CHECK OUT THE BUSINESS

Once you have thoroughly acquainted yourself with the product or service you need and have done your shopping around, the next step you need to take as an alert consumer is to learn as much as possible about the different business establishments available to you. There is a great deal of information readily available to the public with which consumers can ascertain a business operator's background, reputation, and customer relations record. With a little effort, consumers can greatly improve their chances of finding a member of the honest majority of the business community rather than the very active dishonest minority.

1. Better Business Organizations

The first step in checking out a business should be a telephone call to your local Better Business Organization. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) of West Florida, telephone number (727) 535-5522, covers the entire Pinellas County area. Chambers of Commerce in other cities in the county also can provide consumers with information of interest. Better Business Organizations compile a great deal of information helpful to consumers in checking out a business, such as:

• Location (address) of the business
• Names of owners or corporate officers
• Length of time in business in Pinellas County
• The business's record of response to consumer complaints (are complaints resolved?)
• The business's general reputation

2. Occupational License

Since October, 1995, businesses are no longer required to obtain a Pinellas County Occupational License for doing business in the county. However, they are still required to obtain licenses from the municipalities in which they are located. Checks of city occupational licenses can be accomplished by calling the city hall of the municipality in which the business is located.

3. State and Local Regulatory Agencies

Some trades and professions are subject to regulation by various state and local agencies. These agencies may be contacted to determine whether a business has the required license, certification, or registration. Please refer to the Government Pages of your telephone book. Some examples of such agencies are:

• Home Improvement Contractors Regulated by the Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board, Telephone (727) 536-4720 and/or the State Department of Business and Professional Regulations 1-800 342-7940 or (904) 727-6530.
• Pest Control Companies Regulated by the Florida Bureau of Entomology, Telephone (904) 798-4612
• Insurance Agencies Regulated by the Department of Insurance, Telephone 1-800 342-2762.

4. Court Records

In many cases, for example, expensive purchases, costly repairs, or business opportunity investments, consumers would be wise to visit the County Courthouse to check the civil lawsuit files. There is a handy index to these files which allows a consumer to quickly determine whether a specific business or individual has been or is involved in any lawsuits. Since these files are public information, consumers can request to see the file on any given lawsuit and determine the reasons for the lawsuit.

5. Department of Consumer Affairs Complaint Files

Consumers can determine whether the Department has received complaints against a specific business by calling 464-6200.