By Rod Davis, CEO BBB serving southeast Florida and the Caribbean
At the close of each year, our BBB takes time to review complaints shared with us to help consumers to make better purchase/hiring decisions and to provide businesses with information to help them better serve their customers. Trends are often helpful to this kind of analysis. Listed below are the top 20 categories of complaints filed with our BBB in southeast Florida and the Caribbean (BBB SEFL).
Since BBB SEFL processes complaints for some extremely large businesses providing service throughout North America, the complaint data needs to be considered with that understanding. For example, the home security systems, airlines, cruise, cell phone and furniture store categories receive a significant number of complaints since BBB SEFL provides complaint assistance to consumers across North America for large industry leaders in these sectors.
Nonetheless, there are increases in complaints filed by consumers experiencing challenges with home security systems. BBB provides tips to help consumers protect their homes without hassles: bbb.org/article/news-releases/2270-bbb-tip-buying-a-home-security-system.
Due to the large number of people moving into and out of Florida, the moving industry (moving brokers and moving companies) also generates many complaints to your local BBB. BBB recognizes a move can be a major stressor for you and provides extensive guidance to help avoid headaches: bbb.org/all/moving. The complaints filed with BBB SEFL against moving brokers dropped significantly from 2022 to 2023 and while we have worked closely with brokers to improve service levels, it is hard to determine if the drop is related to improved service, informed consumers avoiding poor quality moving brokers or if consumers are just going directly to moving companies.
BBB SEFL complaint data also shows a slight increase in complaints filed against new and used car dealers from 2022 to 2023. Being informed and doing your research to find a good business is always essential to improve the likelihood of a positive outcome. If you are seeking to buy a used car, stop by: bbb.org/article/news-releases/14088-bbb-tip-buying-a-used-car. And if you are considering a new car: bbb.org/article/tips/14086-bbb-tip-buying-a-new-car.
Remember, BBB is here to accept reviews on positive experiences and complaints if you need assistance. Sharing your experience will help reinforce positive actions by businesses and penalize businesses that do not make customer satisfaction a priority.
