Complaints about Online Travel Booking Sites Top the List in Connecticut
More American consumers complained about cellular telephone service and suppliers in 2012 than any other type of business, according to a breakdown of complaints by Type of Business (TOB). In Connecticut however, complaints about online travel agencies (travel booking sites) led the pack last year, pushing complaints about health and diet products out of the number 1 position 2011.
Statistics for 2012 inquiries (consumers researching businesses through the BBB system), reveal a statistical correlation between research and complaints. In all but one category, used car dealers, consumers who did their homework when looking for a goods or service provider were less likely to file a complaint.
“Our statics continue to show that when consumers ask questions and compare businesses before signing a contract, they tend to be less likely to have a problem,” according to Connecticut Better Business Bureau President, Paulette Scarpetti.
The top 10 most complained-about types of businesses by Connecticut consumers are:
- Online travel agencies
- Buying clubs
- Furniture – retail
- Insurance companies
- Burglar alarm systems and services
- Auto dealers – new cars
- Auto dealers – used cars
- Florists – retail
- Magazine sales
- Ticket sales – events
The top 10 types of businesses that are most researched by consumers in Connecticut are:
- Home improvements
- Auto dealers – used cars
- Oils – fuel
- Plumbers
- Roofing contractors
- Water & sewage line protection
- Heating and air conditioning
- Landscape contractors
- Auto dealers – new cars
- Energy service companies
The 2012 top 10 complaint TOB categories nationally show more dissatisfaction with major service providers such as wireless, telephone, satellite and cable television companies and financial services.
Consumers can research businesses and professionals, select from BBB Accredited Businesses and find helpful tips and alerts at www.ct.bbb.org.
-Submitted by Howard Schwartz, Executive Communications Director Connecticut Better Business Bureau
