November 27, (RIA Novosti) – You don’t have to wait until Christmas Day to find out who’s been naughty and who’s been nice. At least, not when it comes to US companies.
Consumer Reports – which tests and reviews thousands of products and reports its findings to consumers – has released its annual Naughty Nice List of corporate policies, a look at the fine print and practices that could make you jump for joy or weep in despair.
The list is culled from more than 100 nominees and is based on things like outstanding customer service (nice) or fees designed to trick you into spending extra money (very, very naughty).
Check out our favorites from Consumer Reports Naughty Nice list, and see the full list at Consumer Reports.
Nice!
Safeway Supermarkets – For a “fresh and delicious” policy that lets customers return fresh fruit and vegetables that turn out to be, well, less than fresh. What else could you do with that over-ripe melon or brown banana?
PNC Bank – For its free basic checking account that doesn’t require a minimum balance.
Red Wing Shoe Company – For its 30-day comfort guarantee, that allows you to return or exchange shoes up to a month after you bought them if your tootsies aren’t thrilled.
Honda – For installing extensive safety equipment like rearview cameras as standard gear on almost all of its 2013 vehicle models.
Drury Hotels – For a long list of extras that don’t cost extra at its hotel properties nationwide, including hot breakfast, hot food every evening, wireless high-speed Internet and a business center with free incoming and outgoing faxes. You might not ever want to leave!
Naughty
Abe’s of Maine, a retail site that sells appliances and electronics online – For its 30-day money back guarantee that has a long, long list of excluded products and steep requirements for other items.
Ticketmaster, which sells online tickets for major sporting, music and entertainment events – For charging customers $2.50 to print their own tickets.
Vonage, a US cellphone and Internet service provider – For its $2.99 official-sounding “Regulatory, Compliance and Intellectual Property Fee,” which is actually a company-generated fee that covers a vague list of services.
Spirit Airlines – For extra fees for just about everything, including up to $100 to store a carry-on bag in the overhead bin.
CompUSA – For tacking on a “free” download for antivirus software that automatically generates a bill for $49.99 six months later unless customers realize and remember to cancel the service.