Lean more about BBB

People today are overwhelmed with choices - and they're often unsure how to find verified, unbiased information to help them make decisions.

There are more than 30 million businesses in the United States and Canada, according to the Better Business Bureau, and hundreds of thousands of websites around the world to shop online. Additionally, there are thousands of free and subscription websites that offer a range of information, including reviews, reports, directories and listings.

It can be difficult to know if the information provided is accurate. That's how the BBB can help. For more than 100 years, BBB has helped people make smarter decisions and is evolving to meet the changing marketplace needs.

' BBB sets standards for ethical business behavior and monitors compliance. Nearly 400,000 accredited businesses meet and commit to our high standards.

' BBB helps consumers identify trustworthy businesses, and those that are not, through more than 4 million business reviews.

' BBB sets standards and evaluates thousands of advertisements each year to ensure that people can trust what advertisers say.

' BBB sets standards and evaluates the practices of thousands of charities so that donors know where their money is going.

' BBB coaches businesses on ethical behavior and how to build stronger, more trusting relationships with their customers.

' BBB offers its national and local consumer services online and in person. Through our efforts, BBB helps millions of people each year.

The Council of Better Business Bureaus is the network hub for BBBs in the United States and Canada. We want to instill customer confidence and advance a trustworthy marketplace for all.

To find a business or charity review contact us at, bbb.org or call 1 (800) 222-1600 or (319) 365-1190. You can also write to BBB, 2625 Beaver Ave., Des Moines, IA 50310.

' Barbara Green is the director of the Better Business Bureau Cedar Rapids office. Once a month, The Gazette will run a column with information supplied by the Better Business Bureau.