BBB Eastern Michigan

An ethical marketplace where buyers and sellers trust each other.

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Vacation All You’ve Ever Wanted? Keep These Tips in Mind for Your Summer Getaway

It is officially starting to feel like summer! The sun is finally starting to shine, school is wrapping up and the water is almost warm enough to go swimming. Summer is a time to relax and enjoy the nice weather while we have it. Like many of you planning a summer vacation for you and your family and friends, you’ll want to keep these tips from Better Business Bureau in mind so your relaxing vacation doesn’t turn into a headache.

When planning your trip, keep the following in mind:

· Plan ahead. The early bird gets the worm. Allow yourself the time to research hotels, flights and the area where you will be staying. Typically, the earlier you make reservations, the better the deals you will find and the lower the risk of your favorite destination being booked solid. Making reservations in advance also locks in rates and prevents you from paying higher prices later during prime spring break or holiday seasons.

· Avoid broad internet searches. Try to avoid entering phrases like ‘best deals’ into whichever search engine you use. Broad search terms like that can sometimes lead you to websites that look official but are designed solely to rip people off.

· Be alert for travel scams. Watch out for phone calls or letters claiming that you’ve “won a trip” or websites offering prices that are too good to be true. It’s easy to extend questionable offers like these, but the vast majority of them leave hopeful travelers in limbo – and out money. Learn more about travel scams here.

· Do your homework. Ask family and friends to recommend a travel agent or travel website and visit bbb.org for free Business Profiles. If you are using online services to find accommodations, be sure to research the business and read customer reviews about any rentals you are considering. 

· Get trip details in writing. Before making the final payment, get all the details of the trip in writing. This should include the total cost, restrictions, cancellation penalties, and names of the airlines and hotels. Also, review and keep a copy of the airline’s and hotel’s cancellation and refund policies, as well as the cancellation policies of the travel agency or booking site you are using.

· Consider travel insurance. Travel insurance covers things like trip cancellations or medical emergencies. There are different levels of coverage based on what type of plan you purchase. Ask a lot of questions, and always read the fine print to see what’s covered and what’s not.

· Pay with a credit card. Paying with a credit card gives you additional protection if something should go wrong with the travel reservation.

Once your trip is booked, and you are ready to go, there are a few things to keep in mind. The following tips will keep you, your belongings and your home safe while you are away:

· Wait to post on social media. We all like to share our vacation adventures with friends and family but wait until you get back from your trip. Giving too much detail about when you will be away, and your home will be empty, could attract thieves.

· Check your home insurance. If your home will be unattended while you are away, make sure you know your responsibilities under your home insurance policy. Some policies do not cover damage if nobody checks on you for a certain amount of time.

· Share a copy of your itinerary with a family member or friend. Include the contact information of someone joining you on your trip.

· Take a map. People rely heavily on smartphones and GPS. Have a hard copy backup in case of technical difficulties or if you are going through an area with poor cellphone reception.

· Check the weather conditions where you will be traveling and pack appropriate supplies and clothing.

· Avoid traveling alone. Use the buddy system and stick with your friends.

· Use hotel safes to store extra cash and keep any valuables under lock and key.

To find reputable hotels or vacation rentals visit bbb.org.

[detroitbbb]

We Like to Move It Move It... Safely

The dishes are all wrapped, the boxes are all sealed and labeled and the house is empty, you are officially ready to move… now, you just need someone you trust to do the heavy lifting.

Better Business Bureau knows that finding a company you can trust with your entire house worth’s of furniture can be a difficult and unsettling task. BBB is here to provide you some tips to find a moving company you can trust.

Research Different Movers.  Ask friends and family if they’ve used a moving business before and what businesses they recommend. Always visit bbb.org to check out a business before hiring. Look for movers that are accredited, in good standing, and have few complaints. Call to inquire about references to see what they have to say about their experience with the business.

Get a Few Estimates.  Ask moving businesses for estimates months before the move. Have someone from the business visit your home to get the most accurate estimate. Find out whether the estimate is binding or nonbinding. Binding estimates do not allow the movers to charge any more than the quoted price while nonbinding is an approximate cost. Tell the movers if there are any special circumstances ahead of time to avoid extra costs added later.

Consider Insurance.  Consumer’s possessions are insured by renters or homeowner’s insurance at the old home and the new home but not while the movers are between homes. If the move is a long distance, consumers can purchase relocation insurance. If consumers pay movers extra to pack their items, the business is accountable for the items up to a certain amount depending on the dollar value and weight. 

Review the Bill of Lading.  A bill of lading is the contract between the movers and the consumers.  Have the movers explain all the details of the contract and answer any questions that need clarification before signing it. The bill of lading should contain the mover’s information, breakdown of charges, pickup and delivery times, what liability the movers have for the belongings, and claims protection. Make sure to save a copy of the contract for future reference. Be Present While Packing.  If the movers are also hired to pack the belongings, be present while they are packing. Set a date for packing in the contract a few days before the move. Make sure all big electronics and appliances are properly unplugged before the packers come unless the business has planned to do it as part of the packing. Make an Inventory.  Make an inventory list of all items that are being moved by the business. Make sure all the items are listed and numbered on the inventory. Make a separate inventory sheet for valuable items. Once the movers arrive at the new home, check all the crates and boxes off on the inventory list to make sure nothing was lost or damaged.

As you start searching for the right moving company, it is also important to keep these red flags in mind:

Movers who don’t make an on-site inspection of your household goods and give an estimate over the phone or by email. Such estimates often sound—and are—too good to be true.

Movers who demand cash or a large deposit before the move.

Movers who don’t provide you with a copy of “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move,” a booklet that movers are required to supply to customers planning interstate moves.

Business websites that have no address and no information about a mover’s registration or insurance.

Movers who claim all items are covered by their insurance.

Offices or warehouses don’t exist.

On moving day, a rental truck arrives rather than a business-owned or marked fleet truck.

As mentioned above please be sure to check out https://www.bbb.org/ to find accredited moving companies and read customer reviews.

[detroitbbb]

Celebrate Good Times with Reputable Businesses

It’s almost time to flip the tassel and toss the cap! Graduation season is upon us and with that comes the end of school, prom and graduation parties. You will be working with a lot of different companies to celebrate your graduate and make sure they enjoy their time before adulthood.

But before you start renting those tents, tables and chairs BBB has some tips for identifying trustworthy rental companies.

Research businesses before     hiring them. Check     out bbb.org to research service providers in your area and     get a list of businesses you know you can trust.

Look into customer reviews and/or complaints. Reviews offer valuable insight from fellow patrons. Helping you     identify businesses liked by consumers in your area, as wells merchants to     steer clear of.

Check how long a business has     been operating. Find out how many people     are still using their services, in order to avoid paying a business that     might close before they can provide their product or service.

Double-check prices. If you've learned about a vendor at an event, make sure     you ask if prices are the same after the event. Be careful of     high-pressure sales tactics to make you commit to a product or service on     the spot.

Pay with a credit card. Avoid paying in cash up-front for services. If     you pay by credit cards you have protection in the event of a problem that     is not available with other forms of payment.

Follow up. Confirm all services one or two weeks prior to the     event and verify all the details agreed upon, including the amount and sizes of the tents, tables, chairs, etc. You don’t want any surprises.

For more party planning and graduation tips go to bbb.org

[detroitbbb]

Give Your Personal Information a Deep Clean

Cue the singing forest animals, it’s time for some spring cleaning! In between sorting through your summer clothes and dusting off patio furniture, don’t forget to declutter your personal documents, both online and physical copies. 2018 had some of the largest data breaches of all time, which included companies such as Facebook, Marriott and Under Armour, to name a few.

BBB shares some tips and resources for disposing of your personal information both physically and online.

· Keep a clean machine: Ensure all software on internet-connected devices is up to date to reduce the risk of infection from malware.

· Lock down your login: Your usernames and passwords are not enough for personal data protection. Begin your spring cleaning by enabling the strongest authentication tools available, such as security keys or a unique one-time code through an app on your mobile device.

· Declutter your mobile life: Delete unused apps and keep others current, including the operating system on your mobile device. Actively manage your location services, Bluetooth, microphone and camera to make sure apps use them appropriately.

· Do a digital file purge: Perform a thorough review of your online files. Start removing digital clutter by doing the following: 

                    o Clean up your email: Only save emails you really need and unsubscribe to emails you no longer need/want to receive.

                    o Back it up: Copy important data to a secure cloud site or another computer or drive where it can be safely stored. Make sure to back up your files before getting rid of a device. 

· Own your online presence: Review the privacy and security settings on websites you use.

· Know what devices to digitally “shred”: Computers and mobile phones aren’t the only devices that capture and store sensitive, personal data. External hard drives and USBs, tape drives, embedded flash memory, wearables, networking equipment and office tools like copiers, printers and fax machines all contain valuable personal information and require personal data protection.

· Clear out stockpiles: If you have a stash of old hard drives or other devices – even if they’re in a locked storage area – information still exists and could be stolen. Wipe and/or destroy unneeded hard drives as soon as possible.

· Empty your trash or recycle bin on all devices and be certain to wipe and overwrite: Use a program that wipes the data from your device and then overwrites it by putting random data in place of your information.

· To be “shredded,” a hard drive must be chipped into small pieces: Use a trusted shredding company to dispose of your old hard drives.  

Fifty-six percent of identity theft victims traced the theft to something that was stolen from their own possession. So, when it comes to physical documents here’s the first rule: If you don’t need it, shred it. Here is a list of how long you should be holding onto certain documents.

· Documents to shred immediately: sales receipts (after the policy/warranty expires), ATM receipts, credit offers, canceled checks, expired warranties and junk mail.

· Keep for up to 1 year: Pay stubs, bank statements, paid, undisputed medical bills and paid bills.

· Keep for 7 years: tax-related receipts, tax-related canceled checks, W-2s and records for tax deductions taken.

· Keep while active: most contractors, auto titles, home deeds, disputed medical bills, home improvement receipts (until sale), insurance documents and records of pensions and retirement plans.

· Keep permanently: birth certificates, social security cards, marriage certificate, divorce decree, citizenship papers, adoption papers, death certifications, tax returns and wills.

 If you are looking for an opportunity to shred your documents, BBB is here to help with Secure Your ID Day. On Saturday, May 18, 2019, BBB Serving Eastern Michigan & the Upper Peninsula will host this helpful identity theft prevention event featuring FREE on-site shredding, along with tips to protect your identity. Mobile shredding trucks will be on-site accepting three bags or boxes of unwanted documents. Any bag or box beyond the three, BBB will be accepting $10.00 donations toward our Educational Foundation.

[detroitbbb]

Don’t Bust Your Bracket... Or Your Bank Account

It’s madness, March Madness that is. After endless hours of research, you have finally put together your winning bracket, with your favorite team going all the way of course! To show support for your favorite team having a jersey with your favorite player’s number on the back is a must, so you start looking online for the best jersey, with the best price tag. Every site you browse has similar prices expect one. You come across a site that appears to be selling the same apparel as all the rest but at a significantly lower price.

Though you’ve never heard of this company before the site looks authentic, why not buy the cheaper jersey?

BBB shares what to look out for when shopping for sports apparel.

Watch out for too-good-to-be-true pricing. Fake websites advertise cheap prices to attract and encourage consumers to "purchase" their products and provide sensitive information. In many of these cases, either the items do not exist, or they are counterfeit.

Look for contact information.  Find out the business name, physical address, phone number and email address and verify that the physical address matches the business name. If no contact information or verifiable business information is listed, it's a red flag. Make sure you read the terms and conditions of sale carefully before placing an order. 

Know the seller. Research the company if you've never made a purchase on the website before. Check out the company on bbb.org and conduct a Google search on the website name and the word "scam." If the website is claiming to be an official site, authorized to sell licensed products, confirm this directly with the team, league or source it is claiming to be authorized by. Check website security. Before making an online purchase, check the URL of the page you're entering contact and financial information. If the URL doesn't start with "https" your information could be exposed to con artists or hackers. A security-enabled web page will begin with "https," instead of just "http" and will likely have a lock symbol that displays as green to verify security. Always pay by credit card whenever possible in case you need to challenge the charge later.

 As the tournament plays on and your team gets closer and closer to the championship, wouldn’t it be awesome if you were there to watch them win it? So again, you take to the internet to look for tickets. Just like with the apparel, there are many things to be wary of when buying tickets to a sporting event online.

Purchase from the venue whenever possible. Many official ticket sales agents now offer secondary sales options, as well. 

Consider your source. Know the difference between a professional ticket broker (a legitimate and accredited reseller), a ticket scalper (an unregulated and unlicensed ticket seller), and a scammer selling scam tickets. Also, be sure to search for the source on bbb.org to learn what other customers have experienced.

Buy only from trusted vendors. Buy online only from vendors you know and trust. Look for the lock symbol in the web address to indicate a secure purchasing system. Don’t click through from emails or online ads; a common ticket scam trick is to create a web address that is similar to a well-known company.

Know the refund policy. You should only purchase tickets from a ticket reseller that provides clear details about the terms of the transaction. Sellers should disclose to the purchaser, prior to purchase, the location of the seats represented by the tickets, either orally or by reference to a seating chart; and, if the tickets are not available for immediate access to the purchaser, disclose when the tickets will ship or be available for pick up.

Use payment methods that come with protection. Always use a credit card so you have some recourse if the tickets are not as promised. Debit cards, wire transfer or cash transactions are risky; if the tickets are fraudulent, you won’t be able to get your money back.

If you’re unsure, verify your tickets. Pay a visit to the arena where the event will be held. Present your ticket to “Will Call” (customer service) and they can verify if your ticket is legitimate and show you how to tell if a ticket is fake.

For more tips and information visit bbb.org.

[detroitbbb]

Real Keys to Real Estate

Spring is coming! As we all start to emerge from our winter hibernation, maybe you’ve realized that the Michigan winter has finally become too much to bear and you are ready to pack up and move somewhere the thermostat doesn’t drop below zero. Or maybe that house down the street that you secretly love has suddenly become for sale and it must be yours.

There are so many moving parts that go into buying or selling a home. Whether or not to use a realtor or a real estate agent and how to find a trustworthy one. If you are selling a home, prepping it for the home inspection and finding a good home inspector if you are the one purchasing a home. With so much at stake, you want to make the right choices. BBB has some helpful tips for every step of your home endeavor.

First Things First

Hiring a real estate agent or realtor can the process of buying or selling a home a lot less stressful. Having someone who understands what is going on with the housing marketing and knows what each step of the process will entail can be invaluable, but finding the right person isn’t always easy. Here are some steps to take when looking for an agent or realtor:

Ask for Referrals.  Ask for recommendations from friends and family members who have recently bought or sold their home. Ask if they were satisfied with their experience and if they would use the agent or company in the future.  Be sure to ask if there are agents or companies to avoid. Look for residential agents and companies in the area so they will be knowledgeable about the neighborhood and the community. 

Interview Candidates.  Once you have assembled at least four prospective agents, schedule a time to meet with them in person. If you are selling your home, each agent will make a listing presentation. This presentation allows you to become familiar with their background, marketing plan, and market analysis which includes information about similar houses in your area that have recently sold. 

Request References.  Ask the agent to provide a list of references who have previously used their services to buy or sell similar types of properties. Ask the references about their experience with the agent or realtor. 

Ask if They are an Agent or Realtor.  A real estate agent is required to take real estate courses and pass a licensing exam before practicing.  Every realtor has taken the same courses and passed the same exam, but a realtor who is a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) is held to a specific code of ethics while practicing real estate. 

Discuss Compensation.  Usually, agents and realtors are compensated through a commission. The commission fee is usually 5 to 7 percent of the selling price, but it can vary from area to area. The percentage of the commission fee can sometimes be negotiated depending on the housing market. The agent receives a commission regardless of who finds the buyer but receives no commission if the property doesn't sell. The commission is usually divided between the agent and their broker.  

Carefully Read the Contract.  Be wary of agents who pressure you to sign documents immediately. Carefully and completely read the documents and make sure the agent clearly answers any of your questions. If you are selling your home, usually you sign a contract granting the agent exclusive rights to sell your property within a certain time period. Make sure to ask about that time period.  

  Home Sellers

Having your home in the best condition possible is key for a successful home sale. Not only do you want it to look put together during open houses, but once an offer is on the table you want to make sure any and all issues are taken care of prior to the home inspection. These hints can help with your home preparation:

Repairs- Is there minor repair work that needs to be done? Hire a professional to deal with outstanding issues that are beyond your technical knowledge before the inspection.

Testing-Test electrical outlets, drains, smoke alarms and CO2 detectors to make sure they all work.

 Replace- Replaced burned out light bulbs and furnace filters. Better yet, get your furnace serviced and hot water tank inspected with the dates of inspections updated so the inspector and buyers can see.

 Remove- Remove furniture or items that might be impeding to access panels such as electrical boxes and water shut-off valves.

 Pets- Ask a friend if they can keep an eye on your furry friend while the inspection is happening.

 Clean- clean your house. Including mowing the lawn and trimming the bushes. First impressions go a long way.

  Home Buyers

Purchasing a home is one of the biggest financial investments you will ever make. You want to be sure that what you are seeing is what your getting, so it is important to find a trustworthy home inspector, who is going to be looking out for you and not the bottom line.  Here are some guidelines to follow when looking for a home inspector:

Referrals- Ask friends and acquaintances for recommendations. Look for someone who is familiar with the type of home to be inspected. Does the inspector specialize in residential property? Check with the Better Business Bureau if you have questions.

 Interview- Ask prospective inspectors questions about their professional training, relevant experience and/or length of time in business. Look for home inspectors who are committed to avoiding conflicts of interest and refuse to be involved in any real estate transaction.

Be Present- Be present during the inspection. Most inspectors will allow you to tour the home with them and ask questions during or after the inspection. The inspection can last anywhere from two to five hours, depending on the size of the house.

Ask How Soon- Ask how soon after the inspection will you receive a copy of the home inspection final, written report. Carefully read your home inspection report and make a list of items that need correction; this will help you to determine your future expenditures for repairs and maintenance. A home cannot fail an inspection; understand that the home inspection report records the condition of the home, both positives and negatives.

[detroitbbb]

It CAN Happen to You

We’ve all heard the news story or read the Facebook post of an individual being scammed out of money by someone from another country. The scammer claims to be working for a familiar company or selling a familiar product when really, they are looking for their next victim. This narrative is a common one nowadays, and yet it keeps happening. No matter how many times we hear the same story, we still think “that could never happen to me.”

Larry Rapids of Melvindale, Michigan considers himself a tech-savvy guy. Computers are his hobby and he has been Microsoft certified since 2007. The last thing Larry thought he would ever wind up in would be a tech-support scam.

Back in December of 2018, Rapids purchased a computer cleaning software “C Cleaner” from the internet.  “C Cleaner” is a real computer utility program, created by a London based software company. The program is used to clean unwanted files off your computer, a program Rapids had been successfully running for over a month. So, when Rapids was contacted by a gentleman claiming to work for C Cleaner, he didn’t see any reason to not believe him.

“I got it, I ran it for a month, month and a half and everything was fine,” Rapids said. “Then all of a sudden on January 15th of 2019, the guy calls me and says our servers are down, we are going out of business and we are sending rebait checks. We would like to send you your $500 rebait check.”

The man on the other end of the line then asks Rapids to check his bank account.

“I look. I see a $2500 deposit from Wells Fargo,” Rapids said. “That was the hook.”

Looking back on the situation, Rapids realized he missed a couple of key red flags.

“When he asked me to go look at my bank account I should’ve known better,” Rapids said. “because he shouldn’t have known how to access my bank account.”

The gentleman then details to Larry that he sent him $2500 instead of $500 and that his mistake was going to cost him his job and his family. “Adam” complains to Larry long enough to get him to send the $2000 back. Using Walmart gift cards. Another red flag.

“I went and got the cards for $2000, sent them, he cashed them, and it turns out everything was false,” Rapids said. “Turns out it was a falsified bank screen. It even had an official looking Wells Fargo number and everything.”

After attempting to contact Flagstar Bank as well as the FBI, Larry went to the Melvindale Police Department to file a report. After reading Larry’s report, Detective Rolando Hinojosa of the Melvindale Police Department, worked with Larry to try to bring “Adam” to justice.

“After I spoke to Larry a couple times, I then spoke with “Adam” on the phone, who you could tell was not telling me the truth and had no intentions of talking with me,” Hinojsa said. “Cause I did ask him to come by the police station. He never came by.”

According to Detective Hinojosa, this is a common occurrence for cases like this.

“We don’t know who Adam is,” Hinojosa said. “I traced the phone call to somewhere in California and there was another phone number that Larry had given me and I traced that one back to Florida. So, I was in touch with the FTC, the FCC, homeland security, FBI, anybody who might be able to help us out on a more national basis and they said that there was very little that they could do.” 

The smaller agencies, such as the Melvindale Police Department, don’t have the resources to dig into cases like this and both the smaller and the larger agencies like the FBI or the FTC don’t have the time they would need to investigate these types of scams.

“Unfortunately, in cases like this it’s very difficult to get an arrest,” Hinojosa said. “Even to get charges is tough. So, people have to beware.”

Exercise extra caution if you are contacted by someone claiming to work for a company whose product or service you use. It is extremely unlikely that a legitimate employee from any company would be reaching out to you without you reaching out to them first.

“If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is, and to the other people, it could happen to you, ok,” Hinojosa said.  “Don’t think you’re above it, it could happen, it could happen to you.” 

[detroitbbb]

Don’t Let Your Time Get Taxed!

It’s the time of year where weekends are spent wanting to pull your hair out as tax documents pile up around you. All to prove to the IRS that you did in fact, pay taxes. While most people get some form of assistance filing their taxes, whether it be through an online software or a professional tax preparer, it can still be a hassle gathering the correct information and knowing which type of service is right for you and at what cost.

BBB identifies the different types of tax preparers and services offered, so you can best determine what fits your needs and your budget:

Internal Revenue Service: The IRS offers free tax assistance to those taxpayers who wish to prepare their own returns. This toll-free telephone number 1-[phone] connects you with available agents to answer your individual questions. The IRS also offers information and tax forms on their website at www.irs.gov.

The government has a special program to help those taxpayers who are physically or mentally unable to prepare their own tax returns. Those qualifying include the disabled, seniors, and non-English speaking citizens.

Senior citizens 60 years or older may receive free tax aid from AARP in a cooperative agreement with the IRS. During tax season, AARP has offices in all major cities, staffed by volunteers who are trained to handle the special needs of senior taxpayers. For more information, visit the AARP web site.

National Tax Services: These are chains that maintain franchise offices around the country. The main advantage of a national tax service is convenience. During tax time, offices are open nights and weekends, and customers are serviced on a drop-in, first-come basis. Costs for services are moderate. Each company has a set fee schedule, with the cost being determined by the number of forms and lines that are filled.

 Local Tax Services: These individuals generally have some knowledge of the tax laws and may be proficient with a calculator or computer. However, while the majority of these tax preparers are legitimate and competent, it is important that you conduct a thorough interview with any tax preparer before hiring one. Since no license is required, it is important to find out about their training and experience.

 Enrolled Agent (EA): An EA is a preparer approved by the Internal Revenue Service to represent taxpayers before the IRS. EAs may work as independent consultants, or they may practice in a firm that includes other tax practitioners. Many EAs limit their work to a particular tax area, so it is wise to ask about his or her specific area of expertise.

 Accredited Tax Advisor or Accredited Tax Preparer: An Accredited Tax Advisor is one who is prepared to handle complex tax planning issues such as: planning for owners of closely held businesses and the highly compensated; choosing retirement plans; performing estate planning; as well as preparing tax returns for businesses and individuals.

Certified Public Accountants (CPA): A CPA has a college degree (or the equivalent in work experience), has passed a state professional qualifying exam and meets other state licensing criteria. A CPA whose practice is devoted to taxes may be your best choice for a preparer if your return is particularly complex, or if there has been a major change in your lifestyle (marriage, divorce, death or retirement) which may have substantial tax consequences.

 Public Accountants: Anyone in the public practice of accountancy can be considered a public accountant. It is important to determine that the accountant has a solid background in tax matters. Many public accountants also are EAs and are well qualified to prepare tax forms. Be sure to verify credentials.

Tax Attorneys: Tax lawyers generally charge the highest fees of all tax preparers, and appeal to taxpayers who are interested in legally sheltering part of their income. Like CPAs and EAs, many lawyers are qualified to provide advice on related tax matters from municipal bonds to estate planning, and, if specialized, are well informed on tax laws and their applications.

   Once you have chosen the type of tax preparer that best fits both the complexity of your situation and your budget, follow the tips below to help ensure that the person you choose to do your taxes is trustworthy:

Get Referrals. To find a tax preparer, start by asking friends and family for recommendations, then check BBB Business Reviews at bbb.org. Look beyond the letter grade; complaint details and Customer Reviews will tell you about others’ experiences.

Make sure they are properly registered. A tax preparer must obtain a PTIN from the IRS. Never let someone work on your taxes unless they have this number. Don’t be afraid to ask about this or other qualifications. A capable professional does not mind questions.

Look for credentials. Anyone with a PTIN can prepare your tax forms for you, but some tax preparers have more training and qualifications than others. Enrolled agents, certified public accountants (CPAs) and attorneys, all have unlimited rights to represent their clients in front of the IRS. Other preparers can help you with forms and simple IRS matters but are limited otherwise, and they can’t help you if they didn’t prepare your form. Learn more about tax preparer credentials on the IRS website.

Keep a watchful eye for promises. Be wary of any tax preparation service that promises larger refunds than the competition and avoid tax preparers who base their fee on a percentage of the refund. Also be wary of “refund anticipation loans,” which can take a hefty chunk of your refund in commission. Refunds are processed quickly these days, so it’s a better bet to just wait for the real thing rather than pay a premium to get it now.

Search for free tax programs. There are several free government programs that prepare taxes free of charge if you meet an income requirement; go to the IRS’s Free File page for more information. Check with your state government to find out about their program (search “file tax free” and your state’s name in a search engine and look for .gov websites).

Tax Software and Apps. If you plan to file yourself, use tax software or an app that provides both excellent data security and good customer service. Some of the top names in tax prep software are BBB Accredited Businesses, so check with bbb.org first.

[detroitbbb]

The Love Scam, Baby

The month of February, when stores are stocked with candy hearts and teddy bears, can leave single people feeling lonely and on a desperate search to find love. This makes it the perfect opportunity for romance scammers to swoop in and steal your heart, and your money.

Relationship scammers know just what say to get you to trust them. They make you feel as though the relationship is real before you’ve even met, and that is when the scamming begins. The person you have become infatuated with shares a tough-luck story about their family needing money that pulls on your heartstrings. Next thing you know your bank account has been drained by someone overseas.

Here are some warning signs that your online whirlwind romance may be a scam:

Appear to good to be true. Scammers offer up good-looking photos and tales of financial success. Be honest with yourself about who would be genuinely interested. If they seem “too perfect,” your alarm bells should ring.

In a hurry to get off the site. Scammers will try very quickly to get you to move to communicating through email, messenger, or phone.

Moving fast. A scammer will begin speaking of a future together and tell you they love you quickly. They often say they’ve never felt this way before.

Talk about trust. Scammers will start manipulating you with talk about trust and how important it is. This will often be a first step to asking you for money.

Don’t want to meet. Be wary of someone who always has an excuse to postpone meeting because they say they are traveling or live overseas or are in the military.

Suspect language. If the person you are communicating with claims to be from your home town but has poor spelling or grammar, uses overly flowery language, or uses phrases that don’t make sense, that’s a red flag.

Hard luck stories. Before moving on to asking you for money, the scammer may hint at financial troubles like heat being cut off or a stolen car or a sick relative, or they may share a sad story from their past (death of parents or spouse, etc.).

Here are some ways you can protect yourself in the world of online dating:

·  Never send money or personal information that can be used for identity theft to someone you’ve never met in person. Never give someone your credit card information to book a ticket to visit you. Cut off contact if someone starts asking you for information like credit card, bank, or government ID numbers.

·  Ask specific questions about details given in a profile. A scammer may stumble over remembering details or making a story fit.

· Do your research. Many scammers steal photos from the web to use in their profiles. You can do a reverse image lookup using a website like tineye.com or images.google.com to see if the photos on a profile are stolen from somewhere else. You can also search online for a profile name, email, or phone number to see what adds up and what doesn’t.

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Identity Theft Protection

Identity Theft Protection – Keeping Your Employees Secure

FBI statistics show that violent crime and property crime have declined nationally since the 1990s. This positive news, however, is tempered by the rapid growth of identity theft. According to a 2018 online survey by The Harris Poll, 60 million Americans have been the victims of identity theft, a number that increases every year. If your identity is stolen, it can be time-consuming, frustrating and emotionally draining to rectify the situation. Protecting your Social Security number and shredding your mail is no longer enough to avoid these insidious and savvy predators.

Unsurprisingly, most of us are concerned about preventing identity theft. While identity theft protection is available from several vendors, and can be easily purchased online, employers can simplify the process for employees by offering this coverage as part of their benefits package. Here are a few points to keep in mind, whether you are looking to offer identity theft protection for the first time, or want to ensure your existing plan provides robust support.

·         What happens if an employee’s identity is actually stolen? Ignore all the other features for a moment, and focus on the single most important value driver.  Exactly what assistance does the vendor provide if the worst occurs? Don’t assume an aggressive team of risk management specialists, private investigators and lawyers will fully manage the entire resolution process. The plan may merely offer a guide or packet of information, and leave it up to the employee to take all the necessary steps. Premium coverage, where the plan will handle most of the recovery work on the individual’s behalf, will be more costly, but can also offer the greatest peace of mind.

Similarly, does the plan insure the individual for personal expenses that result from identity theft? If so, at what amount?  This would provide coverage for items like lost wages (assuming the employee must take time off work to restore his or her identity) and legal fees. Several plans currently offer $1 million in insurance with no deductible. A plan that covers less (for example, only $25,000) may be of little value, especially if individuals must handle the majority of the recovery process on their own.

·         Know the scope of monitoring. An identity theft protection plan will obviously perform credit monitoring, but of how many agencies? There are three major credit reporting agencies, and there could be errors on one report that do not appear on the others.  It’s preferable to offer a plan that includes monitoring of all three credit reports, so employees will have full protection.

Does the plan cover children? If so, to what age? Young children are frequently the victims of identity theft, and it may take longer to discover the damage that has been done. This makes identity theft protection especially important for safeguarding their credit history. Any plan offered to employees should include protection for their spouses/partners and children, at least up until age 18.

·         Do employees understand their role in using the benefit? Frequently, when employees elect a benefit plan, they expect the carrier to take care of everything. But identity theft protection requires the individual to be more proactive, in order to truly take advantage of the plan.

First, the individual must register at the vendor’s website and enter any requested information, such as Social Security, credit card, medical ID and passport numbers, so these can be monitored for fraud and theft. The monitoring aspect of the plan is degraded if the covered individuals’ personal data isn’t provided (which includes that of covered dependents).

Next, the individual must read and potentially act on any communication received from the vendor. For example, when an employee receives an email, indicating activity on his or her credit report, it may not necessarily signal identity theft. But that cannot be confirmed unless the employee follows up on the alert, to determine whether a breach has actually occurred.

Employers should not simply offer identity theft protection without explaining to employees what their responsibilities are if they elect the plan. It is critical that employees provide their personal information to the vendor in a timely manner, and they must remain vigilant in addressing any alerts received.

Identity theft is not going to go away. Individuals are looking for ways to minimize their risk of becoming a victim, and in a way that takes up little of their time and energy. By offering  a high-quality identity protection plan, employers can show their responsiveness to a growing need, and their determination to provide a total benefits package that positively affects employees’ quality of life.

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Are you prepared for winter?

Prepare yourself for winter in the Midwest. 

Living in the Midwest, the holidays aren’t the only things you need to prepare for, winter is no longer coming, it’s arrived. Winter requires more than fleece lined coats, wool gloves and long johns to fully equip yourself and home for the cold climate. BBB wants to help get your car and home in tip top shape in time for the snow. The key is to maintain your home before the storm blows at your doorstep. With one big snowstorm already in the books, it’s important to prepare for the next.

 Awesome Mitten provides survival tips for winter in Michigan. When traveling from home to work in the snow, it’s important to leave an extra ten to fifteen minutes earlier to pad your commute. Speeding through the snow isn’t the wisest decision; be mindful of black ice and potholes that can be easily hidden.

There is plenty to consider when thinking of preparing your home and car for the winter.

Check out these tips to make sure you are on the right track!

Car Prep:

·         Replace or Refill All Fluids. The number one way to ensure your car is ready for winter is to check your fluid levels. This includes the coolant, oil and wiper fluid. Your coolant must have the correct antifreeze/water levels to prevent any fluid from freezing in your radiator.

·         Inspect or Switch Your Tires. Make sure to check that your tires have good tire pressure and they are not worn down. You may want to switch your tires to winter tires that work better in cold weather.

·         Check Your Battery. Your battery can lose power in the winter due to the cold.

·         Protect Your Car Inside and Out From Ice and Salt. Dirt and salt can have huge impacts on your car’s paint job and floors. To protect your car’s paint, apply a fresh coat of wax before the snow hits. Washing your car regularly can discourage the effects of dirt and salt and deter rust from forming on your car. Pick up floor mats if you don’t already own some to protect your car’s carpet and floorboards. Freezing temperatures can also cause water that has gotten into door and trunk locks to freeze and lock you out of your vehicle. Lubricate the locks before they freeze or use an antifreeze product to unlock them.

·         Pack an Emergency Kit. It’s always a good idea to pack some essentials in case of an emergency. Keep things like road flares, a jack, lug wrench, first aid kid and blanket in your car. Make a winter safety kit with these items and a flashlight, bag of kitty litter or sand, ice scraper, brush, small shovel and snacks.

·         Keep Up Regular Maintenance. You may be able to do some things. But, you may also consider taking your car to a mechanic and have him or her check over everything.

·         Inspect Key Items on Your Vehicle. For instance, have your oil and air filter inspected, as well as your heating and defrosting systems. Also, replace wiper blades if needed. Likewise, make sure your lights are in working order.

 Home prep:

* Insulating your home. Have your walls and attics insulated for protection during drafts. Insulate walls and attics against drafts.

* Stop the drafts. Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.

* Roof Maintenance. Replace damaged, loose or missing shingles to prevent leaks during a winter storm. Call a BBB Accredited roofing contractor out to check your roof to see if it can sustain the weight of a heavy snowfall.

* Gutter cleaning. Make sure your gutters are free of leaves and debris. It can prevent the dreaded icicle buildup.

* Are your trees weighting you down? Remove tree branches that could get weighed down with ice or snow and fall on your house or, heaven forbid your neighbor's.

* Keep the cold away from your plumbing. Wrap water pipes in your basement and crawl spaces with insulation sleeves to slow heat transfer.

* Winterize your spigots. Turn off exterior faucets when the temperature drops as these pipes can burst if they freeze.

* Sprinkler system maintenance. Drain your irrigation system.

* Heating System Check-up. Make sure you have your heating system tuned up before there is a need to repair. Because we all know that heaters go out on some of the coldest days

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Make Holiday Returns Easy

‘Tis the season to have happy relatives but buying gifts for others can sometimes be a challenge. While we may think our loved one is going to absolutely love that new jacket we bought them that may not always be the case. Afraid your gift may not be the correct style or size? No worries! That’s what gift returns and exchanges are for.  Melanie Duquesnel, President and CEO of Better Business Bureau Serving Eastern Michigan notes, “While those returns make many lives much easier during the holidays, some consumers do not realize there are certain steps you must take before returning or exchanging your item. The return process starts well before you give your favorite niece that doll you just know she’s going to adore.” Here are some tips to ensure your holiday buying experience is a happy one.

1.   Save the receipt. It may seem simple, but many people forget to do this. If you're giving a gift and you don’t want the recipient to see your entire receipt, you can request a separate gift receipt for specific items. If you're the gift recipient but you’re not sure whether or not you’re going to return/exchange your item, save the receipt somewhere safe but that can be easily remembered.  Some retailers will give you store credit if you lose your receipt, while others will require proof of purchase before agreeing to any exchanges.

2.   Pay attention to the store’s return policy. Return policies for clearance or holiday merchandise may differ from merchandise sold at full price. Every store has its own policy and consumers should understand it before expecting a full refund. Remember to do the same for returns on merchandise purchased online. If your gift was purchased online, you may have to pay a return shipping fee, or may not be refunded for your initial shipping payment. Sometimes merchandise can be returned to a store instead, but you still may not be refunded for the cost of shipping.

3.   Keep the original packaging. If you’re unsure whether or not you are going to keep your gift, make sure you keep the wrapping that your item came in. This goes for tags as well. Make sure you keep all tags on your clothing until after you’ve tried them on and decided whether or not it’s going back to the store. If you open your item and accidently damage the original packaging, you are jeopardizing your chances of getting a full return. According to USA Today, if the original packaging is damaged or missing, some stores offer store credit, but will charge you a re-stocking fee. Some stores also charge a small fee if you return an item with a damaged or missing user’s manual.  

4.   Do not return used items. Having second thoughts about a pair of boots you've already worn once? Unless the product is defective, used or worn items are usually a return no-no, meaning they are non-refundable. Some stores have a more tolerant policy and let you exchange your lightly used items if you’re unhappy with it but you will not get a full refund. This is definitely one of those times you’ll want to check the store’s return policy.

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Keeping Your Business Safe and Secure

It’s a busy time of year for businesses with the holiday season in full swing. While you should be ensuring your company is protected from identity theft all year long, it is even more important during the busiest time of the year. Identity theft doesn’t just happen to consumers.

How does it happen? Criminals look for ways to steal a business’ identity by gaining access to bank accounts, credit cards and other sensitive company information.  Some of these thieves’ popular tricks include hacking into databases, phishing emails, malware, swiping credit card or other pertinent information in the workplace, or even dumpster diving for sensitive paperwork. Criminals take the information they find to secure lines of credit or other loan products, leaving it all at the business’ unknowing expense.

Melanie Duquesnel, BBB President and CEO, says “While this is supposed to be the happiest time of the year, criminals can often make it a very grim one by stealing your company’s private information. It is important to ensure that your business’s information is safe and secure but if something were to happen, make sure you know the signs of identity theft so that you may reverse the effects early on.”

BBB warns businesses to be on the lookout for the following red flags of ID theft:

·         You receive a request to verify orders you didn’t place.

·         You receive phone calls from someone trying to verify an address for your business that is not associated with your company or that you cannot confirm.

·         You receive invoices for storage, shipping or other services that you did not purchase.

·         You receive credit card bills for credit you never applied for.

The following tips can protect your company against identity thieves:

·         Protect your business’s bank accounts. Review your commercial banking agreements to determine your protections and reporting requirements. Consider using a two-person authorization, or other arrangement, with your bank to protect against fraudulent transactions. Beware of phishing scams and monitor your bank account(s) frequently.

·         Protect your business’s identifying information. Guard your Employer Identification Number (EIN) and Tax Identification Number (TIN) the way you would your own Social Security number. Don’t give them out unless required and shred old documents containing your business ID information. If your business is required to give out your EIN, make certain you are sharing it with the actual recipient and keep a close eye on your credit report.

·         Protect and monitor your state business registration information. Regularly review your information with your secretary of state to make sure your information hasn’t been changed or updated without authorization.

·         Protect and monitor your business’s credit card, supplier and trade accounts. Keep an inventory of all accounts and key contact information. Review and reconcile account statements as soon as they are received and immediately alert your credit providers if you find fraudulent activity.

·         Protect your business’s computers and networks. Restrict use of your business computers to only business activities. Install anti-virus software and keep it updated regularly. Secure your company’s wireless network.

·         Always keep personal and business finances separate and consider placing a credit security freeze on your personal credit report to make it harder for thieves to open new accounts under your business’s name.

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BBB Cyber Security Study

Maintaining a business small or large, you’re constantly dealing with sensitive information, whether its customer profiles, or payment information you must remain vigilant of cyber security. From Sony Pictures, Home Depot, Target and general coverage of the Russians hacking, storing any information on phones or computers leaves you susceptible to becoming a target. Be aware of the risk, primary rule followed by taking appropriate measures to protect your system against potential hackers.

Cyber security directly affects Small Business, which make up more than 97% of total businesses in North America. Better Business Bureau continues to stay true to its mission in creating trust in the marketplace for all. Researching the dangers of cyber security in effort to educate businesses about the 2017 state of cyber security among Small Businesses in North America is our goal.  

Findings show that Small Businesses are working to protect themselves against cyber threats but have limited resources and knowledge about the topic. As technology continues to advance, being able to protect your data has become a massive concern affecting everyone. Global spending on information security is expected to reach $170 billion by 2020. Before overreacting where cyber security is concerned we must first understand the threats and what to do to protect online information.  

What is the State of Cyber security Among Small Businesses in North America?

Small businesses aren’t naïve about the common dangers of cyber security; they just lack resources and expertise to properly deal with the problem and would greatly benefit from clearing up some misconceptions. Being able to identify and create solutions that would balance economical and effective cyber security strategies.

How was the research done? Who did you talk to and how did you reach out to people?

A literature review was conducted. A survey was completed by 1,100 businesses in North America of which 71.4% from the U.S., 28.5% from Canada and 0.1% from Mexico. Data was collected using an online survey with a margin of error +/-3% for a 95% confidence interval.

What key topics were being explored?

The topic of cyber security effectiveness from three perspectives: a) cyber security standards/ frameworks; b) best practices; c) cost-benefit analysis based on an economic model that could be applicable to inform Small Businesses in effort to be more cyber secure.

Most compelling findings from research:

·         Small businesses know they are at risk but it isn’t clear if they know what to do about it.

·         Perceived future risk is four times greater than currently reported as the actual risk of losing money in the past 12 months. The risk perception gap is likely to create pressure among Small businesses to become more cyber secure.

·         Small businesses need to aim towards the advancement of cyber security in their organizations through cost-effective measures.

·         Half of Small Businesses reported they could remain profitable for ONE month if they lost essential data, profitability being the ultimate test of risk.

·         Phishing emails are the entry point for most cyber-attacks. It only takes one click on a bad link to infect an entire company and potentially vendors and customers. (Hackers take advantage of disaster in the world and can use “hurricane relief” charities/organizations emails to invade your system so if you’re planning donations of any kind BBB can lead you to a  trustworthy source)

 For a detailed review of the study please visit: https://bbb-services.bbb.org/intranet/viewpage.php?PageID=4764&Search=2017%20state%20of%20cybersecurity

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Solving the Puzzle:  BBB Tips on How to Negotiate with Contractors

Getting repairs or updates on your home, adding on, or undertaking brand new construction can be extremely stressful for many reasons. “One of the most difficult is knowing who to hire to help you with your project and knowing if you are getting a fair price. Many find interviewing and negotiating with contractors difficult because they are not sure what to ask and they feel intimidated by what they do not know, said Melanie Duquesnel, president and CEO of the BBB Serving Eastern Michigan. “For these people, we have outlined some helpful ways to ensure that you get the best contractor for your job and the best deal on your project.”

1.       Talk to several contractors: When hiring a contractor to do any type of work, it is in your best interests to get at least three estimates – you can’t know if you are getting a good deal on a project if you don't have something to compare it to. For negotiating purposes, let each contractor know you are getting several bids on your job - contractors are often are willing to lower their cost or change contract terms when they know they are competing for the job.

2.       Interview Each Contractor: Do not just talk to them about your specific task, but interview them as if they are applying for a job. Request references for projects similar to yours and look them up online at bbb.org to see how long they have been in business, if they are accredited, and if there are any complaints against their business – you can even do this at the time you are interviewing them. Also ask to see proof of their licenses and insurance and examples of their work. When you do a thorough vetting of the contractor and show them up front that you are in control of the project, they are less likely to try to take advantage of you with price.

3.       Be Clear about your Expectations: Be clear about your scope of work and your expected start and finish dates and don’t leave anything open for interpretation by the contractor. When you are unclear or too flexible about timing, you can be put down on the list of priorities for the company or they might start a project and not return in a timely manner, which could cost you time and money in the long run. Mention that you would like to tie a payment schedule to task completion dates. This can help keep the contractor on task and get them to not “forget” your project.

4.       Do Some Research: Ask contractors for a list of materials they will be using on your project, including type and brand. You can bargain more effectively when you research the costs of materials that will be used in order to see if contractor is charging more than necessary for the supplies. You might also consider asking if you can purchase your own supplies for the job. Most of the time, contractors will purchase supplies, but when they do, they aren’t necessarily shopping for the best price and they may add an upcharge for the service and delivery. If you have the ability to get even some of the supplies, this could lower your costs.  

5.       Don’t Let Them See You Sweat: It can be intimidating to talk to a contractor about budget and costs, but do not let them know that you are uncomfortable. Be confident when negotiating price and do not accept a bid without asking questions and comparing it to other similar bids.  If you do not understand an item on the contract or think the cost is too high, let them know and discuss options. Your greatest power is that of walking away; except in extreme emergencies, you have time to shop around. Most times, the contractor needs your business more than you need your bathroom remodeled.

6.       Respect their Expertise: Treat the contractor as partner, not an adversary. Most contractors are very skilled and proud of their work and you want to avoid insulting them by undervaluing their work, being unreasonable about costs or simply demanding a lower bid. Try to find ways to negotiate costs without insulting them, such as asking the contractor for suggestions for changes you could make to the project to help save money. They might be able to find lower cost on supplies such as flooring or fixtures that won’t cheapen the quality of the overall project. A non-adversarial discussion about where you might be able to cut back will shows that you value their opinion.

Although it can be uncomfortable to negotiate costs with a contractor, when you approach the discussion confidently, with knowledge from research and bids from other contractors, and without hostility, you will be more likely to get a contractor on your side. And this could lead to them making even more money-saving suggestions that can help you stay within your budget.

Get more consumer tips from the Better Business Bureau website: www.bbb.org/detroit/news-events/lists/consumer-tips.

[detroitbbb]

Free Things to do in Michigan this Summer

Summer is almost here, and the weather makes it seem like it’s already arrived, so now  is time to get moving and see all that Michigan has to offer. BBB serving Eastern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula has a few suggestions for you:

1.  See why the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Empire was named “The Most Beautiful Place in America” by Good Morning America in 2011.  

2.  Take a road trip with your family or friends along the Great Lake Circle Tour, a scenic road system connecting all of the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. Cover part of the tour or travel the entire route of 6,500 miles. 

3.  The Grand Haven Musical Fountain is one of the largest of its kind in the world. Watching the synchronized water and light show is a great way to spend a summer night. 

4.  Take your bike for a ride along one of our state’s beautiful bike trails. There are more than 100 to choose from. 

5.  Walk the streets of old Detroit, cast your eyes on the city’s first automobile and learn about the Underground Railroad at the Detroit Historical Museum. 

6. Experience Detroit’s art scene with a visit to the Detroit Institute of the Arts and listen to jazz artists from the past and present along Detroit’s gorgeous riverfront at the city’s jazz festival in Hart Plaza. 

7. Climb Mount Arvon. Hike to the top of the mountain and leave a note in this famous Michigan mailbox when you reach the peak. 

8. Explore Drummond Island Township Park. Go hiking in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to experience some of the state’s most beautiful scenery. 

9. The kids are sure to enjoy some time at the Sanders Candy Factory. Indulge in free treats while learning firsthand how chocolate is made at the Sanders Candy Factory Tour in Clinton Township. 

10. Go on a shipwreck tour, which is fun for those of all ages! Visit Alpena’s Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center to cast your eyes on a full-size replica shipwreck. 

Doing all these fun, free things may mean you have that money you need to rent a car or book a hotel room, but remember to check with BBB before you book! 

[detroitbbb]

5 Marketing Trends to Consider for a 2016 Marketing Plan Reboot

Marketing is the key to a business’s success no matter how small or large. What is most difficult about this part of business is the fluidity of effective marketing tactics. It is hard for business owners to keep up with marketing when they have so many other things that affect day-to-day operations.

Your Better Business Bureau is sharing five marketing trends to consider for a 2016 marketing plan reboot. Shifting your marketing to show and ensure that your customers’ are understood is the approach to take in 2016. It is important to remember that customers are plugged in 24/7 across a variety of channels and devices, so you have to find a way to make connections across them.

Several ways to do so include:

1.   Look-alike models on social media.

When deploying advertising on social media use the look-alike model techniques which help you mirror your ad placement to look like exactly what your ideal customer is interested in.

In Facebook, you have the opportunity to “Create a Custom Audience”

In Twitter, you create your audience profile and where ads appear to those audience members

2.   Re-targeting, an online advertising tool allowing your business to anonymously follow ideal customers, has reached unprecedented levels of cross-channel sophistication.

The ads you create can follow your audience members around the internet like never before

You have the ability to create ad campaigns that will follow customers through the purchase and product life cycle

3.   Delivering a connected customer experience is very important.

Customer feelings and preferences change quickly, so you need to react to customers in the moment

You should be utilizing social media audience insights to get to know your customers on a more intimate level.

4.  Social media and automation will combine to improve the customer journey.

Using a platform to schedule out enticing content, to bring engagement to the forefront and to moderate the message will help save time and money

5.   Video is center stage in the marketing mix this year.

Videos make consumers feel more confident in a purchase and drive them to actually do so

The focus needs to be on the content of the video, not necessarily the production quality

It is important to remember that no matter what the marketing trends are for the year you need to deploy the tactics that are feasible for you and your business. If you need to, start with one of these trends and base your marketing plan for 2016 on it.

Taking care of your customers, including making them feel understood, will help drive your success. For many businesses, BBB Accreditation is an affordable means of reaching consumers who look for integrity, business ethics and strong customer service when selecting a business to provide products and services. As part of your 2016 marketing plan, consider the benefits of becoming a BBB Accredited Business. For more information, visit BBB Benefit of Accreditation.