Also joining the dubious Top 10 List of the worst grade earners is virtually every form of personal communication service. Landline phone service providers, cable TV, satellite TV, Internet service providers and cellular phone providers all made the company’s “Most Complained about Categories.” The Internet service category made the list for the second year in a row. Also making repeat appearances were home builders and furniture sales categories.   

“It’s disappointing to see home warranties remaining at the top of this heap with nearly 55 percent of our reports in this area showing overall “F” and “D” grades,” said Angie Hicks, founder of Angie’s List. “Most of the complaints about home warranty companies in particular, stemmed from misunderstandings over what the warranty covered, poor customer service, or unhappiness with the contractor sent out to diagnose or fix the problem.”

“It never ceases to amaze me that most of the problems cited – across the board – could have been resolved had the companies only worked harder to listen and respond to their customers’ needs,” Hicks added.  “In today’s economy, no business can afford to push their customers out the door, but that’s what a lot of these poorly-graded companies are doing.”

Many of the categories with the top grades represent more personalized or individual services. Piano tuners attracted the greatest percentage of “A” and “B” grades.

“These contractors are accustomed to taking on a one-of-a-kind project or a personalized service and are very good about meeting individual customer’s desires,” Hicks said.

Grades for companies in more than 425 service categories are assigned by members who used the services and judged their performance based on overall experience, price, quality, responsiveness punctuality, and professionalism.