15 Companies That Are Known for Excellent Customer Service

Why do people pay $3 for coffee from Starbucks when they can make it for a fraction of the cost at home? In many cases, they simply want a great customer service experience.

Here are 15 companies that do customer service the right way. As a bonus, some of them charge prices or offer deals that allow you to keep more cash in your wallet.

There are many Costco membership perks, but perhaps the most important is the warehouse chain’s commitment to customer satisfaction.

The no-questions-asked return policy applies not only to products sold in the store, but to memberships as well. This customer-centric approach boosts shopper confidence and company growth.

Apple has built a cult-like following not just because it makes simple, sleek products, but also because the customer service experience keeps people coming back for years.

The personalized support portal lets you view every Apple product you have ever bought — you don’t have to keep track of the make or model. Apple then can offer your tailored product support whenever you need assistance.

Trader Joe’s aims to transform the stressful experience of grocery shopping into a fun outing. In grocer’s stores, you will find many happy employees, which makes for a pleasurable shopping experience.

The grocer is also renowned for its generous return policy. You can bring back eaten or opened food for a full refund even if you don’t have a receipt. This boosts customer confidence, especially about trying new or seasonal food items.

Zappos offers an audacious return policy — free returns and exchanges for 365 days on purchases. You can also take advantage of free shipping, rewards points, and other customer perks when you sign up for the free Zappos VIP program.

Finally, Zappos offers a 24/7 customer service phone line.

USAA provides insurance, banking, investment and retirement products to U.S military personnel, veterans, and their loved ones.

What sets this company apart is that its customer service department is made up of USAA members, which gives them insight into the brand experience. USAA encourages all staff members to make suggestions about how to improve the customer experience.

CVS takes a different approach than some other retailers by prioritizing values over profits. For example, in 2014, the store stopped selling tobacco products, despite the drop in sales it would inevitably cause.

Companies that stick to their values are often rewarded with customer loyalty.

Amazon is known for quick shipping, but there are so many more customer benefits when you shop at the online retailer.

Amazon aims to remove as much customer friction in the shopping process as possible. That is why it offers perks such as automatic refunds, price guarantees, and easy returns.

Lexus works hard to promote customer-focused service. While many luxury car owners take their vehicles to independent service shops, Lexus aims to change that.

Lexus dealerships are known for welcoming customers with fresh cookies, lattes, and friendly faces. That goes a long way.

Since its beginnings, JetBlue has sought to revolutionize air travel and set new industry standards for customer service. When you fly JetBlue, you don’t have to argue with a customer service agent about getting a flight credit — the policies of compensation are clearly laid out in the company’s Customer Bill of Rights.

The company also has a “people officer” who may randomly pop up on flights and in the airport to hand out rewards and gifts to passengers.

The most loyal Starbucks customers visit this iconic coffee shop regularly. It’s not just the coffee that’s keeping people coming back, it’s the focus on customer experience.

Starbucks offers a rewards program which allows coffee lovers to redeem points for free drinks, food items or merchandise. The coffee house also offers games and opportunities to win prizes through its website and app several times a year as a way to reward customers.

Patagonia is an outdoor company that connects customers with activism by being transparent about its product supply chain. It also offers a product repair program to reduce retail waste.

You can also take comfort in the retailer’s Ironclad Guarantee, which means if you aren’t happy with your products or purchases, Patagonia will do its best to make it right.

Publix is an employee-owned grocery store that is renowned for outstanding customer service. The grocer actually listens to its customers by taking product requests and stocking those items for purchase.

The company works hard to make Publix a happy place for both employees and customers.

Ritz-Carlton delivers a luxury hotel experience, and its customer service is a huge part of that.

Employees are empowered by management to act as they see fit to deliver an unforgettable experience — which could include ordering specialty food items or returning beloved stuffed animals.

Chick-fil-A has set a new precedent for fast-food service. The smiling staff, quick service, and quality food have rightfully gained the restaurant a loyal following.

The employee tagline — “my pleasure” — was actually taken from another customer-service star brand, the Ritz-Carlton.

Nordstrom sets itself apart by making shopping for clothes a fun experience. You can schedule a complimentary meeting with a personal shopper to help you find the perfect outfit.

For those looking to save money shopping, the store also offers basic tailoring for free to Nordy Club members on some purchases.

Nordstrom doesn't have a time limit on returns and instead pledges every effort to make things right.

Whether the customer service is good or bad, it's likely to make an impression on you and influence your future purchases.

Use your dollars to patronize companies that take care of customers and make them a priority. In particular, search out businesses that combine great customer service with value that helps you get ahead financially.