What is a Red Stapler?
Customers work for their money. Companies should respect that. The Red Stapler is a recognition — a physical, slightly absurd, entirely sincere piece of office equipment — given to companies that show that respect in a way worth talking about.
Do Right by the Customer
The company made a decision that clearly created value for the people paying them.
Right a Wrong
Something went wrong, customers spoke up, and the company listened and corrected it.
Tell a Hard Truth
The company chose honesty and transparency, even when the truth was difficult or uncomfortable.
Who decides?
Scott’s Red Stapler Award is an editorial decision made by the site owner. Community votes do not automatically determine who receives an award — voting exists to help understand customer sentiment, and it is not a scientifically representative poll.
Vote totals are never published. They inform research; they don't hand out hardware.