Do you check out companies on BBB.org before purchasing?
 

I was just wondering how many people use BBB.org. I've started using it for companies I don't know and for online purchases. Sometimes, I even get free stuff from companies.

For instance, I wanted to buy a watch from an online vendor one time, and checked bbb.org. Apparently they had several open complaints against them. I called a CSR, told them I was going to make a purchase but was hessitant because of their BBB report, and they gave me free shipping. Turned out to be a good transaction (most of the complaints were false advertising complaints about commercials they ran on TV in Florida).

A few times, I passed up deals because of bad BBB reports.

Sadly, I usually don't even think of the BBB until after I've gotten burned. I've filed complaints there 3 or 4 times against various companies over the past 10 years. Only two were against online stores. I do use their charity ratings before giving to a charity.

I only did one time and that was AFTER I had a problem with a car "repair" shop. Other customers were also complaining about them while I was there.

For online purchases, I use http://www.resellerratings.com/
It is based on "real" customers and has various merchant categorieslike a strength and weekness. If a place has alot of bad feeback in a area. I would look to see if there was a trend. It seemed that shop4less.com had a below par rating due to customers complaining because 'they" bought the wrong type of bland DVD-R's. So, I had taken a chance, alog with a discount code, and bought some DVD cases and I received then in about 1 week. No Problems for me with them.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. I have been trying to remember the name of this site for a while now. I found it really helpful when deciding where to buy my digital camera from online.

Yep, I was trying to remember that link as well!

I will typically only buy from places that get praises from users here. I won't be the guinea pig.