Reviews of BBB Serving Southern Alberta and East Kootenay (Private Detective)

Lindsay Thomas

I've had an issue with United Furniture Warehouse. They sent me defective furniture but because I "took the packaging off" I was not entitled to a refund. I felt this was rather ridiculous since I have to take the packaging off to make sure that the right furniture was delivered and that there's no damage to the product. However, they still wouldn't issue a refund so I had to settle for an exchange. So they sent me another chair... also defective. Today I received a third chair... also defective. After I was denied my initial request for a refund, I filed a complaint with the BBB. I called today to find out if there had been any progress, and nope... nothing has been done. Why? Because the business (UFW) has not responded to the complaint that they sent them. Essentially, the gentleman on the phone (who was rather rude and impatient, by the way), told me that if they business doesn't respond to the complaint, the case gets closed. How is that even close to beneficial for the consumer? These businesses that lie and cheat simply ignore the complaints and the complaints just "go away"? In the meantime, UFW is getting away with sending me faulty products over and over again, while keeping my money.

Karen Coulas

Helps our customers know that we are a trusted company

Philip Stobo

I found that the complaint process has a strong bias against the consumer. I had a simple complaint of returning a product for credit to a company that is a member of the Better Business Bureau. When the company would not give me credit and then kept the product, I complained to the Better Business Bureau of Calgary. The Bureau said they could not help me recover my property or get a credit. I provided the Better Business Bureau written proof that I had received and returned the product. The Better Business Bureau even refused to help make the company follow through on a written offer to give partial credit. The complaint process is well organized and all documents are stored in a web accessible data base. This was useful when the Bureau claimed that I had not submitted a document. I was able to point to their website, to show that the document was on their site. All e-mails were handled promptly and politely. However, there was an obvious bias when I was asked by the Bureau if I would drop my complaint, if the company made a partial payment. At the end of the process, the company did not return the product or give me any credit and the Bureau described the company as doing everything they could to resolve the complaint. The company also kept its “A+” rating, even though it did not follow through on a written commitment. The Bureau collects fees from the businesses you complain about. This model is problematic. If the Bureau goes against the business, they risk their funding. However, by not mediating in good faith, the Bureau leave their businesses open to court action. Based on my complaint, the bottom line is that as a consumer you can’t trust the Bureau because they get their funding from the companies. As a company, the Bureau offers you no value because consumers can’t trust the BBB.

Niki Marie Eckardt

I own my own company and do not have accreditation. I carry an A+ rating and have had a couple complaints over the years. Very stupid ones at that but you deal with them and carry on. I think some people complain about petty things and the BBB will base there decision making on the severity of the issue. If a business does screw up royally then they get nailed with a poor rating. People don't always get there way and neither do the business owners but overall the BBB do a good job. If your looking for a company to do work for you, generally you will have a much better experience with an A+ rated company than one having a C OR less. The sites you have to watch out for are these stupid review sites where contractors get all there friends to write reviews and people get scammed. Consumers will also write scathing reviews which are not fair to the business owner. Overall the BBB tries to do its best and be unbiased. Accreditation fees are about 500.00 a year for a business owner but does it give them an A+ rating when they pay? I don't think so. Businesses pay an extra monthly fee to have there ads placed on the BBB site for extra business if they choose. Tell me a company out there that doesn't try to make a few extra bucks and I will tell you they won't be in business for long. Everyone has there own opinion but the BBB is here to safe guard consumers and business the best they can. Im not a full on advocate for the BBB but its better than the rest of the crap on a lot of these review sites who are in it for there own gain. Do your research when looking for a contractor and you will find good ones out there. The BBB is a resonable place to start.

Peter Landry

We at Need a Plumber Canada (A.R.O.) have been working with the Better Business Bureau for many years and have always appreciated the professional manner in which this organization conducts its business. We have noticed over the years that the individuals that are employed with the Better Business Bureau appear to have an extreme level of comprehension of the issues at hand, while still maintaining a very neutral position. The Better Business Bureau would appear to have a very efficient and effective training program for their staff. I would assume that trying to resolve problems between consumers and businesses would be very stressful and yet the interaction is always friendly and courteous. We, at our company, when training our employees on how to deal with customers, use the representatives of the Better Business Bureau as an example.

Thomas Cadman

BBB's own service is very bad. Its main interest lies in getting more businesses to sign up as members, to take your money. I am giving one star for that.

steven sinclair

Scam! Ripping people off! Dont use. Dont give them your money.

Scott Man

BBB is a scam.Very unfair & flawed system. They just want your membership money, as long as you paying membership you will have A +.

Kellen P

The BBB allows trolls to post false reviews on your business page and will not take them down, even with proof. We've been trying to get a fake review down for over two years that was posted by an anonymous person. Usually when I call the BBB I don't get a response for 2 or 3 days which is ironically, not the way you'd expect a company who claims to be the Better Business Bureau to act. Edit: Hilariously they responded with an automated response to my problem. The review directly below mine has the exact same boiler plate response

Nick Sims

I have used the BBB’s services as a business owner and consumer for close to 25 years. The BBB of Southern Alberta has been an important and valued partner to our company, and part of the reason for our prosperity They have many programs to help companies achieve success and not every company can qualify to be a member. They teach businesses how they should treat the public and foster an ethical marketplace where buyers and sellers trust each other. The BBB is part of what makes Calgary a great place to live. Nick Sims President SUNIK ROOFING

Patrick Eric

This top notch Organization has proven over time to be the one source to trust when selecting a Contractor . I gratefully use their site to weed out and avoid using incompetent Contractors or Suppliers.

Millenium Plus Homes

Great place to find businesses that care about integrity.

Therese 'Tag' Goulet

I have interacted with the local BBB as both a businessperson and a consumer over the years and am grateful for their services. I also admire the BBB's work in the community, providing support for charitable organizations and local small businesses.

Big Ben Cleaning

BBB has provided us with trusted professionals over the years and we appreciate their diligence in screening through the host of services so that we can make informed decisions quickly and responsibly! Thanks BBB!

Jean-Mathieu Brassard

Great ressource for home owners & businesses! I see allot of value in my BBB membership.

Darlene Smith

The BBB panders solely to the Business' that subscribe and does not offer unbiased ratings or claims services for consumers. This is a useless resource to determine the reliability and credibility of a Business. Check out Google Reviews if you want the real story. There are several reviews below with consumers that have had similar issues.

Egbert Jager

90 min seminar started 25 min late. Then they spent the first 15 minutes telling a crowd of people who already signed up how wonderful they were, and how we needed to change the way we did business because it didn't fit their support model. Disappointing as usual.

Denver Vannus

I have used the BBB's services both as a customer and as a business owner. I truly believe that their platform is the best!

pred yyc

Privately owned organization - no governmental authority over businesses. Completely useless, from the consumer’s perspective.

Bre Thorp

Our family and I haven’t had any issues with them.

Thoth

The BBB is just an icon for the eyes of the ignorant to see on the sides of small company's trucks to seem legit. Might as well just throw a blue circle on your vehicle and call it a crest of honour.

Dave Bradley

Better Business Bureau is a scam set up to extort small business owners. No better than the crooks at Yelp.

Cheryl Dyck

So far our experience with the BBB has been very positive. Great team, very helpful, pleasant to work with. Too early to tell yet what the long term benefits will be.

Mike Chartrand

As owner of A laptop Shoppe , i find the only public system differentiating my professional organization from "Fly By Night" types is BBB. Check our credentials as part of your due diligence before engaging with our organization. 1. Reviews on Google. 2. Reviews on Facebook. 3. Reviews on Homestars. 4. City licence. 5. Business insurance. 6. Trade Credentials. Most importantly , Our rating and standing with Better Business Bureau

Enaiyat Ghani Ovy

From a consumer's perspective, I would really appreciate their efforts and supports while they contact with the businesses on ours behalf. My experience was absolutely fantastic and I encourage people to contact them if you feel cheated or mishandled by any businesses. They have greater transparency and provide feedback on your complaints. I would definitely recommend them,

Larry Metz

I truly love this organization and what it stands for. It is one of the only legitimate means of critiquing a business and deciding if it is right for you. In this day and age there are so many voices out there and it is hard to know who to listen to sometimes but this is a voice that you can trust. I have grown my business and in my personal life as well due to the input of the BBB and it's members. I have taken in a ton of information and learnt many creative ways to improve my business. There is also a lot of value from the discounts offered to accredited members from business to business. Do yourself a big favor and support your local BBB. Get behind it and see what it can do for you and your business today. They are real people concerned about doing the right thing and protecting the public from predators in the market place. They are the real deal and they are here for you and your benefit. A few years ago I was skeptical of the BBB as a whole and I did not trust it. A very smart Woman said if you can't beat it than join it, and so I did. Since then my ignorance of who they are and what they do has been blown away and replaced with a respect of this organization. They will help you achieve your goals and help you make it to the next level in your business. It's all about TRUST, let them show you a better way. Larry Metz

John Kirinic

Bahn Projects has been members of the BBB for many years and support the fundamentals of the BBB philosophy. For one, the BBB has been around for a long time and have established themselves as the benchmark for consumer information surrounding customer service. By displaying their logo on our marketing media, it communicates our willingness to support the essence of good business practice and transparency. The BBB offers a place where issues can be resolved and where reviews are vetted prior to being posted. By this I mean, good luck trying to post a "fake" review on the BBB as there are several safeguards which filter these reviews whether good or bad. Now granted, the BBB may not be as flashy as some of the other sites, but I will hang my hat on the BBB Logo as long as my business is alive and kicking. As far as cost, I find them to be the most reasonably priced of all other "paid" platforms I have encountered. If I need to speak to someone, they are there and willing to listen to my concern without the opportunistic need to repeatedly reinforce their marketing superiority over all other review websites. Simply put, the BBB is the "wise tool" for consumer advocacy information and offers a great resource for solid businesses who wish to partner up with a long established entity synonymous with quality. Keep up the good work BBB .... and we promise to as well!

Aaron Gourley

The BBB is a well structured organization that helps to keep track of legitimate businesses and helps homeowners pick reliable and trustworthy contractors. They've helped us earn a lot of business, and the customers that they refer are serious about their requests. Thanks BBB for helping promote honesty and integrity in a world of uncertainty!

JC Murphy

Not worth wasting g your time with BBB. No accountability.

Shamon Kureshi

I love how the only companies that have an A+ rating are companies that pay the BBB for 'membership". Obviously a conflict of interest from a flawed system! I've completely lost faith in the BBB.

Eldon Morrison

I respect the BBB for what they do. How nice to have an organization where reviews are posted and complaints investigated. It is nice businesses are kept accountable. Keep up the great work.

Rob Hilditch

I am so impressed with the value they add for my business though networking events, power lunches and the credibility their reviews add. They are not just about consumer complaints, it is so much more.

Bev Hearn

after submitting a complaint about my countertop that cracked from Granite Transformations, the better business bureau did nothing to help me. Apparently Granite Transformations can say anything they want to void the lifetime warranty.

Kevin Boschee

Yesterday I was working at my trade show booth at the Calgary Home and Garden show when I was approached by the BBB sales man. First he shot down 3 of my existing marketing plans (2 of which are endorsements by Mike Homes and Brian Baeumler which he knew nothing about) telling me straight out that they are a waste of money compared to the BBB. After I gently reminded him that selling on me on what I do (or his perception of what I and doing wrong) was not a great way for me to like him and earn my business. I then mentioned to him that I pay a few thousand dollars to be at the trade show as to educate possible clients and earn money. Him showing up to solicit my business was completely wrong. The next time they want to earn my money they should drive to my office and or take me out for a coffee. The BBB isn't a business that I would endorse or give my money to.

Youtube Cult Destroyer

They don't do anything

Annonymous

I tried to get help with a few issues but they are not of much help. I am not sure why they exist. The staff are nice and responsive but your issues likely won't be resolved. I have done reviews and complaints about some terrible business conducts but I cannot find it on their web. Somehow they don't post or they remove it.

L Johnston

Very pushy salesmen that will continue to call you after you had asked them not too.

Ryan Arsenault

glad to see the bbb has a pretty awful reviews on google. a place where people can post good and bad reviews. with a little digging found out there is a ton more negative reviews against the bbb and how their ratings go.... as for me a small business owner. did fall into the scam of paying for nothing, did not get any help what so ever from the bbb. i canceled my fees asap .... now when i am not on their good list(paying member) i having an issue with a harassing person, not even a client, he would not let things go.....the bbb will still continue to post the review even tho the emails from him are harassing in nature and i should be going to the police. they still feel it is all proper to post it.... so i guess if you go to any other establishment order something then walk out and see a coffee cup on the floor you can complain and the bbb will post it no questions asked... pretty ridiculous isnt it.... i for one will never use bbb for checking anything or use their services for anything ever. buyer beware. not everything you read on the BBB is telling the entire truth just keep that in mind. my issues with them is a prime example.

Brent Johner

The Better Business Bureau is awesome. Although our business always strives to give our customers excellent service and good value, we occasionally run into conniving, unscrupulous and dishonest customers who refuse to be satisfied and insist on doing everything possible to damage our reputation. BBB processes ensure that a neutral third party listens carefully to both sides and searches for a settlement that is fair both to the consumer and to the small business.

Banjany YYC

Accreditation Consultants are just sales people who will call your business line trying to get you to sign up for membership for $600 a year. Very little benefit to their membership.

Paul Steele

They will only help businesses. They do NOT listen to the consumer. Do NOT think for a minute that they are impartial, they side with the business.

Black Sheep

I found the info I was looking for. I'm pleased with their site.

Wanda Murch

It’s been a great decision to join BBB. I have met so many wonderful business owners through workshops, power lunches and other events. Worth it for the networking and training opportunities.

Christopher Lawrence

The BBB is becoming irrelevant and is not adding value to our business. We will not be renewing with them or working with them again. We had hoped to take advantage of certain aspects of their business for marketing purposes but they were virtually unavailable for over a year. With Google Reviews the BBB rating system is no longer required, it was not helpful for SEO purposes and we didn't get any clients from it. It's too bad but they need to modernize. Nice people, bad model.

Cat D

I wanted to take this opportunity to give a special shout out to Eyad at the BBB. He is such an absolute pleasure to deal with and is always so helpful. The customer service I have received from Eyad has been exceptional, he is friendly, attentive and quick to resolve any questions or concerns. Eyad is of great value to the BBB team and anyone who has the pleasure to deal with him.

Review U

Protects the customer from unethical business practices. BBB is a long established organization that is a reliable source of information on company practices and a history of customer issues. It is an independent non-biased source. Protects against all those fraudulent start-ups who steal cash for 'renovation' etc. or damage your property in the course of 'business'.

Casey Luk

A slothlike service that doesn't want to do work such as log legitimate complains. They'll just mention oh we don't do this and dismiss your case.

Dave A

The Better Business Bureau is more important to consumers and businesses than ever before. With all the review sites on the internet you never know if you are seeing real reviews or fake reviews. The Better Business Bureau is the only way to know for sure that you can trust a Calgary business. Real people, real reviews and excellent results for both the consumer and businesses. It looks to me like the negative reviews here are from disgruntled business owners who did not look after their customers properly which resulted in a complaint to the BBB. I own a small business and I have never had a complaint because I take care of the customer before it gets to that point. The Better Business Bureau helps to keep businesses focused on taking care of their customers by providing excellent products and services. If you are a consumer looking to hire a business, do your self a favour and check the business out with the Better Business Bureau first. You will be happy you did. David A

Marilyn Feeg

They are NOT very helpful. They protect their $ paid up Members, & do Not put Customers Complaints on their files! I've had 3 bad experiences with Son Rise Plumbing of Calgary, and my complaints are NOT on record, and BBB is showing them as a top rated co.! You cannot trust BBB!

Charles Oneka

BBB is non-profit but all they do is charge companies to be accredited, and don't even help the consumers at all. The reality of the BBB is that it is a scam.

Christopher Black

I found the Calgary BBB is for the business not the consumer. I dealt with a A accredited business and had a lot of problems over two years with no resolution. The only thing a business has to do is be willing to talk to keep a good rating. I proved false advertising that they use no sub contractors but that is all I got. I got the manufacture to say installation was done wrong but that is OK with the BBB. The business would not say what they are willing to do to fix problems still OK with the BBB. I do business with a F rated sales outlet with no problems and a A rated with nothing but problems. I do not know the purpose of the BBB and would not trust any of their evaluations.

Sherif Gemayel

The BBB is a joke of a system and extremely flawed. The fact that they accept compensation for making companies "certified" or "approved" is a joke. They are also very one sided and will only assist companies that have paid them hence why complaints that go to BBB approved companies do not have their ratings lowered.

Hal Hammerlindl

Well the BBB definitely sides with businesses.i.e., wasted time trying to get resolution through them by filling a complaint on a dealership that changed owners but not their signage or sales people. I filed a complaint about the salespeople specifically about not offering a fair remedy for selling me (documented by another dealership which I obtained) a used car that needed a new transmission. So I go to write a review for the business and BBB tells me that if you file a complaint then you can't review the business???

Doug Mckay

The bbb is a scam. They have ZERO power to do anything. You as a business owner can actually donate to them, for 5 star reviews. I know this because several of my friends whom are business owners. All confirmed. The bbb is a scam, they are NOT amvic they are NOT the police for businesses. All they can do is give a bad review, which will be erased with donations.

HS S

BBB does nothing to help consumers. Its main interest lies in getting more businesses to sign up as members. Every single time I have filed a complaint, I have filed them simultaneaously with BBB and with Govt of Alberta's Consumer Protection Dept. The Govt of AB has always done a tremendous job and BBB would always chime with the same response - "We have not heard back from the company"

Adam West

Welcome to the piss poor complaint company called the BBB of Calgary. Hide behind a phone service that no human answers. Don't respond to emails. Real businesses belong to the Chamber of Commerce. I tried to give a 0 star to them, but Google did not accept the submission.

Antonio Ceballos

Im a painter contractor and just become a member, I am surprise how much information they need from my business. Thats actually good as for these days anyone with brush can be named "painter". Thank you Charlene from BBB for all your time and to make sure a painter is a real painter.

Locksmith Calgary

0 stars for this company. They illegally post any information they like about your business without any permissions! SCAM COMPANY

Abe Fehr

The BBB is a great way to get recognized as a business.

Rebecca The Sally Project

I really appreciate seeing nothing but dedication and care from this BBB office. I am happy to see nothing but great resources and support. I am thankful to hear same opinions from my business partners and networks. Great work team for all the years of support to Calgary and beyond.

Kmana Granitito

Not happy trying to get a hold of someone there. Seems you need to be a member to get a timely response.

Susan Rix

The BBB is as corrupt as the businesses it gives the A rating to. Their mediation process is a complete joke and a waste of time and money. Better to use google reviews. Shame on you!

Jason W

If you have been wronged my a business or company and would like to warn others about your experience by publishing a review on BBB. You will be wasting your time. The BBB will do everything in there power to allow the company you are reviewing to respond with twisted facts and inaccurate events. Very disappointing as the BBB claims to be an unbiased third party. Thinking about .. Who pays them. Sort of makes sense. Reading through the BBB reviews I am far from alone.

Not Impressed

Absolutely not impressed with this company, will do absolutely nothing to help u out, sides with the company you complain about, wont let you post reviews on that business either. Basically says too bad we are closing up your complaint go somewhere else.

Rich Black

6 years after I left my review they reached out to see what they can do. Better late than never, I guess?

M Kaz

Very poor service.

Magic Word

Got a call from BBB. They want my to be accredited from them. I told them no and the next day when I searched my website, bbb shows up saying that my Company is not bbb accredited. Who gave you permission to post about my company on your website. Thank you for trying to ruin my business.

Gagan Purba

seriously want to give negative star "0 Crazy bbb my company is shaan moving ltd they just listen the customer without any proof they mentioned big reviews on their website Very unprofessional Worst customer service Don't go with bbb to start your business better to spend money with flyer or kijiji advertising or Google advertising Dishonest ????????????????????????

Anonymous Alberta

Pure waste of time...they will not do anything for consumers & why should they? We don't pay them, companies do... dealt with them before & same answer "we send them your complain, they did not reply, we cannot help you & your case is closed". I only hope they are not supported by government from tax payer money cz they are useless.

arlene c

Would be better named "the business promotion club". Very difficult to find a rating less than A-. Rating doesn't change even with report of unethical and unprofessional business practices. Unlike a professional association, the BBB has no power over it's members - I went through a complaint and the business ignored timelines the BBB set. I imagine the BBB might help support businesses in various meaningful ways, but as a consumer I know now that a A+ rating means almost nothing.

Kaitlyn Little

Fair and honest!