By Rod Davis, CEO  BBB serving Southeast Florida and the Caribbean

Every day consumers contact BBB to gain information to make informed decisions.  The business profiles on BBB.org about businesses include:  the name of the business, address, phone number, website, business principles, how long a business has been in operation, licensure information, the number of complaints received in the past 36 months, a description of the complaints and responses from the business and reviews submitted by customers.  Every day almost 19,000 business reports are consulted by consumers. 

Your local BBB also receives over 150,000 calls each year, emails and questions posted on various websites (e.g., Google).  The real life questions from your neighbors may also help you make an informed decision. 

Q. Does anyone have any reviews on Dr. Purita from the Institute of Regenerative Stem Cell treatment in Boca Raton Fl. Does it work or not?

A. Hello Felicia, it is important to always validate any advertising claim, but when it comes to health care issues, it is even more important.  You may want to consult with your physician to obtain his or her guidance about any proposed treatment.  Ideally, any business making claims should have competent and reliable scientific evidence to support claims.  The data should be conducted by recognized professionals and directly applicable to the specific product or formula referenced in the advertising.  You should always ask for such studies from any provider.  If they do provide studies, ask your medical provider to review them and provide their expertise in evaluating the claims and their relevance to your situation.  Specific to Stem Cell Treatments, the FTC recently took action against a California based company and you may want to review that action and the guidance provided by the FTC as part of your due diligence.   www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2018/10/ftc-stops-deceptive-health-claims-stem-cell-therapy-clinic. 

Q. How good are solar panels and will they save me money? 

A. Hello Abraham, the efficiency of solar panels has improved greatly, but there are also significant variances in products. It is important to understand the complete cost for installation and maintenance, the likely return in offset to your electric bills and any applicable tax deductions.  BBB has detailed tips to help consumers considering going solar. www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/26112-bbb-tip-a-consumers-.  The Federal Trade Commission also provides guidance on this topic. www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0532-solar-power-your-home

Q. A neighbor just had Guardian Hurricane install shutters for her windows.  She is pleased with the work, but does BBB have any information about this business?

A. Hello Miriam, BBB has a profile on Guardian Hurricane.  Our website makes it easy to find a business and review the business profile.  Just go to BBB.org and use the search tool to find the business.  Enter the name of the business and the city and state where that business is located.  Next, click on the name of the business in the search results and the BBB Business Profile for Guardian Hurricane shows:

•       The business has been operating since 2006
•       The business is BBB Accredited which means they meet BBB standards and agree to work with BBB on any customer issues
•       The business has not had any complaints in the 3-year reporting period
•       The website and phone number for the business are included in the report and you may also request a quote directly from the business profile

The full report is at:  www.bbb.org/us/fl/miami-lakes/profile/hurricane-shutters/guardian-hurricane-protection-products-inc-0633-7003582.  If you do hire the business we encourage you to post a review.  If the business does a great job, they deserve the recognition and you will help other consumers find a good business.  If the work did not meet your standards, be constructive about how the business can improve and BBB will use that information to work with the business to do better with future customers. 

Q. What is the difference between BBB Ratings and BBB Customer Reviews?

A. BBB Ratings and BBB Customer reviews provide two different ways to evaluate a business.  BBB Ratings take into account a large number of factors:  complaint history of the business, the type of business, time in business, whether essential information about the business is transparent, whether the business honors commitments to BBB, licensing and government actions and advertising issues.  The full description for ratings is at: www.bbb.org/overview-of-bbb-ratings.  Ratings change to reflect changes to the data/information outlined above so that each business must continue to be responsive and live up to their obligations to keep a good rating. 

Customer reviews are stand alone and reflect solely the assessment of individual consumers.  BBB uses a validation process to help ensure that only valid reviews are posted on BBB as a tool for potential customers.  According to Brightlocal’s 2022 local consumer review survey, “BBB, is by far, the most trusted review site.” The full survey results are at:  https://www.brightlocal.com/research/local-consumer-review-survey/

You may want to check out our BBB Consumer Resource Center at:  www.bbb.org/all/consumer-resources.