Bureau statistics indicate that a majority of the complaints received are settled. Surveys show that Bureaus are the first choice of consumers in need of help. The first Bureaus began operation over 75 years ago. As they broadened their function to monitor other marketing practices and the performance of business, the Better Business Bureau System evolved. Bureaus exist because business believes that it is best able to correct abuses in the marketplace.
Bureaus are private, self-regulatory agencies that seek the voluntary cooperation of business.
When illegal practices are uncovered and the business refuses to cooperate with the Bureau, the matter is referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Also, Bureaus have close working relationships with governmental agencies such as the Federal Trade Commission, with consumer protection agencies, and the State Attorneys General. BBBs are organized as nonprofit corporations and financed by membership dues or subscriptions paid by responsible business and professional firms in the community. The Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc. was formed in 1970 by consolidating the former National Better Business Bureau and the Association of Better Business Bureaus International. The Council has offices in Arlington, Virginia and New York.