The Online Business Bureau

The Online Business Bureau claims to be a better alternative, for expense and value, for companies seeking third-party ratings and approval. Currently warring for a better market share against the Better Business Bureau, the OBB claims on its website, “The Better Business Bureau charges companies hundreds of dollars each year to become members. The BBB is a private corporation. The BBB needs to collect dues from its members to pay for their large corporate overhead.”

For a setup fee of $47.94 and a monthly fee of $14.97, applicants to the OBB receive an immediate “green” rating and can put the OBB Trusted Site seal on their website. BBB Accredited Business seal requires maintaining specific standards. Some of these standards include honesty in advertising, transparency, responsiveness, and safeguarding consumer privacy.

While the BBB does charge more in membership fees, its consumer reporting service and strict adherence to standards provides a reliable rating. The OBB on the other hand provides “reactive” ratings. Any new paid-member gets a “green” rating, while nonmember companies they choose to rate receive “yellow” ratings. The Yellow rating simply means the company does not have any complaints filed against them yet. Companies with a “red” rating show the OBB has received complaints about them.

However, neither the BBB nor the OBB guarantee online fraud protection. As they provide ratings decisions only, consumers have to find out for themselves if they are shopping and banking online with reputable companies.