Specialty Merchandise Corporation BBB Rating

Specialty Merchandise Corporation was established with the goal of providing individuals with the chance to start an independent business and accomplish their goals. SMC members can purchase goods from an extensive product catalog at wholesale prices. Members can then sell these items at higher, market-level values for a profit. Despite having a system that has been working for over 60 years, SMC has come under fire from some detractors who claim that the company is a scam. After complaints are launched against Specialty Merchandise Corporation, the BBB (Better Business Bureau) uses them to establish a rating for SMC.

Specialty Merchandise Corporation BBB Rating System

Before one can understand SMC's grade with the BBB, it is necessary to examine the system that is used to determine that grade. The BBB rates all companies based on several factors, including the BBB's familiarity with the industry in which the company operates, how long the company has been in business and how many reports have been filed against the company.

Specialty Merchandise Corporation's grade with the BBB is much lower than one might expect, but with so many criteria, it can be difficult to identify which factor affects SMC's grade the most. However, after a brief review of the BBB's information regarding the company, it becomes reasonable to infer that customer complaints are likely the cause of SMC's low grade.

Specialty Merchandise Corporation BBB Complaints

Most complaints against SMC assert that it is too difficult or even impossible to reach significant profit levels with an SMC business. However, the language of such reports often suggest that the individuals writing them are under the impression that SMC is a kind of get-rich-quick scheme rather than a legitimate business opportunity. SMC should be thought of a chance for serious entrepreneurs to make money without the often prohibitive startup costs associated with starting a business. However, just like any business opportunity, starting a business based on selling SMC products still presents a certain amount of risk. While SMC has done what it can to reduce that risk, it is still present and should be considered accordingly.

One of the ways SMC attempts to counter some of this risk is to offer members advice from industry experts. All new SMC members have 90 days of free access to individual business coaches. These coaches are experienced businesspeople that can provide SMC members with crucial input regarding marketing strategies, product research and other critical decisions.

Despite the rating of Specialty Merchandise Corporation on the BBB website, SMC continues to provide its members with quality products at low prices. Specialty Merchandise Corporation takes the complaints against it to heart, using them to continually improve the SMC member experience.