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What does it mean that a business is NOT listed with the Better Business Bureau?

I'm evaluating a local, small, landscaping company and they are not listed in the BBB but they say they've been in business for over 20 years. The person on the phone sounded very good. Are ALL legitimate businesses listed in the BBB or just if there are complaints against them?

Public Comments

1. No, but it just means BE CAREFUL. If they treat u bad, or even dont pay u, its not gonna be as easy as calling the BBB. U may have to sue or something. Not too sure....but i think thats what happens. i know for sure that bein with the BBB is always better, and it makes employees and customers feel more at ease.
2. No, not all legitimate business are listed with the BBB. The BBB has no actual authority to do really anything. Being part of the BBB is really just a public relations tatic to show the consumers that if you have a complaint against a business that they will try and act on your behalf. There is no requirement of any kind to be a member of the BBB and the BBB does not have the authority to actually make the business do ANYTHING in the event of a complaint.
3. It just means they haven't registered with the BBB. A lot of companies don't need to. No not all legitimate businesses are listed. The company I work for has been in business 40 years and just recently under a new owner we registered. Its not a requirement its sort of just saying you comply with their standards. It doesn't mean its a bad business if they aren't.
4. no there are fees that must be paid yearly to be a member in good standing. They will send you any complaints for resolution if you get any during the year and will report no complaints once resolved that is all. Many do not belong because they do not wish to send them the yearly fees
5. Companies join the BBB to show they are a reputable business. If the BBB receives too many complaints about a company they will no longer be a member. It also helps them resolve disputes with customers. However, just because they are not listed with the BBB doesn't mean they are not a good firm. You need to ask for references. If they don't supply references then beware.
6. The Better Business Bureau (BBB), founded in 1912, is not a government agency, but a network of local BBB organizations based in the United States and Canada, which work together through the Council of Better Business Bureaus (CBBB). The BBB goal is to foster a fair and effective marketplace, so that buyers and sellers can trust each other ("Start With Trust"). Many BBB services can be accessed online through their website. BBBs gather and report information on business reliability, alert the public to frauds against consumers and businesses, provide information on ethical business practices, and act as mutually trusted intermediaries between consumers and businesses to resolve disputes. News media frequently turn to the CBBB and local BBBs as expert sources of news about scams and consumer issues.