Complaints to Better Business Bureau up nearly 10 percent in 2009

Have businesses in America gotten worse when it comes to customer service? According to a recent report from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), the answer is a certain "yes."

The non-profit agency based in Arlington, Va. recently released its latest annual report, highlighting its work for 2009. According to the BBB, the organization fielded nearly 1 million consumer complaints against various businesses--a 9.7 percent increase over the previous year.

The top five industries that garnered the most consumer angst: cell phones and services; pay TV (cable and satellite); banks; and new car dealers (details below).

Banks triggered the biggest increase in complaints--42.3 percent--perhaps no surprise following the worst financial meltdown in generations. But auto repair and services, not historically headline-grabbers, were worst in the top 10 for resolving complaints. Only about two-thirds of all complaints--65.9 percent-- were resolved, the BBB reported.

Consumer Reports' experts in the Money & Finance section have great advice on How to be your own consumer watchdog. But undoubtedly, nearly every consumer has a "horror story" to tell when it comes to dealing with a company or business here in the U.S. Share your story below and don't forget to visit our sister site, The Consumerist, and vote for The Worst Company in America 2011.

Complaints to Better Business Bureau Up Nearly 10 percent in 2009 [Better Business Bureau]
2009 Complaint and Inquiry Statistics [Better Business Bureau]

—Paul Eng