PlanetFeedback's BrainChain (sm): What Brands Do You Trust?

Never liked Volvo after having an S40. Leased it, the service was weak
and after the lease expired and I returned the car, the dealership
failed to inspect the car when I dropped it off. The S40 was
sideswiped and the dealership claimed it was us.

If you have a similar complaint about a company or service visit
www.uradeadbeat.com and share your story, like I did. It's free to
post and the best part is they send a letter to the company notifying
them that they were added to the deadbeat list!

Maytag Washers & Dryers: They are built to last for decades (a rarety
these days). Even if you buy them used!

Avenue clothing stores: Stylish, well-made and affordable for the
larger woman. They're not made of polyester & they don't make you
look or feel like an old lady. Also, very helpful and friendly sales
associates without being in your face. You can also shop online.

I had a third item to list but, alas, my brain failed me again!

BMW - my car is 14 years old the paint job is still shinny and it runs
like it is brand new.

Toyota : never had a problem with my Tundra or Taco
TMobile: Customer service is great coverage is good and never charged
a roaming fee.
Scottrade: Low rates, fast executions great customer service, quick
response time.

Infusium (sp?) hair care products. They smell good and make my frizz
go bye-bye. even in damp Wisconsin weather.

Utrecht art supplies: they are cheaper than most other brands, and are
fantastic quality.

Born Shoes: super high quality, hand made comfy shoes that last
forever! Note:they are made in northern Europe, so expect the sizing
to be a little short, but wider.

Aveeno. I have sensitive skin but have NEVER had a problem with their
products, and they do what they say they will.

Lane Bryant: their clothes are a little more expensive than I'd like
to spend for every day, but they last forever and the fabric quality
is very nice.

Phillips electronics. Had a stereo, computer speakers, TV, VCR and
DVD player from them over the years and have never had a problem with
anything, and the sound quality is great

No-name computer. My laptop is Averatec, I've had it for 4 years and
never had a problem with it. Same technology as name brands were
distributing at the time, for 500-700 dollars less. They've found a
loyal customer in me.

My Mazda Protege has been a great car with no problems-only
maintenance.
My Honda Civic was equally an excellent car with very few repairs
until the mileage was over 125,000.
My Dell Computer has worked without a hitch for 3 years.
MY HP printer also has been an excellent quality product(though ink is
not cheap)
Starbucks Coffee always excellent.
Publix Grocery Stores-the best customer service and friendliest
employees in the store and the pharmacy!

1- JC Penney products, they are great and they stand behind them

2- Sony

3- my no name computer (outlasted both the gateway and the dell by
years!)

Verizon DSL Internet -- It's inexpensive and you can talk on the phone
while on-line.

Their Customer Service is outstanding. My DSL box had a glitch and
they sent me a new one (free) the next day.

1. Radio Shack - I received a Radio Shack turntable as a gift in
Christmas 2004, and accidentaly damaged the drive belt while trying to
'scratch' a record. I took it to the Radio Shack store in my town and
they were able to fix it within a week at no charge

2. Old Navy - Great selection of stylish clothes, and excellent
customer service from polite and friendly employees

3. Media Play - Wider selection of music CDs and DVDs than most other
record stores; Ordered a CD online and received it within the quoted
time of 10 business days. Too bad they all closed down earlier this
year

Toyota: they live up to their commercials and their advertising. I'm
driving my 6th Toyota, and I wouldn't drive anything else.

Freeman (shampoo, conditioners, etc). I love them because they are
animal free, and have not been tested on animals. They're reasonably
priced, and super good products.

Silk (soymilk and vegetarian products). They cost a little more but
I'm getting what I pay for. Their products are super good and I would
highly recommend them to anyone.

I trust Verizon for their phone and internet services, Toyota for
their safety features on their cars, and Hanes Her Way because their
clothing is comfortable.

1) Luvs diapers--great product I have rarely had an issue with them.
I have 2 children tried the other products and I have to tell you LUVS
is the best--I just wish they made training pants (one of my children
is getting ready to potty train).


2) ERA and Wisk laundry detergents with the touch of softness--smells
so good and does a great job at softening. I also love that I can buy
them in the super jumbo size at BJ's


3) Oscar Meyer--it is the only brand of hot dogs that I really
like--and there Olive bologna is to die for (it is really good
especially with some cold Miracle whip and some cheese). It is very
hard to find though--usually can only get it at the Army
commisary--which I do not have access to anymore :(

Trader Joe's

Whole Foods

Apple Computer

Arm and Hammer- for tooth paste, deoderant, laundry, you name it!
Always been happy!

Scotch- One roll of TP seriously lasts longer than half a package of
anything else!

1. Kitchen Aid--for my mixer and their customer service

2. Speed Queen--we bought a house and the previous owners had a Speed
Queen W/D. They were over 20 years old when we moved in and we just
had to replace the washer--got seven more years out of it. The dryer
is still going strong. Stunned me.

3. TastyBite--prepackaged heat and eat Indian entrees. Way better
than any other TV dinner out there. Good ingredients, easy to store.
Kept my husband happily fed (once he learned how to use our high-tech
rice cooker) when I was in the hospital recently.

Honda

Trader Joe's

Land's End

Hamilton Beach
(small appliances, particularly for my coffee maker and their cust.
service)

Luvs
(stands behind their product, and does put out a pretty consistent
product, unlike Huggies, whose pullups I bought and got a CASE of
faulty ones where the one side unvelcroed (spelling?) when I opened
them to put them on the kids. They never contacted me back or tried
to replace the case)

Tide, just love it for the smell and it cleans well consistently.Like
the idea that they made a cold water product, but I wonder if there
really is a difference?

LeapFrog learning toy products. They stand behind their products and
replaced a defective toy. The kids also really played with them, I
like THAT fact a lot!

Subaru- I had an elderly '83 GL that finally keeled, and now I have an
'02 Forester. Those cars have gotten me anywhere in the most
craptacular weather, and the Forester does it with a lot of comfy
amenities.

Montana Silversmiths: I got a watch made by them as a gift in high
school, and due to hard use the band broke in college. I took it to a
tack store who sent it in for repair and to my suprise, they replaced
the brand and apologized! few years later, that band broke (I get
sweaty and dirty, and that's kind of hard on leather) and since that
style of band was discontinued, they let me pick out a new style and
sold it to me at cost. I love those guys....

Garnier Nutrisse hair care- my hair is crazy curly/frizzy, and this is
about the only stuff I've found that helps keep it under control with
minimal styling without making me sell my firstborn to afford it.

Dr. Pepper: Always tastes yummy (Side note... My m-i-l had a bad 12
pack and she wrote the company and they sent her coupons for free DP)

Adidas: Practically indestructable

White Cloud Diapers: Holds more liquid than the Hoover Dam.

Mean Green: The best cleaning stuff ever.

Dawn: Cleans EVERYTHING. Dishes, stains out of clothing, grease and
oil out of the driveway... It's mild enough to use on animals young
and old

1. Dove products. They deliver what they promise. In addition, i
love the Campaign For Real Beauty.

2. Coffeemate brand coffee creamer. It's simply the best tasting
coffee creamer.

3. Folger's coffee. The best tasting non gourmet coffee. That's song
about the best part of waking up is Folger's in your cup? It's true.

Tide detergent
Toyota
Oil of Olay

1. Ann Taylor Clothing - best fit, good quality.

2. Carolina Brand - the Jasmin rice is so yummy.

3. Folgers Coffee - consistently good.

Budweiser! HAHA...They never let me down

Monster...The drinks keep the boyfriend VERY happy, and that keeps me
happy!

Oh..this is hard because I dont nornally shop "brands" or names.

But a few things I ALWAYS buy..

Degree deoderant. I LOVE the stuff and never have to worry when I wear
it. And I like their new scents they have come out with too.

Always feminine products. Been using them for as long as I can
remember and will continue to use them.

Listerine Pocket Packs. I am addicted to them. LOL! I buy them in
bulk.

Faded Glory or Just My Size jeans. They are cheap, they fit, the
stretch, and the come in petites! LOL!

There are a lot of brands I would prefer to buy but these are probably
the only one I INSIST on buying.

Levi Jeans- Wear well, last long and get more and more comfy the
longer you have them.

Honda- Reliable, stable, safe

Kotex- I've been using their products since I was 13 never had a leak
yet....LOL

Puffs Plus- They don't hurt my nose, never have

Nokia- only one phone i had ever had issues and it was resolved. the
rest have been to hell and back i heart my nokia phone

Calvin Klein Jeans- love them, last long, wear well

Honda- my honda's been a little neglected at times, it was my first
car, i learned how to drive stick on it and drove it across the
country 3 times and its still runnin strong (almost 40 miles to the
gallon on a 99 isnt bad either)

so the ones I do buy are important to me.

Horizon, Organic Valley, Cascadian Farms, Amy's, Whole Foods -- The
primary organic foods providers. I eat their products every day.

Aveda -- I love Aveda haircare and skincare products.

Nissan. I bought my Nissan pickup new in 1993 and it's been perfect.
I almost wish it WOULD die, as I'd like to get a car! But it's nice
to not have car payments.

Victoria's Secret. My unsexy pajamas, leggings, sweatshirts, and
cotton undies have lasted FOREVER. The quality of what I've bought is
outstanding.

Gold Toe socks. Because feet deserve to be happy.

Dodge, I purchased my used in 2003. It is a 1997. What can I say? This
thing runs with water, without water, with oil, without, etc. It has
lasted these years with only 3 parts actually being replaced,
alternator, waterpump and one pully.

Target, I just wish they had a plus size for little girls.

Stouffers. Everything they make is good and the kids love the lasagne.

(cont.)
Noxema: great for clearing up acne

neutrogena: clean, simple and great products. i love the skin
clearing foundation

* a combination of the above two cleared up the adult acne i had
suffered from for 5 years, that had my dermatologist stumped

Crest. been using it my entire life and have never had a cavity yet.

Saturn. I know I am going to get a lot of "GM-backlash" on this one,
but I had mine for years, my aunt and uncle have had theirs for 13
years (and 297,000+ miles) and not a problem for any of it. plus,
their sales people are not pushy and the prices are great.

JCPenney (especially Custom Decorating) Always, always great deals
and good, strong products that will last. I have had custom
decorating in 3 homes now and their products are wonderful. the
decorators will work v. hard to get you a good deal, even though they
work on commission.

Singer - Both my current machines are Singers and I love them. :) When
I broke part of the bobbin case on one of them, they sent me the
replacement without charge and it arrived a week earlier than I
expected. On the Singer website it's possible to find and print
out/order user manuals for just about any Singer machine every made.

Kwik Sew - Of all the pattern companies I've tried (Simplicity,
Butterick, McCall's, Vogue) Kwik Sew is the only one I've never had
problems with regarding the sizing, cut or fall of the patterns. When
I spend the money (they never go on sale, unlike the other four
listed) I know I'm gonna get a great pattern that I'll be able to use
over and over again, since they print their pattterns on heavy paper
rather than tissue paper like the others.

Michael Miller - A fabric designer and printer. Their fabrics are good
quality for both apparel and quilting and their prints are always
unique and fun.

Luna - A book publisher. They specialize in woman-centric fantasy
fiction. The authors are all women and the books alwasy have strong
female leads and characters.

Sears - I've read several complaints on here about Sears, but I've
never had a problem with them. I bought my refrigerator, washer and
dryer from them. All three were delivered and installed without any
problems. When my battery died I went to the Auto Center for a
replacement and to their amusement changed it myself. :) One of the
men working there told me that I had a job as a mechanic there if I
ever needed one. I even go to the Eye Center in the local Sears for my
check-ups and new glasses. The woman who works there convinced me to
try smaller, lighter frames and I love them. I was wary of smaller
frames because of my bifocals but she said it wouldn't be a problem
and she was right.

Perdue Chicken - the fresh stuff, not the frozen chicken. Always
grills nicely, less fat than my Giant brand.

Cetaphil - love it; I have sensitive skin that reacts allergically to
almost everything. With this product my skin doesn't feel like it's
going to crawl off.

Colgate - my dentist swears by Colgate Total and I use it. I get to
spend less time in the dentist chair, which is a benefit for everyone,
because I whine. And bite.

Sierra Trading Post: They always have a large variety of stuff for
sale, great clearance, and they carry my size shoes.

Salvation Army Stores: best treasure hunting store in town. (I just
found a Versace shirt for $5!) Great for kids' clothing too; baby
clothes turn up with the tags still on as often as not. My local one
is clean and friendly, and you never know what will turn up next.

Ford: I've had a long string of old Ford beaters, and they've proven
more reliable than just about anything else.

Dove: I rarely have a problem with their products, and when I do they
fix it. My skin is fairly sensitive so it's fun finding stuff that's
usable.

Frye Boots: I have a pair of their clogs that feel good and fit - a
genuine rarity. They've held up forever too. The products aren't
cheap, but they're well made.

Turkey Hill Farms: Best mass produced fat free frozen yogurts and
sugar free ice creams ever. The fat free mango green tea yogurt is so
good you don't even realize it's fat free until you read the label.
They listen to their customers too.

Least recommended: GM - they broke their word about a promotional
program to me not once, but twice. They then refused to make good or
even fix the source of the problem so that it wouldn't happen to
anyone else. If they can't be trusted with a small thing, they won't
be trusted with a big thing - like 20 to 50 grand of my money.

Levis- I had an issue with some jeans once and via PFB they stepped up
and swapped out my bad pairs with brand new ones. Great customer
service

Gerber Tools- I broke my multi-tool because I was getting down right
western on a stuck bolt. They replaced it at no charge even though I
shouldn't have been doing what I was doing with the tool.

Assurian cell phone insurance- I spilled an adult beverage on my phone
and they had a new one to me within 48 hours. And I called on a
Sunday.

Okay. I already mentioned Biore - I have extremely hypersensitive
skin and it has worked well for me.

Arm & Hammer - we use the laundry detergent and I find the cat litter
is very good as well.

Revlon - if it says "Colorstay" it means it. That goes for foundation
and the lipcolor.

Annie's organics - Goddess dressing, white cheddar mac (good in a
pinch, or good comfort food)

Products I'd not touch with a disinfected bargepole:

Cover Girl (might as well rub Crisco on yourself)

Herbal Essences (on principle - I found those "hair washing orgasm"
commercials to be tasteless and demeaning to women)

I'm sure I can think of others.

Hmmm...interesting question. I don't really trust many brands, but
the ones I do trust I've used for years and years, and will probably
use forever!

1. I trust Neutrogena. I know their products will do what they
advertise, and not be damaging to my skin or hair.

2. I trust Tide. I know that Tide with Bleach will make my clothes
smell nice, and not break me out in hives (a very important
consideration when you have skin as sensitive as mine). When Rand and
I moved in together, he wanted me to use the laundry soap his parents
use, and it got ugly. In fact, it was one of our first fights in our
new apartment! Luckily, I was able to convert him!

Next we need a brain chain about brands we don't trust! Now that will
be interesting! :)

I am a die-hard Ford girl too. Out of about 5 vehicles I've
personally owned in my life, all but one of my cars has been a Ford.
The lone GM product (a '99 Pontiac Grand Prix) was a nightmare from
day one (can you say flimsy plastic upper intake plenum??)!

While no auto manufacturer is perfect, IMHO, I like Ford's line and
their overall durability tends to be just a little bit better.

I know I will be beaten and subjected to unimaginable torture, but I
love Target. I worked there a little over a year as a part-time job
and just had a really great experience.

The way they handle their staff and their actual company operations
was impressive to me, given that they are a retailer. I didn't expect
them to be so people-centric, but they really are. But the thing that
really gets me is the uniqueness of their products and the
unbelievable sales they have. I have found so many cool things there
that I have never seen anything like at any other store and when they
have sales, they REALLY have sales! I bought a 27" Sony Trinitron TV
that was a floor model, FOR $52!!! I got an artificial Christmas tree
for my dad for $10 after the holidays! It's just unreal!

Finally, I like Pepsi products more than Coke. It's not really about
the "quality" of Pepsi, it's more just my preference that makes me
loyal to their brand. I'll buy Coke if it is on sale, but all things
being equal, I pick Pepsi every time.

I can't tell you how many

Ford-I'm on my third Ford truck and we also have a 1995 Mustang (sorry
Venice) and two Escorts, a 2001 and a 1987, all going strong with no
problems. I do credit some of this to the excellent service we
receive at our local dealer.

Aveeno Products-I have dry sensitive skin and can always trust their
products to be gentle but get the job done.

Kohl's-Why shop anywhere else?

Sperry Topsiders, Bluefish or Classic - Well made, always
comfortable and they last forever, so I don't mind spending the money.
I'm gonna cheat here and throw in Zappos - great place to buy
shoes!(excellent customer service)
On the other end of the economic spectrum,K Mart's Basics line is
just that, basic. But it all washes and wears well, even if it is not
fancy. Good value.
Stickly furniture. I will never in my lifetime be able to afford a
piece, but dang! if I could, I would definitly know I was getting
furniture I could trust.

Too bad the example you gave about Toyota was removed, because it
applied to me almost word for word, except the part about the
Corolla.

My husband owned a Toyota when we first met, actually it WAS a
Corolla, which he wrecked on the race track (long story, but if you're
interested it's somewhere at the beginning of my profile). After we
got married, he talked me into trading in my Mustang for a Celica
(1976). We also owned a Tercel (1982?) and a 1991 Camry. The Camry
was my favorite, but we loved them all. Based upon past experiences,
we wouldn't hesitate to buy another Toyota. Over the years, we also
owned Ford Escort, 1995 Mustang (the worst car we ever owned),
Hyundai, Dodge Neon (my daughter's), Honda Civic and a Subaru
Forester, and with the exception of the Forester, nothing has even
come close to living up to the performance and dependability of
Toyota.

My favorite store is Kohl's. We've had one here for about 4-5 years,
and I have never had one bad experience in all that time. There's
always a sale, coupons, lots of clearance merchandise, and the best
part is the indefinite return policy. The store is always clean and
well kept, and the employees are helpful and friendly. What more
could you ask for? Oh wait! If you pay one-third of your bill, there
is no interest. I love Kohl's!

I trust Kashi brand foods... seven whole grains on a mission! I have
been eating GoLean Crunch and Heart to Heart cereals for years and
have probably purchased hundreds of boxes, and the quality is
extremely consistent. I have never been disappointed. I also love
some of their other products, like oatmeal, waffles and energy bars. I
am an ingredient reader and love what goes into the making of Kashi
foods.

WaWa Convenience Stores. They went beyond and above what I ever
expected to correct a most distateful experience with a cashier. They
really DO listen.

Rite Aid Pharmacy. They too, took my complaints very seriously, took
appropriate action, and have kept me as a loyal customer. They also
accept competitor's coupons no questions asked and have an excellent
track record with refunds.

Goodwill. They've been absolutely amazing and have helped a lot of
people learn marketable skills while helping me out a lot by sending
people to take my donations when promised.

TRADER JOES: Trust everything they recommend. Love the experience. And
they are good listeners to feedback.

FISHER-PRICE: We trust their products with our kids. No cutting
corners. So-so website and listening-pipe, but strong focus on
quality.

CANON: I will always recommend Canon products to others; reliable,
high-quality, very consistent. I will always trust this brand.

I like Toyota too, bought one new and kept it 23 years, a celica which
I just sold last summer.

Wayside gardens, a little more pricey, but you get good plant stock,
reliable friendly people on the phone and unlike what happens with
many other mail order nurseries the plant doesn't die the first year
it's in the ground due to proper shipping methods and larger sized
pots they use.

Thats funny Lands end I like on my end too! They have the all weather
mocs which are the only shoe my son will wear and has worn for most
likely 5 yrs now and if they don't fit we know we can return them at
Sears without any problems. They have quality mocs with orthotics in
them and their clothing is well made too.

zappos.com - best shopping website out there, fast shipping, free
returns, pleasant customer service

McCann's Steel Cut Oatmeal - good, health, simple product

Arnold - a few years ago, they lessened the fiber content of their
bread. I called them directly, they told me they had lots of
complaints, a few months later, fiber back up to original amounts.
They listened to their customers