Poor economy means more questions for BBB | Business

The local Better Business Bureau saw a big jump in questions from consumers last year.

Requests for reviews of businesses were up 31 percent and requests for lists of BBB accredited businesses were up 19 percent.

Complaints were also up in 2010, but lagged behind the other categories. The BBB saw a four percent increase in complaints.

Randy Hutchison, the group’s president, said the smaller increase in complaints was likely due to the fact that more people were checking companies out before they did business with them.

Here are the top 10 industries that garnered the most inquiries and the most complaints in 2010:

Most Inquiries in 2010:

• Car Dealerships
• Roofers
• Heating and Air Conditioning Companies
• Home Builders/General Contractors
• Home Improvement Companies
• Auto Repair Services
• Property Management Companies
• Swimming Pool Contractors
• Plumbers
• Moving and Storage Companies

Most Complaints in 2010:

• Car Dealerships
• Auto Repair Services
• Property Management Companies
• Telephone Companies
• Heating & Air Conditioning Companies
• Cable, Cable TV and Satellite Services
• Furniture Retailers
• Cellular Telephone Equipment Providers
• Health Clubs
• Dry Cleaners