Which Companies Do You Trust and Distrust?

As a general rule, I treat a company as honest until given reason to the contrary. However, certain industries and entities often fall short in terms of ethical standards and customer satisfaction. These businesses prioritize profit over trust, making it essential to approach them with a cautious and adversarial stance.

Industries to Approach with Skepticism

There are certain sectors and companies that consistently demonstrate a lack of corporate integrity. These businesses will push the boundaries of what is legally permissible to maximize their profits. Some of the industries to be wary of include:

Insurance Companies Credit Reporting Agencies Car Dealerships (and their sales departments)

These types of companies often do not value their customers' goodwill. Instead, their primary goal is to maintain a competitive edge, even at the expense of customer satisfaction. When dealing with these entities, it is best to assume an adversarial stance—be prepared for potential conflicts and challenges.

Agents for Contract Work: Neutral Ground

Agents for contract work occupy a neutral position in the corporate landscape. While their income may depend on maximizing the spread between pay rate and bill rate, they still must maintain reliable and professional relationships with their clients. If they were to chase away all their resources to a competitor, their company would suffer. Therefore, while they may have some incentives that conflict with your interests, they are typically more cooperative than the entities mentioned above.

Companies with Repeated Lack of Integrity

Beyond the typical suspects, there are specific companies that have repeatedly shown a distinct lack of corporate integrity. These businesses often operate under the slogan 'caveat emptor'—buyer beware. Here is a short list of companies that consistently prioritize profit over ethical practices:

Tucows: Known for practices that may not align with the best interests of their customers.

United Airlines: Revered for their frequent flight cancellations and poor customer service.

LJ Ross: A company tied to allegations of questionable business practices and ethics.

Tyco: A conglomerate with a history of financial irregularities and ethical misconduct.

American Airlines: Like United, they face consistent criticism for service issues.

Expedia Inc.: A company often regarded for its opaque pricing and misleading marketing practices.

Seeking Fair Compensation from Dubious Companies

If you find yourself dealing with one of the above-mentioned companies and need to seek fair compensation for lack of service or outright disservice, prepare for a difficult negotiation. These companies often have the means to protect their profits and can be unresponsive to customer complaints. Here are a few tips to help you navigate this process:

Document everything: Keep detailed records of all interactions, service issues, and attempts to resolve the problem. Know your rights: Familiarize yourself with local consumer protection laws and any relevant company policies. Set SMART goals: Define specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound objectives for your compensation. Consider alternative solutions: Sometimes, seeking compensation directly from a company may not be the most effective approach. Explore alternative options such as grievance committees, consumer rights organizations, or legal action.

In conclusion, while many companies strive to maintain a high level of integrity and customer satisfaction, there are some industries and specific companies that are more prone to prioritize profit over trust. Understanding these dynamics can help you make more informed decisions and navigate the corporate landscape with greater confidence and caution.