Consumer Reports Publishes Naughty & Nice List
YONKERS, N.Y. -- Who in the corporate world has been naughty and nice? According to Consumer Reports third annual Naughty & Nice List of company policies and practices, Ticketmaster doesn't always play fair while PNC Bank takes care of its customers.
The annual list is not an overall rating on a company. Instead, it's a thumbs-up or thumbs-down on specific policies or practices, the magazine editors say. Consumer Reports also acknowledges that there are companies not on its list that might have similar policies.
This year, Consumer Reports is asking everyone to join the conversation by submitting their own personal Naughty & Nice nominee via Facebook and Twitter (#CRNaughtyNice). "We hope consumers will sound off, speak up and let the companies they do business with know what they appreciate and what they don't," said Tod Marks, senior editor and resident shopping expert. "The purpose of this list is not to knock or commend companies as a whole, but to let consumers know they have choices at a time of year when shopping and spending are in the spotlight."
The Naughty & Nice Holiday List is based on findings of Consumer Reports' reporters and editors who cover shopping, travel, hospitality, telecommunications and visitors to the Consumer Reports Facebook page.
Here's a sample of this year's findings. Who's been naughty:
- Ticketmaster. The king of tickets will snail mail you your tickets for free if you have 10 to 14 days to wait. If you need them any sooner, you'll have to pay for expedited shipping. You'll even have to fork over $2.50 per order just to print them yourself. Gotcha!
- Time Warner Cable. The Internet biggie joins a list of other providers who charge a monthly fee (in this case, $3.95) to lease a cable modem.
- BMW. Getting stuck with a flat tire isn't the best way to find out your car didn't come with a spare tire or jack, but BMW owners may experience just that. The carmaker's models now come with run-flat tires or a Mobility Kit, which can get you to a service station after a minor puncture. The disappearing-spare syndrome has been spreading to include even economy models such as Hyundai and Chevrolet, among others.
Who's played nice:
- Home Depot. Buy a new appliance from this home improvement giant and it will haul the old one from your property without charge. The delivery crew will also uncrate, set up, level and test your new one.
- Oxo. The innovative housewares manufacturer backs every product it sells with a no-exceptions pledge: If for any reason you are not satisfied, return it for replacement or refund.
- PNC Bank. In Consumer Reports' survey of 10 banking giants, PNC was the only one to offer a free basic checking account. What's more, the institution doesn't require customers to maintain a minimum balance to keep this product.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.