Bbb Reports Rise In Consumer Calls

Calls are up at the Better Business Bureau serving the Inland Northwest.

In June, 7,000 pre-purchase inquires were made, up from 4,038 last year. Complaints have doubled.

BBB president Jan Quintrall said the boost is due in part to staff’s efforts to increase the organization’s visibility:

“It’s a Catch-22. The more exposure we get, the more people use us. We sort of create our own overload of work.”

One new service Quintrall said she hopes helps with the BBB’s high volume of calls is a new 24-hour automated telephone response system, which can be reached at 455-4200 or 800-356-1007. Callers can access company reports by punching in the firm’s phone number.

The BBB has also released its latest list of nonresponders - companies that haven’t responded to customer complaints. The list of 133 companies can be accessed through the automated phone system or online at www.spokanebbb.org or www.northidahobbb.org.