BBB Accredited Business Logo Usage
Businesses use logos to identify themselves to consumers, create instant recognition and stand apart from their competitors. The BBB Torch Logo is a federally registered trademark which identifies the Better Business Bureau to consumers across the country. It is a symbol that stands for business reliability, integrity and honesty.
The following information is provided to help you maximize your use of the BBB Accredited Business Logo and to help you in assessing your company’s compliance with BBB policy.
Q. Why should I use the BBB Accredited Business Logo in my company’s advertising?
A. Consumers want to do business with reputable companies. Last year, consumers visited BBB.org more than 103 million times looking for reliable product and service providers. Using the BBB Accredited Business Logo in your company’s advertising sends a clear message to consumers that you have a company that meets the BBB Standards for Trust.
Q. I already use the BBB Accredited Business Logo in my local yellow pages directory. In what other types of advertising can I use the logo?
A. You can use the BBB Accredited Business Logo almost anywhere that you advertise your company’s products or services within the service area of your accrediting BBB. Some examples include: newspapers, magazines, television commercials, trade publications, billboards, direct mail, brochures, flyers, trade show signs, business cards, stationery, fax cover sheets and other business documents.
Q. My company has a website. May I use the BBB Accredited Business Logo online?
A. There is a special version of the BBB Accredited Business Logo for use on websites, Facebook pages, and even in your e-mail signature. The BBBOnLine Accredited Business Seal will link a consumer directly to your BBB Business Review where they can see your company’s information including your BBB rating. In order to use the BBBOnLine Accredited Business Seal, your company’s website must first be reviewed by BBB staff to ensure that it meets the BBB Code of Business Practices and BBB Code of Advertising. There is a modest program fee to use the online seal in addition to BBB dues.
Q. Am I allowed to advertise my BBB rating?
A. Your company’s rating may be advertised in the same advertising media where you advertise your BBB Accredited Business Logo as long as the advertisement can be immediately revised should your rating change. For this reason, you may not advertise your rating in publications such as yellow pages directories that are only updated annually. If possible, use the BBB Accredited Business Logo or the words “BBB Accredited Business” in conjunction with the advertisement of your BBB rating.
Q. My business is accredited so I am automatically allowed to use the BBB Logo?
A. In order to use the BBB Accredited Business Logo in your advertising, you must first sign an Agreement for BBB Accreditation which includes a licensing agreement for BBB logo usage. If we do not have a current signed agreement on file for your business, you are not permitted to use the BBB Accredited Business Logo. Your company should also demonstrate voluntary compliance with BBB Code of Business Practices (and BBB Code of Advertising).
Q. Is there anything else I need to know about using the BBB Accredited Business Logo?
A. According to the Council of Better Business Bureau’s Name & Logo Policy, the following are prohibited usages of the BBB logo:
1. Use of BBB plaques, reports or other BBB correspondence in sales kits or presentation books
2. Statements such as “BBB member,” “registered with the BBB,” or “check our record with the BBB”
3. The BBB Start with Trust Service mark may not be used by BBB Accredited Businesses.
4. Outdated versions and alterations of the BBB Logo may not be used.
5. BBB Accredited Business Logos may not be reproduced in any color other than defined above.
Please note that all use of authorized logos by BBB Accredited Businesses ceases immediately upon suspension or termination of accreditation by the business or the BBB.
For more information about the BBB Accredited Business Logo or the BBBOnLine Accredited Business Seal, please contact Shawn Fafara, Senior Director, Business Development & Relationships, BBB Serving Metro New York at 212-358-2817 or sfafara@newyork.bbb.org.