. It has not been approved by the FDA as a smoke cessation device.”

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has warned consumers about the potential health risks associated with electronic cigarettes. They report that these kinds of products can increase nicotine addiction among young people and may lead them to try other tobacco products including conventional cigarettes.

Your BBB suggests consumers follow the tips when considering taking advantage of any free or low-cost trial offer:

Be wary of committing to a trail offer, especially when you are asked to supply credit card information. Often, these offers require you to pay the full price for the product or automatically enroll you in an ongoing program as soon as the trial period is over.
Consumers often report difficulty canceling their agreements, even if they try to follow all requirements.
Understand, in some cases, these companies can supply your contact information to other businesses.
Check out BBB company reports before doing business. Start with www.bbb.org.

The Operative Word: Why Operations Is So Much More Than A “Complaint Department”

4/18/2011

Posted on 4/18/2011 by

By Mona Terry

When I first tell people that I work for the Better Business Bureau, the first thing I generally hear is “Wow…. so what do you do?” Telling someone I work in the Operations department is like telling someone you’re a doctor, but instead of getting “So… I’ve had this weird pain...” I get “So there’s this one company…” Of course, I’m happy to answer any questions.

So, what exactly is the Operations Department of the BBB and what do we do? In a nutshell, we answer calls, process complaints, develop business reviews, provide outreach to the community about services provided by the Operations department, and perform administrative duties around the office. Let me tell you a little bit more about the first three.

Answering Calls: Operations staff answers calls from both businesses and consumers. We answer questions about new or existing complaints, give referrals, and provide as much pre-purchase information as possible. If a consumer is contacting us before they do business with a company, we can provide them with BBB Business Reviews,industry tips, referrals to a licensing agencies so they can check the status of a license or registration, if applicable, and we can also provide them with a list of Accredited Businesses in an industry. If a consumer is contacting us after they’ve done business with a company we can provide a lot of the same information, as well as information about our complaint process and what we can do to help.

Processing Complaints: The Operations staff uses the BBB’s guidelines for processing a complaint. One of the most common misconceptions about the BBB is that we’re a government agency, so the assumption is that filing a complaint will result in legal action being taken against the company, or a guarantee that the company will resolve a dispute. We think of ourselves as the starting point in the dispute resolution process. A majority of companies are responsive to the BBB and open to working with their consumers. The BBB helps put consumers in touch with a contact at the business that can help them resolve their dispute, but not every company is willing to respond. BBB complaints help open the lines of communication and, we hope, result in both the consumer and business walking away with a feeling of resolution. If we are unable to please both parties through our process, we are happy to let consumers know some of the next steps they can take.

Develop Reports: BBB Business Reviews are generally generated by consumer inquiries or complaints, or companies interested in accreditation and/or maintaining a BBB report. BBB staff sends a Standard Business Questionnaire (SBQ) to businesses to get more information from the business itself and obtains/verifies as much information as we can from public records. We also try to include as much information as possible regarding industry tips, licensing, patterns of complaints, and government actions. We like to call reports with lots of information “beefed up reports.” When we get information regarding significant bad marketplace behavior, we share our report with the media, in an effort to alert consumers, other businesses and government agencies in case they want to look into the business further.

As you can see, we have plenty to keep us busy. Our staff is dedicated to making sure we are constantly learning about our ever-changing marketplace, and educating and helping where we can. For more information about BBB Business Reviews or the BBB’s complaint process, visit BBB.org or call (858) 496-2131.

Have you Requested A Quote lately?

4/15/2011

Posted on 4/15/2011 by

By Erin Levine

If you have gotten a chance to check out the new BBB Business Reviews, you may have noticed the Request A Quote feature. While this is not a new feature, it has been revitalized. Formerly known as BBB e-Quote, Request A Quote has a new name, and a new position at bbb.org. You can now request information directly from a company’s Business Review. Since managing the placement of this consumer and business - friendly feature, BBB Request A Quote inquiries have doubled! This means that your BBB is directing even more consumers to your BBB Accredited Business when they want information on a job, and ultimately want to make smart shopping decisions.

What is Request A Quote?

Request A Quote is a lead-generating program for BBB Accredited Businesses that allows consumers to request information or a specific job - quote via bbb.org. Those requests get sent directly to the company or companies the consumer inquired about.

How Does It Work?

You can use Request A Quote directly from a particular company’s Business Review, or there is the option to go to the Request A Quote page on bbb.org and request information from several BBB Accredited Businesses at once. This feature allows you to narrow your search to businesses within a specific distance, and you can click on any of the companies named to view their individual BBB Business Review. You have the option to contact each company directly, or you can fill out the contact form provided that allows you to describe what type of service is needed, and your preferred contact method.

Who Cares?

Request A Quote is mutually beneficial for businesses and consumers. Businesses get the opportunity to communicate directly with consumers gaining additional customers that they may have not gotten the chance to do business with otherwise, and because these businesses have pledged to comply with BBB standards, this creates an easy, effective method for consumers to work exclusively with companies they know they can trust.

For more information, visit BBB.org and see how Request A Quote can make choosing, or being chosen as, the right business as easy as point-and-click.

Consumer Alert: Is your wallet the only thing getting a workout at the gym?

4/14/2011

Posted on 4/14/2011 by

By Rachel Newman

The time is nearing. It’s almost summer season and that means the second flock of gym goers are suiting up to shed some pounds for that bathing suit. Thoughts of January’s failed resolutions or last year’s holiday binge have passed, and in their place are new, cheery thoughts of treadmills, free weights and personal trainers.

While most gyms keep our hopes alive, and provide a welcoming atmosphere that makes getting fit and healthy enjoyable and easy, there are always a few businesses that are looking to make a quick dollar off the optimism of their clients.

How do these less than reputable companies accomplish this? It’s all in the art of the contract. Even if you consider yourself a savvy consumer, when it comes to signing up at a gym, most of us just shut our eyes and hope for the best.

Are we distracted by the smell of disinfectant and sweat or are gym contracts written intentionally to entrap health seekers? It’s probably neither, but there is most definitely something troubling in play.

In the last 36 months, the BBB received just below 1200 consumer complaints that were in regard to a health club. That is the sixth highest number of complaints received by type of business. Because of that, we want to share with all of our savvy shoppers some tricks to avoid the gym blues:

· Be ready to commit. Signing up at the gym is serious business. Gyms that offer a day-to-day, cancel any time with no penalty, membership are rare, to say the least. Instead, most require customers to sign a contract. Contracts shouldn’t be feared, but you should be ready to stay with a gym for the long-haul before you lay pen to paper.

· Avoid high-pressure tactics. Just because their smiling doesn’t mean they have absolutely altruistic intentions. Recognize when you are being pushed to sign a contract before you understand all the terms. If you feel pressured, take a step back, and reevaluate if this gym is the right place for you.

· READ THE CONTRACT. The BBB has received hundreds of complaints from consumers citing contract disputes. Read and understand what you are signing. Contracts often have caveats that make it difficult for consumers to cancel or suspend their membership. It’s your job as an informed consumer to be aware of these clauses.

· Follow the contract and leave a paper trail. If the contract requires you to show proof of a move or a doctor’s note, make sure you do exactly that. Keep your own personal record of your interactions with your gym when you are trying to cancel. Don’t pay in cash. Write a check or pay with a credit card so that there is proof of what you have paid to them.

· Check the BBB website before you make a decision. Even if the gym you are looking at seems like a perfect fit, always make sure to check their BBB Business Review before you make a final decision. We are a great resource for finding the most reputable businesses.

For more information about scams and alerts or to learn more about reputable gyms in San Diego, visit BBB.org or call (858) 496-2131.

Guest Blog: How is that $10,585 trust tax working out for you?

4/13/2011

Posted on 4/13/2011 by

If you own or manage a business, consider the expense from years of bad behavior. It’s most likely not your bad behavior. It’s the bad behavior of a competitor who does not have integrity. It’s the bad behavior of the few that generates newspaper headlines that create a general distrust of all business.

Let’s turn to the most recent Edelman Trust Barometer¹. According to the survey results, if I went to your neighborhood and talked to ten people who live near you, more than half would not trust your business to do the right thing. It’s not your fault the proverbial rotten apple is starting to ruin the whole barrel of apples. Ouch.

A recent MarketWatch column² concluded skepticism is the new world order. Double ouch.

Perception is reality and the perception is, “Business can’t be trusted.” Beat your chest and claim to be ethical. Talk ‘til you’re blue in the face trying to convince people you act with integrity. You’re still paying the price for the lack of ethics and integrity on behalf of the few and the resulting skepticism and mistrust by the many.

If you need more convincing that you’re paying a heavy price, look at the recent Small Business Administration report³ that finds regulation costs American business $1.75 trillion per year, and costs small businesses — those with fewer than 20 workers — $10,585 per employee. In fact, the SBA study shows small business carries a regulatory burden 36% greater than large businesses (those with 500 or more). Count the number of employees in your shop and do the math. I call it a trust tax. Triple ouch.

What are you going to about it?

The Better Business Bureau is looking for companies ready to say: “Enough is enough! We’re better than this. Our customers deserve more than what the marketplace offers.”

The BBB believes that when a group of people join together and raise hands, pledging to uphold a universal set of standards to advertise honestly; tell the truth; be transparent; honor promises; be responsive; safeguard privacy; and embody integrity⁴, everyone wins. The business community makes a bold, powerful statement to be counter-culture, to build trust, acting with ethics and integrity. The customer gains a new level of confidence and is armed with real-world experiences that are 180-degrees different than the headlines.

If you own or manage a business that is a BBB accredited member, thank you for taking the stand. Uphold the standards, tell your employees and customers why and how you uphold the standards – and remind them you believe so strongly in ethics and integrity that you belong to the BBB. Display the BBB Trust Torch logo with pride.

If you own or manage a business that you can honestly say lives up to the BBB Standards for Trust, consider yourself invited to join this small but growing group of companies actually doing something to combat the survey results and trust taxes by taking a stand for self-regulation.

From Frank Luntz’ most recent book, Win: The Key Principles to Take Your Business from Ordinary to Extraordinary:

“This is the era of integrity, of voluntarily going above and beyond federal guidelines, ethics codes, ground rules, and moral obligations. It is the era of continual improvement, and never settling for the status quo. No matter your past successes or failures, communicating that you’re always striving to do more – and do it better – wins the hearts, minds, and consumer dollars.

No one trusts the government to get anything right. So if all you’re doing is complying with minimum standards, then you immediately wrap yourself up in the government’s shroud of ineptitude. You must go higher.”

Bottom line: The BBB believes in a higher standard through self-regulation. When businesses set out to do the right thing and turn to the BBB as an accountability partner, we can all win and break free of the status quo - winning the hearts and minds of the people we serve. Once we win the trust, we earn the dollars.

1. http://www.edelman.com/trust/2011/uploads/Edelman%20Trust%20Barometer%20Global%20Deck.pdf

2. http://www.marketwatch.com/story/global-trust-in-business-is-on-the-rise-2011-03-11

3. http://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/rs371tot.pdf

4. BBB Standards for Trust: http://snake-river.bbb.org/bbb-accreditation-standards/

BBB Appears on Fox 5 News Story

4/13/2011

Posted on 4/13/2011 by
In the last 20 months, consumers have registered 67 complaints with your BBB regarding vacation-marketing company Five Star Resort Marketing. Take a look and a listen to your BBB as we explain what you should know about this F-rated company on this morning's Fox 5 news broadcast.

First Lady’s ‘Joining Forces’ Initiative Complements BBB’s Military Line

4/13/2011

Posted on 4/13/2011 by

First Lady Michelle Obama’s Initiative “Joining Forces” will be announced this week as a program focused on encouraging the nation to support military and their families. The Better Business Bureau’s Military Line, active in San Diego since 2008, is likely to be mentioned as part of the initiative.

As part of San Diego BBB’s mission to inform and protect consumers county-wide, Military Line was created. The program supports and provides consumer-related services to soldiers and their families through 90 minute presentations to soldiers by BBB staff.

“The opportunity to go out to each local installation and share the education I’ve gained through working at the BBB is invaluable. The BBB has such a wealth of information, and I enjoy being able to share what I’ve learned with the marketplace at large, and the military specifically,” said Mona Terry, BBB Director of Operations and local Military Line manager. “Knowing that the information I provide may keep someone from being taken advantage of, now or in the future, makes me proud to be the lead of this program.”

BBB Military Line lends a hand in military personnel education. With the help of the BBB, soldiers, who are often preyed upon by unscrupulous scammers, are empowered by BBB Smart Consumer Workshops to seek out good information and assistance using the Better Business Bureau system.

The BBB has reached over 1,000 service members in its three year tenure on Naval Bases at 32^nd Street, Coronado and Point Loma, as well as the Marine Corps Air Station, the Coast Guard base, Camp Pendleton and Marine Corps Recruit Depot. Terry, the BBB speaker, has even paired with the United States Secret Service during one of her presentations.

First Lady Obama’s Initiative is a call to action for the entire nation to devote the same time and caring to our armed services. The BBB is encouraged by the San Diego community’s support of the local program and looks forward to the impact Joining Forces will have not only locally, but nationwide.

For more information on BBB’s Military Line, visit the BBB website at http:// sandiego.bbb.org/Military/ or call (858) 496-2131.

###

Rachel Newman

Public Relation and Marketing Coordinator

Better Business Bureau, San Diego

(858) 637-6199

Rnewman@sandiego.bbb.org

Rent San Diego Properties, a drain on renters and property owners

4/13/2011

Posted on 4/13/2011 by

March 16, 2011 (SAN DIEGO) - As a result of 93 consumer complaints filed in the last 36 months, the Better Business Bureau is issuing a warning to consumers regarding the services of Rent San Diego Properties, a local property management firm.

Though complaints vary, the vast majority of past consumers report that Rent San Diego Properties requires an $88 upfront fee in return for sharing their rental listings. After the consumer receives the list, they often find that the properties listed are already inhabited, or misrepresented by the company in order to expand their database.

“Per the contract, if Rent San Diego Properties did not provide me with at least three available rental properties meeting my criteria within the first five days, I was entitled to a full refund, provided I notified them within 10 days,” explained past customer Alicia Mertz. “So I faxed a refund request, stating explicit details about why the terms were not met. I was told that my request was invalid.”

Rent San Diego Properties primarily advertises its property listings over Craigslist. They lead perspective consumers back to their website with the promise that they can provide clients with the most exclusive and coveted properties in the city. While Rent San Diego Properties operates almost solely over the internet, they have a local office at 7966 Arjons Drive in San Diego and provide the same services in Orange County.

The BBB has also fielded complaints from concerned property owners, as well as consumers, who have seen their property advertised through Rent San Diego without their prior consent. A 17-year veteran in the rental business, property owner Jean-Marie Barbara contacted the BBB citing that the company duplicated his listing.

“This company has never contacted us to ask if they could advertise for us and we certainly never heard of them. In fact, all they are doing is taking away [from] our business by directing potential tenants to other apartments or units,” said Barbara. “This is plain wrong.”

A recent investigation of current Rent San Diego Properties uncovered:

· Nine different phone numbers under which the company operates. Within the last eight days, each phone number had an average of 70 listings attached to it on Craigslist alone.

A BBB investigator contacted Rent San Diego Properties, posing as a potential client, and spoke with a Rent San Diego Properties customer service representative who confirmed that there is a “one-time application fee” of $88.

The company representative also confirmed to our investigator that perspective tenants “pretty much” have to go through Rent San Diego Properties to see the Craigslist property, and that there is no other way to contact the landlord or property manager. They also guarantee placement to callers, citing that perspective clients don’t have to pay until they have seen the listings.

The BBB contacted Laverne Bosse, owner of Rent San Diego Properties, who has a Prepaid Rental Listing Services license with the California Department of Real Estate. She claimed that Rent San Diego Properties entertains nearly 10 new clients each day, and around 75 total clients a week.

When asked if she thought her listings were misleading or false, Bosse explained that her staff asks clients what they are looking for in a rental property and then “shows them exactly what we have.” She denied claims that the listings were, or have ever been falsified.

“We don’t guarantee [that the leads] are exclusive,” said Bosse. “We aren’t working exclusively with landlords.”

While the service that Rent San Diego Properties and other prepaid rental listing companies provide is not illegal, the BBB recommends consumers:

· Use extreme caution when dealing with anonymous internet listings. Never exchange money or personal information until you have seen the property or have signed and understood the contract.

· Ask questions. Know what you need and want to ask before paying or signing anything, and always verify the answers.

· Read the contract or lease. Using prepaid rental listing services can ease the stress of finding a new place to live, but make sure you are knowledgeable of the actual service a company is offering, their refund policies and service charges before entering into a contract.

· Check the BBB Business Review before deciding on a company.

The non-profit organization Better Business Bureau of San Diego and Imperial Counties opened in 1921, and is San Diego’s largest county-wide business membership organization with more than 6,300 accredited businesses and charities. The BBB promotes business ethics through voluntary self‑regulation, consumer and business education, and helps consumers with free pre‑purchase information and consumer protection advice, including business reviews on more than 101,000 local companies. Before buying decisions are made, consumers are encouraged to phone the BBB's free 24‑hour Consumer Helpline at (858) 496‑2131 or (800) 600‑7050, or visit the website at bbb.org, to obtain free pre-purchase information and a list of BBB accredited businesses by type of industry.

###

Rachel Newman

Public Relation and Marketing Coordinator

Better Business Bureau, San Diego

(858) 637-6199

Rnewman@sandiego.bbb.org

Check Out The New Business Reviews

4/12/2011

Posted on 4/12/2011 by Sheryl Bilbrey
President Sheryl Bilbrey discusses the new Business Reviews on the BBB website. Read important information about, or 'Request A Quote' from, thousands of businesses and charities before you consider hiring them.

Watch the video.

Making Our Mark: New Facebook Page Is All For You

4/11/2011

Posted on 4/11/2011 by

By Rachel Newman

You may have noticed recently our absence in your Facebook universe. If not, we sure have noticed your absence in ours.

About a month ago, we left our 650+ loyal Facebook fans for a new frontier. We started a new Facebook page from scratch, building our fan-base up from that all too terrifying number zero, and we did it all for you. We can boast easier searching, and new contests and perks for our new fans, but, truth be told, we miss most of you who have yet to make the switch.

I know what you’re thinking, but yes, it’s worth it, and let me tell you why.

· Easier searching: We want to make it as easy as possible for our fans to find us not just on Facebook, but on all of our social media pages. By changing our page name to match our Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube pages, we are helping all of you reach us with more ease.

· Milestones: Who doesn’t like to have their company’s name heralded all over the Internet? Even better, if you win one of our Milestone Competitions, you get a shout out with the BBB name behind it. Be our 250th fan, and win the next Milestone Shout-Out!

· Fan of the Week: Could you be #1? Every week, the fan who participated most on our page wins a shout out for their company on all of our social media pages and is featured on our Facebook page for the entire next week. We always want to hear from you, but now you even get rewarded for it. Check out this week’s Fan of the Week.

· Contests: We want to reward you for supporting your BBB. Our contests will allow you to participate and earn you some great swag! We want everyone to get involved in our first contest, “Where in the SD is your BBB?” And what do you win? A $50 gift card provided by Cohn Restaurant group! Rules and updates coming soon!

· Easy to Access Features: Now, our Facebook fans can check out a business or charity, access Accreditation information, file a complaint and more with just the click of a button from our landing page. We want to make it as easy as possible for our fans to use the best of what San Diego BBB has to offer.

Our new Facebook page at ‘San Diego BBB’ hasn’t been the same without you. What can we say? We may be a little sentimental, but we miss you all. If you want to check out all of our new offerings as well as stay up to date on the great benefits we’ve always provided like blog and consumer updates, YouTube videos, great pictures and more, then “Start With Trust. Start With A Like.”

Friday Feature Presentation: New BBB Business Reviews

4/7/2011

Posted on 4/7/2011 by

By Erin Levine

The commitment to ethics in the marketplace should be consistent, but consumers’ needs will always change. By redeveloping the BBB Business Reviews, your BBB is responding to the demand for easy-to-use and easily accessible dynamic online content. While the BBB still delivers information on over 4,500 local companies a day, the new, easily accessible and user friendly layout provides even more information to consumers.

Regardless of the type of purchase I want to make, I research a company on bbb.org to decide which companies to trust and which to avoid. Now when checking a company’s review on bbb.org, I see the main elements of the review at a glance via the tabbed layout. With just a click, I can view the company’s rating, detailed complaint history and their contact info.

The new format also makes it easier to differentiate between Accredited and non – Accredited businesses because it prominently shows the BBB Accreditation date, and only BBB Accredited Businesses have the option to include photos and videos, allowing me the opportunity to get to know who I am doing business with. Even directions and a map to the company’s location are included, so as soon as I make my buying decision, I can quickly contact the company.

As if all of these new features don’t make it easy enough to make smart shopping decisions, “Industry Tips”, are now included, giving the consumer helpful information and guidance regarding the type of purchase they are about to make. You can even recommend the company to a friend or bookmark and share the information on social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter.

Businesses can now make the most of their accreditation and leverage their commitment to ethics in the marketplace, and consumers can form a more personalized relationship with those they do business with. When you check out a business on the BBB website, you are taking another step closer to an ethical marketplace where buyers and sellers can trust each other.

Consumer Alert: Sun, Fun & Scams

4/7/2011

Posted on 4/7/2011 by

By Rachel Newman

The old adage is that a picture is worth 1000 words, and surely a word like summertime elicits even more than that. Palm trees, sandy beaches, cut-off shorts, kids running out of school throwing papers into the air, and, of course, condo rentals and timeshares in exclusive vacation spots.

Buying a vacation home, though tempting, isn’t an attainable option for most people. While in a poor economy, people look for affordable options for vacations, and timeshares are often one of those avenues. Buying a vacation timeshare is a cheaper alternative that thousands and thousands of people take advantage of each year.

The problem: Timeshares do allow you to escape some of the big expenses of owning another property, but, despite common belief, owning a timeshare is in no way like renting a hotel.

Timeshares often include mortgage payments and other expenses, like property taxes, maintenance fees (which can rise on a yearly basis), closing costs and travel expenditures, just to name a few. The BBB suggests taking these tips into consideration before buying a timeshare or vacation interval.

· Evaluate the location and quality of the timeshare. You want to do business with a reputable company in a location that you can see yourself visiting often in the long-term. Check BBB Business Reviews for information on timeshare companies at BBB.org.

· Understand not just the benefits, but the obligations of buying a timeshare. Though the cost may be lower than buying a second property, it does not mean that additional costs don’t exist. There are maintenance fees and property taxes on every timeshare sold.

· Read and understand the contract before you sign. Be aware of cancellation policies and other fees. Ask someone who has experience in real estate to read the contract to ensure that you are getting a fair deal.

· Always cancel in writing. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) suggests that when canceling a purchase, you should always send a letter through certified mail with a return receipt request. That way, there is documentation of the interaction.

· Be cautious of buying outside of the United States. If you buy a timeshare with a company that operates outside of the US, they do not have the same obligations, and you will not be protected under US law.

To stay up to date on the latest consumer alerts, sign up to receive the monthy BBB Consumer Alert eNewsletter. For more information about timeshare companies and tips before you buy, visit BBB.org or call (858) 637-6199.

BBB Guest Blog: Tips That Will Have You Painting The Town Red

4/6/2011

Posted on 4/6/2011 by

The most challenging part of getting our homes painted today is the same challenge we face with any "big ticket item." Cost. So we've all become shoppers!

Trouble is, that same as the ingredients that go into the can of paint reflect what you've paid for, and the quality you thus acquired, determining just about everything about the product... i.e. color, coverage, longevity, etc., so does the selection of your contractor.

If you do your research, prior to hiring your contractor, focusing on results, above all else (even cost), like turning in the direction of a skid when you drive on ice, doing the counter-intuitive thing here is where you can benefit the most over the long-run. Spending a little extra before the paint goes on, can be the key to determining how long it will stay there.

Elastomeric paints, a rubberized, thick, flexible, waterproof coating, if and when properly applied, is capable of saving your investment many times over with the passing of time. Yet it protects and beautifyies your home in ways that a cheap job could never do from day one.

Like insuring that a vendor is BBB certified or a contractor is licensed, researching paint technologies and alternatives can, make all the difference on ballooning expenditures over time. There are even products out there that carry a guarantee no shorter than your own life-span!

Article courtesy of Marcelo Bermann of American Painting. For more information about American Painting, visit their website.

Choosing the Right Contractor

4/5/2011

Posted on 4/5/2011 by

Choosing the Right Contractor

Spring is the season when many home owners decide to invest in home improvements. However, pick the wrong contractor, and you can end up literally living with your mistake for quite a while. This is why it is extra important to do your research when it comes to home repair.

Traveling contractors tend to emerge when the weather starts to take a turn for the better. They may knock on your door, unsolicited, and offer cheap or discounted repairs.

Traveling business are inherently extra risky because they leave the area after the job is complete, leaving you with few options if something goes amiss. Also, there probably aren’t too many other homeowners in the area who have experience with them, so doing your homework is difficult.

The Better Business Bureau also warns that materials and workmanship of traveling contractors may be less reliable than local businesses. They sometimes try to persuade you to use asphalt leftover from a job down the street or leftover fence materials at bargain prices. Some will entice you with promises of steep discounts if you allow them to put their sign in your front yard.

Some homeowners get lucky and the job is done well, but many more homeowners are left with a leaky roof, wobbly fence or no finished work at all.

The Better Business Bureau advises:

• Don’t be rushed into making a decision to hire a contractor. Take time to ensure the business is local and has a track record of reliable workmanship. Visit www.bbb.org and click “Check Out a Business or Charity” to read the BBB Business Review, which includes the company’s BBB rating (A+ plus to F) along with the complaint history and company contact information. The BBB maintains a database of 4 million businesses nationwide – both BBB Accredited Businesses and those that are not.

• Call references, don’t just ask for names! Ask if the job was performed as agreed upon and if they were satisfied with results.

• Check to see if the contractor has all required licenses and insurance.

• Ask for a written contract and read it to ensure everything that was discussed is included. Make sure it includes all details of the job.

For more information and resources, visit www.bbb.org.

BBB Warns Consumers, Be Wary Of Phishy Emails

4/4/2011

Posted on 4/4/2011 by

By Rachel Newman

If you’ve shopped online or joined a mailing list for several of the United States’ largest companies, it may be time to heighten your security settings.

Dallas-based email marketing company Epsilon reported over the weekend that its consumer email list has been hacked. Epsilon, which sends out over 40 billion emails a year for over 2500 companies, is cooperating with authorities and claims that no credit card or housing information was gained by the hackers.

"The information that was obtained was limited to email addresses and/or customer names only," a spokesperson for the company said in a press release. "A rigorous assessment determined that no other personal identifiable information associated with those names was at risk."

Despite assurances that customer’s personal information is safe, the BBB is warning consumers to be on high alert for spam or phishing emails from hackers on an immediate and long-term basis. These emails will use high-pressure tactics in an attempt to extort personal, financial information from the victims of the Epsilon hack.

Consider the following tips to avoid phishing and computer hackers:

· Don’t open emails that are suspicious. It’s relatively common knowledge that you shouldn’t open an email that touts “FREE FREE FREE” or “VIAGRA CHEAP” in the subject line, but the landscape of email viruses has changed in the last few years. Now, viruses can appear as if they are coming from someone in your contacts. Make sure to monitor subject lines, even if you know the sender, and if you are the victim of an email virus, immediately warn your contacts because they are the next target. After that, change your password often over the next few weeks.

· Don’t give out personal information through email or a pop-up screen. Use software to keep information safe, and only give out your information over a secure connection (https) on the company’s website.

· Don’t click on links that ask for you to enter your personal information. These links often lead to dummy websites that are impersonating the real company in the interest of gaining your financial information.

· Use a firewall. Even though hackers usually affect large company websites that does not mean that home networks are completely safe. With a firewall in place, you can control your security, and filter what information from the internet is safe and what is not.

· Back up your information. Viruses can affect just your email, but, too often, they spread throughout your entire computer. While buying a new computer can be painful, losing pictures, documents and music can hurt even more. Once a month, once a week, even once a day, take the time to back up information that you can’t live without.

The following companies have been listed by Epsilon as being affected by the hack:

- AbeBooks

- Ameriprise Financial

- Barclays Bank of Delaware

- Best Buy

- Brookstone

- Capital One Financial

- Citigroup

- The College Board

- Disney Destinations

- Home Shopping Network

- JPMorgan Chase

- Kroger

- L.L. Bean

- Marriott Rewards

- McKinsey & Company

- New York & Company

- Ritz-Carlton Rewards

- TiVo

- U.S. Bank

- Walgreens

Friday Feature Presentation: Good Ethics, Good Business

4/1/2011

Posted on 4/1/2011 by

By Erin Levine

Do you want to be in the rotation?

The BBB website has some new faces in circulation. Recently, we changed our homepage to feature our Torch Award winners from 2010. Throughout all of 2011, these winners will be featured on our website, which is only one of the benefits of being chosen as an example of ethics in the San Diego marketplace.

Not only are Torch Award winners featured on the home page of the highly trafficked bbb.org website, they benefit by gaining the unprecedented opportunity for public recognition and well-deserved visibility, and are celebrated for the high standards of which they have dedicated themselves. Check out our website today to see who 2010’s Torch Award winners were, or CLICK HERE .

Not in the know?

The BBB Torch Awards for Marketplace Ethics recognizes those businesses and organizations that have shown their commitment to fair and honest business practices by turning in a comprehensive entry that reflects that commitment. A panel of independent judges selects a company from each size category to receive this award, and those companies move on to the Council of Better Business Bureau’s International Torch Awards for Marketplace Ethics competition.

2011 entries are due by 5pm on Wednesday, August 31, 2011, and the winners and finalists will be announced at a special awards luncheon on Tuesday, December 6, 2011. See the 2011 ENTRY CRITERIA HERE.

Organizations that are committed to ethics know that trust in the marketplace is the key to their company’s survival and growth. Maintaining ethical behavior is fundamental to building relationships, and ultimately, building trust. Not only is the commitment to ethical business practices responsible, it’s just good business.

BBB Consumer Alert: Jamaican Sweepstakes Scam Is On The Rise

3/31/2011

Posted on 3/31/2011 by

It’s not a new story. The phone rings and, much to your surprise, you’ve won a sweepstakes. You are set to receive thousands, even millions of dollars. Stop and think. Is there something suspicious about this phone call? If you have never entered a contest or sweepstakes, then that should be your first clue.

The BBB is seeing resurgence in the Jamaican Sweepstakes scam that became commonplace summer of last year. While this scam has no specific target, it is fairly easy for consumers to identify.

Reports of this scam are all very similar: You receive a call from an 876 area code (which is located in Jamaica), and there is a voice with a strong Jamaican accent on the other end. You have been chosen to receive boatloads of cash, but only if you are willing to provide the caller with your bank information or credit card number. When you seem hesitant, you are either notified that the call is coming from the BBB, or you are given a number, identified as a BBB phone line, so that you can verify the information. Naturally, both assurances are lies.

The BBB recommends that if you receive one of these calls you do the following:

· Inform whoever is on the other end of the phone that you know it is a scam.

· Hang up as quickly as possible.

· Never give out your personal information or pay an advance-fee.

· Call your local BBB to report the incident.

· Remember that while scammers can be convincing, foreign lotteries and sweepstakes are illegal.

While your local San Diego BBB has not received any complaints as of yet, there have been several incidents around the country in places like Washington and central California. The BBB is concerned that these occurrences are indicators of a reemergence of this scam, and are encouraging consumers to use the utmost caution in dealing with contests and promotional offers that they receive over the phone or online.

To stay up to date on the latest consumer alerts, sign up to receive the monthy BBB Consumer Alert eNewsletter. For more information about telephone scams and tips to avoid them, visit BBB.org or call (858) 496-2131.

Guest Blog: Windows 7 Service Pack 1 is Here

3/30/2011

Posted on 3/30/2011 by

Just in case you were not aware, service pack 1 for Windows 7 is now available. When Windows XP service pack 2 released there were significant security enhancements that made it very important to install. The service pack for Windows 7 generally does not have security enhancements unless you have not been keeping your copy of Windows 7 up to date. Eventually Windows XP service pack 3 was required if you wanted further security updates and bug fixes. There will be security updates and bug fixes for Windows 7 for some time to come.

Windows 7 service pack 1 does add some fixes and enhancements for a few things, but overall is not a critical update. So, should you install service pack 1? If you are a business then it makes sense to start testing it and make sure that there are no conflicts with your business programs. Newer PCs will start shipping with the service pack already installed.

If you are a home user then you might want to wait a few more weeks to see if problems arise with the service pack. Personally, I just went ahead and installed the service pack and have noticed no differences on my computer. Eventually you will need to install the service pack to maintain a supported operating system, but there isn’t a compelling reason for most people to hurry up and install immediately.

It might be easier to just install it and not have to remember. It does take a while for the installation, so plan on having half an hour without the use of your computer after you being. It might not take that long, but it’s always good to error on the side of caution.

Microsoft does have a page about how to install Windows 7 Service Pack 1 at http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff817622%28WS.10%29.aspx. I didn’t find it necessary to read it first, but it certainly would not have hurt!

I do recommend that you install the service pack, but it is not an urgent need.

If you have any questions about this or other security topics, feel free to email me at AskESET@eset.com

Article courtesy of Randy Abrams, Director of Technical Education at ESET North America.

Spring Cleaning Tips

3/30/2011

Posted on 3/30/2011 by Sheryl Bilbrey
Sheryl Bilbrey, BBB President/CEO, shares tips for anyone looking to do a little spring cleaning. Watch the video.

Event Ticket Scams

3/30/2011

Posted on 3/30/2011 by Sheryl Bilbrey
March Madness making you crazy? As the Aztec basketball games sell out, ticket scammers run rampant. Watch this blog for what you can do to avoid paying the big bucks for fake tickets. Watch the video.

Phishing Scam for Tax Season

3/30/2011

Posted on 3/30/2011 by Sheryl Bilbrey
President Sheryl Bilbrey discusses the latest phishing scam effecting those who file their taxes online. Watch the video.

Spring Cleaning Tips

3/29/2011

Posted on 3/29/2011 by Sheryl Bilbrey
Sheryl Bilbrey, BBB President/CEO, shares tips for anyone looking to do a little spring cleaning.

Making our Mark: Marketing Isn't All Pool Parties and Pony Rides

3/28/2011

Posted on 3/28/2011 by
By Rachel Newman

I have a mustache necklace. I wear it often and with purpose. Recently, a coworker, who witnessed me using the necklace as if it was an actual mustache, questioned whether or not I was a small child hiding out in a twenty-something’s body? This naturally spurned a conversation about why marketing seemingly has more fun than other departments.

Of course, I reasoned that at the BBB, marketing has more fun because of the small pool, clowns and photo booths we keep hidden from the rest of the staff, but, in reality, I started thinking of how, more often than not, marketing is misunderstood by the general public.

So I thought that in this first “Making our Mark” marketing blog, I would begin by explaining what it is that we do and why it is entirely crucial to the BBB’s future success.

· Create. At the BBB we create over ten different programs through which our Accredited Business can advertise. In our Marketing Program, we cover newspapers, radio, television and the internet in an effort to meet the promotional needs of our Accredited Businesses.

· Communicate. We tell a story. We communicate our BBB brand and voice to the masses, giving our organization personality and credibility. We look to establish trust in the marketplace and in each of our communities, and we do this through our public relations and social media efforts.

· Deliver. We deliver B2B mixers and unparalleled events like our annual Gerry Wilson Golf Classic and the Torch Awards for Marketplace Ethics. All of our events support the BBB Foundation which serves to protect and inform consumers in San Diego and Imperial Counties.

· Retain. We work every day to bring new benefits to our Accredited Businesses to continue to satisfy their needs: whether that is updating our website, providing an easy Request A Quote service to their consumers or mailing out new BBB seals and decals so that Accredited Businesses can promote their ethics and trustworthy business practices.

While that is only a small sample of the work that we do at the BBB to market our brand to consumers and businesses, I hope that it gives reason to the idea that not only to we have a ton of fun at the BBB, but that we are also working hard to please all 6300+ Accredited Business and the infinite amount of consumers that we serve every day.

For more information about Accreditation or our 2011 Marketing Program, visit BBB.org. Fan us, follow us, link up with us, or watch us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube by searching “San Diego BBB.” We hope to connect with you soon.

Smart Shopping With The BBB Yellow Pages

3/25/2011

Posted on 3/25/2011 by

By Erin Levine

I think of myself as a smart shopper. I always do my research before choosing a company to do business with, whether it’s as simple as making an online purchase for new shoes, or a bigger purchase, such as trying to choose the right auto mechanic. Even though I have worked at the San Diego Better Business Bureau for 4+ years, I still need assistance in making smart shopping decisions, especially for those larger, more important purchases that I may not have had much experience with yet.

If you are anything like me, you probably have stacks of old directories piled up, maybe because you haven’t made it to the recycling center yet or maybe because you just aren’t sure which one is the most appropriate directory for your needs. As a consumer myself, I always choose companies that are accredited, because I know that if I am doing business with an accredited business, I am doing business with a company I can trust. So naturally, I choose the BBB Yellow Page directory.

Just like any other directory, the BBB Yellow Pages lists all types of businesses. What makes this directory so special is that every single company listed is BBB accredited. This means that every company in this exclusive book has not only earned and maintained a B+ or higher on the BBB Rating System, but has also committed to the Better Business Bureau’s strict code of fair and ethical standards. As a smart consumer, that commitment to good and fair service is invaluable, and I feel safe making the decision to do business with any of the companies listed in this directory.

The BBB Yellow Pages is as much of a value to BBB Accredited Businesses as it is to San Diego consumers. Accredited businesses get a listing in an exclusive directory that is not only hand-delivered to the homes of 625,000 consumers, but is also easily accessible online, giving your business an edge. Accredited businesses also get the opportunity to upgrade their listing or advertisement at an affordable rate, increasing their exposure and furthering their ability to leverage their accreditation.

As a smart shopper, the BBB Yellow Page directory is the first place I go to search for an ethical company. The BBB only accredits those companies that have earned its confidence, and in doing so, the BBB has earned my trust, as an employee and as a consumer.

The deadline for BBB Yellow Pages advertisements is April 1st, 2011. For more information on advertising in the BBB Yellow Pages, contact Bob Day. And look for the BBB Yellow Pages Summer 2011 edition to hit your doorstep this May!

Complaints to BBB up 10% Nationwide

3/24/2011

Posted on 3/24/2011 by

According to an annual report released today by Better Business Bureau, consumers filed 1.1 million complaints against North American businesses in 2010, reflecting a ten percent increase over the previous year. Consumers also turned to the non-profit more than 87 million times for help researching businesses across North America, a whopping 37 percent more than in 2009.

“The complaints filed with BBB are not only a barometer of customer satisfaction, but the rise in complaints also shows that consumers are increasingly relying on BBB for assistance in resolving disputes with businesses,” said Sheryl Bilbrey, San Diego BBB President/CEO.

The cable and satellite TV industry received the largest number of complaints with 30,985, a 5 percent decrease over last year. The cell phone industry ranked second with 27,293 complaints, but saw a 29.6 percent decrease over 2009. Rounding out the top three, new car auto dealers received 24,698 complaints, an 8.1 percent decrease over the previous year.

While the cable and satellite TV industry, cell phone industry and new car dealers received a high volume of complaints, the BBB report shows that they also have a higher rate of resolution with consumers than the average rate (78 percent) across all industries in 2010. Cable and satellite TV resolved 98.6 percent of complaints, a slight increase from 2009; the cell phone industry resolved 92.1 percent; while new car dealer companies resolved 87.4 percent of all complaints.

Industries that do a large volume of business are naturally going to have a larger number of complaints. This is why it’s important to look at how a company responded when BBB approached them with consumer complaints, and not just the sheer number of complaints,” added Vander Meeden.

The report also reveals that the 3 million BBB Business Reviews are increasingly popular as a free tool for consumers to research the trustworthiness of businesses. BBB Business Reviews—which contain information on a businesses’ accreditation status, letter-grade rating and complaint history—were accessed more than 87 million times in 2010. The most popular industries researched with BBB are roofing contractors, general contractors and mortgage brokers.

“The services and tools that BBB supplies free of charge at bbb.org are now of more value than ever before to consumers,” added Bilbrey. “Given the current economic climate, consumers need to be more cautious on where and how they spend their money and a fast, easy way to do this is to ensure businesses are accredited by BBB and have a good BBB rating before doing business with them.”

Following are the top 10 industries by volume of consumer complaints filed across North America with BBB in 2010:

Industry	Total Complaints	Rank by number of complaints1	Percentage Increase over 2009	Percentage of Resolved Complaints 2
Television - Cable, CATV & Satellite	30,985	1	-5.0%	98.6%
Cellular Phones Services & Equipment	27,293	2	-29.6%	92.1%
Auto Dealers-New Cars	24,698	3	-8.1%	87.4%
Banks	22,648	4	-24.3%	98.5%
Collection Agencies	15,876	5	.5%	80.2%
Auto Dealers - Used Cars	14,520	6	6.1%	70.6%
Auto Repair & Service	13,178	7	3.5%	65.6%
Furniture - Retail	13,018	8	-1.1%	79.1%
Internet Shopping	12,950	9	-39.8%	61.4%
Mortgage Brokers	9,545	10	17.8%	81.0%

1 Complaint rank is out 4,483 industries categories

2 Average resolution rate across all industries for 2010 was 78 percent

For a complete industry breakdown of all complaints filed with the BBB in 2010 go to www.us.bbb.org/statistics. To learn more about BBB dispute resolution services and BBB Business Reviews, contact the Better Business Bureau of San Diego at 858.637.6199

About BBB

BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB provides objective advice, free business BBB Business Reviews and charity BBB Wise Giving Reports^TM, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses when there is difference in viewpoints. The first BBB was founded in 1912. Today, 122 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada, evaluating and monitoring more than three million local and national businesses and charities. Please visit www.bbb.org for more information about BBB.

A Career in Correspondence: Gaining the Gift of Gab to Get Going

3/23/2011

Posted on 3/23/2011 by

As I cruise in and out of first gear, occasionally stuck in bumper to bumper traffic on the 5 freeway, I have little time to get frustrated – although it would be the opportune moment for frustration. I am simultaneously running late, checking directions, and receiving (illegal) texts to put out fires, all the while trying to avoid the car in front of me. For some reason the driver of said car decides that switching back and forth in traffic is a useful strategy to discover a route or lane no one else on the freeway has yet discovered. As I watch this modern day Magellan angrily shift lanes, I take a moment to relax, laugh, and remind myself this is the game I'm in.

That game is producing a TV show, and the key to having guests on the show (or any proper business connection, for that matter) is correspondence. Sitting in traffic, I was going to meet a possible guest for the show in Encinitas.

Our world is a complex set of interdependent products, procedures, principles, and people which are all useful networking tools and resources to create a successful business. Correspondence creates partnerships that provide mutual benefits for multiple people, parties, and organizations. Affective communication links your personal goals with more access to resources, while efficiently managing your effort.

The quickest way to correspond in our technology-fueled world is by e-mail, but most people will delete e-mails from unknown recipients, and are wary of any messages with open-ended offers (Your not a Nigerian Prince looking for an American bank account). Therefore the most successful approach in first contacting a potential client, organization, or business is to get them on the phone.

Talking to someone on the phone allows you to explain goals, clarify questions and feel out the needs of the client. The advantage of a phone conversation is the ability to clearly explain your goals and ideas to another person as questions may arise, allowing for a free-flowing discussion that displays your own expertise.

Once you've gotten past the pleasantries of common phone courtesy it is time to deliver your elevator pitch. The elevator pitch is a statement of 50 words or less that clearly defines your goals. The idea is if you jumped in an elevator with someone, you could explain your situation before they exit. With an enthusiastic voice and a strong elevator pitch, you would then explain to the potential client how they could be involved in achieving your goals. No one wants to be asked for money or a favor without proper justification, so it is important to be clear and direct about how a partnership will benefit your shared goals.

Oftentimes, more important than justification, are the benefits your clientèle will receive from this partnership. It is your job to motivate and encourage a partnership decision.

From your initial conversation, request an e-mail address, with the promise of more details to follow. An e-mail is now more useful because the person you are attempting to contact is expecting to hear from you. This allows you to detail your phone conversation, as well as any further information on your product or idea, to a more responsive contact.

This strategic correspondence can now develop into a healthy relationship and strong partnership. Keep networking, San Diego!

Article Courtesy of Ronnie Das, Senior Production Manager of RDF Productions. For more information about RDF productions, visit their website.

BBB Warns: Don’t Fall for Gimmicks Involving Gas Saving Devices

3/23/2011

Posted on 3/23/2011 by

As gas prices continue to climb, some businesses are seeking opportunities to make money off of commuters by selling fuel boosting additives or offering engine modifications to help them conserve fuel. However, BBB advises consumers to stay away from these “gas saving” products and services, that sound “too-good-to-be true.”

Over the past decade, the EPA has tested more than 100 gas-saving devices and hasn’t identified any that significantly improve gas mileage and some could eventually cause engine damage.

Consumers are being inundated with ads and emails that offer better fuel efficiency. One such ad came to a Better Business Bureau employee.

BBB recommends being particularly skeptical if advertisements claim:

Federal Endorsement. While the EPA does evaluate the legitimacy of claims made by companies that produce gas savers, no federal agency actually endorses gas-saving devices or additives.
Glowing Consumer Testimonials. Marketing materials or Web sites for gas savers often contain consumer testimony on the increased fuel efficiency they experienced with the device or additive, but these are often works of fiction devised by the company.
Outstanding, Too-Good-To-Be-True Results. Consumers should be extremely wary of big promises for big savings. If a gas-saving product really could increase mileage by as much as 40 percent with little effort or money, it is highly unlikely the inventor needs to peddle the product through spam e-mails or tacky-looking Web sites.

The vast majority of gas-conserving products are not viable solutions for squeezing mileage out of vehicles, but here are some tips drivers can take to increase fuel efficiency and get the most out of their gas tank:

Stay within the speed limit. Gas mileage tends to decrease rapidly at speeds above 60 miles per hour.
Avoid “jackrabbit” starts and stops. Drivers can improve gas mileage around town if they avoid jerky starts and stops. This means accelerating slowly when starting from a dead stop and avoiding pushing the pedal down more than one-quarter of the way.
Air Conditioning or Windows? Using the air conditioner at lower speeds will decrease fuel efficiency, but, at higher speeds, open windows create significantly more drag than the AC – and can reduce gas mileage.
Remove excess weight from the trunk. An extra 100 pounds can reduce a typical car’s fuel economy by up to two percent.
Keep the car properly maintained. The engine should be tuned, tires inflated and aligned, the oil changed on schedule and the air filters should be checked and replaced regularly.

Before buying any gas-saving device or additive, BBB recommends that consumers check out the company’s reliability report free-of-charge online at www.bbb.org.

For more money-saving advice from BBB for consumers, go to www.bbb.org.

6 Signs Of A Scholarship Scam

3/21/2011

Posted on 3/21/2011 by

Within the last few years, the landscape of colleges and universities across the nation has changed. Achieving the test scores needed to be accepted to your dream school and paying for tuition once you’re there is much more difficult than it was 20, 10 or even five years ago. Dwindling federal funds and grants left a myriad of openings for scholarship and SAT prep scams to emerge.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is warning consumers to use caution when approached by a company that is guaranteeing or promising scholarships, and using strong emotional appeal to get you to agree to share private financial information with them. Likewise, your BBB advises all consumers to use caution when buying SAT prep DVDs or courses over the phone or online.

While there are still many trustworthy and ethical companies out there with students’ best interest at heart, the BBB is warning students and parents of students alike to be wary of these tell-tale signs:

· Guarantees and promises: If you are approached by a company that assures you that you will receive a scholarship or higher test scores, but only if you sign up with them now, remember that legitimate deals are rarely one-time offers.

· Exclusivity: Be wary of companies that tout information that no one else could provide you. Most scholarship lists are public information, and while there are legitimate companies who compile lists you should know that none of that information is limited to just you.

· Requests for personal information: Whether they are offering you a list of scholarship opportunities or a series of classes to prepare for the SAT or ACT, make sure you see and understand the details of what they are proposing before you hand over your personal information. It is critical that you make sure you are giving your money to an ethical business.

· Advance fee: Don’t pay ahead of time for a company to find you a scholarship. Be wary of giving money to a representative who cannot answer all of your questions to your satisfaction, but requires upfront payment for services yet to be rendered.

· Awards for contests you never entered: The chances of you being awarded a scholarship you never applied for are very small. Don’t be fooled into giving away personal information: If you receive a phone call from a representative claiming you have been chosen for a scholarship, ask for more information in writing, and make sure that you keep a detailed list of the scholarships for which you did, in fact, apply.

· Phone calls claiming that your son/daughter requested a program: Often, SAT/ACT prep course scammers will call households claiming that the parent’s student requested the company’s program. This pressured parent will transfer hundreds of dollars and personal information over the phone only to discover later that their child has never heard of the company.

The BBB reminds you to always come prepared with questions for the company’s representative. If you do the proper amount of research on the company or service from which you are intending to buy, then you are far less likely to be the victim of a scam. Also, check with BBB.org to find business and charity reviews on companies with whom you are considering doing business.

Facebook as marketing: Why your business should be on the band wagon

3/17/2011

Posted on 3/17/2011 by

Facebook has been the fastest growing social network for five years and in the near future will hit 1 billion users. If you don’t already have a company page set up, or have one but are not using it to leverage your online presence, you’re missing a very affordable marketing opportunity.

If you don’t already have one set up, this website provides a great overview, http://gigaom.com/collaboration/build-a-facebook-page-for-your-small-business/.

If you’re in the process of setting one up don’t rush to send out links to your potential customers. Give the design a few days and then revisit it. Often new things will occur that you can add to it. The last thing you want is to send out unfinished work to your potential customers.

Even though it doesn’t cost money to send out updates, it’s best not to consider it free to send. Remember it takes time for the people reading them. You don’t want them to associate your company with spam. You can use any monetary figure you want. I often use $100. The question I always ask myself before sending out a message/link is, “Is this worth spending $100 on?” This has often forced me to rethink it and make the message and stronger and more compelling for my recipients.

Another reason to keep your business active on Facebook is that Google, to a small degree, uses mentions of your company in Facebook as a factor in their ranking algorithm to determine your place in their search results.

Article Courtesy of Keith Lovgren, a paid search analyst, on behalf of AllStarMove.com.

Find us on at our new home on Facebook! We want to be friends with you and your business.

Tsunami And Earthquake Relief Scams

3/15/2011

Posted on 3/15/2011 by
Did you catch Sheryl Bilbrey discussing tsunami and earthquake relief scams on Fox 5 Morning News yesterday? If not, we've got what you missed right here!

Why Hire a Professional Translator?

3/14/2011

Posted on 3/14/2011 by

Someone may speak two languages well enough to communicate with native speakers, but the skills demanded of translators go beyond that. Translators must bridge linguistic and cultural gaps, which means translating concepts, instead of a literal word-for-word version.

Here is a well-known example: Pepsi wanted to increase sales in China. The slogan "Come Alive With The Pepsi Generation" was introduced to Chinese consumers as "Pepsi Will Bring Your Ancestors Back From The Dead."

Other cases aren't only scary, but actually fatal. A medicine bottle reads "Adults: 1 tablet 3 times a day until passing away" when the intention was “until symptoms pass..."

Most of the Western vocabulary comes from Latin and Greek and many words may look similar in several languages but have different meanings.

These so-called “false friends” can be misleading. Here's an English-Spanish example: “Embarrassed” and “embarazada” may look alike, but while the former represents an emotional state, the latter represents the physical state of a woman carrying her offspring in the womb (= pregnant).

Professional linguists are constantly studying because languages evolve and slangs have updated certain meanings. Everybody says "awesome" for "impressive, amazing, extraordinary." However, it originally meant "that which has the power to inspire dread.”

Words can also take a new meaning due to advances in technology. “Site” (physical location / internet address) and “mouse” (animal / small device to control a cursor on a screen) are just two of them.

Computers can read it, but they just don't get it. Regardless of technological advances, they can't replace translators. Obviously, computers can compile large databases and provide a translation in a split second, which is a lot faster than the human brain.

But they just can't read between the lines. A software will retrieve the word “señorita” to replace the word “miss”, but will ignore semantics (the verb “to miss” = “extrañar” or “fallar”.)

Context is everything. “Love” may be “a many splendorous thing,” but it is a “score of zero” in a tennis match.

Knowledge comes with experience and being familiar with the given field is crucial. Translators with a strong background in one or more areas, as either professionals or enthusiasts, can provide a better version.

Translators are not only committed to providing their clients with the best services they can provide. They must also have the target audience in mind, for readers will be the end users of their product.

Language registers must be respected because a highly specialized article intended to be published at a trade magazine, whose readers can be doctors or engineers, should not use the same wording as a consumer-oriented brochure with information about a product or service that will be read by laypersons.

Article courtesy of Rafa Lombardino, director of Word Awareness, Inc. For more information on Word Awareness,visit their website.

Before you give for earthquake relief, check the BBB charity listings

3/11/2011

Posted on 3/11/2011 by

Tragedies often will bring out the best in people as strangers reach out to help others in need. However, disasters also can result in a flurry of con artists without a conscience who will use natural disasters as opportunities to prey upon unsuspecting victims.

Your San Diego Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning consumers about phony charities that are expected to turn-up the volume on scam appeals following the recent 8.9‑magnitude earthquake and tsunami catastrophe that swept across Japan’s northeastern coast.

Your BBB is encouraging consumers to give to established and recognizable disaster-relief organizations or charities. “Use your head as well as your heart,” said Sheryl Bilbrey, San Diego BBB president and CEO. “Don't feel pressure or intimidation from hard‑sell tactics to give on the spot. Beware of dramatic‑sounding appeals that bring tears to the eyes but tell you nothing about what they're doing to help with the earthquake and tsunami disaster. The charity that needs your money today will need it just as much tomorrow."

The BBB advises to be wary of charities with unfamiliar names or "sound‑alikes" with names that sound similar to recognizable emergency‑relief organizations. Donors also should be leery of any charity that may be inexperienced in carrying out relief efforts but is suddenly soliciting for earthquake and tsunami assistance.

Also, the BBB recommends consumers ask lots of questions, request printed literature on the charity's programs and finances and send a check in the mail. Do not give cash on‑the‑spot to a "runner" at your front door. Especially, do not give your credit‑card number or other personal information to a telephone solicitor or in response to an e‑mail solicitation. Be skeptical of any charity that is reluctant to answer questions about their operations, finances and programs.

Before writing a check, consumers can contact the non‑profit BBB, which provides the largest free service of its kind to San Diego consumers with free consumer protection and pre‑purchase information, including reports on more than 101,000 local companies.

Event Ticket Scams

3/10/2011

Posted on 3/10/2011 by Sheryl Bilbrey

March Madness making you crazy? As the Aztec basketball games sell out, ticket scams run rampant. Watch this blog for what you can do to avoid paying the big bucks for fake tickets.

Cultivating Exceptional Customer Service

3/8/2011

Posted on 3/8/2011 by

If customer service is the best weapon that a company has in its marketing arsenal, then it follows that the only way to create an exceptional customer service experience is to present consumers with courteous employees that will represent your product or service to the best of their and its ability. But, it goes without saying that maintaining a happy staff is easier in theory than it is in practice.

So how do companies like Apple, Amazon and Southwest Airlines (all of which are renowned for their outstanding customer service) do it? Surprisingly enough, it’s not a giant paycheck. In a recent study, CareerBliss reported that salary is not enough to keep good employees happy. Consider these tips for happy workers before your next staff meeting:

· Autonomy: Even if it’s only perceived, on the whole, employees who feel like they have control over their daily tasks are more productive and more content.

· Build Relationships: Employees who not only like their coworkers, but like and respect their bosses are more motivated in the workplace. Organize retreats, take your employees out to lunch: make them feel welcome. The more connected they feel to the success and decline of the company the more they will want to contribute, and go above and beyond their job description.

· Right Person for the Job: Far and away, employees who like what they do are happier than someone who is making twice the money doing something they hate. As an employer, hiring the right people for your staff is not only central to the success of your customer relations, but if you hire people who are more interested in the interview about the paycheck than the day-to-day tasks you can have a real money waster on your hands. If money is the biggest attraction, retention will undoubtedly suffer.

For more information, visit MSNBC’s website for the 10 happiest jobs in America.

The Scoop on Precious Metals

3/3/2011

Posted on 3/3/2011 by

Pure gold is a very soft and pliable metal. The extreme malleability, ductility, and softness of pure gold make it practically useless for jewelry applications. Jewelry made of pure gold would easily bend and distort in the course of normal wear.

To get around this problem, jewelers use an alloyed form known as karat gold (not to be mistaken with metric carat used to measure diamond weight). Alloying increases gold's hardness and provides a variety of different colors. White gold contains about 10 - 20 % nickel, plus zinc, copper, platinum, and palladium. These alloys make white gold a harder metal than yellow gold.

Gold content is specified by the karats 14k, 18k, etc. The K (karat) number specifies how many parts, by weight, of pure gold is contained in 24 parts of the alloy. Therefore, 24k means 100% pure (or fine) gold. Gold itself is impervious to tarnishing and requires very strong and dangerous chemicals for it to dissolve.

Platinum is regarded as the preeminent metal for fine jewelry. It is more rare and thus more expensive than gold. It is also the strongest precious metal used in jewelry, and is almost twice as heavy as 14k gold. This weight is one of platinum's strongest selling points, because it gives "bulk" to fine jewelry, which people naturally equate with value.

Platinum has rapidly grown in popularity in recent years, becoming the new choice for many diamond engagement rings because the luster of platinum is said to bring out the brilliance of diamonds better than gold. Platinum in jewelry is actually an alloyed group of six heavy metals, including platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium and osmium.

Today it is often alloyed with copper and titanium. It is the only precious metal used in fine jewelry that is 90% to 95% pure, largely because it does not cause an allergic reaction and is tarnish-resistant. Platinum jewelry is marked 900Pt, 950 Plat, or Plat.

Article Courtesy of Debra Marbut, social media consultant for Unicorn Jewelry. For more information about Unicorn Jewelry, visit their website.

Scammers Phishing For Tax Returns

3/2/2011

Posted on 3/2/2011 by Sheryl Bilbrey

Phishing Scam For Tax Season

3/2/2011

Posted on 3/2/2011 by Sheryl Bilbrey

President Sheryl Bilbrey discusses the latest phishing scam effecting those who file their taxes online.

Phishing Scam for Tax Season

3/2/2011

Posted on 3/2/2011 by Sheryl Bilbrey
President and CEO Sheryl Bilbrey discusses the latest phishing scam effecting those who file their taxes online.

6 Tips For Car Buyers

2/28/2011

Posted on 2/28/2011 by

Investing in a car is a big responsibility. Whether you are a first-time buyer, a veteran at the dealership, or even a 16 year-old, buying a safe, reliable car that is also the right choice for your lifestyle is no easy feat. There is so much to consider these days (size, gas mileage, color, level of coolness), that often easy but important tasks are forgotten.

Here is some food-for-thought on buying a dependable new or used car:

Know your credit score before searching for car or for an auto-loan. You are less likely to be scammed by a new or used car salesman, or finance manager, if you know for which loans you do and do not qualify.

Do your homework. Know before you start shopping how much you can afford to put down and how much your monthly payments will be. Even though you may be able to find a car loan that only requires a 5% down payment, make sure you remember that the lower your down payment, the higher your monthly and overall payment on the vehicle.

Know the total amount you want to spend on your car. When it comes to buying a car, people often shop according to the monthly payments they can afford. If you do this, the sales person has more opportunity to convince you to buy a more expensive car (more than you want or can afford), but with less monthly interest or a longer loan amount. Best to go in knowing the TOTAL you want to spend on the car and let the dealership figure out how to take that total amount and make it work to also fit your monthly budget.

Read dealership reviews. Your BBB monitors both used and new car dealerships. Before you lay all of your trust in a dealer, check the BBB Business Reviews to see if they are Accredited, or if they have a good rating. Beginning with a reputable dealership should be a high priority.

Read the model reviews. Once you narrow down what type of car you would like to drive and how much you can pay, read reliability reports and personal experiences about the model of which you are interested. Consumer Reports and Kelley Blue Book both are excellent references.

Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. This is a tip only for used car buyers. If there is something wrong with the car you want, say worn tires or a burnt out headlight, you don’t have to walk away. Negotiate the price or ask the seller to fix the problem. If they simply refuse to compromise with you, then it might be time continue your search, but keep in mind that used cars are rarely in perfect condition.

Need Home Repairs After The Storm? Check BBB First

2/28/2011

Posted on 2/28/2011 by

Severe weather can cause damage that prompts homeowners to seek repairs in a hurry. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises consumers to take a deep breath and check contractors out before signing a contract.

“Consumers may feel like their repairs are an emergency that must be fixed immediately,” said Sheryl Bilbrey, BBB president and CEO. “But they may end up regretting a quick decision if the contractor fails to do the work or does it poorly. Consumers need to make sure that the contractors they hire are qualified and reliable before they sign a contract or pay any money.”

The BBB recommends that consumers ask contractors for local references and check with those customers to see whether they were satisfied with the work. If possible, inspect completed projects as well. If customers are pleased with the jobs, they’ll probably be proud to show off the results.

Consumers can check contractors’ Reliability Reports on the BBB website, www.bbb.org. The reports give a letter grade from A+ down to F that indicate a company’s performance on 16 weighted factors, including its response to any complaints. The reports also give general information, such as the company’s phone number, length of time in business and owner’s name.

On the San Diego BBB’s website, sandiego.bbb.org, our “Request A Quote” feature can connect you with contractors that are BBB Accredited Businesses. These businesses have pledged to comply with BBB standards, such as advertising honestly, honoring promises and responding to customer complaints.

When you click on the“Request A Quote” button, you can select the type of business you are searching for and narrow your search to businesses within a specified distance from your home. (You can click on any business name to get a Reliability Report.) At that point, you may either contact the businesses directly or ask them to contact you. “Request A Quote" has a contact form that allows you to describe your project and ask contractors to contact you about it in the way you want to be contacted – by phone, e-mail, mail or fax.

The BBB has the following tips for hiring contractors:

Be cautious of door-to-door salespeople who use high-pressure sales tactics.
Seek at least three bids from prospective contractors based on the same specifications, materials and labor needed to complete the project. Homeowners should discuss bids in detail with each contractor and ask questions about variations in pricing. The lowest-priced contractor may not be the best.
Consumers should ask whether the company is insured against claims covering workers’ compensation, property damage and personal liability in case of accidents. Consumers should obtain the name of the insurance carrier and call to verify coverage.
Ask whether the contractor meets licensing and bonding requirements set by the state, county or city.
Check with local authorities to find out whether permits are needed before proceeding with the work. The contractor also should be aware of any required permits.
Ask whether the contractor will provide a lien waiver upon completion of the job. A lien waiver is a statement by the contractor that all suppliers and subcontractors have been paid for their work.
Read and understand the contract before signing. Get any verbal promises in writing. Include start and completion dates in the contract.
Remember the rule of thirds. Pay one third at the start of the project, one third when work is 50 percent completed and one third after completion.

For more information to help you make smart, informed decisions about projects around your home, check with the BBB by going online to www.bbb.org.

Guest Blog: How to choose a cleaning company

2/23/2011

Posted on 2/23/2011 by
Let's face it, not everyone is cut out for cleaning, and as a busy professional you tend to have better things to do with your time. Between all the pressing demands of both your work and personal life, who has time to clean the bathroom, or scrub out a fridge?

That's usually the point where you decide to hire a maid service to do your cleaning for you. However, it's not always easy to find a good, reliable cleaning agency to take care of your home and office cleaning needs, and choosing the right company makes all the difference. There are hundreds of cleaning companies in San Diego, and finding the right one can be quite a challenge if you don't know what to look for.

We've put together a list of some of the major factors to consider, in order to help you avoid any pitfalls and find the perfect cleaning company.

1. Reviews matter.
Most reputable cleaning agencies will be listed on numerous review websites like bbb.org or kudzu.com. Reading reviews written about a business can also let you know what to expect, and give you great ideas for questions you can ask the business to help you better understand your options and what would work best for you.

2. Experience matters.
As is true in any other industry, experience matters, and getting experienced cleaners can make all the difference in the world. An experienced cleaner will know what products to use for each different surface, which will yield the best results. They will also know what NOT to use in your home (or office), and can avoid making costly and expensive mistakes that will cause you major headaches down the road. An experienced cleaner will also know the most efficient way to clean, and will have a method which will allow them to get the job done much more quickly, saving you both time and money.

Be sure to ask lots of questions when you call for a quote. An experienced cleaning agency will be able to easily answer any of your questions, and demonstrate that they know their stuff and can meet your needs.

3. Size matters.
It's also important that you hire a cleaning agency with enough cleaners. If a company has too few cleaners, it can mean long delays as they struggle to fit your job into their schedule. A company with more cleaners will be better able to schedule a job when it works for you, as well as help accommodate you if you need to make any last-minute changes. By having more cleaners available, they will have the resources to better meet your needs in the case of any unforeseen circumstances.

4. Price matters.
Once you have found a cleaning agency that looks like a good fit for you, look online to see if they have any coupons available. Most cleaning agencies will have a newcomer's discount, which will save you some money on your first cleaning (and who doesn't like saving money?). Also, ask about repeat-cleaning rates if you're interested in regular service. Most companies will offer you a discounted rate if you setup regular service with them, as your home will be easier to clean if it receives regular maintenance.

5. Trust matters.
Make sure your cleaning company conducts background checks on all of their workers. Knowing that your housekeeper has been carefully screened will give you peace of mind, and you will be much more comfortable letting them into your home or office. Also, we may be preaching to the choir here, but making sure a company is Accredited and has a great track record with the BBB is important. BBB Accreditation shows that the business is fully customer-centric and committed to your satisfaction.

Article courtesy of Jeremy Yamaguchi of Golden Shine Cleaning Agency. To learn more about Golden Shine Cleaning agency, view their Business Review or website.

5 Tips to Avoid Hackers and Computer Viruses

2/22/2011

Posted on 2/22/2011 by

Knowing how to use the Internet in the 21^st century can only be equivocated to having a super power. You can do things that people 30 years ago thought only The Jetsons would be able to accomplish: send letters without needing postage, turn your car on from your phone, operate traffic lights and fire, police and ambulance notification systems. The world is your oyster. However, like any super power, if all of this control is placed in the wrong hands, personal and public safety is called into question.

I try to use the Internet with caution, and I struggle to understand why anyone would hack into your computer or spread a virus. But, just last week, I was the victim of a Viagrus (an email virus touting Viagra). True, this email spammer does no actual damage to my computer, but there is sustained damage to my dignity.

Within moments of opening the Viagrus, it was sent to all of the friends and family in my contacts list. My dad, brother and husband didn’t miss a beat: Was I trying to send them a not so subtle signal? No, dad, I’m not angling for another sibling. No, it’s not a hint. The jokes flooded in, and, in a few days, I was rid of the Viagrus and a little wiser, too.

Even though, my situation could be resolved by a few uncomfortable jokes between father and daughter, brother and sister, it got me thinking: With so many hackers and viruses floating around the Internet, the need for understanding what viruses are and how they affect your virtual world is more important today than ever. Unfortunately, computer safety is rarely taken as seriously as it should. So listen up. Keeping your information safe is easy, just follow these steps.

Hacking

To understand what hacking is, think of it as virtual breaking and entering. A masked villain is infiltrating your computer to steal what is rightfully yours: your virtual property. Once hackers break in, they can alter important information, delete key files, and even crash an entire network of computers.

Most often, computer hackers break into large consumer websites. The goal: to steal bank account and credit card information. Consider these tips for your Internet security:

· Use a firewall. Even though hackers usually affect large company websites, that does not mean that home networks are completely safe. With a firewall in place, you can control your security, and filter what information from the internet is safe and what is not.

· Use caution when giving out personal information on the internet. We hear it all the time, but do we really listen? Use software to keep information safe, and only give out your information if you trust the company. Check the BBB Business Review before buying from a company of which you have no direct knowledge.

· Ignore your preconceived notions. Kids hack too. It’s hard to imagine a teenager that has the power and knowledge to bring a network of computers to their knees, but it’s been done. According to Martha Stansell-Gamm, Head of the Justice Department’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, an 18 year old “instructed 7,000 computers to attack Microsoft networks.” Teach your children safe computer practices, just as you would teach them that robbing a bank or driving drunk is wrong. Just because it’s virtual doesn’t mean the consequences are virtual too.

Viruses

Viruses are similar to hacking in that they exist to impair or destroy the infrastructure of your computer. However, much as its name would signify, a virus is like a common cold. It is easily passed from computer to computer through the Internet with nothing more that the click of a button or the opening of an email. Once it reaches as far as it can, the virus takes over the hosting computer.

Unfortunately, for its victims, viruses infect your computer often before you even know what you did wrong.

In summation, use your powers for good, but remember that the Internet houses many-a-Lex Luthor just waiting in the shadows for the opportunity to wreak havoc on your virtual life.

Groceries from the Garden: Buying the best for your family

2/17/2011

Posted on 2/17/2011 by
It's the San Diego usual (bright and sunny) Saturday morning (9-1pm) and walking around the Little Italy Farmer's Market is a titillating treat for every sense. Colorful sights guide your excited eyes to new visual experiences, mellow music gives you a soothing sound to enjoy a relaxing day, tasty dishes tantalize your taste-buds as you catch a waft of the wonderful smells, delicious tastes begin marinating in your mouth, and with a touch of unique produce, some of which is only available in San Diego, you let your body take a well-deserved vacation.

The local independent farms that constitute Little Italy Mercado gives a glimpse into the accessibility and variety available through Organic Produce and Sustainable Farming. With so many competing local farms you are sure to catch a deal, and every purchase helps the local economy thrive.

San Diego has an ideal climate, capable of growing food year-round which makes sustainable organic farm fresh produce available near you. In fact many people easily grow gardens in San Diego, it is a great way to get fresh air, bond with your family, and eat healthy locally grown produce.

Industrial Agriculture is a long-distance transportation chain that requires food be picked early, before development of flavor and nutrition; refrigerated days or even weeks; shipped from grower to packer to distribution center to centralized warehouses than, FINALLY, to the marketplace. Locally grown food is different. Fruits and vegetables are grown with taste in mind and picked when deliciously ripe and ready for eating, not for shipping.

Think of our food system as a circle, each of us interdependent and connected with every other part of the circle. Where you buy your food and what you put in your mouth not only affects you and your health, but that of your community and environment as well.

Industrial agriculture uses nitrogen and fossil-fuel based fertilizers and pesticides which wreak havoc on factory farming land and the environment downstream. Pesticide drift affects non-farm communities with odorless and invisible poisons which often times resulting in groundwater pollution. Organic Agriculture prohibits synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Instead organic farms use organic fertilizers and through the greater biodiversity enhance soil structure and water infiltration. Well managed organic systems are better at retaining nutrients, greatly reducing the risk of groundwater pollution. An organic farm is the equivalent of reforestation. Visit an organic farm and you’ll notice something: a buzz of animal, bird and insect activity.

Going green is like a diet, the results are a product of properly identifying the small changes we can make everyday to succeed in our goals. Losing ten pounds is a great New Years Resolution, but what diet and exercise choices create that slimmer, trimmer you?

Local Independent Organic Farming provides healthy delicious food in a sustainable fashion. Organic fruits and vegetables are accessible, affordable, and provide taste and nutritional variety while supporting local farmers, increasing biodiversity and protecting the San Diego environment. Green does not have to be a dream when our lifestyle choices can help create a better tomorrow.

Take an adventure through Little Italy Farmers Market, SD Roots Harvest Festival, and The Linkery as we explore delicious food and nutritious organic produce. Watch the trailer on Organic Farming available at http://www.youtube.com/user/HowCanIHelpSD or http://howcanihelpsandiego.com/?page_id=6

Article Courtesy of Ronnie Das, Senior Production Manager of RDF Productions. For more information about RDF productions, visit their website.

Con Artist arrested in Northern San Diego, scammed people nationionwide

2/16/2011

Posted on 2/16/2011 by
In response to Damon Westmoreland, a scam artist who was arrested in Solana Beach, CA yesterday, Sheryl Bilbrey comments on his track record with the BBB to the Fox 5 San Diego news team.

Make the Right Call When Choosing Cell Phone Plan

2/15/2011

Posted on 2/15/2011 by

Feb. 10 has come and gone. You may not have noticed that the day was different from any other, but millions of cell phone users would beg to differ. That’s because now they’re calling, texting and messaging via brand-new iPhones on the Verizon network.

Millions more are wondering what all the hullabaloo is about. It’s just a phone, right?

Yes and no. Cell phones are morphing into minicomputers capable of almost everything your laptop does. And like computers, it seems that as soon as you bring one home, it’s obsolete.

It’s enough to make even the savviest of consumers crazy.

To help you stay in touch, the BBB offers the following tips when choosing a cell-phone carrier:

Phones

Buy what’s right for you, not what’s hot right now. If you want a phone with all the bells and whistles, go for it; if not, look for one that has only the features you want to use, such as comfortable keyboard, big screen, maybe a camera.

Plans

Most cell-phone plans are for two years and come with hefty fees if service is canceled before time is up. Two-year plans usually offer incentives on phones and packages that sweeten the deal.

Prepaid cell phones – you pay only for minutes that you need – are another option and could be an economical solution if you aren’t a heavy cell phone user. Many now also offer the popular data and Web options.

Regardless of the plan, it’s important to know how you use your phone. If you’re a heavy texter, it might make more sense to get a plan with unlimited texts. If you don’t text, then why pay for the service?

Coverage

Can you hear me now? Yes, that line makes for a humorous commercial, but it can be a deal breaker. Cell phones are all about making and receiving calls – and if you get poor or no reception, why bother? If possible, “test” a phone’s service reception before you finalize the contract. And while smaller and regional carriers may offer less-expensive plans, the trade-off is in coverage. Small carriers may supplement voice coverage with roaming fees.

Coverage maps are a good indicator of service you can expect. But don’t just take the carrier’s word about their coverage. Check out CellReception.com Type in your zip code to find cell towers registered with the FCC. The more towers your carrier has, the better the reception you’ll have.

Final Tips

Before you sign on the dotted line, read the entire contract, including the fine print. Don’t be pressured into purchasing a plan that doesn’t fit your needs or budget. Make sure you know what the actual monthly bill will be after extra fees are added in. Be sure you understand what’s included in the plan and what’s not included. And before signing on with a wireless carrier, check them out with your BBB at bbb.org.

Don’t go a day without your BBB. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. For more consumer information or to check out the BBBlog, visit sandiego.bbb.org.

Home Remodeler Screening Guide

2/11/2011

Posted on 2/11/2011 by

Every consumer undertaking home remodeling deserves a high quality project that is completed on time and within budget. A competent contractor not only will make the process easy for you, they will improve your quality of living, and at the same time increase the value of your home.

Here are 10 valuable tips to help you make an informed decision when you chose a contractor to remodel your home.

1. Start by checking all the companies you are considering online at www.cslb.ca.gov and www.bbb.org. Google each company followed by “reviews” to see what other people are saying. What seniors should know before they remodel.

2. Only consider contractors who are licensed, bonded and insured. In California, contractors are not required to maintain general liability insurance. Choosing a company who cannot provide you with proof of general liability and worker’s compensation insurance puts you, the homeowner in serious risk if a worker gets injured or causes damages to your property.

3. Everything should be in writing starting with a “scope of work”, which is the narrative part of the contract. The plans, home improvement contract including start/completion time and scope of work document makeup the entire agreement. If the scope of work is written clearly and concisely, with no gray areas, there should be no misunderstandings.

4. California license law requires that homes built or remodeled prior to December 31, 1977 must be tested for asbestos and prior to 1982 for lead. If any either of these hazardous materials are discovered, remediation must be completed by an independent firm who is properly trained and licensed. You may want to insist that testing be completed before for you finalize the home improvement contract. For more information click here

5. Part of the contracting process should include you approving the construction plans. Make sure you fully understand what is on the plan and what is excluded before signing off.

6. If there are contract allowances, go out shopping to confirm the amounts are sufficient to purchase the caliber of fixtures and finishes you desire this will avoid costly over runs that lead to change orders.

7. By California State Law, the following documentation must be provided to you by the contractor when you enter into a property improvement: Home Improvement Contract, Notice to Owner form, Check Out Your Contractor form, California License Law Notice, Information About Commercial Liability form, Notice of Cancellation (2 copies)

8. Most well established contractors would not ask for a down payment. By California law, a contractor is only allowed a 10% down payment or $1,000, whichever is less.

9. Check the payment schedule provided by your contractor to make sure there are milestones that require inspection tied to when you pay where possible. There should be a 5 – 10 percent retention held until final inspection is approved and all punch list items are completed.

10. You have the right to ask for proof that subcontractors and vendors are paid. Demand lien releases at each stage before making the disbursement.

Article courtesy of Gregg Cantor, owner of Murray Lampert Construction. For more information about Murray Lampert Construction visit their website.

Jury Duty Scam Threatens Your Private Information

2/10/2011

Posted on 2/10/2011 by

There are few people in our great country that look forward to jury duty. Most of us dread it, but drag ourselves to the court house anyway, and some avoid by means of any excuse. Unfortunately for those who take either approach, an old scam with a new ferocity is targeted at you.

You answer your phone, surprised to find someone of the other end who claims to be an officer of the court. You haven’t appeared for mandated jury duty, and have a warrant out for your arrest. You protest and claim that you never received a summons. An easy fix, says the caller, just clear up this mix up by handing over your birth date, social security number, maybe even a credit card number too.

Stop. Before you give away your personal information, consider this: Court officials rarely cold call prospective jurors, and never ask for personal information over the phone. Most officials prefer to communicate via mail. You have just narrowly avoiding a scam that is brilliantly effective in its utter simplicity.

The F.B.I relates the success of the scam to targeting good people who are law-abiding. In an F.B.I released article, a special agent explains that most citizens who receive one of these phone calls are put on the defensive immediately, and then lured into the con-artist’s trap with the promise of a clean slate. The scam preys on upright people who fear a marred record.

The jury duty swindle has affected 11 states in the last few months, including Florida, New York, Minnesota, Colorado, California and Arizona, and is considered by the F.B.I to be a threat to all communities, even those who haven’t had reports surface yet. Officials expect this con to pick up speed, but are trying to thwart the efforts of the scammers by spreading the word. If you receive a suspicious call, the F.B.I recommends calling your local F.B.I office to report the incident.

Remember, that, above all, protecting your personal information is the goal. Given enough information, these con-artists can assume your identity, and empty your bank accounts as well as running up credit cards charges in your name.

For more information about keeping your private information safe, take a look at this BBB article about how to avoid identity theft, or call the San Diego BBB at (858) 637-6199.

Dating Services Breaking Hearts

2/8/2011

Posted on 2/8/2011 by
Did you catch Sheryl Bilbrey, San Diego BBB President/CEO, on FOX5 Morning News today? She discussed how to avoid dating service and talent agency scams with Raul. If you didn't get a chance to see it live, take a look at it now!

The BBB Eye - Should You Repair, Replace or Redesign Your Jewelry?

2/7/2011

Posted on 2/7/2011 by
Everyone seems to love jewelry. Gold, diamonds, rubies; we sure like to sparkle. This month on The BBB Eye we’re learning about jewelry from choosing an appraiser to selling your gold.

Katie Caroll of your BBB and Ruben Manuel from Ruben Manuel Designs discuss pursuing your passion. They cover where to go if your jewelry is broken and criteria to consider when deciding whether to redesign jewelry, get it fixed or just throw it out.

New Moms Furious With Popular Website

2/4/2011

Posted on 2/4/2011 by

Retailers Now Buying Back Used Technology

2/4/2011

Posted on 2/4/2011 by

If you have unused mobile phones, laptops and other electronics lying around, they may be worth some money. BBB President, Dan Parsons advises ABC13

Are you looking for an affordable dental plan?

2/2/2011

Posted on 2/2/2011 by

Let’s say you are one of the millions of people who have no dental insurance, no discount dental plan—no coverage of any kind. What happens when you or one of your family members has a dental emergency? When one of you needs a root canal or a crown? Or when your children need braces? Without any coverage at all, those treatments can be very expensive. They don’t have to be, not when you have an affordable dental plan.

Maybe you’ve never heard of a discount dental plan and maybe you don’t know that dental insurance is not the only way—or even the best way–to have affordable coverage for all your dental needs.

If you’re self-employed, if you had dental insurance and lost it because you’ve changed jobs–or if your employer does not offer dental insurance, you and your entire family can still have the benefit of affordable dental care with a discount dental plan.

A discount dental plan can give you more affordable coverage than dental insurance, but with some important differences: a discount dental plan has no deductible, no waiting period, no paper work—and no maximum benefit. Though some dental insurance plans require patients to choose one dentist, from a restricted list, a discount dental plan allows you to choose any dentist who accepts the discount plan. And you are not restricted to just one dentist. If, for example, you prefer one dentist and your spouse or children prefer another, you will all get the discounted services you need.

Here’s how a discount dental plan works: as soon as you receive your membership card, you and all your family members are entitled to dental services from any dentist who accepts the plan. You will get all the services you need, from routine checkups to fillings to root canals at a discounted price. There is no limit to the number of discounted services you can have, and that includes braces and dentures. Some plans even include cosmetic services, like teeth whitening and veneers.

How do you choose the affordable dental plan that’s best for you? First, consider only plans that are licensed in your state and are accredited and verified by companies such as the Better Business Bureau. Licensed plans are regulated by many states, so you can be confident that those that are licensed are legitimate and that they will provide you and your family with the quality dental care you expect. Consider what kind of services you or your family might need and check the various plans to see which the best match is. Check to see which dentists in your area accept the plan you’re looking at.

Once you find a dental plan that meets your needs, you can be confident that you will be accepted. There are no exclusions in discount dental plans—so there’s no need to worry about pre-existing conditions. You will be covered from the moment you sign up and you will have peace of mind knowing that you can comfortably manage all of your dental needs.

Article courtesy of New Dental Choice. For more information about New Dental Choice visit their website.

BBB Advises Consumers To Be Wary When Using Dating Services, Websites To Find Valentines

1/31/2011

Posted on 1/31/2011 by

Looking for love online or through a traditional dating service may seem like an easy way to spice up your social life, but consumers tell the Better Business Bureau (BBB) that some services have left them frustrated and disappointed.

More than 100 consumers filed complaints about dating services with the BBB last year. Complaints concerned customer service, billing issues, sales practices and difficulty canceling contracts.

Matchmaking and dating services often promise to introduce people to other area singles that meet specified criteria. However, many services also generate complaints about the quality of matches they make and their cost, which can run to thousands of dollars.

Many complaints about the dating service industry concern personalized matchmaking companies and online dating websites. The two services take different approaches to helping people find love and lead to different types of complaints.

Common matchmaking complaints include:

Failure to match with singles that met specified criteria: Non-smoking complainants said they were matched with people who smoke, well-educated people were matched with less-educated ones or religious people were matched with atheists or people from other religions. Some were matched with people who lived too far away or were married.
Use of intimidating or duplicitous sales tactics: Complainants reported being yelled at, being told to not be so picky or being completely ignored by the companies involved.
Failure to deliver: Complainants were told the service had a database of thousands of singles, but they didn’t receive the promised number of dates or introductions. Others said a singles club sponsored events to bring singles together but the events didn’t live up to their billing.

Online dating service complaints include:

Minimum enrollment period: Online dating services normally require a specific length of membership and charge a monthly fee, which is renewed automatically when it expires. Either the customer didn’t realize the steps needed to cancel the account, or the consumer took the necessary steps but billing continued anyway.
Inability to cancel: Consumers said some companies wouldn’t allow them to cancel the contract after being dissatisfied with the company and its process.

The BBB offers the following advice on matchmaking and online dating services:

Don’t fall in love with the advertising. Be skeptical of claims such as “an exclusive network of people,” “for sincere daters only” or “beautiful singles just like you.” The BBB’s National Advertising Division recently decided a case between rival online services, requiring one to stop advertising that its methods were based on “the latest science of attraction.”
Don’t give in to high-pressure sales tactics. Sales associates may tell you that a low price is only good for that day and ask you to sign a contract immediately. You should take the contract home, read it carefully and make sure you understand what you are signing and paying for.
Know how to break up. Consumers should not assume that they will stop being billed once the contract runs out. Many online dating sites automatically renew memberships. Usually you must call the company or send written instructions to avoid being billed again. Know in advance what you need to do to cancel.
Beware of demands by a match to send money. Some scams that match men with foreign women typically include a request to send money to pay for a trip to the United States, using a wire service like Moneygram or Western Union. The woman never makes the trip, and the money can’t be recovered.
Do your homework. Ask to speak to other members or customers of the service about their experiences.
Check the company’s BBB Business Review by calling 858-496-2131 or by going online to www.bbb.org.

Chris Hansen and the BBB uncover nationwide scam

1/28/2011

Posted on 1/28/2011 by

This Sunday at 7pm/6pm CT on Chris Hansen’s “The Hansen Files,” Dateline and the BBB uncover a nationwide air duct cleaning scam that targets coupon-cutting consumers, especially those senior citizens on a fixed income.

Though the Better Business Bureau has been investigating this suspect company for years, with the help of Chris Hansen’s hidden cameras, the two entities uncover this shameless con – that has been alive and well in your communities for over a decade – in a matter of weeks. The company uses the tried-and-true ploy of advertising one price and charging as much as eight times that once the service is complete.

Watch Chris Hansen preview Sunday’s show on the Today Show, and be sure to tune in Sunday to see the whole episode.

What to Look for in a Glass Company

1/27/2011

Posted on 1/27/2011 by

Picking a glass company can make the difference in your remodeling project. Here are a few points that may help you out:

1. Number 1 is here for a reason. It is your most important first step. Hit the BBB web site (or call them) and research the company. BBB's primary function is to help you figure out who the bad guys are. It is amazing that it is used so infrequently.

2. Check with your local Contractors State License Bureau. This should tell you if they have a license (so will BBB) and if they are in good standing. It may also tell you what they have for insurance (e.g. liability, workers comp, state mandated bond). It may also tell you when they were started and alert you to recent ownership changes. You may also find that their license is under suspension!

3. Social Networking. There are dozens of sites out there (of varying degrees of reliability) that will give you ratings on your potential glass companies. Unlike BBB these results can be padded by unscrupulous companies. In theory, they are responses by other consumers like you. Mixed in with that are disgruntled employees, competitors filing false reports and the companies themselves padding the reports.

4. Angie's List. Angie's List is a social networking site that you, the consumer pay a modest fee to join. Postings to the site are ALL reviewed by Angie and her staff and can only be entered by other members. Angie's members are encouraged to rate everyone they use as a vendor.

5. How long have they been in business and do they have a showroom. In economic tough times, as shops close, many of their employees will start working out of their garage. Great for a cheap price -- but not so good if you need warranty work or replacement parts.

6. Industry affiliations. Industry affiliations like the NGA (National Glass Association) AGA (America's Glass Association), CGA (California Glass Association) give an indication that the company cares about and invests in their industry and in doing quality work. Membership in the BBB, especially with a high rating, is another good sign.

7. What is your opinion of the companies' representative. Did he ask good questions, arrive on time and seem to care about what YOU want? If not, move on.

8. Look for companies who give you choices. If they only carry one brand, what makes you think it is the best fit for you?

9. Beware the low bidder. If you shop based on the lowest price, don't be surprised if the quality matches the price. Ask the bidders about what differences there might be. Remember, low quality will be with you for a lot longer that the few dollars you might save on the low bid.

Finally, when the job is all done, use the mechanisms listed above to reward the glass company with a favorable rating or to warn others to stay away. BBB and the Contractors State License Bureau can assist you in settling a dispute.

Article courtesy of Bob Eugley, Owner of Mirror Shower & Glass and Miramar Glass & Mirror. For more information on Bob Eugley visit his website.

BBB Advice: Tax Refund Anticipation Loans Are Costly, Whether You Get A Check Or A Debit Card

1/26/2011

Posted on 1/26/2011 by

In a hurry to get your refund? Some tax preparers offer tax refund anticipation loans, often marketed as “rapid refunds” in the form of checks or “gift” debit cards.

The San Diego Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises consumers to be wary of these costly loans. They deliver refunds only slightly faster than the IRS.

Refund anticipation loans are similar to payday loans: They’re short-term loans with high interest rates that can range from 50 to 500 percent. In some cases, they have hidden administrative fees. If the tax preparer makes a mistake in calculating your refund, borrowers could be required to pay fines and fees, too.

“Consumers may assume that the loans will be paid off quickly when their refund arrives, but if the refund is less than the loan, consumers will have to repay the difference, plus fees and fines,” said Sheryl Bilbrey, BBB president and CEO.

The IRS usually delivers refunds in as few as 10 days after a consumer files a tax return, if the consumer files the return electronically and takes the refund by direct deposit to a bank account. The speed makes most refund loans unnecessary.

This year, the IRS has another option for refunds if a consumer doesn’t have a bank account: a prepaid debit card. The cards, available only by invitation, can be used to get money from ATM machines or to buy goods and services from retailers. The cards arrive faster than checks, the IRS says, and may allow consumers to avoid check-cashing fees.

The BBB advises consumers to be wary of two common tax-time schemes:

Tax reduction schemes are promoted by companies that claim they can help consumers reduce what they owe the IRS by working on their behalf with the IRS. However, the BBB has taken complaints from consumers who paid thousands of dollars to such companies only to find out that the companies didn’t reduce the amount they owed and, in some cases, had never contacted the IRS.

BBB advice: If you have a debt with the IRS, consult an IRS enrolled agent, a certified public accountant or a tax attorney to determine whether you qualify to file for anything other than paying your taxes, fines and penalties in full.

Phishing e-mails may say that there’s an issue with taxpayers’ refunds, that they are being audited or that a problem is delaying processing of their taxes. Many include a link to a website set up by scammers, where victims are asked for Social Security numbers, bank account or credit card information. Some sites are designed to automatically install viruses or other malicious software on the victims’ computers.

BBB advice: The IRS doesn’t e-mail people about their taxes. The agency typically contacts taxpayers by mail. Tip-offs that an e-mail is fraudulent may include spelling or grammatical mistakes. The BBB advises consumers not to open any attachments or click on links in the e-mails.

If you decide to hire a tax preparer, the BBB advises that you:

Ask for referrals from friends, but check the preparer out with the BBB before you hire anyone at www.bbb.org or by calling 858-637-6199.
Check credentials. Is the preparer a certified public accountant (CPA), a tax lawyer or an enrolled agent? Will the preparer sign your return and provide you with a copy? Does the preparer belong to a professional organization that requires members to adhere to a code of ethics?
Be wary of promises. Until the preparer knows your situation, there is no way to know whether you’ll get a refund or how big it will be.
Check accessibility. You may need to contact your preparer after tax season is over. Will he or she be available?
Read the contract. Know what the service will cost, what it covers and whether the cost changes if you have a complicated return. Will the preparer represent you in case of an audit?
Check your return. Before you sign the return, read it over to check for mistakes. Ask the preparer to explain anything you don’t understand.

For more information or to check a company’s Reliability Report, go to the BBB website, www.bbb.org, or call 858-637-6199.

Seven Scams that Target Small Businesses

1/20/2011

Posted on 1/20/2011 by

Being vigilant against fraud is not only important for a company’s bottom line, it also strengthens customer trust in the business. Becoming a victim of fraud can have a negative financial and reputational impact on a business and the Better Business Bureau recommends owners train their staff to look out for seven common scams that prey on small companies.

Every year the BBB receives thousands of complaints from small business owners who fell for an invoicing scam or were misled into paying for products and services they didn’t want. Scammers aren’t always trying to steal money from a business; sometimes they are after a company’s financial or customer data and will use many kinds of high and low-tech methods for getting it.

“Small business fraud can come from internal threats, such as employee fraud, or from external full-time scammers,” said Sheryl Bilbrey, BBB President. “Because small business owners often lack the time and resources to fight fraud, they are a popular mark for any number of different scams.”

The BBB is warning business owners to look out for the following seven scams that commonly target small companies:

Directory Scams – A perennial problem that has plagued businesses for decades involves deceptive sales for directories. Commonly the scammer will call the business claiming they just want to update the company’s entry in an online directory or the scammer might lie about being with the Yellow Pages. The business is later billed hundreds of dollars for listing services they didn’t agree to or for ads which they thought would be in the Yellow Pages.

Office Supply Scams – Some scammers prey on small business owners hoping that they won’t notice a bill for office supplies like toner or paper which the company never ordered. Every year BBB receives thousands of complaints from small business owners who were deceived by office supply companies and billed for products they didn’t want.

Overpayment Scams – Be extremely cautious if a customer overpays using a check or credit card and then asks you to wire the extra money back to them or to a third party. Overpayment scams target any number of different companies including catering businesses, manufacturers, wholesalers and even sellers on sites like eBay, Craigslist and Etsy.

Data Breaches – No matter how vigilant your company is a data breach can still happen. Whether it’s the result of hackers, negligence or a disgruntled employee, a data breach can have a severe impact on the level of trust customers have in your business. You can learn how to defend your company from a data breach for free with BBB’s Data Security – Made Simpler at www.bbb.org/data-security.

Vanity Awards – While it’s flattering to be recognized for your hard work, some awards are just money-making schemes and have no actual merit. If you are approached about receiving a business or leadership award, research the opportunity carefully and be wary if you’re asked to pay money.

Stolen Identity – Scammers will often pretend to be a legitimate company for the purposes of ripping off consumers. When it comes to stolen identity, the company doesn’t necessarily lose money, but their reputation is potentially tarnished as angry customers who were ripped off by the scammers think the real company is responsible.

Phishing E-mails – Some phishing e-mails specifically target small business owners with the goal of hacking into their computer or network. Common examples include e-mails pretending to be from the IRS claiming the company is being audited or phony e-mails from the BBB saying the company has received a complaint. If you receive a suspicious e-mail from a government agency or the BBB, don’t click on any links or open any attachments. Contact the agency or the BBB directly to confirm the legitimacy of the e-mail.

For more advice on how to manage your business effectively, visit www.sandiego.bbb.org/.

Phony Callers Claim to be from BBB; Target Local Businesses

1/14/2011

Posted on 1/14/2011 by
Phony Callers Claim to be from BBB; Target Local Businesses

BBB Not Affiliated With Incoming Calls Displaying Unknown Number

BBB serving Central, Coastal and Southwest Texas is warning local businesses of phony calls coming from unknown numbers claiming to be from BBB. BBB offices have received several complaints where callers claiming to be BBB employees are aggressively asking business owners to verify and update their company contact information. Other complaints allege the caller is requiring the call be recorded while business owners stated they were authorized to make changes on the phone service. BBB confirms that these calls are not from your Better Business Bureau, and the source and purpose of the calls are unknown.

This week, BBB heard from a telecommunications firm in Austin that received an out-of-state call supposedly from the Better Business Bureau. The caller was requesting the owner of the business to update the firm’s mailing address and requiring the recording of the conversation. The caller also insisted on sending SEO marketing materials to the business owner. When the business owner refused to verify the mailing address, declined the marketing materials and hung up the phone, the caller allegedly called back and adamantly requested the business owners’ cooperation.

Similar calls have been reported across North America throughout the BBB system. The calls are nearly identical in nature, all claiming to be from BBB employees and all asking for address verification.

While BBB does frequently make outbound calls to businesses to verify information and update reports, BBB advises businesses to proceed with caution when it comes to calls from unknown numbers. All genuine calls from BBB will be verifiable with a working phone number that is displayed on caller-id. In addition, each BBB caller will always state their name, along with the purpose of the call. BBB will never ask to record a phone conversation.

If you receive a suspicious phone call claiming to be from Better Business Bureau, seeking to update records and/or using high-pressure sales tactics, please call your local BBB at 858-637-6199 to verify the legitimacy of the call.

Seven Scams that Target Small Businesses

1/13/2011

Posted on 1/13/2011 by

“Small business fraud can come from internal threats, such as employee fraud, or from external full-time scammers,” said Sheryl Bilbrey, San Diego BBB President/CEO. “Because small business owners often lack the time and resources to fight fraud, they are a popular mark for any number of different scams.”

The BBB is warning business owners to look out for the following seven scams that commonly target small companies:

Directory Scams – A perennial problem that has plagued businesses for decades involves deceptive sales for directories. Commonly the scammer will call the business claiming they just want to update the company’s entry in an online directory or the scammer might lie about being with the Yellow Pages. The business is later billed hundreds of dollars for listing services they didn’t agree to or for ads which they thought would be in the Yellow Pages.

Office Supply Scams – Some scammers prey on small business owners hoping that they won’t notice a bill for office supplies like toner or paper which the company never ordered. Every year BBB receives thousands of complaints from small business owners who were deceived by office supply companies and billed for products they didn’t want.

Overpayment Scams – Be extremely cautious if a customer overpays using a check or credit card and then asks you to wire the extra money back to them or to a third party. Overpayment scams target any number of different companies including catering businesses, manufacturers, wholesalers and even sellers on sites like eBay, Craigslist and Etsy.

Data Breaches – No matter how vigilant your company is a data breach can still happen. Whether it’s the result of hackers, negligence or a disgruntled employee, a data breach can have a severe impact on the level of trust customers have in your business. You can learn how to defend your company from a data breach for free with BBB’s Data Security – Made Simpler at www.bbb.org/data-security.

Vanity Awards – While it’s flattering to be recognized for your hard work, some awards are just money-making schemes and have no actual merit. If you are approached about receiving a business or leadership award, research the opportunity carefully and be wary if you’re asked to pay money.

Stolen Identity – Scammers will often pretend to be a legitimate company for the purposes of ripping off consumers. When it comes to stolen identity, the company doesn’t necessarily lose money, but their reputation is potentially tarnished as angry customers who were ripped off by the scammers think the real company is responsible.

Phishing E-mails – Some phishing e-mails specifically target small business owners with the goal of hacking into their computer or network. Common examples include e-mails pretending to be from the IRS claiming the company is being audited or phony e-mails from the BBB saying the company has received a complaint. If you receive a suspicious e-mail from a government agency or the BBB, don’t click on any links or open any attachments. Contact the agency or the BBB directly to confirm the legitimacy of the e-mail.

For more advice on how to manage your business effectively, visit http://sandiego.bbb.org/Business-Resources/.

Resolve to Give Back; Five Tips for Volunteering

1/10/2011

Posted on 1/10/2011 by

Donating your time to a charity is in many ways similar to deciding to make a cash donation. You want to know that the charity you’re considering is accountable and will use your time and talent effectively. If you’ve made giving back part of your New Year’s resolutions, the BBB Wise Giving Alliance recommends taking five steps to make sure your volunteering has a big impact.

Much of the great work that charities perform is made possible because of volunteers and the number of people giving their time continues to grow. According to the most recent numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 63.4 million people volunteered for an organization in 2009, or 26.4 percent of the US population.

“Particularly in this tough economy, charities need volunteers to help the community and those in need,” said H. Art Taylor, president and CEO of the BBB Wise Giving Alliance. “Volunteering can be an extremely rewarding experience, but you want to be thoughtful and do your research when you give your time, just as if you were giving money.”

The BBB Wise Giving Alliance recommends taking the five following steps to make sure your time and energy are put to great use as a volunteer:

Identify your skills. Volunteering opportunities are available for any skill level. Consider what you’re good at and what services you’d be particularly well-equipped to provide. From stuffing envelopes to construction to providing pro bono legal advice, you can find a good fit regardless of your education or talents.

Consider your passions. Maximize your enthusiasm for volunteering by finding an issue that resonates with your own personal passions. If you’re a runner, consider a marathon fundraiser. If you like history, look for opportunities to help out at an archeological dig. By indentifying your passions, you’re more likely to stay engaged with the charity and be a more effective volunteer.

Determine your availability. Make a realistic estimate of how much time you’re willing to give. Maybe it’s just a weekend of picking up trash at a park, a week of building schools in a foreign country or maybe you’re willing to make a long-term commitment to tutoring someone to read. It’s better to volunteer the amount of time you can reasonably handle, rather than drop out in the middle of a longer commitment.

Research the charity thoroughly. Just as you would before making a cash donation, research the charity fully before you volunteer to make sure the organization has a commitment to standards and accountability. You can view BBB Wise Giving Alliance evaluations on nationally-soliciting charities for free at www.bbb.org/charity.

Commit to stick with it. According to an article in the Stanford Social Innovation Review, more than one third of those who volunteer one year don’t volunteer anywhere the following year. Even if your early attempts at volunteering weren’t a good fit, keep at it and look for new opportunities to give back. In a tough economy, charities need the support of volunteers more than ever.

Following are just a few sites that list volunteer openings:

For more advice on volunteering and to view charity evaluations on nationally-soliciting organizations, visit www.bbb.org/charity.

Ten Questions to Ask Before Joining a Gym

1/3/2011

Posted on 1/3/2011 by

Losing weight is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions after the gluttony of the holiday season. If you’re pledging to lose some pounds this year by joining a gym, the Better Business Bureau recommends asking ten questions before signing on the dotted line.

In 2009 alone, BBB received 7,787 complaints about gyms and health clubs, putting the industry in the top 20 for most complained about businesses. Not only does BBB receive a lot of complaints about gyms, but complaints increased by 21 percent in 2009 over the previous year.

“Regardless of how eager you are to start losing weight in the New Year, take the time to do your research before joining a gym and don’t give in to high-pressure sales pitches,” said Sheryl Bilbrey, San Diego BBB President/CEO. “Always check the health club out with your Better Business Bureau, inspect the facilities closely and read the contract carefully, making sure that all of the promises are in print.”

BBB recommends asking the gym and yourself the following 10 questions before signing up for a membership:

Questions to ask the gym:

What are the terms of any introductory offers?

Gyms often use special introductory offers to lure in new members. Just make sure you understand the terms and what the price will be once the introductory period is over.

Will my membership renew automatically?

Every year, BBB receives a large number of complaints from people who joined a gym and didn’t realize that their contract would renew automatically and that they would have to take specific steps to cancel their contract.

How can I get out of my contract?

Getting out of a gym contract isn’t always as easy as getting into one so make sure you understand what steps you would need to take to cancel your membership

What happens if I move?

Gyms have any number of different policies when it comes to how moving will affect your membership. It might depend on how far away you’re moving and if they have other locations nearby.

What happens if you go out of business?

BBB often receives complaints from people after their gym suddenly closed up shop and took their money with them. Ask the gym to explain what will happen to your money if they suddenly go out of business.

Questions to ask yourself:

What are my fitness goals?

Determining your fitness goals in advance will help you select a facility that is most appropriate for you. If you have a serious health condition, consult with a medical professional when setting your fitness goals.

Is this location convenient?

If the gym is across town, you’ll be less likely to workout. Choose a fitness club that is convenient to work or home so the location is not a deterrent to getting exercise.

Can I really afford this every month?

Monthly gym fees add up and, after any introductory periods are over, the price could jump higher than your budget can handle. Do the math before you join and make sure you can afford a gym membership.

Am I feeling pressured to join?

Do not give in to high-pressure sales tactics to join right away. A reputable gym will give you enough time to read the contract thoroughly, tour the facilities and make an informed decision.

Did I get everything in writing?

Read the contract carefully and make sure that all verbal promises made by the salesperson are in writing. What matters is the document you sign, so don’t just take a salesperson’s word for it.

For more advice from BBB on how to be a savvy consumer all year long, visit http://sandiego.bbb.org/Consumer-Tips/.

‘Dear Santa’ websites? Better Business Bureau Recommends Adults Check the Privacy Policy Twice

12/17/2010

Posted on 12/17/2010 by

More than 60 domain names have been registered in the name of Santa Claus, offering children a wide range of opportunities to e-mail St. Nick. But before allowing children to share personal information with a “Letter to Santa” website, the Children’s Advertising Review Unit (CARU) recommends that adults carefully review the site to determine who is seeking the information, how it will be used and whether it will be shared with third parties.

“Even Santa is required to comply with CARU’s Online Privacy Protection guidelines and the federal Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act,” said Wayne J. Keeley, CARU’s director.

All Websites directed to children – or Websites designed with a special children’s section – should have a privacy policy that explains the site’s information collection practices. The privacy policy should include the name of the company and the company’s complete contact information.

It should also state whether the company shares information with third parties, including advertisers, and whether the company publicly discloses the information or retains the information for any future purpose.

CARU offered the following ‘Dear Santa’ site review tips:

Websites directed to children should not ask a child to disclose more information than is reasonably necessary to participate in the activity – a first name and email address, for instance.

Limit the personal information children share with Santa and omit physical addresses – Santa already knows where all the children live.

Check Websites for unwelcome content. Some sites are geared toward adults and may contain language or advertising adults may not want children to see.

Since hyperlinks can allow children to move seamlessly from one site to another, investigate the hyperlinks to assure children don’t access inappropriate content.

For more information on Website safety and children, please visit CARU at www.CARU.org.

Interview with Small Business Advice Radio

12/14/2010

Posted on 12/14/2010 by Sheryl Bilbrey

I had an opportunity to go on Small Business Advice radio with Caz Taylor and Ruben Garcia, District Director of the Small Business Administration. We talked about the business trends we’ve seen this past year and what we felt businesses could expect in 2011. It was interesting that there are some correlations between the BBB and the SBA that are leading us to the same conclusions.

These conversations always remind me of the importance of trust in the relationship between the buyer and the seller. The breakdown of trust in major industry in the past few years has certainly brought an unprecedented level of visibility to the work of the BBB. I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to serve our community with a mission to connect consumers to trustworthy businesses, and shine a blinding spotlight on those bad apples who care more about taking your money than taking care of you. When spending your money this holiday season, be ever vigilant.

You are welcome to listen to the entire interview online.

A refreshing reminder about what is important in business and in life

12/10/2010

Posted on 12/10/2010 by Sheryl Bilbrey

Congratulations to all the winners and finalists in the Torch Awards for Marketplace Ethics. George Chamberlain was magnanimous as usual in doling out these prestigious and sought-after awards. And I must admit, Coach John Robinson was a delight. His slightly salty description of the ethical dilemmas he faced as a coach, from financially helping a player get to a grandmother’s funeral to really wanting those steroid abs (perhaps more for himself than his players!), John’s message about the importance of making good choices came through loud and clear.

My staff won’t tell me the winners in advance of the ceremony. Part of “starting with trust” is knowing when, where and how to appropriately lay that trust. If I don’t know the winners, my face won’t deceive me when I’m asked, so I am just as excited as everyone else when I recognize the outstanding companies called to the stage to receive their awards. The award entries are generally a couple of inches thick, and reflect a year’s worth of dedication from companies of all sizes. The pride of entry and earning the award is infectious, and I always leave the event with some added lift in my step.

We are passionate about our mission at the BBB. And at the Torch Awards, we find not only a passion for that common commitment, but a dedication to a belief system that declares the importance of strong values and strong leadership to instill and foster those values. It serves as a refreshing reminder about what is important in business and life.

'Tis the Season for Holiday Scams

12/10/2010

Posted on 12/10/2010 by
The holidays are a happy time for food, family, and friendship, but they are also a time for fraud. Consumers can fall into any number of traps over the holidays and become victim to identity thieves, hackers and deceptive merchants online. The Better Business Bureau is warning holiday shoppers and donors to look out for five common scams this season.

“While the rest of us are pulling the decorations out of the attic, scammers are blowing the dust off of their tried and true holiday scams,” said Sheryl Bilbrey, San Diego BBB President/CEO. “We can all help make these holiday scams a ghost of Christmas’ past by not falling for them anymore.”

BBB recommends being on the lookout for the following scams this holiday season:

Scam shopping sites online
We’re all looking for a great deal online, but some sites offer electronics or luxury goods at prices that are too good to be true. Every holiday season BBB hears from holiday shoppers who paid for a supposedly great deal online, but received nothing in return.

BBB advice: Always look for the BBB seal when shopping online and click on the seal to confirm it is legitimate. When shopping on sites that you aren’t household names, check the business out with the BBB before you buy.

Finding the season’s hottest toys and gadgets online
Every year, holiday shoppers fight over the “must have” toy or gadget of the season. When the item is sold out in stores, you can often find it online through sites like Craigslist or eBay—for a much steeper price. The problem is that some sellers will take your money and run.

BBB Advice: Shop locally on Craigslist and conduct the transaction in person—never wire money as payment. When purchasing items on auctions like eBay, research the seller extensively and always listen to your doubts if the deal doesn’t sound legit.

Identity theft at the mall
While you’re struggling at the mall with bags of presents, identity thieves see an opportunity to steal your wallet and debit or credit card numbers.

BBB Advice: Don’t let yourself get bogged down in purchases and lose track of your wallet. Know where your credit and debit cards are at all times and cover the keypad when entering your pin number while purchasing items or getting money from the ATM.

Bogus charitable pleas
The holidays are a time of giving which creates a great opportunity for scammers to solicit donations to line their own pockets. Also beware of solicitations from charities that don’t necessarily deliver on their promises or are ill-equipped to carry through on their plans.

BBB Advice: Always research a charity with the BBB Wise Giving Alliance before you give to see if the charity meets the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.

Phishing e-mails
Phishing e-mails are a common way for hackers to get at your personal information or break into your computer. Common phishing e-mails around the holidays include e-cards and messages pretending to be from companies like UPS or Fedex with links to package tracking information.

BBB Advice: Don’t click on any links or open any attachments to e-mails until you have confirmed that they are not malicious. E-mail addresses that don’t match up, typos and grammatical mistakes are common red flags of a malicious phishing e-mail. Also beware of unsolicited e-mails from companies with which you have no association. Make sure you have current antivirus software and that all security patches have been installed on the computer.

For more advice on being a savvy consumer this holiday season, visit us online at http://sandiego.bbb.org/consumer-tips-holiday/.

Generate Goodwill and Help a Charity through Cause-Related Marketing

12/6/2010

Posted on 12/6/2010 by
Cause-related marketing is a great option for small business owners to help a charity and generate goodwill for the company. Whether it’s donating proceeds from sales to a charity or encouraging customers to give, BBB Wise Giving Alliance recommends that small business owners consider the benefits of partnering with a worthy cause.

According to The Chronicle of Philanthropy, at the close of 2008, 60 percent of small business owners reported that the tough economy had affected their charitable giving. When times are tight, businesses may need to get creative about helping charities. Cause-related marketing is a great option for businesses that can’t necessarily write a big check.

The recent breast cancer awareness month is a great example of the impact of cause-related marketing. Bright pink ribbons were everywhere in October as businesses donated proceeds from regular sales or for limited edition pink items.

Embedded giving is another way that businesses can partner with charities to raise money. Embedded giving is common at stores where customers are asked if they want to donate to a charity at check out and then the desired amount is tacked onto their total.

“Times are tough for small business owners, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be good corporate citizens and help out a worthy cause this holiday,” said H. Art Taylor, President and CEO of the BBB Wise Giving Alliance. “By partnering with a charity, small businesses can help raise awareness as well as money for the cause and generate goodwill for the company in the process.”

Before soliciting donations on behalf of a charity, or engaging in any cause related marketing efforts, the BBB Wise Giving Alliances offers the following advice to small business owners:

Do your research
When choosing a charity to donate to, always research the organization thoroughly. Visit their website and look for details on the charity’s programs, finances, and governance. Always check the charity out with the BBB Wise Giving Alliance to see if they meet the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.

Get formal permission from the charity
Charities are trademarked entities, so before you place their logo all over your marketing materials, contact the charity to get permission to use their name and likeness. They might also have ideas for cross promotion or additional ways you can help out.

Include the right disclosures
At some point prior to the purchase, the customer should be presented with the following information:

How much from each purchase will go toward the charity.
The time frame for the campaign.
If applicable, the minimum or maximum amount that the charity will receive.

For more advice on being a savvy donor and to review BBB Wise Giving Alliance evaluations on more than 1200 national charities, visit http://sandiego.bbb.org/charity/.

How Does Coach Robinson Do It? Come See Him Speak at the Torch Awards and Find Out

12/3/2010

Posted on 12/3/2010 by Sheryl Bilbrey

I am very excited to hear John Robinson speak at our Torch Awards luncheon this Tuesday. I had the opportunity to go to breakfast with him a few weeks ago and sure enough, the waitress came over and said “a customer over there asked if you are the John Robinson that coached USC and in the NFL. Are you?” She then did NOT turn to me and ask if I was the President of the BBB. John Robinson is an icon, and I was just some lady out to breakfast with him.

I shared with Coach Robinson my revere for Tom Osborne back in “the day,” and he said “I know Tom.” To me, that’s like saying “I know Governor Schwarzenegger.” Because you see, Coach Osborne became the Governor and then a Senator in Nebraska, THAT’s how powerful college football is there. So I appreciate the icon status that Coach Robinson has achieved. I even more appreciate that he has moved to Encinitas to be closer to family, and looks for ways to give back to the community. So he is “helping” the San Marcos High School football coach with their defense. How would you like to be a high school defensive lineman getting tips from a former NFL and NCAA Championship team coach?

It’s fun to hear about the trials of a sports coach because above all, success at that level requires commitment and passion. Oh, and EVERYONE notices your conduct. Are you doing it right? Well, everyone will have an opinion on that, and everyone will be willing to share it with anyone who will listen. You think you are criticized too much in your business, how would you like to be criticized every day in the press? There is definitely a parallel between running a business and running a sports team. The commitment must be there. The passion must be there. The tenacity must be there. And people will be watching you and judging you. How did Coach Robinson handle it? I hope you will come to our Torch Awards next Tuesday and find out.

No Matter How You Give, Give Wisely with Advice from the BBB Wise Giving Alliance

12/1/2010

Posted on 12/1/2010 by

Because of technology and the creativity of charities, there are many different ways that donors can give to a worthy cause. Whether you’re giving money, canned goods, used items or your time, BBB Wise Giving Alliance reminds donors that how you give is just as important as what you give.

According to the Chronicle of Philanthropy, charitable donations to the largest charities were down 11 percent last year. Despite the tough economy and the overall decline in giving, donors are still looking for ways to help the less fortunate particularly around the holidays. According to the Salvation Army, red kettle donations in November and December of 2009 actually increased by $9 million over the previous year.

“Despite the downturn in the economy, people are still looking for creative or small ways that they can give back and support those who are even less fortunate over the holidays,” said H. Art Taylor, President and CEO of the BBB Wise Giving Alliance. “However you decide to give, it’s important to stop and take the time to research the charity thoroughly to make sure that your dollar stretches the farthest it can in this tough economy.”

How you give—and not just what you give—to a charity matters. Following are five common ways that people donate to charities over the holidays and a few things to consider:

Give items – Many organizations solicit for donations over the holidays including coats, toys, and canned goods. Whatever you’re donating, make sure the items are of good condition and that the recipient charity is accepting such items to help further its cause.

Give when you shop - Many charities have had great success partnering with businesses who agree to donate some amount of the purchase price from sales of items to a worthy cause. This type of cause-related marketing means that you can help while you shop. Check if the promotion identifies the actual or anticipated amount of the purchase price the charity will receive. Also some businesses, like grocery stores, ask if you want to donate to a charity and have that amount added to your receipt which is called embedded giving. See if the embedded promotion states which specific charity will receive the collected funds.

Give online – Giving online with a credit or debit card is among the most efficient ways to support a charity. Before you enter in your numbers, give the website a thorough review and look for the organization’s privacy policy, and verify if the organization has appropriate security measures in place to protect such transactions.

Give through text messaging – The option to give via text message took off in the wake of the disastrous earthquake in Haiti. After texting a message to a number, the donation is tacked on to your cell phone bill. While donating via text is fast and easy for the donor, the actual money can take months to reach the charity so consider donating directly to a charity through its website if there is an urgent need.

Give your time – In today’s tight economy, you may not have money, but you can always give a little bit of your time to help support a worthy cause. In addition to volunteering around the holidays, you can also be a vocal supporter of a charity and help raise awareness among friends and family and on your Facebook page or blog.

The BBB Wise Giving Alliance reports on more than 1,200 national charitable organizations at www.bbb.org/charity and determines if they meet 20 accountability standards addressing governance, finances and fund raising practices.

To review charity evaluations and get more advice on how to give when times are tight, visit www.bbb.org/charity.

Finding a Trustworthy Kennel to Board Your Pets

11/23/2010

Posted on 11/23/2010 by

As much as pet owners may want to take their furry or feathered friends with them where ever they go, sometimes you can’t take them with you and finding a kennel or pet care service you can trust is paramount. That’s why the Better Business Bureau has created a checklist to help pet owners choose a safe and reliable home-away-from-home for their pets.

Every year, BBB receives hundreds of complaints from pet owners about kennels. Common complaints include disputes over billing, but also over the treatment of the pet. Owners say their pets came back from poor boarding kennels severely dehydrated and malnourished or rife with fleas, ticks, and even maggots. Worst case scenarios include pets that became extremely ill from their stay at poor facilities which resulted in lengthy stays at the animal hospital.

“For many of us, our pets are like family and leaving them in the care of someone else can be nerve-wrecking and the stress can overshadow your whole trip,” said Sheryl Bilbrey, San Diego BBB President/CEO. “Taking a few moments to do your research and find a kennel you can trust will make your time out of town much easier for you and your pet.”

If you are looking for a reliable kennel, the BBB recommends the following checklist:

Check the kennel out with the BBB first to make sure they have a good track record for keeping customers satisfied.
Ask your friends, neighbors, veterinarian or local animal shelters for recommendations. Also, the Pet Care Services Association website has a pet service locator that may be helpful in your search.
Personally visit the facilities. Check for cleanliness and offensive odors, and note the overall safety of the kennel and cages.
If your pet is prone to running away, ask about steps the kennel has taken to make their facilities escape-proof.
Ask about how your pet may come in contact with other animals. Some kennels let animals play together while others keep them separate at all times.
If your state requires inspections look for the certificate on the wall and make sure the kennel is properly licensed.
Ask about the feeding schedule, water accessibility and frequency of – or fees related to – exercise.
Note the friendliness of staff members and how they interact with the other boarding pets. Ask about their background and experience.
Make sure the facility requires that all entering pets have proof of immunization and ask about their policies regarding flea and tick control.
Ask about the hours for drop off and pick up and make sure you understand their billing policy.
Finally, ask what happens in the case of a medical emergency or other unexpected situation.

For more advice on finding reputable businesses around the holidays, visit us online at http://sandiego.bbb.org/consumer-tips-holiday/.

Five Tips for Staying Safe on the Roads over the Holidays

11/18/2010

Posted on 11/18/2010 by

The holidays are a time of cheer, but they can also be a time for battling traffic and bad weather all the way to Grandma’s house. Staying safe should be a top priority for all travelers so the Better Business Bureau recommends taking a few precautions when hitting the road this holiday.

Every year, holiday travelers take to the skies and hit the rails, but most spill onto the highways. Last year, AAA estimated that 87.7 million Americans traveled more than 50 miles over the holidays—85 percent of which drove.

“Because of weather conditions and increased traffic, staying safe on the roads over the holidays takes a few additional precautions,” said Sheryl Bilbrey, San Diego BBB President/CEO. “Before loading up the family, make sure the car is in good shape and you’re prepared for bad weather. While you’re driving, put down your cell phone or GPS and focus on the road ahead.”

The BBB recommends taking the following steps for safe driving this holiday season:

Create a car safety kit – Holiday driving often includes the threat of dangerous winter weather. Snow and ice lead to accidents, car troubles, long delays and road closures. You can prepare for bad weather by creating your own safety kit. Basics for the kit include a blanket, flashlight with extra batteries, radio, first aid kit, jumper cables, non-perishable foods like granola bars and nuts, bottled water, an ice scraper and warm gloves.

Take the car in for a checkup – Breaking down on the side of the road can definitely put a damper on the holiday spirit. If your car is due for a check up, take it in before making that long haul. At the very least, check the car’s fluid levels, wipers and tire pressure. Check the condition of your tires and, if you plan on driving through serious winter weather, consider getting snow tires.

Take the Better Business Bureau with you – When you’re away from home or in the midst of an emergency, it’s hard to know which businesses—such as tow trucks and locksmiths—you can trust. The good news is you can now rely on BBB’s mobile optimized website for finding businesses you can trust when you’re away from your computer.

Start early and slow down – The best way to fight holiday traffic is to give yourself some extra time to make the trip, and don’t speed. Speeding leads to accidents which increase traffic even more. Also, if you’re caught speeding by law enforcement, that adds travel time and puts a dent in your holiday spending.

Drop the distractions – According to the National Safety Council, 28 percent of accidents happen when people are talking on their cell phone or sending text messages. When you’re behind the wheel, don’t text and drive, use a hands free headset when talking on the phone and get someone else to fumble with the GPS.

For more advice on staying safe over the holidays, visit us online at sandiego.bbb.org/consumer-tips-holiday/.

Top Ten Cyber Monday Tips for Staying Safe When Shopping Online

11/15/2010

Posted on 11/15/2010 by

Cyber Monday—the Monday after Thanksgiving—has officially replaced Black Friday—the day after Thanksgiving—as the most popular day to shop for the holidays. Shopping online means avoiding the crowds, but it also opens the buyer up to attacks from scammers and hackers. In order to fight these online grinches, the Better Business Bureau recommends 10 tips for staying safe when holiday shopping online.

Every year, more people head online—rather than to the mall—to get their holiday shopping done. Last year, 96.5 million Americans shopped online during Cyber Monday while 79 million Americans shopped at brick-and-mortar retailers on Black Friday, according to the National Retail Federation.

“The convenience and ease of shopping online has replaced the hassle of going to the store for many people—but online shopping has its own set of risks,” said Sheryl Bilbrey, San Diego BBB President/CEO. “Taking steps to avoid the fraud online will result in a much happier holiday for everyone—except, of course, for scammers and hackers.”

Following are the “Top 10 Online Shopping Tips” for holiday shoppers to help fight unscrupulous online retailers, scammers and hackers:

1. Protect your computer – A computer should always have the most recent updates installed for spam filters, anti-virus and anti-spyware software and a secure firewall.

2. Shop on trustworthy websites – Shoppers should start with BBB to check on the seller’s reputation and record for customer satisfaction. Always look for the BBB seal and other widely-recognized “trustmarks” on retailer websites and click on the seals to confirm that they are valid.

3. Protect your personal information – BBB recommends taking the time to read the site’s privacy policy and understand what personal information is being requested and how it will be used. If there isn’t one posted, it should be taken as a red flag that personal information may be sold to others without permission.

4. Beware of deals that sound too good to be true – Offers on websites and in unsolicited e-mails can often sound too good to be true, especially extremely low prices on hard-to-get items. Consumers should always go with their instincts and not be afraid to pass up a “deal” that might cost them dearly in the end.

5. Beware of phishing – Legitimate businesses do not send e-mails claiming problems with an order or an account to lure the “buyer” into revealing financial information. If a consumer receives such an e-mail, BBB recommends picking up the phone and calling the contact number on the website where the purchase was made to confirm that there really is a problem with the transaction.

6. Confirm your online purchase is secure – Shoppers should always look in the address box for the “s” in https:// and in the lower-right corner for the “lock” symbol before paying. If there are any doubts about a site, BBB recommends right-clicking anywhere on the page and select “Properties.” This will let you see the real URL (website address) and the dialog box will reveal if the site is not encrypted.

7. Pay with a credit card – It’s best to use a credit card, because under federal law, the shopper can dispute the charges if he or she doesn’t receive the item. Shoppers also have dispute rights if there are unauthorized charges on their credit card, and many card issuers have “zero liability” policies under which the card holder pays nothing if someone steals the credit card number and uses it. Never wire money and only shop locally on sites like Craigslist.

8. Keep documentation of your order - After completing the online order process, there may be a final confirmation page or the shopper might receive confirmation by e-mail – BBB recommends saving a copy of the Web page and any e-mails for future reference and as a record of the purchase.

9. Check your credit card statements often – Don’t wait for paper statements; BBB recommends consumers check their credit card statements for suspicious activity by either calling credit card companies or by checking statements online regularly.

10. Know your rights – Federal law requires that orders made by mail, phone or online be shipped by the date promised or, if no delivery time was stated, within 30 days. If the goods aren’t shipped on time, the shopper can cancel and demand a refund. There is no general three-day cancellation right, but consumers do have the right to reject merchandise if it’s defective or was misrepresented. Otherwise, it’s the company’s policies that determine if the shopper can cancel the purchase and receive a refund or credit.

For more advice on staying safe online this holiday season, and to see reports on thousands of online retailers, go to http://sandiego.bbb.org/consumer-tips-holiday/.

Fighting Cold and Flu Season in the Workplace

11/10/2010

Posted on 11/10/2010 by

Cold and flu season is setting in and the close quarters of the workplace allow coworkers to easily trade germs. Better Business Bureau recommends that business owners take a few simple steps to prevent illnesses from spreading and promote productivity throughout the workplace.

According to the National Institutes of Health every year there are more than 1 billion cases of the common cold in the United States. The flu also affects 5 to 20 percent of Americans every year with the peak season starting in late November, according to the Center for Disease Control.

“Fighting germs around the office is about keeping your employees safe and maintaining productivity throughout the peak cold and flu seasons,” said Sheryl Bilbrey, San Diego BBB President/CEO. “Encouraging proper hygiene and a liberal leave policy will help maintain a happier, healthier workplace.”

BBB recommends taking the following steps to protect employees during cold and flu season:

Build up an arsenal to fight germs. Kleenex, hand sanitizer, and products for cleaning work spaces are three basic purchases employers can make for fighting germs around the office. Also consider investing in no-touch trashcans.

Encourage people to stay home - Sick employees may think they’re being dedicated workers when they still come into work but, the truth is, they spread germs to other employees and cut down on the overall productivity of the business. Encourage employees to stay home when they are sick at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever or severe symptoms. Consider instituting a flexible leave policy—and appropriate technology—that allows employees to work from home if they or their kids are sick.

Promote good hygiene around the office - Remind everyone of the importance of hand washing and covering your mouth if you sneeze or cough. Encourage employees to regularly clean shared equipment such as phones and computers and wipe down common areas. Post friendly reminders around the workplace in languages that all employees can easily understand.

Encourage flu shots – Contact your local hospital to see if they provide on-site flu shots or consider reimbursing some or all of the cost for employees to get a shot on their own time.

Hold a health fair – Contact your local hospital to see if they provide health fairs for larger offices. You can also contract the coordination of an on-site health fair with a company specializing in the service.

Set a good example - Now that you’ve asked everyone to wash their hands regularly and stay home if they’re sick, it’s important as the business owner that you follow your own advice. When you’re the boss it can seem like an impossible task to take a sick day, but stay home and keep your germs out of the workplace.

For more advice on providing a safe and healthy workplace, visit us online at www.bbb.org/us/Business-Tips-Index/.

How to Get a Temporary Job Over the Holidays

11/8/2010

Posted on 11/8/2010 by

Many job hunters will get an early present this year as retailers are increasing the number of hires for the holiday season. Competition for these jobs will likely be fierce, and the Better Business Bureau recommends applying early and taking steps to put your best foot forward.

According to the Los Angeles Times, many retailers are looking for more seasonal employees this year than in previous years. Toys R Us alone is hiring 45,000 holiday employees and other retail giants are hiring 20 or even 30 percent more seasonal staff than last year. According to the outsourcing firm, Challenger, Gray, and Christmas, as many as 600,000 people are expected to get holiday jobs this year.

“The holiday season will create a much welcome bump in the number of job openings, particularly in the retail and restaurant industry,” said Sheryl Bilbrey, San Diego BBB President/CEO. “While the jobs are usually temporary, this is great news for struggling families and people who have had problems finding work.”

BBB offers the following advice for job hunters this holiday season:

Start the job search earlier rather than later.
The key to landing a seasonal job is to start searching early. Retail, shipping, restaurants and catering companies are common sources of seasonal employment and now is the time for job hunters to determine which job suits them best, identify companies they’d like to work for and then begin submitting applications and resumes.

Work where you shop.
Try to identify seasonal employment with businesses you actually shop at or frequent. You will already be familiar with the company and its products and, secondly, discounts available for employees mean significant savings when shopping for Christmas gifts. Discounts can range from 20-40 percent for seasonal employees.

Put your best foot forward.
Even if you are just picking up an application at stores in the mall, dress your best and be prepared for an interview. This includes being familiar with the company’s brand and its products. Retail job hunters in particular need to focus on impressing potential employers with their customer service skills—which is a must when dealing with stressed-out shoppers, long check-out lines and day-after-Christmas returns.

Be flexible.
Full-time employees usually have first dibs on the preferred hours and shifts, so, as a seasonal employee, expect to work long, sometimes inconvenient hours including working on Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. If this is a second job in addition to your day job, be upfront and clear with your new employer about your available hours.
For more advice on making it through the holidays, visit us online at http://sandiego.bbb.org/consumer-tips-holiday/.

Cómo conseguir un trabajo estacional para las fiestas

11/5/2010

Posted on 11/5/2010 by

Muchos buscadores de empleo recibirán un regalo por adelantado este año ya que los minoristas están aumentando el número de contrataciones estacionales para las fiestas. La competencia por estos puestos probablemente será feroz, y el Better Business Bureau recomienda postularse temprano y tomar medidas para poner lo mejor de sí mismos.

Según el Los Angeles Times, muchas tiendas minoristas están buscando más empleados estacionales este año que en años anteriores. Toys R Us solo está contratando 45.000 empleados para las fiestas y otros gigantes minoristas están contratando 20 o incluso 30 por ciento más personal estacional que el año pasado. Según la firma de colocaciones Challenger, Gray, and Christmas, se espera que hasta 600.000 personas obtengan trabajos estacionales este año.

“La temporada de las fiestas creará un muy bienvenido aumento en el número de ofertas laborales, particularmente en la industria minorista y restaurantes”, dijo Sheryl Bilbrey, vocera de BBB. “Si bien los trabajos son normalmente temporarios, esta es una muy buena noticia para las familias que atraviesan dificultades y las personas que han tenido problemas para encontrar trabajo”.

BBB ofrece los siguientes consejos para los buscadores de trabajos estacionales en estas fiestas:

Comience la búsqueda laboral lo antes posible.
La clave para conseguir un trabajo estacional es comenzar la búsqueda temprano. Las tiendas minoristas, compañías de encomiendas, restaurantes y empresas de catering son fuentes comunes de empleo estacional y ahora es el momento para que los buscadores de empleo determinen qué trabajo les conviene más, identifiquen empresas para las que les gustaría trabajar y luego comiencen a presentar solicitudes y currículos.
Trabaje donde hace sus compras.
Trate de identificar empleos estacionales con negocios que frecuenta o donde realmente hace sus compras. Ya estará familiarizado con la compañía y sus productos y además los descuentos disponibles para empleados implican ahorros importantes cuando haga las compras de los regalos navideños. Los descuentos pueden ser del 20 al 40 por ciento para los empleados estacionales.
Ponga lo mejor de sí.
Incluso si sólo está retirando una solicitud en tiendas del centro comercial, vístase lo mejor que pueda y esté preparado para una entrevista. Esto incluye conocer la marca de la compañía y sus productos. Los buscadores de empleo en tiendas minoristas en particular necesitan concentrarse en impresionar a los potenciales empleadores con sus habilidades de atención al cliente—que es fundamental cuando se trata con compradores agotados, largas filas en las cajas y devoluciones el día después de Navidad.
Sea flexible.
Los empleados de tiempo completo normalmente tienen la prioridad para los horarios y los turnos preferidos, por lo tanto, como empleado estacional, espere trabajar muchas horas, a veces en horarios inconvenientes, incluyendo el Día de Acción de Gracias y Nochebuena. Si este es un segundo empleo además de su trabajo diurno, sea directo y claro con su nuevo empleador acerca de sus horarios disponibles.
Para más consejos sobre cómo encontrar trabajo y pasar las fiestas, visítenos en línea en sandiego.bbb.org/consejos-en-espanol

Five Steps to Create and Keep a Holiday Budget

11/5/2010

Posted on 11/5/2010 by

Unless you’re among a select group of people, sitting down and creating a budget does not sound like very much holiday fun. Nevertheless, in tough economic times, the Better Business Bureau recommends that mapping out your spending in November will help ease the strain of a financial holiday hangover in January.

According to a survey by Consumer Reports, shoppers planned on spending about $699 over the holidays last year, but, in a follow-up survey, admitted to actually spending closer to an average of $811, 16 percent more than planned. Creating a budget, and being disciplined enough to follow it, is one of the best ways to avoid overspending during the holidays.

“While it isn’t the most festive way to spend an evening, sit yourself down with a mug of eggnog and crunch the numbers, because tough economic times mean that you literally can’t afford to spend with abandon,” said Sheryl Bilbrey, San Diego BBB President/CEO. “Building a budget and sticking to it over the holidays will stave off a painful financial holiday hangover.”

Step One: Consider your Income.
The first step is to measure how much money is coming in. Add up your monthly salary along with your spouse’s and any child support payments, dividends or interest payments and other sources of income.

Step Two: Add up regular monthly expenses.
Adding up expenses is usually harder than determining your income because there are so many more factors to consider. Start with your rent or mortgage, utilities and credit card payments. Also factor in other expenses for gas and car maintenance, healthcare and groceries. A full list of monthly expenses to consider is available at www.bbb.org/us/article/tips-on-how-to-develop-a-working-budget-6101

Step Three: Estimate Extra Holiday Expenses
A lot of little purchases have a way of adding up over the holidays and it’s important to consider all of the expenses of the season including:

• Gifts - Make an itemized list of everyone you want to buy presents for and estimate how much you’re willing to spend for each. This includes presents for family, friends and coworkers. Also consider the cost for holiday cards and postage.

• Entertaining - Entertaining is big over the holidays. Think about who you’ll be having over and also budget for any food or beverages you might need to bring to someone else’s party. Also consider the costs for eating out and going to the movies—both popular expenses over the holidays.

• Decorations - Take stock of what you already own and then consider any additional spending you might need to make for a tree, lights, ornaments, wrapping paper, etc.

• Travel - If you’re heading out of town for the holidays, consider the cost of travel including any car maintenance or pet boarding if applicable.

• Charitable Donations - The holidays are a time of giving, so budget in how much you plan on donating to a worthy cause. You can learn more about being a savvy donor from the BBB Wise Giving Alliance.

Step Four: Revisit, evaluate and revise your budget along the way.
Once you’ve added up your income and your expenses, it’s time to compare. If more is going out than coming in, it’s time to go back over your budget and pare down expenses. Consider giving fewer gifts or less expensive ways of entertaining. Last year’s decorations are also probably just fine.

Once you’ve balanced your budget, revisit it frequently over the holidays to make sure you’re sticking to it. You might find that you over estimated in some categories and underestimated in others.

Step Five: Reward yourself. Work into your budget a small reward that you can earn if you meet your goals.
If you don’t meet your goals, you can guess where that money is going instead: Paying off your credit card bill in January.

More advice on saving money over the holidays is available online at sandiego.bbb.org/consumer-tips-holiday/

Protect your Debit Card Number from ATM skimming

11/3/2010

Posted on 11/3/2010 by

Even if you’re choosy about which ATMs you use, you can still become a victim of identity thieves who place seamless devices on machines to steal debit card information. ATM skimming is a growing problem and the Better Business Bureau recommends consumers take a few steps to protect themselves from becoming the next victim.

According to Bankrate.com, ATM skimmers are close to reaping $1 billion annually from unsuspecting consumers. Javelin Strategy & Research estimates that one in five people have become victims.

Identity thieves tamper with ATMs in any number of different ways in order to steal debit card numbers and PINs. It only takes a few seconds to install cameras over the keypad or a device over the card reader. ATMs aren’t the only hot spots, credit card swipers at gas pumps and retailers can be tampered with as well.

“Skimming devices are becoming increasingly harder to detect and often blend in seamlessly with the ATM,” said Sheryl Bilbrey, San Diego BBB President/CEO. “If you’re going to use an ATM, you could become a victim, and it’s important to monitor your accounts closely so you can quickly detect any fraudulent activity on your card and minimize your losses.”

Following are a few ways to fight identity thieves at the ATM:

Protect your PIN – When entering your PIN, cover the keypad with your other hand to prevent any cameras from catching your digits. False keypads placed over the real keypad are also a way scammers get PIN numbers so if the keypad looks different, move on.

Give it a wiggle – Skimming devices are often false panels attached to the ATM—such as where you put your card into the machine. If parts of the ATM look damaged or different, give it a wiggle. Also look for new or suspiciously placed cameras and unusual signage. Don’t hesitate to walk away and use another ATM if it doesn’t feel right.

Be picky with your ATMS – Avoid using ATMs in poorly lighted or low trafficked areas. Experts often recommend choosing a bank ATM over standalone ATMs in public places. Not only do identity thieves attach devices to legitimate ATMs to steal numbers. They will also place their own phony ATMS in public places.

Keep an eye on your statements – The most vigilant person can still fall victim to ATM skimmers, and it’s important to always keep a close eye on your accounts—particularly the itemized breakdown of charges and debits—so that you can quickly report any suspicious activity on your account.

Report fraud immediately – Report any fraudulent activity to your bank as soon as you discover it. Consumer protections for debit cards vary but depend largely on when you report the fraudulent activity. If you wait too long to report the fraud, your bank account could be cleaned out and your bank might not reimburse you.

For more advice on fighting identity thieves and preventing fraud, visit us online at http://sandiego.bbb.org/consumer-tips-scams/.

The Council of Better Business Bureaus Joins the Identity Theft Council in the Fight Against Identity Theft in the U.S.

10/28/2010

Posted on 10/28/2010 by

The Council of Better Business Bureaus today announced that it has become an official supporter of the newly launched Identity Theft Council (ITC), one of the largest national community-based identity theft victim support and education initiatives. The ITC is a non-profit, grassroots movement, aiming to find more effective ways to combat identity theft at a local level and to provide better long-term support for victims. The San Francisco Better Business Bureau will participate in the first regional launch of the ITC in San Francisco today and brings the support of the nationally-trusted non-profit organization to the partnership.

”The Identity Theft Council is an unprecedented coalition of national and community-based organizations who are taking on the challenge of fighting ID theft and helping victims recover from its devastating impact,” said Stephen A. Cox, President and CEO of the Council of Better Business Bureaus. “The Better Business Bureau is proud to be supporting this important grassroots initiative to help consumers fight fraud.”

The founder and executive director of the ITC, nationally renowned security expert Neal O’Farrell, has seen first-hand the many challenges that law enforcement agencies face when it comes to handling the hundreds of identity theft cases that come across their desks each day. As a way to remove the burden from law enforcement and provide assistance to victims of identity theft, O’Farrell and founding partner Intersections Inc., established the ITC.

The ITC is creating a nationwide network of local partnerships between law enforcement, the financial industry, and community volunteers to provide hands-on support for victims of identity theft, help law enforcement provide a more coordinated response, and to improve education and awareness. The ITC’s first line of defense is its locally trained volunteer counselors; these individuals lead victims of identity theft through the response and recovery process. For more complex identity theft cases, ITAC, the Identity Theft Assistance Center, operated by Intersections Inc. on behalf of the Identity Theft Assistance Corporation, will provide additional outside support and recovery services. The ITC is also providing police departments with free, specialized training they need to assist victims.

“The mission of the Identity Theft Council is to provide identity theft victims with greater long term support and recovery assistance in their local communities while helping to reduce the incidence of identity theft by improving local awareness and education,” said Neal O’Farrell. “We are thrilled that the Council of Better Business Bureaus has decided to join us in our efforts.”

In early 2010, the pilot program was implemented in more than two dozen cities and police departments across the San Francisco Bay Area including Hayward County, Alameda County and Contra Costa County. By the end of 2010, more than 100 cities and communities across northern California are expected to be participating in the ITC, creating a model and launch pad for Councils to form across the country.

About the Identity Theft Council
Established in early 2010 in the San Francisco Bay area, the Identity Theft Council (ITC) is a non-profit, grassroots organization that provides identity theft victims with free, ongoing support and identity recovery assistance in their local communities. The Council is creating a nationwide network of local partnerships between law enforcement, the financial industry, and volunteers in local communities to provide hands-on support for victims of identity theft, help law enforcement provide a more coordinated response, and improve identity theft education and awareness community by community, across the country.

The Council was founded by security expert Neal O’Farrell with the support of local law enforcement in the San Francisco Bay area, and Intersections Inc. The Council is supported nationally by Intersections Inc, the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA), the Council of Better Business Bureaus (BBB), the Online Trust Alliance (OTA), Elder Financial Protection Network (EFPN), and ITAC, the Identity Theft Assistance Center. For more information or to become involved in the Identity Theft Council, please visit our website, follow us on Twitter @IDTheftCouncil or visit our blog.

About Better Business Bureau
As the leader in advancing marketplace trust, Better Business Bureau is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Every year, more than 65 million consumers rely on BBB Reliability Reports® and BBB Wise Giving Reports® to help them find trustworthy businesses and charities across North America. Visit www.bbb.org for more information.

Press Contact for Identity Theft Council:
Michelle Schafer
Merritt Group Inc.
703-390-1525 (o)
703-403-6377 (c)
Schafer@merrittgrp.com

Honesty and Integrity in Your Office - or in our case "The Mysterious Creamer Thief"

10/28/2010

Posted on 10/28/2010 by Sheryl Bilbrey

We are going through the creamer in this office like it’s nobody’s business. I don’t mean that everyone is using a lot. I mean that an employee just came in and said, “We have a problem. We’ve gone through two boxes of vanilla creamer in two days. And the same thing happened last week. I think it’s time to put out another e-mail.” You see, we had this issue about two years ago, and the e-mail resolved the issue. So this is the e-mail I put out today:

“Re: Creamer thief

I am offering a half vacation day for any information leading to the individual or individuals responsible for the evaporation of two boxes of creamer in the last two days. In case you are curious, I have zero tolerance for theft on any scale. Thanks for your help figuring this out. (Those sitting near the break room door do have an advantage. I encourage you to “hawk” the break room, but please keep your frisking appropriate. Thanks!)”

My issue is, when it comes to ethics and integrity, we really have to show what we stand for every day. My experience in today’s world is the perception that if it isn’t money, it isn’t stealing. So often an employee’s value system says if the company makes it available, take it. Take as much as you need and use it however you see fit. It’s not stealing, it’s maximizing opportunity. So as I see it, I have a responsibility to tell them differently. I have a responsibility to frame it differently. I have a responsibility to point out ethical breaches, no matter how small, take a stand and educate.

The humor helps, but more importantly the above message gives my staff license to feel good about standing for what is right, honest and truthful. And I must say that we all enjoy working in that kind of culture. There is no question that culture creation starts with the leader. I encourage you to take the time to remind your employees about your value system and priorities. Those communications and conversations are invigorating and motivating. I would love to hear about your experience and its effect on your staff.

Have you Googled yourself today?

10/25/2010

Posted on 10/25/2010 by Sheryl Bilbrey

Have you Googled yourself today? Have you Googled your company? What are others saying about you on the web? What does the BBB say about you?

It is a new world, and I’m not just talking about the economy. Marketing used to be all about what you say about your business to consumers. More and more, it is about how to engage people to talk about you. We used to call it word of mouth, now we use this fancy terminology “social networking.” Let’s face it, the technology is new, the strategy is the same. The more people that talk about you, the more awareness your company has, the more business you are likely to receive. So, let’s get them talking. OK, replace talking with texting or typing or blogging or whatever the heck it is I’m doing right now. You found me, you are reading this, so you know how it works. Let’s just take a minute and make it work for you.

At our recent membership marketing breakfast, the President of Best Rank, Inc. gave us some excellent tips on how to improve our search engine optimization or, simply put, how to help people find you and get them talking about you. One easy idea: Google Maps. If you haven’t claimed your company on Google Maps and ensured the information is accurate, do it now. It is a VERY popular way for people to find companies via search engines or applications. Think of it like the phone book or yellow pages. They are giving you a free listing so users can find you, all you have to do is click in and verify.

Does this sound intimidating? Well, you’re not alone there, either. Remember how we used to set the clock on the VCR for our parents? Well, now the IT director in a significant percentage of homes is a tween, 12-17 year old. And in a significant number of those homes, the tween has put parental controls on their parent. Yep, that’s embarrassing. But what happens if we turn that equation around. What happens if we leverage 12-year-old Johnny smarty pants to help us claim our spot on Google maps? What if Johnny actually has some good ideas about how to get people talking about us on Facebook? What if people are actually following Johnny on Twitter and he talks about YOU?

OK, I’m not suggesting that we violate any child labor laws. But I am suggesting that you might be surrounded by resources that have great answers to some questions you may be asking about how to market and grow your business right now. Those kinds of ideas are free, you just need to ask the questions. It’s amazing when we shed our ego, how much we can learn and grow from those we least expect. If you are really ready to learn something, go home tonight and ask Johnny to see what he can find online about your company. You might be amazed.

Identity Theft Continues to Victimize Millions Each Year

10/18/2010

Posted on 10/18/2010 by

When something happens 10 million times per year, it’s worth noting, and in recent years, that’s how many victims of identity theft have reported the abuse to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Further, ID theft has remained the number one complaint to the FTC for the past five years.

It can start the old-fashioned way with lost or stolen wallets, pilfered mail, or through documents thrown out by you or a business (dumpster diving). A consumer may also be victimized through more high-tech crimes including a data breach, computer virus, phishing or an Internet scam. Once the personal information is stolen, the crime can result in check fraud, credit card fraud, financial identity theft, criminal identity theft, governmental identity theft and medical identity theft.

Recognizing that awareness and education are essential tools necessary for consumers to protect themselves against ID theft, the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) has teamed with the Council of Better Business Bureaus (CBBB) to host the third annual Protect Your Identity Week October 17-23. The week will consist of more than 175 local events in communities across the nation where consumers can take part in educational workshops, credit report reviews, responsibly recycle unused cell phones and have their personal documents shredded for free.

Consumers are urged to visit www.ProtectYourIDNow.org where they can locate events in their area, find useful prevention tips, victim resources, and take a quiz to assess their own risk of becoming the next identity theft victim. Advice in Spanish is also available at www.cuidesuidentidad.org.

“A recent NFCC online poll revealed that a majority of Americans fear identity theft, and that is a healthy fear to have if it leads them to take action,” said Bob Ensinger, COO of the NFCC. “The upcoming educational events should go a long way toward helping consumers protect themselves from the ever-present danger of identity theft.”

“BBB is committed to helping consumers fight fraud and identity theft is one of the largest threats we all face every day,” said Stephen A. Cox, president and CEO of the Council of Better Business Bureaus. “There are a few precautions that we can all take to protect ourselves, and taking part in Protect Your Identity Week is one easy first step to make.”

As part of Protect Your Identity Week, Cintas Corporation, national shredding partner for PYIW, is providing free document destruction at events nationwide with the goal of making the Guinness Book of World Records for the most paper shredded in a 24-hour period.

Additionally, Intersections, Inc., a leader in consumer and corporate identity theft management services that also provides the award-winning Identity Guard® brand, serves as a presenting sponsor of Protect Your Identity Week 2010, and Wireless Alliance, national electronic device recycling partner, is providing free cell phone disposal at many community events. MSN Money is once again serving as the national media sponsor for PYIW.

A number of national organizations are also putting their weight behind this initiative, joining the NFCC and BBB as Supporting PYIW Coalition Members. This Coalition includes: American Bankers Association Education Foundation, American Financial Services Association Education Foundation, American Payroll Association, Consumer Action, Consumer Data Industry Association, Consumer Federation of America, Credit Union National Association, Federal Reserve Board, Federal Trade Commission, FICO, Foundation for Financial Planning, Identity Theft Assistance Center, Identity Theft Resource Center, Jump$tart Coalition for Financial Literacy, Junior Achievement USA, National Association of Triads, National Council of La Raza, National Crime Prevention Council, National Education Association Member Benefits, National Sheriffs’ Association, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Social Security Administration.

About the Better Business Bureau
As the leader in advancing marketplace trust, Better Business Bureau is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Every year, more than 65 million consumers rely on BBB Reliability Reports® and BBB Wise Giving Reports® to help them find trustworthy businesses and charities across North America. Visit www.bbb.org for more information.

About National Foundation for Credit Counseling
The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), founded in 1951, is the nation’s largest and longest serving national nonprofit credit counseling organization. The NFCC’s mission is to promote the national agenda for financially responsible behavior and build capacity for its Members to deliver the highest quality financial education and counseling services. NFCC Members annually help four million consumers through more than 800 community-based offices nationwide. For free and affordable confidential advice through a reputable NFCC Member, call (800) 388-2227, (en Español (800) 682-9832) or visit www.nfcc.org.

Don't make me call you!

10/14/2010

Posted on 10/14/2010 by Sheryl Bilbrey

I just got back from taking a vacation to fly my balloon in the Albuquerque Balloon Festival. And when I returned to the office, the inbox was brimming. I appreciated the size of the stack of applications of those companies wanting to become accredited. But I didn’t appreciate those four letters on the top, awaiting my signature, that warned four of our accredited businesses that they would be going before the board of directors at our next meeting to have their accreditation revoked.

Yep, we are threatening to kick them out of the BBB. Why? Two of them have lost their license, one is not answering a complaint that a consumer has filed (c’mon, buddy, just tell us your side of the story in writing, will ya?) and the last is due to improper business conduct, well, actually, operating illegally. So we are going to give them all ample notice and time to fix the problem or explain their side of the story to the board of directors. At our next board meeting, the staff will present these businesses for revocation and the board will vote. If revoked, the business can appeal to the full board, and that appeal will be heard in person.

So today I got the icing on the cake. My VP of Operations told me that one of our long-standing A+ accredited businesses has had his license expired for more than a month. His staff had assured us that they were taking care of it, but in the end, they didn’t. I believe the owner was surprised to get our call (we will always try to reach you by phone before sending you a nasty gram.) I think he was also surprised that someone had dropped the ball on his license. So it got me thinking, how many of my businesses trust someone in the office to handle their licensing? Do you know when yours is due? You might want to check. Don’t make me call you.

What’s the Deal with Online Penny Auctions?

10/1/2010

Posted on 10/1/2010 by

Online ads, often designed to look like news reports, are cropping up on popular websites claiming that you can get great deals on iPads and other electronics with online penny auctions. The discounts offered on penny auction sites are tempting, but the Better Business Bureau warns bargain hunters that they should stop and do their research before making their first bid.

Most commonly with a penny auction, users must set up an account and purchase bids with a credit or debit card; each individual bid may cost less than a dollar and are often sold in bundles of 100 or more. Every item has a countdown clock and as people bid, the cost of the item goes up incrementally and more time is added to the clock. Even if you don’t win the item, you still have to pay for the bids you placed which can add up over time.

“BBB has received hundreds of complaints from consumers about penny auctions so far this year and we’re encouraging online bargain hunters to do their research,” said Sheryl Bilbrey, San Diego BBB President/CEO. “Unlike typical auctions, unsuccessfully bidding on an item through a penny auction will still cost you and BBB has heard from people who lost thousands of dollars bidding on items and have nothing to show for it.”

Many people have complained to BBB about being automatically charged $150 just for signing up for what was supposed to be a free trial. Others complainants have voiced their concerns that some sites use phony bidders and “bots” to drive up the prices on items. Customer support is also a major concern as many complainants explain they had a very difficult time receiving refunds or resolving other issues with the company.

Before making your first bid on a penny auction:

Research the penny auction with BBB first. Not all penny auctions are created equal and BBB ratings on various sites range from A- to F. Always research the penny auction site with your BBB at http://sandiego.bbb.org/Find-Business-Reviews/ before signing up.

Read the fine print carefully. Before providing any personal information or signing up for any “free” trial with a penny auction, read all of the fine print carefully on the website. Pay close attention to details on signup and annual fees, minimum bidding requirements, maximum prize amounts and how to get a refund.

Know what you’re buying. Before bidding on an item, research how much it costs elsewhere and keep track of how much you’re spending on bids overall to see if you really are getting a good deal.

Keep a close eye on your credit card statement. Many have complained to BBB about being unexpectedly charged more than $150 just for signing up. Some complaints were also automatically charged for more bids when they ran out or for a yearly registration fee, not realizing this would be the case.

Complain to BBB if you feel you’ve been ripped off. If you feel you’ve been misled by a penny auction site, file a complaint with your BBB. BBB has assisted customers in resolving their issues, including getting refunds. If the business does not cooperate, your complaint will still go down on the company’s BBB Reliability Report and serve as a warning to others.