Expose the Better Business Bureau
“If the Better Business Bureau had a BBB rating, it would be an F”
The BBB has convinced a vast number of people that it operates like a government agency—comparable to the Federal Reserve—when, in reality, it's a private, poorly run, and predatory pay-to-play review platform.
ExposeBBB'sDeceptive Practices
Join business owners nationwide in exposing how the BBB manipulates ratings for profit
The BBB's Three Biggest Deceptions:
Pay-to-Play Rating System
Businesses pressured to pay up to $800+ annually for favorable ratings, regardless of merit
Manipulated Rating System
Non-member businesses often receive unfair F ratings despite excellent service records
Aggressive Sales Tactics
Using fear and pressure to force businesses into expensive membership programs
Share Your Experience
Convey your personal insights and experiences with the BBB rating system to shed light on its flaws.
Connect with Industry Peers
Network with professionals and concerned citizens dedicated to reforming the flawed rating system.
Drive Impact
Champion transparency and accountability by helping reshape a fair, unbiased rating system.
Exposing BBB's Financial Reality
501(c)(6) Trade Organization
Although the BBB brands itself as a public service entity, its 2023 Form 990 reveals that it is a 501(c)(6) trade organization. With total revenue of $17.5M and total expenses of $17.43M, the BBB barely generates a surplus of $70K. This fee-only, member-driven revenue model stands in stark contrast to its claims of impartial consumer protection.
- Nearly 100% fee-funded revenue.
- Zero grants or charitable contributions.
Revenue Structure
The BBB relies almost exclusively on program service fees for its income. With $17.33M derived from these fees—and minimal investment or other income—its financial model starkly contradicts its mission to protect consumers.
Annual Financial Snapshot
Executive Compensation: The Real Price of Trust
While the BBB claims to be a nonprofit dedicated to advancing consumer trust, its financial records paint a different picture. In 2023, CEO Matthew Fehling earned $640K+ in salary. Top executives—including VP & CAO John Ponder and VP of Strategy Chad Frank—collectively earned over $2.7M. These astronomical figures far exceed what many public figures earn, raising serious questions about the organization’s true priorities.
Additional Revelations: Hidden Costs & Conflicts
Beyond the headline numbers, the IRS Form 990 exposes several alarming practices:
- High Administrative Spending: Over 70% of revenue is funneled into payroll and operational costs, leaving an almost negligible surplus.
- Lavish Travel Expenditures: The BBB spent over $340K on travel expenses, a figure that starkly contradicts its mission to prioritize consumer support.
- No Community Reinvestment: Unlike many nonprofits that issue grants or provide external funding, the BBB channels nearly all its revenue back into administrative costs and executive salaries.
Have a BBB Experience to Share?
Join hundreds of business owners exposing BBB's unfair practices. Your voice can make a difference in creating a more transparent rating system.
Help Us Fight Back Against BBB
I'm Brooks, and I'm taking a stand against BBB's predatory tactics. After they unfairly slapped my business with an F rating for refusing their $800 annual fee, I knew something had to change.
Your support powers:
- • Maintaining and expanding this platform
- • Legal research and potential action
- • Spreading awareness to protect other businesses
- • Resources for affected business owners
Every contribution helps protect small businesses from predatory practices