Better Business Bureau of Chicago & Northern Illinois

***CONSUMERS BEWARE*** I had a BBB A+ rated and certified contractor take a 7K deposit for construction and never came back. I reported this to the BBB of N. IL and they REFUSED to change their rating. They said that the business responded to emails and they are not there to judge. I told them that I am suing the contractor in court for fraud and theft, and they said it wouldn't impact their rating. I then saw a couple news reports alleging that the BBB is just a pay to play business shakedown racket, and that all they care about are the fees the businesses pay for their ratings. Apparently the only thing that impacts a businesses rating is when they don't pay the BBB. My experience would seem to support that notion.

I put in an online claim on a Thursday night. I didn't know what to expect but was prepared for the worst. Much to my surprise and delight, by Friday afternoon BBB had gotten a response from the company I was complaining about and that company had applied a refund to my credit card. I couldn't have been happier, as I was getting no where on my own with this company. Thank you Better Business Bureau!

Sadly, when I have had to contact the BBB, it was on two different companies at two different times. After weeks of getting no where with one company and after an all day event of fighting on the phone with a company, I finally took to BBB. It was simple to fill the form out and as soon as I sent my complaint and the complaint was forwarded to the business, my problems were resolved the same day. Its sad I had to take this action but if it was not for the BBB, I think some companies would gladly take advantage over customers and I could not be more thankful for the BBB.

I hate having a customer service issue get to the point where I feel like I have no outlet... But I had an issue with FTD who topped returning my online communications (wanted their responses in writing) and refused to refund my money. I sent in my complaint and within a day someone responded pleasantly and forwarded the issue on which prompted FTD to finally contact me. I am glad that I was able to get help from the BBB because without the, I would have been out a fairly substantial amount of money!

I also appreciate their candid emails after. I haven't felt spammed but did feel like SOMEONE read my emails and responded - not some copied and pasted response.

On the Thursday prior to Mother's Day, FTD delivered dead flowers to my mothers residence. After contacting them, they assured me a replacement would be provided but I insisted that if they could not accomplish this by Mother's Day to cancel my order. The replacement did not arrive until the following Tuesday so I told them it was unacceptable and to refund my money. I heard nothing from them.
That Friday I contacted the BBB and that afternoon received a response that my refund order was being processed and the following week it was deposited in my account.

My experiences so far have been wonderful. No complaints so far. Lunch specials, budget friendly. Portion sizes are great price for hibachi. 😋

My issue was with a cemetery that broke the outer granite piece that fronts the tomb of my deceased mother. The cemetery installed a concrete replacement and put lettering of my mothers name and dates. Some of the letter were not centered in the holder and did not look very professional. I attempted to resolve this issues with the cemetery many times and after 10 months of runaround, I was about to give up when I had the idea of contacting the Better Business Bureau. To be honest, I did not think that BBB would be able to help with my issue but I was proven wrong. BBB forwarded correspondence to the cemetery in a very timely manner and 24 hours later I got a call from the cemetery stating our issues have been resolved. I was able to verify the work was complete and can not say enough good things about BBB, not only that the problem was resolved but the speed at which it all happened. Hats off to an organization that I suspect many of us forget can assist when their is an issue with a business that can not be resolved. One more point, obviously this business (cemetery) takes very seriously any issues that have been communicated to them by BBB on behalf of the public. They, like most business, do not want a negative report on the BBB's public record.

BBB was able to help us resolve a problem dating back 10 months. We paid a security company for a service for an inflated bill. Then 7 months later, they sent a letter saying that the bill was not paid, threatening collections and termination of service. BBB got the business to mark the bill paid and they gave an additional $50 credit. The whole process took about 2 weeks, with them doing all the work after we filled out the online complaint. Thanks.

Geico wanted $545. for 6 months. Went to Zebra and Clearcover is$291. for 6 months.
AM Best rates Clearcover A+
$500. a year less. Eric from Lombard IL

I'm thinking that a large percentage of people have had their computers hijacked by spyware/malware companies that are certainly not out there to help. They just want your money! It happened to my young son on a brand new protected computer. I emailed them immediately demanding a refund for their not wanted or needed services. It wasn't until I threatened them with filing a complaint with the BBB that they committed to a refund. Thank you BBB!