We’re not going to waste your time talking about how important it is to provide great customer service. Numerous studies on the importance of customer experience show that, no matter the industry, clients are more likely to return to a company if they have a positive interaction with customer service.
Instead, we will show you the real-life examples of the best companies for customer experience, who are truly known for putting their clients first. These businesses have become the gurus of customer service, and we’re breaking down exactly how they do it. Furthermore, we’ve included practical, actionable tips (just for you) so you can apply these lessons to your own business and take your customer service to the next level.
So buckle up, and get on to reading!
Retail and wholesale make up a big chunk of the consumer service field. According to Deloitte’s 2025 forecast, the top growth areas here are going to be loyalty programs, eCommerce expansion, and improved omnichannel experiences.
One of the biggest trends for this year, though, is “engaging the value-seeking consumer.” And while “value” means different things to different people, one thing’s clear: price alone isn’t enough. In a crowded market, a great customer experience is what keeps people coming back.
That’s why we’re spotlighting Amazon and Trader Joe’s—two standout examples of the most customer-centric companies in this space.
Call it a cliché, but we had to start with Amazon. As one of the biggest names among online marketplaces, Amazon has redefined how we shop, offering a wide range of products from A to Z (literally, just look at the logo).
Fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic e-Commerce boom, it’s become a global go-to. In 2024 alone, their net sales jumped 11% to $638 billion, up from $574.8 billion in 2023. Yet, their success is not just about products or convenience.
What really makes Amazon stand out is its customer service. So what’s their secret? Let’s break down what they’re doing right.
Offering over 350 million products, the company knows just how overwhelming too much choice can be. To make shopping simpler, in February 2024, Amazon launched Rufus – an AI-powered assistant trained on its catalog. Rufus answers customer questions by pulling from reviews, relevant store APIs, and other sources, guiding users every step of the way. Since its full rollout in September 2025, it has handled 100+ million queries.
Amazon also provides a centralized customer support service. This is a paid program, designed for retailers: the company offers to take it upon itself to provide 24/7 customer assistance via phone, chat, or email. The initiative helps the sellers on the platform keep their CSAT at around 85% and resolve 82% of queries during the first contact.
Committed to transparency and building trust, Amazon was one of the first online retail stores to introduce verified purchase badges to fight fake reviews and to let users rate helpful feedback to spotlight what matters. Combined with Amazon’s active response to user concerns, the customers here feel like their voices are heard and valued, prompting them to stay loyal to the brand.
When was the last time you stopped by your local Trader Joe’s? If you have, you’ve probably noticed how easy and pleasant the shopping experience is. There’s always someone nearby, ready to help if you can’t find something, and that’s no accident.
It’s exactly this kind of personal care that keeps customers coming back, earning Trader Joe’s a spot on this year’s best customer service list according to Forbes. Their approach to customer assistance may be a little different, but it’s definitely one worth paying attention to.
A key part of Trader Joe’s customer service strategy is keeping stores fully staffed and running smoothly. Employees rotate roles regularly, so when a register needs opening or an aisle needs restocking, a quick ring of the bell signals the switch. Team members jump in without hesitation, seamlessly swapping spots to keep things efficient and provide the necessary customer assistance.
Another reason this grocery store stands out as one of the companies known for its customer service quality is employee engagement. The company invests in its staff with competitive pay and healthcare benefits, even for part-timers. Team members are also encouraged to think creatively and find unique ways to support customers. As a result, this creates a positive, motivated workplace where employees are genuinely happy to help.
Despite its size, Trader Joe’s takes customer feedback seriously. Back in 2019, after concerns about excessive plastic use, the company committed to eco-friendly packaging and eliminated single-use plastic bags as a part of its sustainability efforts. Whether in-store or online, customers are encouraged to share their thoughts, and, most importantly, Trader Joe’s listens and takes action.
Next in our charts is the industry that probably benefits from high-quality customer service more than the rest – food services. From fast-food joints and cozy local diners to trendy cafés, busy pubs, and upscale restaurants, every business in this space relies heavily on creating positive client experiences. Without it, even the best menus wouldn’t be enough to keep customers coming back.
That’s why, in our roundup, we’re highlighting two standout restaurant chains known across the U.S. for best in class customer service – Chick-fil-A and Mission BBQ.
Chick-fil-A, a family-owned business of 78 years (which is Older than both McDonald’s and KFC), has become the third-largest fast-food restaurant chain in the USA. And even though their Deluxe Chicken Sandwich and waffle fries are hard to resist, it’s not just food that people come there for. As one of the top consumer brands, Chick-fil-A offers an immaculate customer experience, and here’s how they do it.
Like most fast-food chains, Chick-fil-A focuses on the basics: friendly service, quick orders, and hot food. This is what can be called the “first mile” of customer experience. But it’s the “second mile” that is really a secret ingredient here. Their employees always serve patrons with a smile, place fresh flowers on their tables, and even go so far as to accompany a customer to their car on a rainy day with an umbrella. They even use a signature, “My pleasure,” instead of a routine “You’re welcome.” These small, but genuine touches create a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes customers feel genuinely cared for and keeps them coming back.
How do you create a fan base out of your clients and make them come to your food chain over 4 times a month? For Chick-fil-A, the answer lies in personalization and genuine customer care. When someone leaves a negative review, it’s not uncommon for a franchise owner or manager to reach out personally, offering an apology, a free meal, and a simple request for a second chance. Employees are also encouraged to connect with guests, ask about their day, and even offer a complimentary item if someone seems to be having a tough time. This goes to show that most customer obsessed companies recognize that true business growth is not just about transactions, but about building human connections.
Mission BBQ is a diner famous for its patriotic positioning as a brand that honors American heroes, including military, police, firefighters, and first responders. And it’s such a strong moral compass paired with a couple of key customer service strategies that make the restaurant so loved by its clients.
The company takes an especially proactive approach to address their customers’ needs and make each dining experience memorable. The employees here frequently engage with clients in conversations and (similarly to Chick-fil-A) offer small but nice gestures, all to create a family-like experience, which is a signature “vibe” of the restaurant.
As a brand with strong values, Mission BBQ takes engaging with the community seriously. Through its “Giving Back” initiative, the chain has donated over $20 million to local and national charities. Such a strong stance naturally attracts customers who share those values – and creates a deeper emotional connection beyond the food. Such commitment has helped position Mission BBQ as one of the companies with highest customer satisfaction, making guests feel like they’re part of something bigger every time they walk through the door.
When it comes to financial services, trust and reliability are everything. Whether it’s banking, insurance, or investment, customers expect more than just financial advice. In reality, they want clear communication, fast support, and a sense that their financial well-being is in good hands. In an industry that can often feel cold or impersonal, great customer service becomes a true differentiator. And that’s why we decided to highlight one specific company in the field, that made this year’s list for the best customer care.
With a Net Promoter Score 4 times higher than the industry average, this banking and insurance provider for military members and their families surely knows how to provide the best customer support to their clients. Their commitment to delivering exceptional, personalized experiences builds strong customer loyalty, often turning satisfied clients into brand advocates.
One standout aspect of USAA’s approach to customer service is encouraging employees (who are also members themselves) to share ideas for improvement. This insider perspective helps identify real gaps in the experience that might otherwise go unnoticed. Most importantly, USAA listens: out of more than 10,000 employee-submitted ideas, nearly 900 have been patented and implemented, directly enhancing service quality and efficiency. It also creates a more accepting and motivating work environment, with staff being directly interested in making their job better.
Unlike many companies where departments work in operational silos, USAA takes a cross-functional approach. Its teams work and collaborate in shared workspaces. A great example is the company’s MSR Lab, where IT, business, and customer service representatives work side by side. This setup speeds up product testing, allows for faster feedback, and ensures a seamless, consistent experience across every customer touchpoint.
The core goal of the hospitality industry is to create memorable experiences and deliver outstanding service. Whether it’s hotels, resorts, travel agencies, or entertainment venues, customer satisfaction is always the top priority. To stay competitive, these businesses aim to become personal consumer services, making positive interactions that leave a lasting impression their primary focus. And there’s one specific company that knows how to do it right.
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel chain, the true giant of the hospitality industry, has long been known for its bespoke luxury and outstanding experience. Even Apple took note, adopting some of the brand’s customer service strategies for its own business. So what’s their secret? Here are a few key lessons worth learning from this iconic hotel chain.
One thing about the Ritz-Carlton is that they personalize the guest experience up to the smallest details. How do they manage to keep everything in mind with that number of visitors? The company created its own Guest Preference Database that stores all of its guests’ likes, dislikes, food preferences, and whatnot. This allows employees to cater directly to each customer’s needs, making their stay more comfortable and smooth. And taking into account guest preferences can do wonders for their satisfaction and your retention rates.
One of the principles of Ritz-Carlton’s employees is to engage with customers on their terms. That’s why now the hotel’s mobile app also offers a digital concierge, allowing guests to make reservations, request services, and receive curated recommendations without having to go to the front desk. Aside from that, every hotel room at any Ritz-Carlton is equipped with smart technologies that make the visitor’s stay more convenient. We are talking smart thermostats and voice-activated assistants that help control the environment with ease.
At the Ritz-Carlton, exceptional service starts with empowered employees. New hires go through a 21-day onboarding focused on the brand’s Gold Standards, followed by continuous development through online training, one-on-one coaching, classroom training, or even week-long seminars. Furthermore, they empower their employees to take responsibility for the guest experience, allowing them to use up to $2000 per day to make the guests happier and more satisfied with their stay. These efforts help build a motivated team that’s genuinely happy to go above and beyond for every guest.
The companies featured in this roundup prove that there’s no single formula for excellent service. However, there are some key strategies they all have in common.
Creating personalized experiences and delivering high-quality customer service should be at the heart of any business, no matter the industry. After all, your clients are the ones driving your success, and they deserve to be treated like it. If there’s one key takeaway from the six best customer service companies we’ve explored, it’s this: great service starts from within. Cultivating a strong brand culture, empowering employees, and investing in their growth consistently leads to happier teams and even happier customers.
Want to join the ranks of companies with exceptional customer service? Well then, the fact that you ended up on our blog is pure fate! At EverHelp, we make it our mission to turn businesses into top consumer brands through tailored support solutions. So, book a meeting with our experts today, and we will discuss a customer success strategy that will bring recognition to your company.