They operate on the sole basis of volunteer workers who work to help resolve issues or disputes with a consumer or consumers and businesses. They do not have any authority to take legal action against an individual or company. They can however refer such cases to law enforcement. The BBB began as a small movement, which then led to a much larger group that dealt primarily with local cases of advertising abuse. They have now branched out and have included themselves into handling dispute resolution, advertising, consumer and business education, and business reliability reports.

The Better Business Bureau is coordinated under the CBBB; Council of Better Business Bureaus. Their goal is "to be an effective national self-regulatory force for business, and to show an active concern for consumers." And it has been proven that the majority of problems can be solved through them.

As a self-regulated volunteer program the Better Business Bureau elimates First amendment issues. Instituted in 1973, they are able to resolve issues without the involvement of lawyers, judges, and court systems, which can make things much simpler for small or home business owners. The process also tends cost less money on both parties; business and consumer. As a potential small or home business owner you can utilize the arbitration program that the Better Business Bureau offers. The arbitration is usually conducted by a single member, or panel of three individuals. Most decisions for a case are made within 10 days, and completely finished within 40-45 days.

Companies that decide to join the Better Business Bureau are asked to pay membership fees and to maintain certain requirements made by the Better Business Bureau. So as a small or home business owner, you can find a lot of information from the Better Business Bureau and feel secure that there are certain requirements needed to become a member of it. It requirements are not met, a companies membership can be terminated.

As small or home business owners the Better Business Bureau carries many benefits. If you are thinking of becoming a member, for many customers it creates peace of mind. Just knowing that you are a member of an organization that strives to maintain certain standards in business makes people felt good. You will however have to pay certain fees, which may or may not seem worth it to you. Depending on your business, the fact that you don't have to handle disputes in a court may be very appealing. Sometimes that can cost small businesses quite a headache and more money than you think. That alone might be the clincher. If you are simply looking to find more information on a business you may be purchasing in, or investing in they can provide with a fair amount of information. Do however use the phone when trying to find specific things, as the internet is very general in what they share about companies.