Truth, Respect, Fairness, Compassion and Responsibility are fundamental principles of the BBB and its members. This Code of Ethics is designed to promote the highest level of individual character and ethical conduct and to align our actions with our core values and beliefs.
TRUTH
Truth is sought in all we do in the marketplace and in our lives. This involves aggressively seeking and gathering facts, interpreting them reasonably and recognizing that each situation is unique and needs to be looked at with distinction. It involves being honest with ourselves and others in all we say and do.
We strive to balance truth to make the best decisions before, during and after every transaction and interaction; in our advertising and product descriptions; in describing our experience and qualifications; by revealing all that needs to be known for all parties to make informed choices; and by keeping our service promises—all in a clear and straightforward manner.
RESPECT
We seek to give and earn respect. This means seeing everyone’s intrinsic value without judgment or discrimination, behaving honorably and acting the way we would want others to act toward us.
We strive to try to accept, understand and be patient with others’ opinions and positions even if we don’t at first agree with them; to provide the type of service and treatment we would want to receive; and to value others’ property, time and private information.
FAIRNESS
Fairness is sought in all we do. This involves being impartial and consistent in our treatment of people, balanced in our views of events and flexible in our thinking.
We strive to consider whether we have met others’ reasonable expectations as well as whether they have met ours; to understand the impact our actions and/or motives have on others; to take only what is ours and give what we promise; and to provide equitable pay and work to all our marketplace partners.
COMPASSION
We seek to be compassionate in all we do by being kind and caring to our employees, customers and communities, as well as to ourselves; by valuing diversity; and by valuing people as well as monetary gain.
We strive to understand the complex needs of our customers; to give customers the time and help they need to feel enriched; to provide a product that gives value, makes lives better and engenders positive feelings and outcomes for all concerned.
RESPONSIBILITY
We accept responsibility in all we do. This involves doing our best at all times, keeping our word, being accountable for our actions and obeying all laws and standards relating to our industry.
We strive to meet or exceed expectations by providing our services in a timely, positive fashion; to honor our agreements in the best of faith; and to examine our role with respect to any misunderstanding or concern—diligently resolving any problems that arise in a meaningful way.
