It’s poo time again! No, not that half hour it seems the guys require to sit on the throne – companies have been nominated and it’s time to vote on the worst companies in the US of A. Will EA score a hat trick, or will another company take their “prize”?
In the first bracket over on The Consumerist, EA is going up against Time Warner Cable – while both are hated I think EA has this in the bag. Depending on results in the other brackets, EA could end up going toe to toe with the likes of Monsanto or Walmart.
I’m eternally amused by this list. There are so many companies to hate. Mostly, the hated ones are airlines, banks and major retailers, but McDonalds, SeaWorld and Abercrombie & Fitch add some nice variety to the mix. Still, I find it funny that a company like EA could be *cough* infamous enough to gain such notoriety.
I’d love to see something like this in South Africa. Can you imagine the most hated companies in SA? How can we choose when we have the likes of Eskom and Sanral? Telkom seems to be doing better lately, but would some ISPs make the list? Or how about retailers – I know plenty of people with extreme feelings about Woolworths and Edcon. Now, if only we had the poo awards/razzy awards for games. Sure, we told you about the worst games of 2013, but I’d love official awards: worst AI, worst use of technology, worst animations, worst always online. Oh, the fun we could have.
Last Updated: March 19, 2014
El Capitan del Blade
March 19, 2014 at 14:07
If The Final Round is EA vs Microsoft…. would anybody still buy Titanfall?
It’s like “Hey, buy this thing, Published by The worst company in the US, only available on platforms supported by the second worst….”
HvR
March 19, 2014 at 14:09
Being the worst company doesn’t automatically mean they have bad products. This awards has more to do with company conduct.
Alien Emperor Trevor
March 19, 2014 at 14:08
That’s easy. ABSA.
HvR
March 19, 2014 at 14:10
Hard to choose between ABSA and Golden Arrow.
Alien Emperor Trevor
March 19, 2014 at 14:13
I remember some DJ saying once that if names were accurate reflections, Golden Arrow would be renamed Lead Rivet.
I pick ABSA because of the days of my life wasted spent standing in their cost effective queues because they only have 1 or 2 tellers out of the 10 available.
HvR
March 19, 2014 at 14:15
My ABSA list:
Changing account type without permission.
Changing account limits without permission.
“Loosing” 4 months growth on capital save investments.
Unprofessional personnel and managers
Alien Emperor Trevor
March 19, 2014 at 14:21
I should add Pick n Pay to my queue list as well. I get bevok when it takes me longer to pay for the stuff I want than it did for me to find it all in the first place.
Jedi JJ
March 19, 2014 at 14:41
I get you.
Ultimo_Cleric N7
March 19, 2014 at 16:44
Try closing an account…….
HvR
March 19, 2014 at 17:18
Wasn’t that hard.
1. Electronically transfer all funds to new bank account except for the minimum amount, my case was R50.17.
2. March into bank with ID demand to close account (if you do this on your birthday you are allowed to skip the queue)
3. Remind them there is not enough funds left for next month’s banking fees.
4. Demand the FULL amount to be drawn on account closing, sit back and smile while they search frantically for a 2c coin.
Ultimo_Cleric N7
March 20, 2014 at 09:01
Not for me, after they told me my account was closed, I got an SMS 2 months later to tell me I had outstanding credit to pay or else I would be blacklisted….thought it was a mistake until I went into an ABSA branch. Turned out they HAD NOT closed it. I ended up having to pay and extra R50…….no words.
CypherGate
March 19, 2014 at 14:35
Metrorail
VampyreSquirrel
March 19, 2014 at 15:25
That’s easy, just choose Putco
Umar Praise The Golden Sun
March 19, 2014 at 14:18
Worst costs as well
Jedi JJ
March 19, 2014 at 14:40
ABSA, Mweb,
Admiral Chief of comments
March 19, 2014 at 15:19
mssa…
Ultimo_Cleric N7
March 19, 2014 at 16:44
Amen to that. Moved to FNB last year, so happy. ABSA ARE TERRIBAD
Unavengedavo(aka. Bilbo)
March 19, 2014 at 14:13
It’s poo time again!… But… but… how did you know? O_o
HvR
March 19, 2014 at 14:16
Please no video or pics
Please no video or pics
Please no video or pics
Please no video or pics
Please no video or pics
Admiral Chief of comments
March 19, 2014 at 14:16
Seconded!
Kensei Seraph
March 19, 2014 at 14:17
Seconded as well.
There’s no way I’m refreshing or reopening this page.
Unavengedavo(aka. Bilbo)
March 19, 2014 at 14:26
Why would I post videos or pics of me taking a dump? O_o
HvR
March 19, 2014 at 14:27
I DO NOT KNOW!!!
Kensei Seraph
March 19, 2014 at 14:28
And no one wants to know.
Unavengedavo(aka. Bilbo)
March 19, 2014 at 14:30
My comment was just indicating the irony that I read the 1st line as I sat down on the loo… But I did not want to say it in such detail. But seeing as you think that I am some deviant, I shall leave you with this toilet related video O_o
HvR
March 19, 2014 at 14:32
Do not care , not clicking.
LAalalalalalalalalalalala
Kensei Seraph
March 19, 2014 at 14:14
If we had poo awards in South Africa it would be the only time I’d vote for ANC (as they are now)
Admiral Chief of comments
March 19, 2014 at 14:15
http://envirodad.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/well_duh.jpg
Admiral Chief of comments
March 19, 2014 at 14:16
In other news….still waiting for Telkom……the wait is killing me
Hammersteyn
March 19, 2014 at 14:19
Worst Ever. Did you get your cash yet?
Admiral Chief of comments
March 19, 2014 at 14:22
Funny you should ask, Kalahari phoned me a couple of minutes ago, getting full refund.
Still pissed at them though, terribad service
HvR
March 19, 2014 at 14:24
Think incompetent is the best description for Kalahari.
Hammersteyn
March 19, 2014 at 14:24
very
Rikus
March 19, 2014 at 15:09
Is that the refund from vouchergate (i.e. the Kalahari screw-up)?
Admiral Chief of comments
March 19, 2014 at 15:19
lol yeah
Brenz
March 19, 2014 at 15:51
Youve been at home waiting for telkom?
Either you work from home, or you have taken a weeks leave in the hope they might show up in that period…
Admiral Chief of comments
March 19, 2014 at 15:54
Yeah, working from home, but now the effers want to reschedule to tomorrow morning first thing, have now escalated to mgmt, bastards
Brenz
March 19, 2014 at 16:00
Tomorrow morning, ie: some time this week if they manage to find your house.
Oh and they love that escalation, whenever you get pissed and start throwing a shit fit they “escalate” your issue to higher department, as if to act like they take you seriously.
Admiral Chief of comments
March 19, 2014 at 16:02
(on the line again now)
EDIT, ok this lady was helpful, actually got reference numbers and crap now
Umar Praise The Golden Sun
March 19, 2014 at 14:18
This whole thing is still a joke to me. There are far worse companies than EA.
Hammersteyn
March 19, 2014 at 14:19
Most on that list doesn’t affect me at all. I’m voting for those that do.
Umar Praise The Golden Sun
March 19, 2014 at 14:22
Well some of them are harmful to the environment, which in turn affects us. All EA does is release broken games, milk gamers, ruin franchises, do shady business……
….
…
…
…
EA it is!!
geelslang
March 19, 2014 at 14:51
Absolutely, EA release games and MS sell game consoles, the Bastards!!! Burn them.
Hammersteyn
March 19, 2014 at 14:19
Voting begins tomorrow, gonna be good.
Admiral Chief of comments
March 19, 2014 at 14:23
Seaworld???????
Hammersteyn
March 19, 2014 at 14:24
Free Flipper!
Admiral Chief of comments
March 19, 2014 at 14:25
Ag flip!
HvR
March 19, 2014 at 14:26
Johnson and Johnson??
Do they perform illegal baby butt cream testing or is it because they sponsor the Devil.
geelslang
March 19, 2014 at 14:43
Its because of the movie Blackfish
Ryanza
March 19, 2014 at 14:24
If it was EA’s goal to have me not buy and support EA products then EA succeeded with Simcity 5.
Don’t support DRM.
ps. both companies should just get the award. but 3 years in a row, seems more likely.
RinceIsIngwer
March 19, 2014 at 14:28
But, but, but Pieter told me MS were the bestest!
Alien Emperor Trevor
March 19, 2014 at 14:38
Was that before or after he jetted off in his powerpoint-fps titan?
RinceIsIngwer
March 19, 2014 at 14:42
Ouch 🙂
fred
March 19, 2014 at 14:29
I’d vote multichoice for worst company
Hondsepop
March 19, 2014 at 14:48
Agree, if it wasn’t for the sport…….
RinceIsIngwer
March 19, 2014 at 14:29
Locally, Metrofail. Bastards.
Rags
March 19, 2014 at 14:31
Silly poll is still silly.
Ryanza
March 19, 2014 at 14:33
If only people could vote by sending stool samples to both companies and then which ever company smells the worst ….
SheHulkNigri
March 19, 2014 at 14:34
Can I rant a bit? If there is a vote for companies sliding backwards, I would vote takealot.com and Kalahari.
Back in a day, when you ordered goods before 12:00, they would pitch at your door the next day, goods in hand and all is good and awesome.
Ever since takealot.com bought in their same day delivery service (at a cost of R100.00 to you, their most valued customer) they now see it fit to deliver your goods two days after ordering. And that is for goods stocked in JHB, where I am ordering from, mind you.
Not so cool…
HvR
March 19, 2014 at 14:38
I have nothing but praise for takealot, always give good info. willing to take back tech items and peripherals due to incompatibility etc.
But have to agree with the Mr D delivery service they partly own is pathetic.
SheHulkNigri
March 19, 2014 at 14:43
It doesn’t help a company any bit if they battle to get the goods you ordered delivered.
Rikus
March 19, 2014 at 14:48
I agree completely with Kalahari, but TAKEALOT??
If the item says 24 hour delivery, I always receive it within 24 hours and I am living 2-3 hours from JhB. Not only that, if the order is over R250 it is free. Also, if you use normal delivery none of the delivery cost you R100. The only R100 delivery charge is if you want next day delivery on a weekend.
So, I have nothing but praise for TAKEALOT (and even Mr D). I can go on and on about all the great service I got from them (and I buy from them ALOT – intended pun). In my book they are one of the best companies in SA.
SheHulkNigri
March 19, 2014 at 15:15
I also buy from them a lot, still beats having to go down to some mall and having to face inept Musica staff. But keep in mind I was buying from them since they were take2. And the service back then was awesome. Heck, I remember ordering goods at 8am and got it delivered at about 3pm that same day.
Now when you place an order, even a 24hr order, they buffer in a day for delivery. Currently, my 24hr delivery is scheduled for delivery before 12pm tomorrow. Order placed yesterday morning before 9 am. And again, I am in Woodmead, and the item I ordered ships from JHB. See what I mean by sliding backwards? Not outright the worst company, but slipping a bit.
EDIT: Just have to say that I do get the idea that they are trying to push the same day delivery thing onto us…
Rikus
March 19, 2014 at 15:17
I understand what you are saying. I think the problem is the immense growth TAKEALOT has seen over the last couple of years.
Just as a side note, I am also a proud customer from the Take2 days.
SheHulkNigri
March 19, 2014 at 15:20
Oh, and I HATE them for abandoning the Amazon imports. I got some amazing action figures added to my collection from that. I know that is years ago, but the heart, she is unwilling to forgive…
Rikus
March 19, 2014 at 15:21
Yeah, that was sucky! I also blame Amazon for that.
TiMsTeR1033
March 19, 2014 at 15:24
Mr Delivery? They always were shit, I don’t honestly know who uses them anymore.
Rikus
March 19, 2014 at 16:22
I haven’t actually used them on their own. So the only time I actually deal with them is through TAKEALOT, and I haven’t had any issues in this regard.
Jedi JJ
March 19, 2014 at 14:51
Bought a 24hr ship item a week ago on Kalahari, received it three hours ago.
SheHulkNigri
March 19, 2014 at 15:09
That… sucks…
TiMsTeR1033
March 19, 2014 at 15:22
Be glad that was not an item of extreme urgency
CAE9872
March 19, 2014 at 17:20
You get my vote on Kalahari and Musica! Takealot I havent had issues with really despite rapid growth. I also miss the old imports page…*sigh*…followed by…*sniff*
Jedi JJ
March 19, 2014 at 14:39
Oh. EA will win hands down
They deserve to win
This really sounds like I’m praising them
I’m not
Labey-Kun
March 19, 2014 at 14:39
EA Never fail to rise up to the challenge. M$ well you could see that coming with the failure of Windows 8 and the Xbox One 180’s
Hondsepop
March 19, 2014 at 14:57
I’m permanently scarred since Simcity. And as if that wasn’t enough, they lied about the online play. FU EA.
Weanerdog
March 19, 2014 at 15:23
In other news: The sun will rise in the east tomorrow.
For the most hated company in SA, can we vote for a government department or a sports federation you know like Athletics SA for example.
Norm
March 19, 2014 at 15:30
The most hated thing in South Africa has to be government (thou strictly not a company).
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
March 19, 2014 at 15:48
Let’s make it a hat trick EA… I have faith in you!
DBL_ZA
March 19, 2014 at 16:20
Why don’t we just have the “Lazygamer’s Worst” awards, where the LG community votes for the worst of everything in SA and globally, and the results get published here. Even if it doesn’t make international headlines, it would be pretty fun.
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
March 19, 2014 at 17:18
I vote for Darryn!
oVg deprived
March 19, 2014 at 16:48
No 1
Mark Treloar
March 19, 2014 at 17:06
Are you sure EA doesn’t make sure they are the worst on purpose?
CAE9872
March 19, 2014 at 17:23
If this is intended as the “true” picture of WORST then there is NO chance EA deserve to win. If its all a little bit of fun…fine!
They not my favourite company in the world but they far from my worst either. I get that they run a business – I don’t agree with all their policies but hey…it’s a beast they try to feed to keep afloat. They make mistakes, sometimes horrendous ones (Simcity, new Dungeon Keeper) but they also do some things well-OK (Titanfall release all good it appears, Rivals positive, FIFA next gen good, etc).
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
March 19, 2014 at 17:51
In SA Autopage cellular wins hands down
Brian Murphy
March 19, 2014 at 18:21
I’d actually have to go with Monsanto here, they are far, far worse than EA or Microsoft or Time Warner. Monsanto doesn’t allow you to use seeds from corn you’ve grown, if you bought the strain from Monsanto. In fact, it’s illegal.
Each year you plant, you have to buy new sets of seeds. Not only that, but if a bee happens to land on a Monsanto field, grabs some pollen and then lands on your own field and pollinates your crops with the genetic material from a Monsanto strain, Monsanto can then SUE you for patent infringement. Yes, you heard it right, Monsanto has actually patented certain bits of genetic code. And can sue you because a bee happened to land on your plants, from another field.
Why is this bad? Because farmer’s live and die by Monsanto’s word, basically. There’s no way to stop bees from cross-pollinating, and thus, everyone in the area gets trapped in Monsanto’s bullshit.
Yes, they’ve made some incredible strains that are resistant to yearly threats that crops face, but the way they’ve done it has hurt farmer’s greatly. Fuck Monsanto.
Pieter Kruger
March 20, 2014 at 08:00
Hahaha! Oh please get realistic here! This is so obviously the work Sony fanboy idle hands not knowing what to do with their parents’ internet access that nominated/voted for MS purely because they’re tired of playing thorugh Killzone a 30th time! I laugh in their faces! MS has done/is doing so much to help expand local industries, uplift and introduce global access to information and create oppertunities for the disadvantaged throught their various social/training & sponorship projects (especially in 3rd world countires) I’m not saying they’re without fault, not at all. But if you have even a little bit of intelligence and know about whats going on outside the world of your little fanboy bubble, you’ll also dismiss this notion of MS being one of the worst companies outright! 😉
Brian Murphy
March 20, 2014 at 08:06
Dear lord, get over yourself. It’s a US based company, owned by Consumer Reports (also a US Based company), commenting on US based companies.
“The Consumerist’s parent company, Consumer Media LLC, is a subsidiary of Consumer Reports, the nation’s leading not-for-profit consumer advocacy organization. Since its founding in 1936, Consumer Reports has fought for a fair, just, and safe marketplace for all consumers and to empower consumers to protect themselves. To maintain independence and impartiality, CR accepts neither outside advertising nor free samples. It employs a staff of “mystery shoppers” who buy products in retail stores around the country, just as any other buyer would, and then ship them to the Consumer Reports labs, where technical experts test some 3,000 products yearly.”
Bad @ss
March 20, 2014 at 08:17
Altech Autopage and Afrihost in my humble opinion is the worst of the worst.
Altech still deducts payments from me four months after my cell number have been ported to another service provider and I have been phoning the weekly since six months ago to cancel my contract with them