# "Horrible" companies that you love **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [January 3, 2023, 2:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/horrible-companies-that-you-love/977561 "2023-01-03T02:19:43Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Bootb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e19b73/32.png) [@Bootb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bootb)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2023, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/horrible-companies-that-you-love/977561/21 "2023-01-04T00:24:27Z")
> [@Saint\_Cad](#): > > CenturyLink: Provided me with the best internet I’ve every had. No outages and fast fast fast. Anytime I had to contact customer service (rare because as an ISP they were great) I got wonderful service. I hated moving because I don’t have them at my new house and I would go back to them in a heartbeat. I also like CenturyLink. I also like Walmart and Amazon; Walmart because they’re reliably cheaper than most other companies, and Amazon because they’re very convenient (and sometimes cheaper) for certain things. ---
**Author:** ![El\_Famous\_Burrito](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/el_famous_burrito/32/3954_2.png) [@El\_Famous\_Burrito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_Famous_Burrito)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2023, 3:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/horrible-companies-that-you-love/977561/22 "2023-01-04T03:55:03Z")
[I’m straying from “company” to “organization” with this, I recognize.] The IRS. The hate for them is largely misplaced. I think they do a decent job translating Congress’ byzantine laws into forms and instructions. They’re not to blame for tax rates or loopholes. The idiot prohibition on them establishing a true, free e-file system isn’t their fault. I’m glad they’ll be getting more funding for audits. Of course, I say this having never really interacted with the IRS beyond filing my taxes. (So now, by the laws of irony, I predict 2023 will be the year of my first audit!) ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2023, 5:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/horrible-companies-that-you-love/977561/23 "2023-01-04T05:22:05Z")
Amazon keeps my one-woman business afloat, and thousands of others’ too. I do, however, do my best to avoid “Fulfilled By Amazon” products, because those are the ones filled in warehouses by overworked, underpaid people. Blue Cross gets a bad rap in health insurance circles, and in many cases rightfully so, but they have paid claims for me with nary a hiccup, and that included my cancer treatment. ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2023, 5:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/horrible-companies-that-you-love/977561/24 "2023-01-04T05:56:25Z")
This is a niche one but there is a company (agency?) called the Regional Income Tax Agency (RITA) here in Ohio that serves as the local income tax collection agency for many, many municipalities. People absolutely loathe RITA. They seem to think that RITA is some illegal cabal meant to take all their money and ruin their lives. They think local income tax is abhorrent and can’t believe this RITA agency can harass them to pay it. Granted, local income tax is new and surprising for most people who move here from out of state as most cities in most states don’t collect it. And I guess when you move to Ohio no one sits you down and explains it, or that you have to pay it, and some employers don’t withhold it correctly or at all so a lot of people end up owing tax to RITA at some point. Usually this is their first exposure to the agency at all. But this is neither here nor there - the fact that taxes are collected and are somewhat confusing is NOT a function of RITA. RITA simply exists so that all these municipalities don’t have to have independent tax collection departments. It also helps for income tax reciprocity/credits between municipalities. Tax laws are passed by vote, not by RITA. They’re just there as an agency to collect the money and everyone is on board because it’s SO much easier than having an in-house tax department. Anyway, being a part of municipal government, I’m part of the 1% that appreciates and understands RITA. ---
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2023, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/horrible-companies-that-you-love/977561/25 "2023-01-04T14:40:00Z")
> [@romansperson](#): > > Ticketmaster. Good luck finding someone who loves these guys. The Koch brothers also make excellent sash cord. Redid my whole house with that stuff. I’m also pro-Amazon. Recently bought a thing at a big box brick and mortar store, the cost was almost twice the Amazon price, and I had to drive myself to go get it, then wait on line for the chance to check myself out. When the only thing you offer for your higher price and greater inconvenience is the chance to get a thing today instead of tomorrow, your business is at risk. ---
**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2023, 2:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/horrible-companies-that-you-love/977561/26 "2023-01-04T14:59:45Z")
Same. The one I go to has a lot of Muslims that go there. So I’ve convinced myself this evens stuff out by them creating a safe space for Muslims to eat. It’s bull shit but it helps with the guilt. ---
**Author:** ![k9bfriender](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k9bfriender/32/3283_2.png) [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2023, 2:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/horrible-companies-that-you-love/977561/27 "2023-01-04T14:59:52Z")
I’ll have to go with the BMV. Everyone seems to hate on them, it’s usually held up as an example of horrible govt bureaucracy, but I’ve always had a pleasant experience. Sure, I have to wait in a line, and I am responsible for having the proper paperwork and documentation with me, but I don’t see that as that unreasonable. They provide a necessary service, and do the best they can given the budget they have to work with, as well as the public they need to service. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2023, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/horrible-companies-that-you-love/977561/28 "2023-01-04T15:06:00Z")
> [@Grrr](#): > > Same. > > The one I go to has a lot of Muslims that go there. So I’ve convinced myself this evens stuff out by them creating a safe space for Muslims to eat. > > It’s bull shit but it helps with the guilt. - I would bet anything the chicken is not halal. ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2023, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/horrible-companies-that-you-love/977561/29 "2023-01-04T15:31:53Z")
> [@El\_Famous\_Burrito](#): > > Of course, I say this having never really interacted with the IRS beyond filing my taxes. (So now, by the laws of irony, I predict 2023 will be the year of my first audit!) I had one year that I forgot to send them a check for April 15th. They were very professional. No threats or fear that I was going to prison, just, “Hey, here are the penalties and interest, are you going to pay? OK, great. Here is how you can do it.” ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2023, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/horrible-companies-that-you-love/977561/30 "2023-01-04T15:34:47Z")
My issue with Amazon is customer service is impossible to get when you need to talk to someone real. And when I got a headlight restoration kit I didn’t realize until the end that I didn’t get the finest sandpaper. Didn’t get my money back because I had to return it unused. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2023, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/horrible-companies-that-you-love/977561/31 "2023-01-04T15:35:24Z")
WalMart is great. One stop, get everything you need. Car Battery, Flatscreen TV, boxer-briefs, a jar of capers, Beer, vertical window blind, some more beer, lawn rake and a mechanical pencil. More often than not, at better prices than anywhere else. And Taco Bell. I don’t give a shit what it is. It tastes good! ---
**Author:** ![Tride](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tride/32/13907_2.png) [@Tride](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tride)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2023, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/horrible-companies-that-you-love/977561/32 "2023-01-04T15:45:13Z")
I’ve found the Amazon chat to be very quick and helpful. If it was AI it was very good, and if I was a real person offshore, they were good too (it showed a name I presumed to be Indian). ---
**Author:** ![peedin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peedin/32/14095_2.png) [@peedin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/peedin)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2023, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/horrible-companies-that-you-love/977561/33 "2023-01-04T15:50:03Z")
Totally agree about their homophobia but their chicken nuggets are the best. Alsotheir seasonal peppermint shake is so good it makes me want to cry. ---
**Author:** ![mbh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a6a055/32.png) [@mbh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mbh)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2023, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/horrible-companies-that-you-love/977561/34 "2023-01-04T15:57:51Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > I would bet anything the chicken is not halal. How so? Do they fry it in pork fat? I thought most of the big chains use vegetable oil these days. ---
**Author:** ![Riemann](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riemann/32/3133_2.png) [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2023, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/horrible-companies-that-you-love/977561/35 "2023-01-04T16:00:04Z")
> [@Saint\_Cad](#): > > My issue with Amazon is customer service is impossible to get when you need to talk to someone real. This is very strange. Have you figured out how to connect with them online? You have to be quite persistent with the clicks, because (like any business) it first tries to direct you to automated solutions, but it always ends up at offering you either a callback by phone or online chat. I interact via online chat with a real person at Amazon probably 5-10 times per year. I don’t think it has ever taken more than 3 minutes to get connected to a real person. They have always resolved the problem instantly and favorably. > [@nearwildheaven](#): > > I do, however, do my best to avoid “Fulfilled By Amazon” products, because those are the ones filled in warehouses by overworked, underpaid people. I do the opposite, because if there’s any problem with an item that is sold by or fulfilled by Amazon, they resolve it immediately without any hassle. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2023, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/horrible-companies-that-you-love/977561/36 "2023-01-04T16:03:45Z")
> [@mbh](#): > > > [@running\_coach](#): > > > > I would bet anything the chicken is not halal. > > How so? Do they fry it in pork fat? I thought most of the big chains use vegetable oil these days. - > **[Halal and Haram Articles - Mechanical/Machine Slaughter on Poultry by Halal Site](https://www.halalharam.org/HalalHaramArticles.aspx?id=36)** > > Halal and Haram Articles - The World's Largest archive of Halal and Haram Articles. Widest Halal and Haram Articles Listing in USA and Worldwide. ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2023, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/horrible-companies-that-you-love/977561/37 "2023-01-04T16:04:08Z")
> [@Riemann](#): > > I interact via online chat with a real person at Amazon probably 5-10 times per year. I don’t think it has ever taken more than 3 minutes to get connected to a real person. They have always resolved the problem instantly and favorably. I try to call their customer service number which was very difficult to find. ---
**Author:** ![Riemann](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riemann/32/3133_2.png) [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2023, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/horrible-companies-that-you-love/977561/38 "2023-01-04T16:08:10Z")
I have never tried that. Do it online, and if you keep clicking until it offers you connection to a real person, it offers you either online chat or a phone callback from a real person. Chat is always quick. I think I have only used the callback once, but the one time I did it although it might have taken about half an hour to get the callback, obviously I wasn’t waiting on hold, and the call was not from an offshore call center, it was from a competent person in the relevant fulfillment location who was incredibly helpful. Whatever the criticisms of Amazon, poor customer service is not one of them in my experience. One of the easiest companies to deal with. ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2023, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/horrible-companies-that-you-love/977561/39 "2023-01-04T16:11:32Z")
I’ll try that next time. Thnx. ---
**Author:** ![Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eyebrows_0f_doom/32/3119_2.png) [@Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eyebrows_0f_Doom)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2023, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/horrible-companies-that-you-love/977561/40 "2023-01-04T16:13:30Z")
Add me as another who has only had positive experiences dealing with Amazon customer service through their chat. A few times the item I received was damaged or not what I ordered, they always were very quick to give me a credit or whatever was needed. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/horrible-companies-that-you-love/977561.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/horrible-companies-that-you-love/977561.md?page=3)