The numbers are staggering: complaints are up 35% compared to the same time period last year.  In the first half of this year we received more than 10,000 complaints from consumers across the United States about Utah companies (29% of the complaints come from Utahns). 

And yet, while the complaints are up, the resolution rate of 78% remains constant.  We are able to resolve more than three-quarters of the complaints we receive, just by sending the complaint to the company and asking them to review it and respond to the customer, hopefully resolving the issue.  On average a complaint is open 24 days (down from last year by four days).

The bad news (as if an increase in complaints isn’t bad enough) is that the number of accredited businesses is also down.  Like every other area, we’re seeing more companies going out of business, merging, or not being able to afford accreditation.  However, accreditation is as important as ever, as consumers are being even more cautious about their money in this economy, and are checking out companies with the BBB, prior to doing business with them. 

In the last six months (January – June), the BBB has issued more than ¾ of a million reports on Utah businesses.  If you aren’t checking out the reliability report of all companies you’re doing business with (including the one you work for), I urge you to do so.  You’ll be amazed at what you find. 

The top ten types of businesses that we’re getting inquiries (giving out reliability reports) about are:

1. Training programs (companies teaching you how to sell real estate, make money on eBay, etc)
2. Burglar alarm systems dealers (mainly door-to-door sales)
3. Multi-level marketers
4. Business consultants
5. Credit repair services
6. Online shopping sites
7. Financial services
8. Mortgage and escrow companies
9. Work-at-home opportunities
10. Business coaching companies

The top ten types of businesses we’re getting complaints about are:

1. Scientifically unproven health & medical product providers (diet pills, etc.)
2. Online shopping sites
3. Health diet retailers
4. Training programs
5. Consumer finance loan companies
6. Burglar alarm systems dealers
7. Government grant services
8. Internet marketers
9. Health food/nutritional supplement stores
10. Web designers