While the national number of complaints in most of the top 10 categories decreased in 2014, preliminary statistics reveal that many of the same types of businesses continue to leave consumers dissatisfied one year after another.
Communications services and their products top the list of most complained-about types of businesses (TOBs), followed by car dealers, collection agencies, internet vendors, retail furniture stores, banks and auto repair shops.
Top 10 Business Complaint Categories:
- Cellular Telephone Service & Supplies
- Telephone Communications
- Television, Cable & Satellite
- Auto Dealers (New Cars)
- Collection Agencies
- Auto Dealers (Used Cars)
- Internet Shopping
- Furniture – Retail
- Banks
- Auto Repair & Service
Click to view complaints & inquiries table in PDF format
“The most popular consumer items and services receive the most complaints,” says Connecticut Better Business Bureau Executive Communications Director, Howard Schwartz. “Given our reliance on wireless, internet and entertainment services, it is not surprising that these industries are atop the list of complaint statistics.”
In another trend, more consumers researched businesses with BBB in 2014 than the previous year. Once again, many of the same TOBs occupy the list of most-inquired-about types of businesses. The preliminary numbers show that six out of the top 10 TOB inquiry list are not on the most complained-about list, suggesting that when consumers do their research, they tend to be less inclined to complain.
The 2014 statistics underscore the value of checking out the BBB Business Review of a company, professional, charity or website before signing a contract or divulging your personal and financial information.
Before hiring a contractor for property maintenance or renovations, make sure the business can provide proof of registration, licensing and insurance in Connecticut, obtain several bids and ask for recent references. Connecticut BBB also recommends visiting give.org, BBB’s Wise Giving Alliance, to check the legitimacy of charities’ operations, and verify their compliance with Better Business Bureau’s 20 Standards of Charity Accountability.
You will find additional helpful tips in the “Get Consumer Help” section of our website at bbb.org/Connecticut.
Howard Schwartz, Connecticut Better Business Bureau
