Better Business Bureau Serving Central, Northern & Western Arizona Fourth Quarter 2016 inside this issue... The Journey of BBB Accreditation Accreditation isn't given. It's earned. See all it takes to become a BBB Accredited Business. page 10 Improved Business Profiles BBB launched new Business Profiles designed to provide a more user-friendly experience on bbb.org. page 9 BBB Scam Tracker New tool empowers businesses and consumers in 2016. page 7 ® A quarterly newsletter for BBB ® Accredited Businesses The Secret to 68 Years of Fun Business Business Connection , page 3
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Fourth Quarter 2016 Business Connection...glance awakens the imagination as costumes, masks, hats, wigs, and countless accessories fill up almost every inch of the store. The possibilities
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Better Business Bureau Serving Central, Northern & Western Arizona
Fourth Quarter 2016
inside this issue...
The Journey of BBB Accreditation
Accreditation isn't given. It's
earned. See all it takes to become
a BBB Accredited Business.
page 10
Improved Business Profiles
BBB launched new Business
Profiles designed to provide a
more user-friendly experience
on bbb.org.
page 9
BBB Scam Tracker
New tool empowers
businesses and
consumers in 2016.
page 7
® A quarterly newsletter for BBB® Accredited Businesses
The Secret to 68 Years of Fun Business
Business Connection
, page 3
Better Business Bureau Serving Central, Northern & Western Arizona 2
2017 OFFICERS:Chair - David Lorenz: First Fidelity BankVice Chair - Ken Bonham: Lucid Agency Treasurer - Mike Bontrager: Adolfson & Peterson ConstructionSecretary - Carrie Young: SRPImmediate Past Chair – Gary Sneed: Desert Schools Federal Credit UnionPresident - Matthew Fehling: Better Business Bureau
DIRECTORS:Kim Anderson-Matich: Anderson Security AgencyMaria Barquin: La Campesina RadioBrian Burt: Snell & Wilmer, LLPRon Cohen: CRC BroadcastingJohn P. Curran: U.S. Postal Inspection Service Rick Dircks: Dircks Moving Services Mike Donley: Donley Service CenterAmbrose Earle: Shamrock Foods Ash Hachmeister: beni.fitTom Higginbotham: Sun Devil Auto Andrew John: John's Refrigeration Heating & CoolingJoe Kelly: Triad Consulting GroupAsst. Chief Michael Kurtenbach: Phoenix Police Dept. Kevin Lange: Reveal Concepts Co.Cheryl Lewis: IsagenixTom Licurgo: Ashley Furniture HomestoresMike McGuirk: ProCopyNathan Mendanhall: Sonora Quest Laboratories Brian Mohr: Y Scouts Curt Morgan (ARAC): Shadow Mountain Auto ServiceGarry Ong: Mu Shu Asian Grill RestaurantsElaine E. Ralls: Commit AgencyLee Scanzano: Cox CommunicationsChris Sharfner: C&J Professional Cleaning ServicesGerald L. Smithson: JLS ConsultingJim Sollenberger: Cue Financial Group, Inc.Bill Verdini: Emeritus Dean ASU/W.P. Carey School of BusinessCelia Waddington: Ignite Creative ServicesTyler Yates: Yates Buick GMC
YAVAPAI COUNTY ADVISORY COUNCIL
OFFICERS: Chair - David Barrett: Barrett Propane Vice Chair - Susan Abbott: Home Instead Senior Care
MEMBERS:David Franz: Ridgeline Builders, LLCSteve LaFleur: Prescott Import Car Service Connie Manning: Prescott AAA Arizona Neal Sneller: Prescott Chamber of Commerce
BBB FOUNDATION
OFFICERS:Chair - Bill Verdini: Emeritus Dean ASU/W.P. Carey School of BusinessVice Chair/Treasurer - Brian Burt: Snell & Wilmer Immediate Past Chair - Larry Seay: Community Volunteer Secretary - Matthew Fehling: Better Business Bureau
DIRECTORS:Brian Mohr: Y ScoutsPeggy Baker: Community Volunteer Joe Dean: Dean Enterprises Jim Donley: Donley Service Center Tom Fannin: Coldwell Banker Marty Laurel: Community Volunteer Katie Osbourne: Community VolunteerGary Volkenant: Community Volunteer
Call BBB’s Accredited Business Support Team at (844) 220-8730 [email protected]
Live Chat at bbb.org
THANK YOUfor committing to BBB’s
December 2016, Vol. 77, No 4. BBB Business Connection (USPS 006-370) is issued by Better Business Bureau at 1010 E. Missouri Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85014 to its Accredited Businesses and subscribers. It is published quarterly to report business and consumer information, facts about schemes, solicitations, government actions affecting business and Better Business Bureau news. Reference to or mention made of any company, product or service herein is not to be interpreted, per se, as statements derogatory of such company, product or service, but as information obtained from sources believed to be reliable for the use of such Accredited Businesses and subscribers. Subscription price is $12/year to BBB Accredited Businesses. Periodical postage paid at Phoenix, Arizona. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to BBB Business Connection, 1010 E. Missouri Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85014.
In This Issue...
Easley's Fun Shop
Torch Awards for Ethics
BBB Experts
Cost-Saving Program from Desert Schools Federal Credit Union
Connecting with Businesses & Consumers in Arizona
BBB Scam Tracker
Look for Your 2017 Mailing
BBB Integrity Golf Classic
Free Meeting Space
Newly Improved Business Profiles
The Journey of Accreditation
Thank You Media Sponsors
Mark Your Calendars!
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Easley’s Fun Shop
You can’t miss it. From the outside, the yellow building and vibrant sign promise fun, making it hard to drive by without wondering what’s inside. Once inside, a first glance awakens the imagination as costumes, masks, hats, wigs, and countless accessories fill up almost every inch of the store. The possibilities are endless and while the outcome of a visit might be uncertain, one thing is for sure, fun will be part of the experience at Easley’s Fun Shop.
Founded by Vaudeville Magician Bert Easley in 1947, Easley’s Fun Shop has evolved from a small magic store to a 15,000 square foot wonderland featuring gag gifts, novelties, costumes, theatrical makeup, accessories, and more. But how does a small shop turn into a store offering more than 10,000 costumes? Store President Debbie Easley attributes the shop’s growth and success to its ability to evolve with the times. The small magic shop soon added gifts and novelties in response to local demands. New products included
Be Part of BBB’s Torch Awards for Ethics Don’t miss the opportunity to join us as we celebrate and recognize 15 Arizona companies for their commitment to making ethics an essential part of their business.
Save the Date! April 12, 2017
Visit torchawards.arizonabbb.org to see how your company can be involved.
Save Your Seat | Become a Sponsor | Host a Student
“over the hill” items, hats, and wigs. Later, the second generation saw a need to add costumes, not only for rent, but for sale. The third generation took the shop online, developing a website and making most products available to consumers worldwide.
“We are excited to see where the fourth generation takes us!” said Debbie Easley.
Part of the evolution of Easley’s Fun Shop included its commitment to operating ethically, and a few years after opening, they joined Better Business Bureau’s (BBB) community of trustworthy businesses earning accreditation in 1964. Today, the family is proud to celebrate more than 50 years as an Accredited Business, upholding BBB’s ethical standards.
Walking through the store, it’s easy to see the family’s commitment to good business practices. In bold letters, consumers are reminded of the store’s refund and exchange policy, “We do not do refunds
or exchanges. Please try on all costumes and accessories and be absolutely sure you are happy with them.” Clear policies are just one of the many factors contributing to the long-standing success of Easley’s Fun Shop.
“Easley’s joins more than 20 local businesses celebrating more than 50 years of accreditation,” said Matthew Fehling, BBB President/CEO. “The commitment of long-standing businesses to ethics demonstrates the importance of making it part of the culture right from the start.”
®
The Secret to 68 Years of Fun Businesssiness
BBB joins four generations of the Easley family during a Facebook Live in October.
Better Business Bureau Serving Central, Northern & Western Arizona 4
Tiffany JohnsonInformation SpecialistQ: Customers usually file a complaint with BBB before letting me know there’s an issue. What is BBB’s process when a consumer wants to file a complaint?
A: When a consumer calls or goes online to file a complaint, BBB encourages them to
contact the company first to try and solve the problem. If the consumer states they’ve
made an attempt to reach the company and were unsuccessful, then we provide
information on how to file a complaint - either online, by mail or in person at one of our
campuses.
BBB Experts Answer Your Questions
Alexis GavaganTrade Practices and Investigations SpecialistQ: As an Accredited Business, can I include my BBB grade on marketing materials?
A: BBB recommends not including your grade on any marketing material since it can
change at any time. If you decide to include your grade, it must be accompanied with
an “as of” date to provide consumers updated information. When advertising online, we
encourage you hyperlink the ad to your BBB Business Profile where consumers can easily
see your current grade.
Have a question? Email [email protected] with subject line: “Ask the Experts.”
Cost-Saving Merchant Processing Program for BBB Accredited Businesses
• Connect with Us• Connect with Your Customers• Payment Services for Your Business
*Elavon has partnered with Desert Schools Federal Credit Union to offer a discounted merchant services program to BBB Accredited Businesses. Call or email today for details.
BBB recently launched new Business Profiles designed to provide a more user-friendly experience when consumers access your information on bbb.org. The new layout focuses on highlighting a company’s accreditation and showcasing its brand, facilities, staff and more through photos and video.
bbb.org 9
View Your Newly Improved BBB Business Profile
Other features include:
• Larger Twitter feed
• Customer Review rating breakdown
• Customer Reviews can be sorted by: rating, most helpful, and date
• Clear and prominent display of business information
BBB Accreditation is an honor that is earned. You've likely heard this statement before because we truly believe in it and continue to share it with our community. It's also an important reminder that not every company who wants to be accredited by BBB is approved. Here is a behind the scenes look at our process.
The journey of becoming a BBB Accredited Business starts with an invitation to apply, then leads to a team of professionals dedicated to researching and verifying the reputation of applicants. The time devoted to an application varies depending on the complexity of the company file, industry, marketing materials and history in the market. An application is either approved, rejected, denied or held for further investigation.
BBB's application vetting process:
1. BBB’s Standards for Trust
• Ensure the applicant is adhering to our eight principles: Build Trust, Advertise Honestly, Tell the Truth, Be Transparent, Honor Promises, Be Responsive, Safeguard Privacy, Embody Integrity
2. Data Verification
• Review BBB database for related businesses based on business name, officers, address, phone number, email, website, and business start date
• Review remarks for any pending issues for concerns
• Verify that the business has been operating for at least 12 months
• Conduct online search for information relating to the business or officers (news, complaint blogs, customer reviews)
• Search for additional information or affiliations through Intranet
• Search Intranet for matching scam tracker reports
• Check for unanswered, unresolved, unpursuable, pending, serious complaints or potential pattern of complaints in past 3 years
• Verify rating of B or better and review any files in update
3. Government Action
• Check for any government actions that may affect accreditation
4. Licensing
• Check for licensing with appropriate agencies
5. Website Review/Advertising
• Review website content and marketing materials to ensure claims are truthful
If an application passes all verification points, BBB staff recommends approval to our board of directors. Accreditation fees are processed and the accreditation activated and the company is welcomed into BBB's Community of Trustworthy Businesses. Before accreditation is renewed each year, staff revisits the verification process to ensure accuracy of all business information.
bbb.org 11
Absolute Comfort Heating & Cooling . Advanced Auto Service & Tire Centers All Seasons Retractables . Alert Cleaning Services, Inc. . Arizona Kitchens by Max A Smooth Move . Austin Fleck Property Management . AZHomeBuyer.com Azex Pest Solutions . Basurto General Contractor . Berge Ford . Brewer’s Air
Conditioning & Heating, Inc. . Capstone Roofing . Champ’s Auto Repair Service
Dusty Creek Builders, Inc. . Earth Water Fire . Ed Whitehead’s Tire Country Fixtures Done Right LLC . Goodmans Interior Structures . Hobaica Services,
Inc. . JC Tarasco Construction & Painting . Joseph’s Coat Painting . Kelly Clark
Automotive Specialists . Landscape Authority, LLC . Linda Booker Realty . Lodi
Garage Doors and More . MasterTech Pest Solutions . Metro Movers . Monsoon
Roofing . P.J. Hussey & Associates, Inc. . Randall J. Craig Attorney at Law Sam’s Auto Body . Savage Air Conditioning, Inc. . Sexton Pest Control S&S
Southwestern Management . True View Windows . Velarde Floor Covering
BRONZE & COPPER:
DIAMOND:
ADAMSREFRIGERATION CO.
SINCE 1947
Thank You BBB Media Sponsors
SILVER:
GOLD:
BBB Sponsorship
FAQsWho can be a media sponsor?
All BBB Accredited Businesses
are welcome to participate in
media sponsorship.
What’s included in sponsorship packages?
In addition to the annual
accreditation fee, sponsorship
packages offer a variety of
advertising options. Packages
can be an affordable addition to
your marketing plan as different
forms of advertising are offered
like online directory ads, website
banners, radio, TV, and outdoor
ads, as well as customer survey
cards.
What does BBB do with the money it gets from sponsors?
BUY • SELL • TRADE10261 N. SCOTTSDALE RD., SCOTTSDALE AZ 85253
SINCE 1971
Better Business Bureau Serving Central, Northern & Western Arizona 12
®
Better Business Bureau® Serving Central, Northern & Western Arizona1010 E. Missouri AvenuePhoenix, Arizona 85014
Unless otherwise indicated, all events take place in the Phoenix area. Seminars are free. Register at events.arizonabbb.org.
Mark Your Calendars! Upcoming Educational & Signature Events
february
9 | How to Be a Legacy Leader from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Presented by Tom Zender, CEO Mentor, Author and Speaker
22 | Harness Your Stress into Successfrom 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Presented by Sara Regester, Certified Integrative Health Coach
march
9 | Mobile and Social Media Legal Considerations: Key Issues that Should be Keeping All Brand Owners and Employers Up at Night from 12 to 1:30 p.m. (lunch will be provided)
30 | Three Necessary Ingredients for a Successful Business from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Presented by Susan Brooks, Entrepreneur, Author and International Speaker
connect.arizonabbb.org
®
Please join us on Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at 6 p.m. at the
Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa to honor 15 Arizona companies