Thanks for asking this question, Easyeboy. This is something that i've been meaning to look into.

1) Cost
Cost to activate and maintain your membership varies. It depends on your location, your business and importantly, the size of your business.

"There is a license fee for participating in BBBOnLine. BBBOnLine Seal fees vary based on the size of the company. Pricing information can be obtained from your local Better Business Bureau." [1]

For example, a retail store in Manitoba, Canada with fewer than 6 employees would pay $22 per month and $255 annually. [2]

The BBB encourages you to contact your local office for exact fee information.

You can find your contact information for your local office here:
http://www.newyork.bbb.org/WWWRoot/SitePage.aspx?site=24&id;=d09c44d3-87d1-4689-98ee-1c1d1098ff24

2) THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SEALS
The BBB is particular about the seals that you display. From what I understand, they check up and review how you're using their seal through your marketing annually.

The 2 seals that you show above are current and accurate. There is also a black-and-white version that is approved for print.

The BBBonline Reliability program is designed to hold websites to a high standard. You must agree to their online practice guidelines and participate in their online arbitration process whenever required. [3]

3) MAHALO ANSWERS PARTICIPATION

It does not personally bother me that Mahalo does not participate in the BBB program. Mahalo Answers does not participate in e-commerce but rather facilitates an individually contributed tipping system.

Since there is not a traditional exchange of products, services, payment, and order fulfillment, I do not think that Mahalo needs certify with anyone.

I feel that their payout system is secure and effective. I don't have to provide any information to them other than my paypal e-mail address and they will pay me for tips received. While there could be a future problem with payout processing, I enjoy Mahalo enough not to worry about those types of things.

I hope that this is what you were looking for Easyeboy!
Source(s):
1 https://www.bbbonline.org/reliability/apply.asp

2 http://manitoba.bbb.org/WWWRoot/SitePage.aspx?site=159&id=85f5430f-5705...

3 http://www.bbbonline.org/reliability/requirement_small.asp

Asker's Rating:

Permalink | Report