Austin • Bryan • Centroplex • Corpus Christi • Laredo ... · Austin • Bryan •...
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September 2016 66 No. 9 watchyourbuck.com facebook.com/CentralTexasBBB @CentralTexasBBB youtube.com/CentralTexasBBB @CentralTexasBBB @CentralTexasBBB Austin • Bryan • Centroplex • Corpus Christi • Laredo • Permian Basin • San Antonio • Victoria • Waco BBB Scam Alert: Trade Show Scams Trending Articles BBB Investigation: Customers claim San Antonio roofing company took cash, did no work BBB News and Alerts Do you have student loan debt? Don’t fall for this scam A new way to pay? Scammers asking for iTunes gift cards Sign up for BBB News & Alerts at: go.bbb.org/centex-news Follow us on social media! bbb.org Schemers are targeting businesses in the area with false promises All across the U.S., businesses have the opportunity to participate in various trade shows. Better Business Bureau advises business owners to gather all the facts about trade show opportunities before making a financial commitment. Since 2015, BBB has received more than 150 complaints nationwide from businesses that were dissatisfied with issues such as advertising, public turnout or booth placement in a fair, trade show or exposition. Recently, BBB has received reports about a business advertising open spaces for trade shows in Corpus Christi. Companies paid an upfront fee to reserve a space for a trade show that never took place. When businesses tried to contact the company, they were unable to reach the trade show organizer and get their money back. When considering renting space at a trade show event, BBB advises businesses to: • Check with the venue and confirm the time and location. • Investigate the organization that is holding the event by visiting bbb.org and clicking on their BBB Business Profile. • Get all details regarding the trade show in writing. This includes booth placement at the event as well as what advertising is taking place beforehand to draw consumers to the venue. • Find out if the event has been held before, and if so, ask to speak to other businesses who attended. • Consider paying for the event by credit card. If the services are not rendered as promised, it may be possible to request a refund through your credit card provider. • Be wary of any websites promoting trade show events that do not list the name and address of the trade show organizer or promoter. • Ask event organizers about add-on costs, such as fees for electricity and Internet hookup, tables and tablecloths and other charges that may not be included in the booth rental fees. • Get a rental contract before making any financial commitments. Carefully review the terms and conditions, as well as exhibitor options if the event is canceled or rescheduled. To check the trustworthiness of any business, visit bbb.org to read BBB Customer Reviews, complaints, view their rating and Accreditation Status.
Transcript of Austin • Bryan • Centroplex • Corpus Christi • Laredo ... · Austin • Bryan •...
September 2016
66 No. 9
watchyourbuck.com
facebook.com/CentralTexasBBB @CentralTexasBBB
youtube.com/CentralTexasBBB
@CentralTexasBBB
@CentralTexasBBB
Austin • Bryan • Centroplex • Corpus Christi • Laredo • Permian Basin • San Antonio • Victoria • Waco
BBB Scam Alert: Trade Show Scams
Trending ArticlesBBB Investigation: Customers claim San Antonio roofing company took cash, did no work
BBB News and Alerts Do you have student loan debt? Don’t fall for this scam
A new way to pay? Scammers asking for iTunes gift cards
Sign up for BBB News & Alerts at: go.bbb.org/centex-news
Follow us on social media!
bbb.org
Schemers are targeting businesses in the area with false promises
All across the U.S., businesses have the opportunity to participate in various trade shows. Better Business Bureau advises business owners to gather all the facts about trade show opportunities before making a financial commitment. Since 2015, BBB has received more than 150 complaints nationwide from businesses that were dissatisfied with issues such as advertising, public turnout or booth placement in a fair, trade show or exposition.
Recently, BBB has received reports about a business advertising open spaces for trade shows in Corpus Christi. Companies paid an upfront fee to reserve a space for a trade show that never took place. When businesses tried to contact the company, they were unable to reach the trade show organizer and get their money back. When considering renting space at a trade show event, BBB advises businesses to:
• Check with the venue and confirm the time and location.
• Investigate the organization that is holding the event by visiting bbb.org and clicking on their BBB Business Profile.
• Get all details regarding the trade show in writing. This includes booth placement at the event as well as what advertising is taking place beforehand to draw consumers to the venue.
• Find out if the event has been held before, and if so, ask to speak to other businesses who attended.
• Consider paying for the event by credit card. If the services are not rendered as promised, it may be possible to request a refund through your credit card provider.
• Be wary of any websites promoting trade show events that do not list the name and address of the trade show organizer or promoter.
• Ask event organizers about add-on costs, such as fees for electricity and Internet hookup, tables and tablecloths and other charges that may not be included in the booth rental fees.
• Get a rental contract before making any financial commitments. Carefully review the terms and conditions, as well as exhibitor options if the event is canceled or rescheduled.
To check the trustworthiness of any business, visit bbb.org to read BBB Customer Reviews, complaints, view their rating and Accreditation Status.
AUSTINAction SepticAlternative Resource Recycling, IncAnchor Fence, LLCArndt-Brantner & CompanyATX GraniteAustin Apartments for RentAustin Pool Cleaning ServiceAustin Primary Dental IncAustin Remarkable ShineAutocraft Body WerksBC Sports, LLCBerrett Pest Control Services, Inc.Butler Plumbing, Inc.Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson, LLPCapital Custom Pools, LPCell SurgeonsCentex AsphaltClassic JaguarCSIDCycorp, Inc.Dearing AutomotiveDigiCycle.netDomigan Landscape ArchitectureEarthscapes LandscapingEderra Homes Design Build, LLCFlorence Grain Company, LTD.Gallery One Point, LLCGR8 MaidsGreen Action RemodelingGrout Kings of AustinH&H MarineHill Country EmbroideryHip Flask PlusHoch Construction LLCJake's Superior Lawn & LandscapeJD Sheet Metal and RoofingJET Quality Painting & Drywall Repair
JW Tree & Land ServiceK2 Fence & StainKaren Thompson, Ph.dKaty Dickson Designs, LLCLakeway Boat ClubMagic Wand Carpet CareMcCrary Insurance AgencyMcLeanLaw, PCMichael Grant Homes LLCMinuteman SecurityMoneyfund IncNails of America & SpaNapolez Tile & GraniteNavis Pack & ShipOswaldo Fernandez ConcretePATH Event ServicesPeal & AssociatesPensieri DesignPincham Energy Solutions, LLCPlatero Service, LLCPT Maintenance & MechanicalRed WheelbarrowRedux360reHOME Repair & Remodel Company
Renovations By RonRestoration GC, LLCRestoration KingRPS Transmission & AutomotiveService DepotSICFIT Round RockSmitty's Inc.Sustainable Building SolutionsTHDThe Motts Party CompanyTorr Na Lochs, LLCTurnkey Roofing of Texas Inc.Two Men & A HoeUniversal Construction & RoofingVerbeke Construction CompanyVMC UpholsteryVRT Fitness, LLC
Your Floor and More, LLC
BRYAN/COLLEGE STATION
42 AntiqueAggieland Fence CompanyAggieland Pool Care, LLCChristian Brothers PlumbingCommunity ContractorsCurtis L. Kaiser, D.D.S., P.C.Dixie Tire CompanyDonnelly Pools, LLCDSI DesignsFrank & Son Dozerworks, LLCG2 Construction, LLCGilmore Electric Express LLCGrisham ConstructionJCI Custom EmbroideryK.F. Electric, Inc.Kelly T. Weeks, Attorney at LawLan Net Solutions, LLCLaw Office of Andrea James, P.L.L.C.Leona Drug StoreM2M Construction, LLCMaxine's Compro Tax & Insurance Agency
McKinney Body Repair Co.Oak Forest Management, LLCPeterson Law GroupPickups PlusProTexRenfro's Smoked Sausage, L.L.CRockbuster InternationalRRC, Inc.Surface Dirt WorksThe Amish Barn At EdgeTyer's ProcessingWhat's the Buzz Coffee Co.Witt's End, Inc.
CENTROPLEX/WACOCampbell & Sons HardscapingDigital Media ButterflyFestive Occasions CateringHeart of Texas Landscape & Irrigation Co., Inc
Hilliard Drugs IncHome PlusK & M WeldingKBen ServicesLine-X of Harker HeightsMililani Woods, LLCSalado Veterinary HospitalSWG Automotive and PerformanceWhiz-Cal Dozer Service
CORPUS CHRISTI/VICTORIA
ACE GlobalBlake Jacobs Custom HomesC K Massage TherapyCoastal Wellness LLCFive Star Painting of Corpus ChristiFlores & Sons Overhead Door Service
G.O.D.S. Auto ServiceJones & AllenMorris Radiator ShopReal Property Management Shoreline
Rose Sales Co., Inc.Rose Truck Sales Inc.The Landscape Co.The Premier GroupWalker & AssociatesWhitecap Tree Service
PERMIAN BASINCashway LumberCastillo Remodeling and Construction
Custom Arrow StoneDiamond ElectricalDiaz Iron ExoticsDirtMaster IncFranz ConstructionGreg Wike Construction LLCHail IceJarratt Septic and DrainK&L Welding ServicesKnockout Lawn & Home Improvement Services, LLC
MicroCor Technologies, IncMountain View PropertiesMy Favorite PlaceReal Estate One - Holly CohenTexas Up To ParUp In Smoke BBQ
SAN ANTONIO/LAREDO
Able House Leveling & Foundation Repair
Alamo Air & Appliance RepairAlamo Steam TeamAmy's Card CreationsAptive Environmental, LLCBernhard TileBlack Forest ComicsBlahuta AdvertisingBob's Cooling And HeatingBoerne Water SolutionsBrookview Builders, LLCCarter’s Professional LawncareCelebrationsChoice One Restoration, IncCustom Outfitters, LLCCustom Rod CreationsDelta Exteriors, LLCDesign Print 4 UDouble H LandscapeDouble K JunctionDriftwood FlooringE-N-C ConstructionEave Pros Roofing and Property Restoration
Endless Customizing ApparelEnhance DentalFirearms Training PlussFurst Choice Family DentistryGarcia Remodeling & ConstructionGoss Pest ControlHunter's Canyon Animal HospitalJoshua Cade, CraftsmanKremlinLaw Office of Lance Jay LuchnickMarbut ConsultingMarie G Hernandez, Attorney at LawMario's WeldingMcLaughlin Law OfficeMichael S. Browning, AttorneyMountaintop SolarNew Braunfels Classic Car Restoration
Paul Davis Emergency Services of Boerne & New Braunfels
Petals To GoQuality Home ImprovementsR & R Painting and Home RepairRapid RefrigerationSchaeffer & CompanySemperfi of Texas, LLCSouth Texas DragonsSouth Texas Landscaping & Tree Experts
The Key CompaniesTithing TransportTom Hotaling Insurance AgencyTRM Holdings, LLCUniversal Builders of AmericaViral Element, LLCWarren Professional Counseling Services
NewJulyAccreditedBusinesses
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®
ACCREDITED BUSINESS
Unlock the Power of Customer Reviews
Kickstart the busy fall season with BBB® Customer Reviews
Review sites are popular because they offer a forum for people to leave comments about their experience with a business. BBB offers people the opportunity to submit a customer review. The power of BBB customer
reviews, coupled with BBB’s detailed business information, gives the public even more reason to use BBB as a one-stop, free resource. Here are some ways your business can manage and benefit from customer reviews:
Always Respond, “Yes!” Each and every review, positive, negative or neutral, deserves a response because they are equally as helpful to your business. Respond timely, appropriately and with a first-person perspective. If it is a positive review, a simple “thank you” is fine. If it is a negative review, make an honest effort to resolve the issue. Do not engage in an online dialogue, always try to take it “offline” and respond more personally via phone or email.
Be Human. Customer reviews are like people, all different and unique, sharing individual experiences and opinions. Be genuine. Respond professionally to reviews, and try to avoid canned responses or “corporate” speak.
Remember: This is Business. It’s hard not to take a negative review personally, but remember you want to respond professionally online as you would in person. If you wouldn’t say it to their face, don’t post it.
Solutions Are Important. A business’s response to a customer review displays their genuine appreciation of the customer’s business and the extent to which they want to develop long-lasting relationships with every customer.
Engaging Your Customers. Ask. If you don’t ask, your chances are slim to none to getting a positive customer review. If a customer has a bad experience, they will set out to write a bad review. A customer with a good experience may simply let you know in person, over the phone or through email. This is your time to ask a customer to share her/his experience in an online review.
BBB has a “Customer Review Toolkit” that includes email signatures, graphics, stickers, window clings, postcards, signs and more. Companies can access a customized HTML code with a “Submit a Customer Review” button to be placed on your website, blog, etc. Below are some items available in your BBB business login.
Get your customers to talk about you to BBB and build up your customer review section! Encourage customers to submit reviews with your customized link found on your BBB business11 login page.
BBB.org/Reviews
Avery 5162
Avery 5162
bbb.org/reviews
See what others say about us
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See what others say about us
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See what others say about us
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See what others say about us
bbb.org/reviews
See what others say about us
bbb.org/reviews
See what others say about us
Avery 5162
Avery 5162
Like my work?
bbb.org/reviews
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bbb.org/reviews
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Point of Sale Register SignPoint of sales signage to display near your cash register or any other final point of sale area to encourage customers to leave a review on your Business Review. Size: 6” x 4"
Email SignatureEmail signature graphic to use in your emails to promote customer reviews and comments.
Dynamic SealUse this on your website and other digital materials as needed to encourage and drive site visitors to submit a review.
StickersUse on any pre-purchase materials such as a proposal or post-sale materials such as invoices and receipts. Size: Avery label 5162
CUSTOMER REVIEW TOOLKIT
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Trust Talk is published by Better Business Bureau 1005 La Posada Drive, Austin, TX 78752. Trust Talk is published for executives and employees of BBB Accredited Businesses in its 97-county service area. All rights reserved: the contents of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or part without written consent of the publisher. References to or mention made of any company, product or service herein is not to be interpreted, per se, as statements derogatory of such company, product or service, but as information obtained from sources believed to be reliable for the use of BBB Accredited Businesses and subscribers. Because the matters contained in this Trust Talk concern matters of the utmost public importance and concern in providing a free flow of information to our companies concerning business enterprises in the Central, Coastal, Southwest Texas and the Permian Basin area, BBB encourages BBB Accredited Businesses to contact their local BBB with any follow-up material concerning the reports in this newsletter or any other matter to assist BBB in fulfilling its mission of advancing marketplace trust.
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Inside this issueBBB Scam Alert ........................................................ 1
New Accredited Businesses ..................................2
Unlock the Power of Customer Reviews ...........3
Impact & Influence Report ................................... 4
In July 2016, your BBB...Provided customers with 268,637 BBB Business Reviews
Handled 1,767 disputes
Hosted 283,255 website sessions
Sent 400 Request-A-Quote referrals to Accredited Businesses
Supported 14,682 Accredited Business Locations
In July 2016, your BBB was mentioned 1,594 times by 76 local media outlets including...
Contact BBBBBB® Corporate Office
1005 La Posada Drive
Austin, TX 78752
P: 512.445.4748
F: 512.445.2096
July
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Find BBB on...
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Roofing Contractors - 14,843
Prepaid Debit/Credit Cards - 9,575
Home Builders - 7,462
Air Conditioning Contractors & Systems - 6,648
Construction & Remodeling Services - 6,572
Plumbers - 4,643
Auto Dealers - Used Cars - 4,632
Contractors - General - 4,541
Attorneys & Lawyers - 4,106
Balloons - Manned - 4,084
Trust Talk | September 2016
Revocations
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watchyourbuck.com
EZ RekeyFailure to maintain required license necessary to operate in Texas.
Guajardo RemodelingFailure to resolve one or more consumer complaint(s).
