BBB vs Angie's List

[Terry Portier]

I’ve filed BBB complaints about big companies like Verizon and Motorola recently when my new phone died overheating from charging. Both did nothing to offset my loss, but somehow BBB closed my case stating they had resolved it. Then I found out BBB gets their income from companies, especially big ones and as we know there are no member fees. I just called them they want $30/month for 1-3 employees.

I set up a profile on Angie’s list for free, and once I get two reviews I can advertise there free and offer discount coupons on my personal business page to get to the top of their search engine. I guess that is their way of collecting fees. Member fees vary by area, mine with the 40% discount for new members I bring them in the first year they give to my reviewers is only $12 and my customer will have access to other area reviews and rating’s.

Current stats: Indianapolis-based Angie’s List has more than 1.2 million paid members in about 200 local markets. In 2011, it collected membership fees of $33.8 million and total revenue of $90 million.

I think I am going with Angie's List and will explain to my customers why since some have asked if I am rate by BBB.

So what do you think is Angie’s list the new BBB?