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The BBB also handled 24,423 complaints, a 6 percent increase over the 23,008 complaints received in 2006. Of the firms contacted about a complaint, 86 percent responded and 73 percent of the disputes were resolved. Arbitration hearings were held for 112 of the disputes.
The BBB challenged 470 companies to substantiate questionable advertising claims, or modify their current advertising to be in compliance with BBB standards, which are designed to help prevent false and misleading advertising.
Charities
Last year, the BBB Charity Information Service received 7,125 inquiries from donors wanting information on locally soliciting charities. A total of 771 charity reports are now available for prospective donors. Of those, 97 charities meet all 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.
An August symposium for staff members, board members and professionals working with local charities attracted a record 200 attendees, who participated in round-table discussions of financial standards for charities.
During the year, the BBB conducted 14 seminars for employees of member businesses and members of community organizations, and delivered 36 speeches to community groups and associations.
In addition to the complaint, inquiry and consumer/business information services it provides, the BBB offered pre-purchase, industry-related general information through its automated Tel-Tips service and Web site. Requests for this educational information increased from 89,142 in 2006 to 98,000. The BBB also issued 63 news releases, of which 29 were warnings about firms and scams.
The home construction and remodeling industry again led the list of top 10 industries, based on number of inquiries received, with 57,700 consumers requesting information about companies in that industry. The television cable and satellite industry again topped the list of industries receiving the most complaints, with 1,063 complaints registered by consumers during 2007. However, roofing and guttering contractors dropped off the top 10 complaint list in 2007, and were replaced by mail order and catalog shopping firms.
Top Ten List
Rounding out the top 10 list of industries receiving the most inquiries from consumers were: work-at-home companies, 50,538; extended auto warranty companies, 27,685; roofing and guttering contractors with 24,197; mortgage and escrow companies, 20,830; auto repair shops, 20,598; new auto dealers, 17,386; heating and air-conditioning companies, 16,678; moving and storage companies, 15,799; and home builders, 13,941.
Complaints against home construction and remodeling contractors again ranked second on the list of top 10 industries for complaints, receiving 2,070 complaints. Other industries receiving the highest number of complaints were: extended auto warranty firms and telephone service (local and long-distance), both receiving 999; new auto dealers, 978; used auto dealers, 793; auto repair shops, 713; collection agencies, 459; mail order and catalog shopping services, 368; and banks, 367 complaints.
BBB services are free to the public and may be accessed by calling 314-645-3300 or by visiting the BBB Web site, www.stlouisbbb.org.
