Apple Comes Fifth, Amazon Ranked Top, in Company Reputation Poll

[MacRumors]

Apple is the fifth most reputable major company active in the U.S. according to an annual poll that gauges public perception of 100 consumer brands (via The Korea Herald).

The Reputation Quotient Ratings from the 2017 Harris Poll are based on an online survey completed by over 30,000 adults in the U.S. The survey analyzes brand reputation across six gauges: social responsibility, vision and leadership, financial performance, products and services, workplace environment, and emotional appeal.

The Reputation Quotient Ratings saw Apple fall three places from the previous year, losing ground to Wegmans, Publix Super Markets, and Johnson & Johnson. Amazon meanwhile maintained its 2016 position at the top of the table, but the effects of the exploding Note7 phone debacle saw Samsung slump to 49th after last year ranking at seventh.

Other companies in the top ten include Google, which slipped from fifth in 2016 to eighth, and Tesla Motors, which was not included in last year's rankings. Netflix and Microsoft both ranked in the top 20 (18th and 20th, respectively), with Facebook sitting at 66th.

According to Harris Polls, the biggest risks to a company's reputation are illegal actions by corporate leaders and lies about products or services. The poll was carried out between November 28 and December 16 of last year, so just before Consumer Reports denied Apple's new MacBook Pro line-up a buyer recommendation, based on perceived battery life issues. Consumer Reports later revisited the issues with Apple's input, and ultimately decided to award the laptops a recommendation in January.

Samsung meanwhile will be eager to resuscitate its brand in 2017 after some of its Galaxy Note7 phones caught fire, leading to the discontinuation of the model in October. However, the company had a setback last week when Samsung chief Lee Jae-yong was arrested over his alleged role in an influence-peddling scandal that has led to the South Korean president's impeachment.

Article Link: Apple Comes Fifth, Amazon Ranked Top, in Company Reputation Poll

 

[Steve121178]

I can't fault Amazon. They've always exceeded my expectations as a customer.

 

[faded_glory]

In the UK Amazon has something of a reputation for not paying tax and for bullying its workers.

 

[djcerla]

A perfect storm for Samsung, that bodes well for the iPhone 10th Anniversary supercycle.

 

[62tele]

Wait! Samsung is 49th?
Would it be wrong to bwahahahahaha?

 

[discounteggroll]

In other news, comcast held a company-wide celebration for not landing in the lowest 10 spots.

 

[dilbert99]

The Reputation Quotient Ratings saw Apple fall three places from the previous year

I'm not surprised and they could fall further still

 

[MacLC]

I have lived in California, Florida, and outside the country (Europe and Japan). Never heard of Wegmans before. Looking them up, their HQ is in NY. Goes to figure. They are probably east coast elites who only poll themselves on questions to get the answers they want.

 

[meaning-matters]

In the UK Amazon has something of a reputation for not paying tax and for bullying its workers.

Sadly that's how many companies make money. Apple has paid-just-enough workers in China and we've heard sad stories about Apple Store employees.

 

[FRVRandAFTR]

So, as a fan of Apple products, like everyone else that visits the site, there are so many things I applaud them for. However, I have no problem calling them out when they deserve it. They've had ups and downs since their comeback, so this is not an "If Steve were still around..." thing. BUT Apple customer service used to be the gold standard, over the last few years, from what I've noticed, it's gotten worse and worse. It seem's like the support staff is basically trained to tell you politely that they won't be doing anything to fix whatever issue you're having, but "[they're] very sorry to hear about it."

I can see why Amazon's topping the list, they're generally very good, and people seem to overlook the outsourcing because of that. But going back to Apple as of late, I've had Walmart provide better service.

 

[KernelG]

Wow, Publix at number 3? I used to shop at one when I lived in Florida long ago, and it didn't seem any better than Safeway. Has it changed since then?

I have lived in California, Florida, and outside the country (Europe and Japan). Never heard of Wegmans before. Looking them up, their HQ is in NY. Goes to figure. They are probably east coast elites who only poll themselves on questions to get the answers they want.

Actually, I've heard great things about Wegmans from friends who have grown up here in California then moved to upstate New York. I'm inclined to believe it.

 

[JimmyJimmyYam]

I'm not surprised and they could fall further still

I just feel as time goes by they are less interested in wowing me and more interested in ripping me off... and I say this as an iPhone / Mac stalwart of recent years.

 

[I7guy]

I have lived in California, Florida, and outside the country (Europe and Japan). Never heard of Wegmans before. Looking them up, their HQ is in NY. Goes to figure. They are probably east coast elites who only poll themselves on questions to get the answers they want.

What hyperbole about wegmans. I'm surprised they are up there, but it's a great place to shop.

 

[Dave245]

I'm not a fan of Amazon just lately, forcing customers to spend £20 or more in order to get free delivery, also i wanted to order a ceramic travel mug they wanted me to pay £6 delivery charge for standard delivery when Ebay were offering the same one with free delivery and i got it the next day.

I don't order off Amazon as much as i use to simply because of their tactic of always trying to get customers to upgrade to Amazon Prime, "this item would be free and delivered next day with Amazon Prime" oh you don't want Amazon Prime, well you will have to spend £20 or more just to get free standard delivery

Amazon should not be at the top!

 

[navaira]

In the UK Amazon has something of a reputation for not paying tax and for bullying its workers.

My feelings exactly – "Amazon????"

Apple customer service used to be the gold standard, over the last few years, from what I've noticed, it's gotten worse and worse. It seem's like the support staff is basically trained to tell you politely that they won't be doing anything to fix whatever issue you're having, but "[they're] very sorry to hear about it."

My experience exactly, sadly. I had to use their customer service twice in the last years and this was the response.

Still better CS than Samsung or Spotify, but that's not a lot of consolation.

 

[chr1s60]

Amazon isn't scared to take risks. Look at the variety of services and products they have offered over the past decade compared to where they were initially. They have failed some and excelled at others, but they always seem to be focused on the consumer. I have zero complaints about them. Any time I have ever had an issue with an order or a service it has been taken care of. I have no problem recommending their services to anyone.

 

[mejsric]

First time to hear that Wegmans.

 

[ImaxGuy]

I have lived in California, Florida, and outside the country (Europe and Japan). Never heard of Wegmans before. Looking them up, their HQ is in NY. Goes to figure. They are probably east coast elites who only poll themselves on questions to get the answers they want.

I have lived in Canada all my life, and I have heard of Wegman before.

 

[bbrks]

My latest purchase with Amazon is a worst nightmare ever. Ordered a record on 13th of January, delivery still pending. They need a little more time .......disgusting
I tried canceling it several times, but they are not allowing it. That's criminal, if you ask me.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

Wow, Publix at number 3? I used to shop at one when I lived in Florida long ago, and it didn't seem any better than Safeway. Has it changed since then?

Don't know about changes but Publix is delivering a very impressive level of service given that they are mostly a grocery store with pharmacy. Staff is always helpful, even aggressively looking to offer help. Smiles. Positive attitudes. Clean stores. Well organized. Nobody looks like they are counting the minutes until they can leave. Etc. I can see them ranking pretty high on this kind of list and not question it.

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

I'm not a fan of Amazon just lately, forcing customers to spend £20 or more in order to get free delivery, also i wanted to order a ceramic travel mug they wanted me to pay £6 delivery charge for standard delivery when Ebay were offering the same one with free delivery and i got it the next day.

I don't order off Amazon as much as i use to simply because of their tactic of always trying to get customers to upgrade to Amazon Prime, "this item would be free and delivered next day with Amazon Prime" oh you don't want Amazon Prime, well you will have to spend £20 or more just to get free standard delivery

Amazon should not be at the top!

I'm cold on Amazon too because of the counterfeit products people are getting. Stuff like bike parts, and tools are being copied and sold as genuine, and trying to get money back is a chore. I gave up buying on eBay for the same reason, and also sellers over qualifying their products. Sellers rule on eBay, and it sucks when you get shafted. Maybe that's gotten better, but I somehow doubt it.

I'm stunned that Johnson & Johnson is that high. I guess a good PR campaign (A family company) can cover a lot of bull squirt, ehh. And Publix (Pubix)? When have I been in one that didn't look contagious? Um, never? I've been in Ralph's that were loads cleaner!

 

[question fear]

Wegmans is awesome. They are a northeast brand but expanding slowly, I know they have stores all the way down to VA.

They are from upstate NY, and they are seriously the best. They treat their employees well, their stores are always clean and organized, they have a kick-ass app (it tells you what aisle to find items on your list, gives you an estimated cost for your grocery list, and even indicates if an item is out of stock at your preferred store).

Best of all is their customer relations. My son is allergic to sesame, which is not required to be labelled as an allergen/cross contamination risk for any USA foods. We know we can always buy Wegmans store brand and they either know or will get back to us in under 24 hours with a detailed report (safe, on the same lines, in the same facility but on another floor...They get really specific). The only other company that good at doing research on their brands is Costco.

I could rave all day about Wegmans. It's clear we weren't surveyed in our house, because we would absolutely rank Wegmans over Amazon. Amazon is great, but Wegmans is a whole other level.

 

[cpfoto2005]

I have lived in California, Florida, and outside the country (Europe and Japan). Never heard of Wegmans before. Looking them up, their HQ is in NY. Goes to figure. They are probably east coast elites who only poll themselves on questions to get the answers they want.

Actually, Wegmans is based in the western portion of New York State, more associated with the Rust Belt than 'east coast elites.' They continually rank as one of the best places to work so it's not too surprising that some of that reputation would spill over into a poll like this.

 

[CarpalMac]

In the UK Amazon has something of a reputation for not paying tax and for bullying its workers.

Of course Apple (Taxes) and Foxconn (Workers) don't have that reputation, at all.

 

[kruegdude]

BUT Apple customer service used to be the gold standard, over the last few years, from what I've noticed, it's gotten worse and worse. It seem's like the support staff is basically trained to tell you politely that they won't be doing anything to fix whatever issue you're having, but "[they're] very sorry to hear about it."

I guess it depends on the issues your having. I've had to deal with Apple support on a number of occasions and they've been very responsive and I've gotten a resolution on every one.