Author: rjacobs

A business that registers one name and advertises as another confuses the consumer and can be in violation of provincial laws.

A good test for clarification is that if you as a business could not become accredited with Better Business Bureau because of your name, that usually means something is wrong.

There is no sense in building websites and advertising a name that can never belong to you as a business owner. 

As a business, your advertised name is not pointing people to a domain and using that domain as your advertised name. It does not meet policy and can lead to lawsuits from other companies who have legally registered the name.

As a business owner, the very last thing you want to do is advertise as a name that you cannot legally use.  Why would you want to spend money on websites, and other advertising only to have to shut down and restart the whole process all over again?

There are cases where the business owner has bought the rights to a franchise. The franchise is registered or trademarked, and the business owner cannot register the name. Their advertised name is already in place.

A person may display their personal name but cannot have any other words associated with it according to registration branches.  Some professional designations are allowed.  Contact the corporation’s registry for your province. 

Registration of your business name is important.   Get it done as soon as possible. Sometimes as a new business, you may have delays or may have thought it was registered because you have a Business number with Canada Revenue.  It is one of the key components that consumers may look at to ensure that you plan to stay in business.  

The Site automatically reduces the subscription to an Information Only profile should the subscription be cancelled.  The company may also be archived.  See When We Archive a Business.

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE PLACE THE FOLLOWING CONTENT INTO EVERY PROFILE

• • Information Only Profiles are as advertised to the public on the internet. 
  • As a matter of policy, the Site does not recommend, accredit, suggest, promote, or validate any business. Consumers do that through reviews.
  • The Site provides public links to review sites that permit us to publish those links.
  • The Site provides private links to all other trademarked review sites about the business directly only through their account access.     
  • Subscription types give business owners different advertising options, but the Site does not suggest that credibility determines the subscription level.  
  • Users can use the Credentials Search’s advanced features to determine the degree of reliability for each business.  
  • It is the responsibility of the user to check the credentials advertised by the business.  
  • Notify Site Admin immediately where the business is advertising credentials they do not have, or information is not current.
  • The company and the consumer entirely determine transactions with each other. 
  • Safe and Trusted Canada does not mediate complaints, issues, or concerns.  
  • Seek legal advice for complex transactions.
  • Protect your interests as the removal of the business may occur at any time. 
  • See all subscription types for businesses. 
  • See our YouTube Channel playlists.  

A Category is any subcategory in any primary category.

If you contract a service out to another company, you cannot use that category in your listing.  

Some of these examples clarify our position.

A General Contractor subcontracts to plumbers, electricians, roofers, carpenters, and others.  They would not be able to state they offer any of those services.  Even though you may have staff that oversees the operation of a subcontractor, you technically do not provide those services.  Your proper categories may be General Contractors, Renovation Contractors, Builders, and Home Builders.

An exception to the rule is where a General Contractor has employees that directly do the work, then they would be allowed to be in all of the designated categories.

Another example where they may be numerous approved categories is a clinic operating and offering the services of several disciplines including physio, chiropractic, massage, etc.  All of the staff work under the umbrella of that clinic under contract.  The clinic would be able to be in all categories as the delivery of those services are under one roof.

Some trades will be in multiple categories.  An example may be the plumbing category; which may also cover air conditioning, heating, furnaces, fireplaces, and renovations.

The Site automatically reduces the subscription to an Information Only profile should the subscription be cancelled.  The business may also be archived.  See When We Archive a Business.  

Please Note That We Place the Following Content Into Every Profile.

• Information Only Profiles are as advertised to the public on the internet.
• The Site as a matter of policy does not recommend, accredit, suggest, promote, or validate any business. Consumers do that through reviews.
• Site Admin provides links to other review locations in the business profile that the business owner cannot delete or change.
• Check Better Business Bureau Report if available.
• Subscription types give business owners different advertising options, but the Site does not suggest that credibility determines subscription level.
• Users can use the advanced features of the Credentials Search to determine the degree of reliability for each business.
• It is the responsibility of the user to check the credentials advertised by the business.
• Notify Site Admin immediately where the business is advertising credentials they do not have, or information is not current.
• The company and the consumer entirely determine transactions with each other.
• Safe and Trusted Canada does not mediate complaints, issues, or concerns.
• Seek legal advice for complex transactions.
• Protect your interests as removal of the business may occur at any time.

Contractors must be licensed, and their legal name needs to be registered. Contractors for account purposes must carry worker’s compensation insurance and liability insurance.

Not having this in place puts the business owner in jeopardy as well as the client. It becomes a required for all accounts involving contractors. As always the consumer must verify all credentials with the contractor.

These requirements will significantly reduce the risk for the consumer, but as always remind everyone that there does not seem to be any guaranteed way to eliminate risk.

Imagine what would happen if there was a death, fire, or an explosion.

Imagine what would happen if there was any damage caused as a result of a renovation of the consumer’s property or to the neighbors of that consumer.   Just the lawyer’s fees alone would place significant stress on all involved.

If the contractor cannot set the credentials of liability insurance, Site Admin moves the contractor to an Information Profile.

The Site automatically reduces the subscription to an Information Only profile should the subscription be cancelled.  The business may also be archived.  See When We Archive a Business.

Please Note That We Place the Following Content Into Every Profile.

• Information Only Profiles are as advertised to the public on the internet. 
• Use this Site as only one source of information and seek other sources if possible. 
• The Site as a matter of policy does not recommend, accredit, suggest, promote, or validate any business. Consumers do that through reviews.
• Site Admin provides links to other review locations in the business profile that the business owner cannot delete or change.  
• Check Better Business Bureau Report if available. 
• Subscription types give business owners different advertising options, but the Site does not suggest that credibility determines subscription level.  
• Users can use the advanced features of the Credentials Search to determine the degree of reliability for each business.  
• It is the responsibility of the user to check the credentials advertised by the business.
• Notify Site Admin immediately where the business is advertising credentials they do not have, or information is not current.
• The company and the consumer entirely determine transactions with each other.  
• Safe and Trusted Canada does not mediate complaints, issues, or concerns.  
• Seek legal advice for complex transactions.
• Protect your interests as removal of the business may occur at any time. 

Information Only and Basic Subscriptions are allow only one category and one subcategory in that primary category.   See Video

Exceptions to category rules occur for the hospitality industry involving accommodations and restaurants.  This is necessary in order to adequately represent that hotel or restaurant properly. 

See other Videos regarding our services. 

All other subscription levels are paid subscriptions have various amounts of categories depending on the subscription level.  They range from 20 categories to 60 categories.  The user can see the primary categories when they click on any trade area.  The subcategories are displayed when the user clicks onto a primary category.  See all Trade Areas. 

Each primary category has numerous subcategories.  Many of the subcategories give the consumer additional information about the services of the business.  Some businesses such as the trades may be listed in several areas, and one never knows the key primary category that the consumer will select.

The business can only select subcategories they provide through their employees or that they provide directly to the owner.  Do not list subcategories that are contracted to others.

An example may be builders, home builders, general contractors.  They are included in those categories but are not electricians, plumbers, roofers, etc.

The Site automatically reduces the subscription to an Information Only profile should the subscription be cancelled.  The business may also be archived.  See When We Archive a Business.

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE PLACE THE FOLLOWING CONTENT INTO EVERY PROFILE

• Information Only Profiles are as advertised to the public on the internet. 
• The Site as a matter of policy does not recommend, accredit, suggest, promote, or validate any business. Consumers do that through reviews.
• The Site provides public links to review sites that permit us to publish those links.
• The Site provides private links to all other trademarked review sites about the business directly to the business only through their account access.     
• Subscription types give business owners different advertising options, but the Site does not suggest that credibility determines subscription level.  
• Users can use the advanced features of the Credentials Search to determine the degree of reliability for each business.  
• It is the responsibility of the user to check the credentials advertised by the business.  
• Notify Site Admin immediately where the business is advertising credentials they do not have, or information is not current.
• The company and the consumer entirely determine transactions with each other. 
• Safe and Trusted Canada does not mediate complaints, issues, or concerns.  
• Seek legal advice for complex transactions.
• Protect your interests as removal of the business may occur at any time.

A business does not have to belong to the Better Business Bureau to be on their system.

You will want to know the current history of any business that you are dealing with in North America.

The website address is https://www.bbb.org

It is a simple system to look at the complete business profile.  

When you google a business you should always look at the BBB profile if there is on. 

You do not need to go to a BBB website to do this search.

Enter the following text.

BBB Report (name of business)  (city or town)

Usually, the first or second entry available on the first page will relate to that business.

Look for the rating, the number of complaints and response to those complaints.

You will readily see all the contact information, business start date, and other links.

The Site automatically reduces the subscription to an Information Only profile should the subscription be cancelled.  The business may also be archived.  See When We Archive a Business.

See YouTube Video Protect Your Interests as a Consumer

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE PLACE THE FOLLOWING CONTENT INTO EVERY PROFILE

• Information Only Profiles are as advertised to the public on the internet. 
• The Site as a matter of policy does not recommend, accredit, suggest, promote, or validate any business. Consumers do that through reviews.
• The Site provides public links to review sites that permit us to publish those links.
• The Site provides private links to all other trademarked review sites about the business directly to the business only through their account access.     
• Subscription types give business owners different advertising options, but the Site does not suggest that credibility determines subscription level.  
• Users can use the advanced features of the Credentials Search to determine the degree of reliability for each business.  
• It is the responsibility of the user to check the credentials advertised by the business.  
• Notify Site Admin immediately where the business is advertising credentials they do not have, or information is not current.
• The company and the consumer entirely determine transactions with each other. 
• Safe and Trusted Canada does not mediate complaints, issues, or concerns.  
• Seek legal advice for complex transactions.
• Protect your interests as removal of the business may occur at any time.

What Credentials to Look for as a Consumer? 

How to Add Content to Your Business Profile? 

What Credentials Are Necessary for Account Access? 

Searching for a Business as a Consumer

How Does the Review System Work? 

Presentation Ideas for Your Business. 

Change Your Password and Access Your Account

How Safe and Trusted Works for Users

The Site automatically reduces the subscription to an Information Only profile should the subscription be canceled.  The business may also be archived.  See When We Archive a Business.  

Please Note That We Place the Following Content Into Every Profile.

• Information Only Profiles are as advertised to the public on the internet. 
• The Site as a matter of policy does not recommend, accredit, suggest, promote, or validate any business. Consumers do that through reviews.
• Site Admin provides links to other review locations in the business profile that the business owner cannot delete or change.  
• Check Better Business Bureau Report if available. 
• Subscription types give business owners different advertising options, but the Site does not suggest that credibility determines subscription level.  
• Users can use the advanced features of the Credentials Search to determine the degree of reliability for each business.  
• It is the responsibility of the user to check the credentials advertised by the business.
• Notify Site Admin immediately where the business is advertising credentials they do not have, or information is not current.
• The company and the consumer entirely determine transactions with each other.  
• Safe and Trusted Canada does not mediate complaints, issues, or concerns.  
• Seek legal advice for complex transactions.
• Protect your interests as removal of the business may occur at any time. 

Marketing your business today is not as simple as it once was. It used to be an advertising agent coming to you and telling you they had the answer.  The bigger the campaign, the more dollars would be generated for your business.

Owners never knew what worked and what did not.  Now they have the ability to find out, and many are changing their advertising.

More people are no longer using phone books. Expensive yellow page ads are less significant as well.  More people are no longer reading a printed version of a newspaper.  More people listen to music that is not local, and more television ads are cut out with new technologies available to the consumer.

Often the customer knows more about your product and services than some of the sales staff.  Product reviews, business reviews, price comparisons, and much more is now available online.  More than ever the new client for your business will be using a mobile device to find your business.

If you are not going to have a business website or a professional internet profile, then you will restrict the amount of growth available to your company.

Many businesses see boom and bust cycles and wonder why their competition always seems to have more market share than they do.

As the business owner, you are the sales and marketing manager of your company. Without sales, there will be no business.  Here are some suggestions.

You need to have an Internet presence that clearly shows how you are different from your competition.

Your website if you have one, must work for you and is more than just an electronic brochure.  It must give obvious reasons why the customer picks you.

You need to know who your target market.

Take advantage of the word of mouth advertising about your business, and allow your customers to assist you in your marketing through a social media platform.

You need to be able to modify your presentation as you grow your business, and as you offer more products and services. You need to be able to make these changes on the fly as your company grows.  Spending big dollars on website content changes is no longer necessary with WordPress.

You need to have a high return on advertising and recognize that sometimes your investment may benefit the advertiser instead of you.  You need to have measurements.  Google Analytics on your website will give you measurements.

Everything you do to improve your business services, products and pricing are great, but only if people know you have made those upgrades. Ensure that your website or internet presence is continually updated to reflect changes to the consumer.

Start growing your business today in small increments one step at a time.  You cannot do everything, but doing absolutely nothing is far worse.

The Site automatically reduces the subscription to an Information Only profile should the subscription be canceled.  The business may also be archived.  See When We Archive a Business.  

Please Note That We Place the Following Content Into Every Profile.

• Information Only Profiles are as advertised to the public on the internet. 
• The Site as a matter of policy does not recommend, accredit, suggest, promote, or validate any business. Consumers do that through reviews.
• Site Admin provides links to other review locations in the business profile that the business owner cannot delete or change.  
• Check Better Business Bureau Report if available. 
• Subscription types give business owners different advertising options, but the Site does not suggest that credibility determines subscription level.  
• Users can use the advanced features of the Credentials Search to determine the degree of reliability for each business.  
• It is the responsibility of the user to check the credentials advertised by the business.
• Notify Site Admin immediately where the business is advertising credentials they do not have, or information is not current.
• The company and the consumer entirely determine transactions with each other.  
• Safe and Trusted Canada does not mediate complaints, issues, or concerns.  
• Seek legal advice for complex transactions.
• Protect your interests as removal of the business may occur at any time. 

After you used the Area Search and Category Search, as a consumer you can narrow the quality of those in the database by expanding the search.  Just simply hit the “Narrow Your Search by Business Credentials?

You should automatically use this function all the time.

Search for Credentials as it applies to every business.

Search for Credentials as it applies to every contractor.

The Site automatically reduces the subscription to an Information Only profile should the subscription be canceled.  The business may also be archived.  See When We Archive a Business.  

Please Note That We Place the Following Content Into Every Profile.

• Information Only Profiles are as advertised to the public on the internet. 
• The Site as a matter of policy does not recommend, accredit, suggest, promote, or validate any business. Consumers do that through reviews.
• Site Admin provides links to other review locations in the business profile that the business owner cannot delete or change.  
• Check Better Business Bureau Report if available. 
• Subscription types give business owners different advertising options, but the Site does not suggest that credibility determines subscription level.  
• Users can use the advanced features of the Credentials Search to determine the degree of reliability for each business.  
• It is the responsibility of the user to check the credentials advertised by the business.
• Notify Site Admin immediately where the business is advertising credentials they do not have, or information is not current.
• The company and the consumer entirely determine transactions with each other.  
• Safe and Trusted Canada does not mediate complaints, issues, or concerns.  
• Seek legal advice for complex transactions.
• Protect your interests as removal of the business may occur at any time.

Safe and Trusted Canada or safeandtrusted.com uses the logo on the top left which businesses can use to link their advertising and website to their business.

Businesses with accounts clearly see the logo they are to use in their content management system for their business profile.

Although we have the legal names of Safe and Trusted Canada, you should not get confused with others that may have similar names in use with different logos.

As a business when you advertise, whether it be online, or in print, it is the responsibility of the business owner to check your advertisement to ensure that it is correct.  If you are unsure of our logo, then email us at office@safeandtrusted.com.

The Site automatically reduces the subscription to an Information Only profile should the subscription be canceled.  The business may also be archived.  See When We Archive a Business.

Please Note That We Place the Following Content Into Every Profile.

• Information Only Profiles are as advertised to the public on the internet. 
• The Site as a matter of policy does not recommend, accredit, suggest, promote, or validate any business. Consumers do that through reviews.
• Site Admin provides links to other review locations in the business profile that the business owner cannot delete or change.  
• Check Better Business Bureau Report if available. 
• Subscription types give business owners different advertising options, but the Site does not suggest that credibility determines subscription level.  
• Users can use the advanced features of the Credentials Search to determine the degree of reliability for each business.  
• It is the responsibility of the user to check the credentials advertised by the business.
• Notify Site Admin immediately where the business is advertising credentials they do not have, or information is not current.
• The company and the consumer entirely determine transactions with each other.  
• Safe and Trusted Canada does not mediate complaints, issues, or concerns.  
• Seek legal advice for complex transactions.
• Protect your interests as removal of the business may occur at any time.