Independent Study Reveals 91 Percent of U.S. Adults Would Not Return to a Business Where Their Personal Information was Stolen

A recent telephone survey of more than 1,000 U.S. adults conducted in September 2010 by Harris Interactive® on behalf of Cintas revealed that 91 percent would not return to a business if their personal information was stolen. From hotels to hospitals, the research provides insight into what types of businesses consumers would most likely stop patronizing if their confidential information, such as Social Security number or credit card number, was stolen.

“Data breaches not only impact consumers, but can potentially cost businesses millions of dollars and take a significant toll on public trust,” said Gail Cunningham, spokesperson for the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. “This research confirms that poor document management practices can significantly damage a business’ reputation and discourage once loyal customers from ever returning. It could also discourage potential customers from ever entering.”

The survey also reveals the percentage of adults who would take their business elsewhere, by industry, if their personal information was stolen. Hotels, retail stores and restaurants top the list of organizations patrons would most likely avoid. Findings include:

77 percent would not return to a hotel they’ve stayed at
76 percent would not return to a retail store they’ve shopped at
76 percent would not return to a restaurant they’ve dined at
74 percent would change banks
74 percent would switch insurance companies
74 percent would go to a different drug store or pharmacy
73 percent would get a new lawyer
70 percent would switch airline carriers

“Secure document management solutions are essential to protecting private business, employee and customer information,” added Jamie Samide, Director of Marketing, Cintas. “By partnering with a document management provider, companies can implement a customized, secure solution that will help ensure all information continuously remains safe and confidential.”

The survey was conducted by phone within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of Cintas from September 23-26, 2010 among 1,013 adults ages 18 and older. Results were weighted to reflect the U.S. adult population. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables, please contact Kim Syrios at ksyrios@mulberrymc.com. For more information about Cintas Document Management, visit www.cintas.com/documentmanagement.

About Cintas:

Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Cintas Corporation provides highly specialized services to businesses of all types. Cintas designs, manufactures and implements corporate identity uniform programs, and provides entrance mats, restroom supplies, promotional products, first aid and safety products, fire protection services and document management services to approximately 800,000 businesses. Cintas is a publicly held company traded over the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol CTAS, and is a Nasdaq-100 company and component of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index.

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