When you consider doing business with a company, you want to know its track record and that you'll have recourse if there's a problem.
Instructions
1. Find out if the company has a legitimate address and business phone number.
2. Stay away from a business that uses a post office box as its corporate address and can only be reached by leaving a message on an answering machine or with a call-center operator.
3. Find out if the company is registered with a major business directory such as Dun & Bradstreet (dnb.com) or Hoovers.com. You can verify this information on the Internet.
4. Find out if the company is licensed by the state.
5. Ask if the company is a member of any professional association. You can verify its membership by contacting the organization directly.
6. Look for TRUSTe certification on a Web-based business's home page. Other organizations also specialize in certifying, rating and reviewing Web-based businesses. View their sites for information.
7. Check the company's complaint record with your local consumer affairs department or state attorney general.
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