SMC BBB: Top 3 SMC and BBB Practices
The Better Business Bureau and Specialty Merchandise Corporation have both been in business for decades. One company provides information on business practices and reputations, while the other offers individuals the opportunity to start their own home based business. Despite both having business plans dedicated to help others in the world of business, the BBB has failed to include SMC as one of its many accredited businesses. Here are the top 3 business practices encouraged by both companies:
SMC BBB: Build Trust
The BBB requires that all accredited businesses establish and maintain a positive track record. To be considered for accreditation, a business must also have been actively selling products or services for at least 12 months. Although not a member of the BBB, SMC has met these standards. SMC has received positive reviews from individuals stating that they have made money as SMC members. SMC even has members that have been selling for nearly 20 years. The company has also been active since 1955, and their longevity is proof of their positive track record in the industry.
SMC BBB: Be Transparent
According to their website, the BBB requires that all accredited businesses be transparent. This requires the business to disclose the nature of the business and provide clear information on all policies, guarantees, and procedures. SMC clearly states on its website that the nature of the business is to provide products at a discount for its members to sell at a profit. SMC also clearly addresses all of their policies and guarantees in the Terms Of Use section of their website.
The BBB requires that businesses clearly disclose any recurring commitment that the customer may be entering. In the case of SMC, this includes the yearly membership fee as well as any monthly charges associated with web hosting. All SMC membership charges and other fees are explained on the registration page, and additional policies are addressed in the Terms Of Use section of their website. The information on the total cost of any membership plan is also provided to customers prior to registration.
SMC and BBB both strive to provide their customers with direct means to contact them. SMC provides their physical address and phone number on their website so that they may be contacted by any member at any time.
SMC BBB: Be Responsive
To meet the BBB requirements, SMC must also be free of an unsatisfactory rating. The BBB has assigned SMC a letter grade of D- due to misleading complaint reports. Individuals that did not meet the return requirements and were upset that they were ineligible for a full refund filed a number of these reports. SMC has responded to every BBB report, as is indicated on their page on the BBB website. Since they have not failed to respond to any complaint, SMC meets the BBB's responsiveness requirement for accredited businesses