Advertising for Black Friday? Austin • Centroplex • Corpus Christi • Laredo • Permian Basin • San Antonio • Victoria • Waco

November 2014

Facebook.com/CentralTexasBBB @CentralTexasBBB Youtube.com/CentralTexasBBB

64 No. 11

BBB can help make sure your customers leave satisfied

The shopping period centered around Thanksgiving is an important time for retailers. Shoppers will be lining up at stores on Black Friday and cruising the Internet on Cyber Monday, looking for bargains. BBB’s Code of Advertising can help

make sure your customers leave happy with the bargains they’ve found—rather than feeling disappointed or misled. Since Black Friday 2013, BBB serving Central, Coastal, Southwest Texas and Permian Basin has performed about 120 ad reviews to help businesses conform to the BBB Code of Advertising. BBB can also review advertisements before publication.

When you prepare advertising for holiday sales on Black Friday weekend, BBB advises you to keep these sales terms in mind:

Sales: The word “sale” should be used only when there is a significant reduction from the advertiser’s usual price. The “sale” must be for a limited time. If it exceeds 30 days, an advertiser should be able to substantiate that the offering is a valid reduction and has not become the regular price.

Lowest price: Because prices fluctuate rapidly, sellers have a difficult time comparing their lowest price with all competitors. If advertisers claims to have the lowest price, they should have evidence to verify their claim.

“Up to” savings: Savings or price reduction claims covering a group of items with a range of savings should state both the minimum and maximum savings without undue or misleading displays of the maximum.

Free: The word “free” may be used in advertising when a business is offering an unconditional gift. If getting the free item requires a purchase:• The advertiser must disclose this condition clearly and conspicuously together with the “free” offer (not by placing an asterisk or symbol next to “free” and referring to conditions in a footnote).• The normal price of the merchandise or service to be purchased must not have been increased or its quantity or quality reduced.• The “free” offer must be temporary—otherwise it would become a continuous combination offer.

Credit and financing: If your business advertises that credit is available, but there are conditions—such as the customer’s credit acceptability—the terms should be clearly and conspicuously disclosed in the advertisement, as required by the Federal Truth in Lending Act and applicable state laws.

Asterisks: If a deal has asterisks and disclosures, they should be as large as possible, as clear as possible and close to the original claim, not several clicks away on a website. One solution is to make the asterisk clickable.

If you would like to submit an advertisement for review, contact us at 512.445.4748.For more business tips, visit bbb.org or go to BBB on Facebook and Twitter.

Happy Thanksgiving from your BBB®

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NewSeptemberAccreditedBusinesses

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AUSTIN4 U Plumbing ServicesAdvantage RoofingAJ’s CycleryAllied ShirtsAllies4meAndy’s Auto Electric Plus Complete Automotive Repair

Angel Babies Child Care CenterArticulture Designs, LLCAustin Marble Company, Inc.Austin-San Antonio Concrete Raising LLC

AustinRealEstate.comAV Irrigation LLCBackyard EscapesBanners On The CheapBartone Construction, Inc.Best Friends Boarding Too, LLCBody BriteBon Accord Allergy and Wellness LLC

Cara Casa Windows & Doorscebe IT & Knowledge Management LLC

Centex Personnel Services, LLCChampion Auto Repair ServiceClarke Kent Plumbing IncConfianza ContractingDeer Creek Water Co.Dental Arts by LenaDr. Gene Milligan DDS, P.C.Duncan-Munoz Office MachinesErickson Custom HomesFitness Tech Services of AustinFour Winds Hot Tubs Swim Spas Factory Direct

Fuego Coffee & IceFull Vision ConstructionGene Arant TeamGene Rogers OpticalGood Flow PlumbingGreat Hills Country ClubHandcrafted MetalHill Country Fence, Inc.Hill Country OutdoorsHome Improvement Leads Group Inc

HS Carpet CareIronwood CabinetryJakes AutomotiveJim’s Top Shop IncJohn H. Gilliam Law OfficeKelly Grossman Architects LLCKramer Cleaning ServicesLandmark Wildlife ManagementLaw Office of E.G. MorrisLevel Best Foundation Repair, Inc.Life Changes Estate SolutionsLone Star Comfort Solutions, LLCLucille’s CateringLugo’s Plumbing Service LLCMascon IncMia Wesbrooks Law Firm, PLLCMitchell’s Automotive, LLCMoonage Daydream EstheticsNew BalanceNicole Marie Co.Noetic Outcomes ConsultingObjectrocket LLCPhantom Productions, Inc.PM Designer CollectionPolasek EnterprisesPrecision Lawns, LLCPurple Peacock ProductionsRichland Solutions, IncRivera Engineering

RV LandSeniorAdvisor.com LLCShamrock Property Management

Shepherd Technical ServicesSierra Outdoor LivingSixSigma.usSixt Rent A CarSportsframes.comSweet Treets BakerySymbol of QualityTexas British Defender ImportsTexas Landscape CreationsTexas Speed & PerformanceThe Blueprint EventsThe Heatbusters, IncThe Law Office Of Laura Roth, Inc.The Trading PostTicketbudTom Ashworth Real EstateTop Shelf Furniture AssemblyTop SurfaceTracy Grote & CompanyUS Builder SupplyVictory ExteriorsVirgil H. MooreWhiteCurtin Design

CENTROPLEX/WACO4M Transport LLCAdvanced Foam Insulation of TexasAmerican Income Life Insurance Company

Beam Taxidermy LLCCantu Tree Trimming ServicesChristian Man ConstructionCircle B TruckingCountry Boys Electric, LLCExcell RoofingFin and Bones TaxidermyFort Hood Real Estate, LLCH&L Tire Co & Auto RepairHot Shots TransportationJames E Lankford II CPAK.E.M. Armors GunsmithLake Whitney Resort RV & GolfLarson’s Home RepairsLujan’s RemodelingOutlaw’s Body ShopRock Solid Funding LLCSteve Patrick Builders, Inc.Strafford Tree ServiceThe Zimmerman Law FirmTom’s AutomotiveTriple E Automotive SalesTWM RemodelersZero-In Carpet Cleaning Company

CORPUS CHRISTI/VICTORIA

A Shoreline CateringAmigos ConstructionAspire Service Group, LLCBleu FrogCheshire Oaks LLCCinnamon Shore RealtyCintas Corporation #539Coastal Bend Roofing and Foundation Services LLC

Corpus Bayside Construction and Remodeling

Guardian Coin SupplyHeritage ArmsIndustrial Overhead DoorIsland ExpressJ & E ConstructionKensons WoodworksLucy’s Estate SalesMammoth Foundation Repair

Ortas Professional Pest ControlRedfish Rental of Ingleside, Inc.Rohe BuildersSublime HVAC ServicesT & T ConstructionT-N-T Wrecker ServiceThe Torok Law Group, PLLCThomas Curry Counselor, Phd, LPC-S

Total Surface ConceptsTreasure GardensWealth Management Group of South Texas

PERMIAN BASINAlliance Custom HomesBam AutomotiveBeckett Contracting Co LLCCrash Masters TowingFort Davis State BankIntegrity MassageJLM TruckingLane Oilfield Trucking Services LLCLinda’s Dog GroomingMichael’s Santana TruckingRudi’s PavingTri-Star Heating & Air Conditioning Services, LLC

SAN ANTONIO/LAREDO

1st Reverse Mortgage USA4D Guest RanchA & A Engineering and UtilitiesAbolish Pest & Wildlife ControlAbove All PlumbingAbsolute Ceilings And Pressure Washing

Advent Pest SolutionsAir Systems Air Conditioning Heating & Refrigeration

American Classic Tours & Music Festivals

Antonio’s Paint & Drywall ServicesAPC PlumbingAuto Service ExpertsB W Baker Builder, Inc.Bavarian Auto RepairBoice Plumbing LLCBrite FlooringCanopy Employment Screenings, Inc.

Castillo Mission Funeral Home, Inc.Charanza Contracting, Inc.Children’s Lighthouse Learning Center

Children’s Lighthouse Learning Center

Cinderella BallroomsCintas CorporationCleaning & Restoration Specialist, Inc.

Color Works ConstructionCP Designs, LLCDads ConstructionDekora’s Vazquez Remodeling & General Contracting

Dwelling SuitesFast Gorilla Marketing, IncFISCH ITFitch Estate SalesFlowers by BeverlyFlowers By GraceFull Circle Rainwater Systems LLCFusion Web MarketingGarden Heights Weddings & Event Venue

Good Day EnterprisesGreen Earth SanitationHallettsville Lumber Company, Inc.Hayward Neon S.A.Hedding Automotive ServiceHelotes EchoHeritage EstatesItzo Easy ContractingJ E ConstructionJA Huerta LawncareKyle Lindsey Custom HomesLaden Pools, IncLaredo Dodge Chrysler Jeep, Inc.Leadhub Inc.Lentz Plumbing LtdLFD Home FurnishingsLone Star Powder CoatingLoyo AutomotiveLuckey Custom Feedlot Inc.Lupe’s House CleaningMagic Cleaning ServiceMansfield SurveyingMarcia Harris Antiques & Estate Sales, LLC

Master European AutomotiveMichele Thiet, MD Plastic SurgeonMitchell TechnologiesMorales Bail BondsMr. Handyman of North San Antonio Suburbs

Mustang Energy Services, IncMy RepairmanNativa LLCNew to Me Vintage ShopNEXMOV LLCNo Escape Pest ControlPat Tons Roofing RRC, LLCPedroPete Services, LLCProfessional PlumbingPronto Taxx Business ServicesR&N Garage, Inc.Redfish Rental of Cuero, Inc.Robert C. Barron, Jr., Inc.Rocking M Plumbing, LLCRougeux & Associates PLLCRTM Property ServicesRudy Huerta Floor CoveringS.T.A.R. Programs, Inc.San Antonio Medical SuppliesSandoval Roofing & Sheet MetalSecond Pair of HandsSelrico Services, Inc.Shelf Confident, LLCShining Stars DaycareSilvester Foot & Ankle ClinicSort It Out, LLCSoul Nourishing LLCSpyderware Technologies LLCSt Jude’s Specialty Home and Healthcare Services, Inc

Steamatic of San AntonioStem Line Publishing Services, IncStone Oak Wealth ManagementSugarplum DreamsSuperior Millenium Cleaning ServiceTaxes and Bookkeeping by LornaTeens in Motion, LLCTexas Treasures Fine Art Gallery & Sculpture Garden

The Cleaning CrewThe Graves GroupThe Handyman KyleThe Scene Hair ProductionTotalcom Management, IncTownsend TruckingTrifecta Contracting GroupVelasques PaintVrana Feed & SeedWalters RoofingZ/R Services, LLC

ACCREDITED BUSINESS

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Need a speaker? Let’s talk!

Mr. Handyman of North San Antonio

Superior Millenium Cleaning Service

BBB Speaker’s Bureau provides professional presentations free of chargeIf you’ve been looking for a speaker for a civic club or business meeting, you’re in luck! BBB has professional staff who give presentations FREE of charge.

Whether you need a staff development presentation or a keynote address, our BBB Speaker’s Bureau can provide relevant information on a variety of topics tailored to suit your group’s needs. BBB Speaker’s Bureau presentations typically last 30 minutes and are followed by a question and answer session.

Tracy Bracy, regional director in the Corpus Christi BBB office, gives numerous presentations to various groups. She often gets feedback from the people she speaks to.

“Tracy’s presentation to us at the American Advertising Federation meeting was incredibly informative,” said Eric Newman.

“Knowing the BBB is enforcing their standards to help the advertising industry maintain a level of integrity on a national and local level and being available to us should we have questions was great to know!”

Adam Price, regional director in the Waco BBB office, also gives several presentations.

“Adam’s presentation at Northwest Waco Rotary Club was outstanding,” said Kim Patterson, associate director at McLennan Community College University Center and Northwest Waco Rotarian.

“While many of us were familiar with the BBB, we had no idea of the variety of programs and types of assistance the organization provides. Adam helped us understand some of the more popular scams to watch out for and how we can protect ourselves and our companies. It was a very worthwhile program and we were so glad he came!”

BBB Speaker’s Bureau gives presentations to: • Business and Civic Organizations • Senior Citizens Groups • High Schools and Colleges • Adult Education Classes • Religious Groups • Individual Businesses

Topics may include: • BBB Products and Services• Ethical and Effective Advertising• Dispute Resolution Process• Common Scams• Advantages of Accreditation• Data Security Red Flags• Scams Targeting Businesses• Identity Theft Protection• Charity Review• SEO and Your Business• Social Media

For more information on having a representative speak to your business group or organization, contact PR Specialist Lauren Daniel at 512.206.2815 or info@austin.bbb.org.

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Special thanks to our Corporate Partners!

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Better Business Bureau, Inc.1005 La Posada DriveAustin, TX 78752

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Trust Talk is published by Better Business Bureau 1005 La Posada Drive, Austin, TX 78752. Trust Talk is published for executives and employees of BBB Accredited Businesses in its 79-county service area. All rights reserved: the contents of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or part without written consent of the publisher. References to or mention made of any company, product or service herein is not to be interpreted, per se, as statements derogatory of such company, product or service, but as information obtained from sources believed to be reliable for the use of BBB Accredited Businesses and subscribers. Because the matters contained in this Trust Talk concern matters of the utmost public importance and concern in providing a free flow of information to our companies concerning business enterprises in the Central, Coastal, Southwest Texas and the Permian Basin area, BBB encourages BBB Accredited Businesses to contact their local BBB with any follow-up material concerning the reports in this newsletter or any other matter to assist BBB in fulfilling its mission of advancing marketplace trust.

Impa

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Influ

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Rep

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Inside this issueAdvertising for Black Friday? ................................1

New Accredited Businesses ................................. 2

Need A Speaker? Lets Talk! .................................... 3

Impact & Influence Report ........................................4

In September 2014, your BBB...Provided customers with 239,704 BBB Business Reviews

Handled 1,938 disputes

Hosted 177,263 website visits

Sent 399 Request-A-Quote referrals to Accredited Businesses

Supported 12,285 Accredited Businesses Locations

In September 2014 your BBB was mentioned 1,492 times by 55 local media outlets including...

Get news as it happens! Join BBB’s press release list at: bbb.org/central-texas.

Contact BBBBBB®�&RUSRUDWH�2I¿FH1005 La Posada Drive Austin, TX 78752

P: 512.445.4748 F: 512.445.2096@: info@centraltx.bbb.org

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Prepaid Debit/Credit Cards - 8,617Identity Theft Protection/Prevention - 7,048Roofing Contractors - 6,888Home Builders - 6,254Construction & Remodeling Services - 4,916Auto Dealers/Used Cars - 4,651Air Conditioning Contractors & Systems - 4,573Contractors/General - 3,844Auto Repair & Service - 3,704Plumbers - 3,698

Trust Talk | November 2014

TBK Enterprise IncUnresolved consumer complaint(s).

Revocations

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