Media Contact: Janet C. Hart, APR, CFEE (704) 927-8617 office
Consumers Inquiries about Local Businesses Soar Past 1.5 million
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Today, the Better Business Bureau released its annual report for 2011 for activity related to businesses located in the BBB’s 20 county service area in the Southern Piedmont of N.C. and S.C.
This report includes statistics on consumer inquiries, consumer complaints, settlement rate for complaints filed, and the top five types of businesses that generated the most complaints.
Consumer inquiries: In 2011, consumer inquiries about local businesses increased by 12 percent to 1, 510,736, compared to 1, 348,242 consumer inquiries in 2010.
“Consumers understand how important it is to make careful pre-purchase decisions and are checking out businesses now more than ever,” said BBB President Tom Bartholomy.
Consumer complaints: In 2011, consumers filed 12,914 complaints against area businesses, down from 15,118 complaints filed in 2010, a 14 percent decrease.
“As more consumers check with the BBB before signing contracts, the number of complaints filed against businesses is declining,” added Bartholomy. “After years of substantial increases in complaints filed, we began to see complaints decline two years ago and we hope this trend continues downward because it means that consumers are doing their homework.”
Complaint settlement rate: The overall settlement rate for all complaints filed by consumers this past year was 87 percent, compared to 88 percent for 2010.
The top five types of local businesses with the most complaints were:
2011:
1. Auto dealers – new cars
2. Auto repair services
3. Roofing contractors – NEW!
4. Television – cable and satellite services
5. Auto dealers – used cars
2010:
1. Auto dealers – new cars
2. Auto repair services
3. Auto dealers – used cars
4. Health clubs
5. Televisions – cable and satellite
The BBB encourages consumers to make informed decisions by checking out businesses online at www.bbb.org, or by calling the BBB (toll-free in N.C. and S.C.) at 1-877-317-7236.
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