The Better Business Bureau does not match you with anyone — it grades businesses from A+ to F based on complaint history, transparency and time in business, and any company can buy accreditation. Handvetted verifies license, background and a 4.5+ star rating, then introduces you to one match. Use BBB to research a business before you hire it. Use Handvetted to find a professional worth researching.
- BBB grades businesses A+ to F; it does not match anyone.
- BBB ratings weigh complaints, not trade licensing.
- Accreditation is a paid program, not a verification pass.
- Handvetted verifies first and introduces one match, free.
BBB vs Handvetted: what each one actually does
| Dimension | BBB | Handvetted |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A nonprofit that grades and mediates | A matching service |
| Best for | Checking a business's complaint record before you hire | Homeowners who want one verified professional |
| Cost to homeowners | Free to search profiles and file complaints | Free. Always |
| Ratings based on | Complaints, transparency, time in business | License, background check, verified 4.5+ star rating |
| Screening | None for a listing; paid accreditation exists | Every professional, before joining |
| What you get | A report card on a business you already found | One match, briefed on your project |
They are not really competitors. One tells you how a business has behaved; the other decides who gets to call you.
Where BBB is strong
- Complaint records. The BBB forwards complaints to businesses, gives them 14 days to respond, and publishes the outcome — resolved, answered or unanswered.
- Pattern detection. A business with a stack of unanswered complaints shows it, letter grade and all.
- Dispute help. If a job goes wrong, BBB mediation and arbitration are real options.
- Free for consumers. Searching profiles and filing complaints costs nothing.
Where BBB falls short, and Handvetted covers it
- A grade is not a license check. The A+ to F rating weighs complaint behavior and transparency, not whether the trade license is current. Confirm licensing with your state board either way.
- Accreditation is paid. Businesses pay a fee to be accredited. Accredited means they affirm the BBB's standards — it is not a verification pass on their work.
- You still have to find the business. BBB does not match. Handvetted asks what you need and introduces one licensed, background-checked professional.
- One conversation, not a research project. A Handvetted match arrives briefed on your project. On BBB you start from a blank search.
How to use both together
- Get matched, or research a professional you found elsewhere.
- Check the BBB profile for complaint volume and whether the business answers them.
- Check the license with your state board.
- Ask for proof of insurance and a written scope before any deposit.
A clean BBB record plus a current license plus proof of insurance is the actual checklist. No single source covers all three.
The decision, plainly
Keep BBB as your research step on any business you are about to hire. Use Handvetted as your starting point, so the professional you research was already screened for license, background and a verified 4.5+ star rating. Both are free for homeowners.
FAQ
What does a BBB A+ rating actually mean?
It reflects complaint history, responsiveness, transparency, advertising honesty and time in business. It does not verify licensing, insurance or work quality, and reviews do not affect the rating — complaints do.
Does BBB accreditation mean a business is vetted?
No. Accreditation is a paid program in which a business affirms the BBB's standards for trust. Use it as one signal, then check the license and insurance yourself.
Is Handvetted free?
Free for homeowners, always. The verified professionals in the network fund the service, and your request is never sold to multiple businesses.
How is Handvetted different from BBB?
BBB grades businesses after the fact and helps resolve disputes. Handvetted verifies license, background and a 4.5+ star rating before you ever hear from a professional, then introduces one match.
Should I file a complaint with the BBB or just leave a bad review?
Both work. A BBB complaint goes to the business formally and enters its public record; a review informs other homeowners. If money is owed or work was abandoned, file the complaint.
What should I check before hiring any professional?
Current license with your state board, proof of insurance, complaint history on BBB, and a written contract with scope and payment schedule.
One last thing
An unanswered complaint pattern matters more than the letter grade. A B business that answers every complaint is usually safer than an A business that ignores them.
Starting from scratch? Get matched with one verified roofing professional — free for homeowners, always.
Wondering what vetting should mean? Here is the standard we hold.