They’re making a list and checking it twice, and you’re about to find out who’s naughty and nice. Get it? Because Consumer Reports is coming to town? Or rather, it’s issued its annual list of the companies it considers to be bad little boys and girls and those who are to be held up as examples to the rest of’em. Let’s get to it [cue gleeful rubbing together of hands]!

We’re not gonna spoil all of the losers/winners but there are some particular standouts in both categories. Each listing is just for a specific company policy, to clarify.

NAUGHTY!

BMW: Hey now, fancy car company. Consumer Reports says all that fanciness doesn’t include a real spare tire or a jack, which could result in a nightmare by the side of the road. The run-flat tires that come in most models will help you limp along after a routine hole, but may the tow truck gods help ye if you get a blowout or rip in the sidewall. Make sure to ask if your car comes with a spare no matter who you buy or lease one from.

CompUSA: This company blew it by offering “freebies” that are just tacked onto orders, forcing consumers to opt out of that item being chucked into the shopping cart. Consumer Reports didn’t appreciate getting a “free” download of computer antivirus software with a recent toaster purchase. Oh, but free has a time limit — six months, and then you get billed for $49.99 after that if you don’t happen to cancel in time.

Forever 21: Different policies for online and in-stores is super inconvenient and just doesn’t make sense. Returning an online order to a physical store only gets you an exchange or store credit. But mailing it in garners an actual refund. What in the what?
The apparel merchant has different policies for online and in-store returns. If you return an online order to a retail location, you can only exchange the item or obtain store credit. If you mail it back, you can get an actual refund.

 

Ticketmaster: We can hear the boos and hisses now. This ticket giant charges customers $2.50 per order to print out their own tickets for events form sports to music. If you have enough foresight (say, 10 to 14 days before your event) you can wait for Ticketmaster to use its own paper and print your tickets for free and pay for postage to send them in the mail… Right. Because that makes sense.

NICE!

Honda: This car company has gone a long way toward equipping its vehicles with some great safety features, including enhancements to drive visibility. More than 94% of its 2013 models come standard with rearview cameras, which could be quite costly for Honda.

Kohl’s: Many department stores or other clothing retailers aren’t great on return policies, but Kohl’s is downright generous with its “No Questions Asked — Hassle Free” return policy. That works for any purchase, with no time limit.

PNC Bank: Wait, is that the word “bank” under the nice column? You betcha! Consumer Reports’ survey of fees at the nation’s 10 biggest banks found that PNC was the only one to offer a free basic checking account. That, and it doesn’t make customers keep a minimum chunk of cash to keep the account without fees.

Red Wing Shoe Co.: If this Minnesota companies work boots and shoes aren’t comfortable, you get a refund or exchange with no questions asked. Heels rubbing funny? Switch’em. Toes pinching? Here’s your money back.

For the rest of the list and video from Consumer Reports about this year’s companies, check out the source link below.

Naughty or Nice? See which companies made our list this year and why [Consumer Reports]

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