BBB Introduces new technology to help consumers find trustworthy companies

Dec. 15, 2009 - PRLog -- Furthering its commitment to create a community of trustworthy businesses, Better Business Bureau has rolled-out a free Internet browser plug-in called the Accredited Business Locator, to help consumers find businesses they can trust when they search and shop online.  

When consumers search for holiday gifts, everyday products or specific services on popular search engines such as Google, Yahoo! and Bing, the Locator displays the BBB seal next to Better Business Bureau Accredited Businesses.

The new technology is the result of a partnership between BBB and Azigo, a leader in user-centric technologies. The software is available for download free of charge at http://www.azigo.com/landing/bbb.html, where visitors also can find an explanation of how the browser plug-in works.

The introduction of the Accredited Business Locator comes on the heels of mobile technology recently introduced for consumers on the go.  When bbb.org is entered in a smart phone or WiFi-enabled mobile browser, consumers are automatically taken to a dedicated interface that accesses Better Business Bureau’s Reliability Reports database. The page also contains a hyperlink that enables consumers’ mobile devices to visit the full BBB Web site.

According to the President of Connecticut Better Business Bureau, Paulette Scarpetti, BBB is striving to make the most of technological advances to make it easier for consumers to protect themselves when looking for goods and service providers.

“With holiday shopping upon us, BBB continues to offer effective tools that all consumers can use to access accurate, real-time marketplace information, even people who do not consider themselves tech savvy.

“The Accredited Business Locator is a real time-saver that tells consumers in a glance whether a goods or service provider listed in an Internet search is committed to Better Business Bureau’s Standards for Trust.”

In addition to offering trusted guidance and advice to consumers on thousands of topics, BBB provides objective, unbiased evaluations on more than 4 million businesses across North America. More than 350,000 businesses across the U.S. and Canada have earned BBB accreditation and agree to uphold BBB Standards for Trust, which include honoring promises and resolving marketplace disputes with customers.

With an estimated $150 billion being spent online this year, the partnership with Azigo is an effective tool to help bring our advice and services directly to consumers when they need it the most.

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Founded in 1928, Connecticut BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. For more advice on finding companies and businesses, start your search with trust at www.bbb.org.