Top 15 best customer service companies: Setting the gold standard

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Companies face a $3.7 trillion annual risk due to bad customer experiences, while three in four customers say that a bad interaction with a business negatively impacts their day. Given these realities, it’s clear that customers are no longer just seeking good-quality products or great services. They want a seamless experience throughout their journey, and the best customer service companies really get it.

When a business strives to make every customer experience (CX) a positive one, it reinforces its commitment to service and satisfaction. Exceptional customer service makes that business stand out in crowded markets and earns it customer loyalty and trust.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the top 15 companies that are killing it at customer service, what makes them shine, and the smart practices they use to keep their customers happy.

Let’s get started.

How we assessed the best customer service companies

We worked hard to ensure that our list accurately includes the companies with the best customer service. Our evaluation is based on the following key factors:

Customer feedback and satisfaction scores

These are often the most direct measures of a company’s customer service quality. They can be gathered through surveys, feedback forms, and online reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, and social media.

We prioritized businesses with consistently high ratings and positive customer sentiment in our top customer service companies.

Responsiveness and resolution time

Customers love it when support moves fast to solve their issues. We checked how fast the following companies respond to customer inquiries. This included reviewing their customer contact channels and how well they solved their customers’ problems.

Personalization and empathy in interactions

Personalized support builds trust and loyalty, and we recognize companies that go the extra mile to make customers feel heard and understood. We looked for organizations that adapt their support style to different customer personalities and preferences.

Innovative customer service practices

The best customer service companies always look for innovative ways to provide more convenient and efficient service. Embracing the latest trends and exceeding expectations helps them stay ahead of the curve.

We examined how they are using technology to enhance CX, which includes omnichannel support, self-service options, and artificial intelligence (AI) tools.

Industry recognition and awards

Recognition from reputable sources can validate a company’s good customer service practices. This includes awards, certifications, and positive mentions in industry publications and by recognized analysts.

15 best customer service companies

Let’s explore some of the most remarkable companies that have mastered the art of support by genuinely caring for their customers.

1. Amazon

Image source: amazon.com

Why it stands out

• Efficient customer support: Amazon’s customer support is renowned for its knowledge and friendliness. Reps are always ready to assist, making the experience smooth and pleasant.
• Easy returns and refunds process: The easy returns and refunds process is a major draw for customers. This hassle-free policy ensures that customers can shop confidently, knowing they can return products without issues.
• Innovative use of AI and chatbots: Amazon makes good use of AI and chatbots. These technologies streamline customer service, providing quick and accurate responses.

Key practices

• Swift issue resolution
• 24/7 customer support
• Prime membership perks

2. Slack

Image source: slack.com

Why it stands out

• Comprehensive help center: Slack’s help center provides step-by-step guides, troubleshooting tips, and detailed frequently asked questions (FAQ) pages, all organized for quick answers. This setup helps users tackle issues by themselves, minimizing downtime.
• In-app chat support: Slack offers real-time support within the app. Users can get immediate help without leaving their workspace.
• Customized assistance: Personalized customer service is at the heart of Slack’s approach. By tailoring interactions to individual needs, Slack’s support team builds stronger relationships with its customers, setting Slack apart as one of the best companies known for customer service.

Key practices

• User-centric approach
• Customer feedback integration
• Centralized self-help resources

3. Disney

Image source: tripadvisor.in

Why it stands out

• Customer-centric mission: Disney focuses on creating happiness through entertainment, which is reflected in its deeply rooted culture and guiding principles. Every aspect of its operations, from theme parks to retail stores, is dedicated to creating magical experiences for guests.
• Defined quality standards: Whether assisting with merchandise inquiries or recommending products, Disney Store customer service mirrors the high standards set by Disney’s theme parks.
• Emphasis on courtesy, show, and efficiency: As illustrated in the review above, Disney staff’s friendliness and professionalism demonstrate its continuous efforts to create a unique experience for every customer.

Key practices

• Employee empowerment
• Commitment to exceeding customer expectations
• Implementation of the “LAST” model (Listen, Apologize, Solve, Thank)

4. Zappos

Why it stands out

• Exceptional customer service reputation: Founded in 1999, Zappos has truly redefined customer service. The online shoe and clothing retailer focuses on delivering happiness, not just products.
• Strong commitment to addressing customer pain points: Zappos maintains a customer-centric culture, placing the customer at the heart of everything it does.
• Encouragement of relationship-building calls: Instead of ending calls early, it assigns more staff to ensure that each customer gets the attention they need. Steven Weinstein, a Zappos employee, set a record with a 10-hour and 43-minute customer service call. The company’s commitment to excellence also extends to its customer service chat.

Key practices

• Quick and helpful issue resolution
• Allowing long customer service interactions
• Training staff to show empathy, not just make sales

5. Textmagic

Why it stands out

• Personalized assistance: Our support team takes time to understand each customer’s specific challenges and goals and offers customized advice.
• Expert technical guidance: One of our support team’s biggest strengths is its technical expertise. In addition to assisting clients with technical issues, our staff offers insights and best practices on how our clients can optimize their SMS use for various communication needs.
• Multiple customer service options: We provide live chat, phone, and email support, as well as an online knowledge base and a detailed FAQ section. This ensures that our clients get help on their preferred channel.

Key practices

• Dedicated support team
• Multi-channel customer service
• Comprehensive self-help resources

Aleksandra Lemzyakova, our Head of customer support, shared why we deserve to be on the list of the best customer service companies:

6. IKEA

Image source: ikea.com

Why it stands out

• Extensive customer support: Ikea is known for its great customer support across multiple channels. These include in-store assistance, responsive online chat, and a user-friendly FAQ section.
• Simple return process: Whether returning items in-store or online, Ikea strives to make the process simple and quick. In fact, Ikea’s stores welcomed almost 900 million visitors worldwide in 2024.
• Innovative use of technology: Ikea’s mobile app allows users to browse the catalog, check prices, and make shopping lists. The IKEA Place app uses augmented reality (AR) to visualize how products fit into customers’ homes, reducing the risk of mismatched purchases.

Key practices

• Comprehensive product guarantees
• Dedicated in-store customer service centers
• Personalized shopping assistance through digital tools

7. FedEx

Image source: fedex.com

Why it stands out

• High customer loyalty scores: With an impressive customer loyalty score of 80%, FedEx maintains strong customer satisfaction and retention rates. This high level of trust reflects its ability to consistently deliver on customer expectations.
• Collaborative approach: FedEx encourages teamwork and communication — both internally and with customers — to provide a more personalized service.
• Customer-focused technology: FedEx invests heavily in solutions that improve CX, such as user-friendly tracking systems. These systems allow customers to track shipments in real time, manage deliveries, and communicate more easily with support agents. Its investments in logistics management software also help streamline operations, ensuring timely and efficient delivery services.

Key practices

• Multiple self-service options
• Customer-focused newsletter
• Personalized shipping options

8. Buffer

Image source: buffer.com

Why it stands out

• Dedicated “happiness teams”: Buffer ensures that every interaction is tailored to each customer’s needs by having teams focused only on customer happiness.
• Community-focused engagement: Buffer strives to build a user community. They facilitate discussions, share insights, and celebrate user successes. This community-driven approach promotes advocacy among Buffer’s customer base.
• Interactions that align with company values: Buffer’s platform has good reviews on G2, where users rate it highly for its user-friendly interface and seamless integration with their social media accounts. A strong customer loyalty score also reinforces this positive feedback.

Key practices

• Personalized customer interactions
• Regular outreach to engage and support customers
• Integration of customer feedback into product development

9. IBM

Image source: ibm.com

Why it stands out

• Client-centric approach: IBM makes it easy to get support with great documentation and community resources. With Fix Central and Passport Advantage, clients can quickly download the fixes, updates, and software they need. This ensures that their systems run smoothly and keeps them up to date.
• Proactive customer outreach: IBM’s support team engages proactively with its customers to anticipate needs and address potential issues before they arise.
• Dedicated teams for customer onboarding: IBM assigns a team of specialists to help new customers integrate its solutions. These experts provide training specific to the client’s industry, ensuring that clients get the most out of IBM’s tools. The company understands that informed customers are happy customers who are more likely to stick around.

Key practices

• Support forums
• Scalable support solutions
• Comprehensive customer-facing documentation

10. Starbucks

Image source: customerservice.starbucks.com

Why it stands out

• Attention to detail: Starbucks stands out among companies with the best customer service by creating memorable experiences. Its attention to detail ensures that every customer who visits feels special, whether they enjoy their coffee in-store or on the go.
• Consistency and inclusivity: Starbucks isn’t just a coffee shop; it’s a community hub. Its inclusive culture and diverse workforce create an environment where everyone feels welcome.
• Service innovation: Starbucks’ innovations, like the mobile ordering system, have made the coffee ordering process smoother. These little conveniences show that they’re thinking about how to improve CX.

Key practices

• Personalization
• Collaborative spirit
• Commitment to social responsibility

11. Duolingo

Image source: duolingo.com

Why it stands out

• AI-powered assistance: Duolingo employs AI-driven chatbots to help users navigate language learning challenges.
• Community-driven support: Duolingo’s active forum and dedicated user community allow learners to help one another.
• User-friendly interface: The engaging interface is a great starting point. It makes learning a new language more like an interactive journey rather than a tedious task. This is great for casual learners because it takes the pressure off the whole process.

Key practices

• Peer-to-peer support
• AI-powered instant responses
• Gamification-driven customer experience

12. Trader Joe’s

Image source: traderjoes.com

Why it stands out

• Friendly and knowledgeable staff: Trader Joe’s is celebrated for its engaging, well-informed employees who provide personalized assistance.
• Unique product offerings: The store offers a curated selection of high-quality products, often at competitive prices.
• Efficient store layout: Trader Joe’s thoughtfully organized store design ensures a pleasant and hassle-free shopping environment.

Key practices

• Exclusive product selection
• Customer-centric store design
• Emphasis on employee training and satisfaction

13. Chewy

Image source: chewy.com

Why it stands out

• Personalized support for pet parents: Chewy goes beyond transactions. It builds real relationships with pet owners by offering personalized product recommendations and pet care advice.
• Rapid response times: Chewy’s customer service team is available 24/7 and responds quickly via phone, email, or chat.
• Thoughtful gestures: Chewy is known for sending handwritten notes and condolence gifts to customers who have lost pets, showcasing deep empathy.

Key practices

• Personalized interactions
• 24/7 customer service availability
• Emotional connection with customers

14. Apple

Image source: apple.com

Why it stands out

• Genius Bar expertise: Apple provides in-person technical support at Genius Bars, offering hands-on troubleshooting.
• Seamless device integration: AppleCare ensures extended warranties and top-tier tech support, keeping devices running smoothly.
• Effortless replacements: Apple streamlines the repair and replacement process, often providing immediate swaps for defective products.

Key practices

• Expert technical support
• Seamless product repairs
• Extended protection plans

15. Nordstrom

Image source: nordstrom.com

Why it stands out

• Exceptional return policy: Nordstrom is known for its “no-questions-asked” return policy, which makes it easy for customers to exchange or return items.
• Personalized shopping experience: From expert stylists to personal shoppers, Nordstrom provides tailored recommendations for customers.
• Customer-first philosophy: The company prioritizes customer satisfaction over rigid policies, ensuring a smooth shopping experience.

Key practices

• Hassle-free returns
• Customer-first approach
• Personalized shopping services

Key takeaways from the best customer service companies

The top companies with great customer service have set a high bar, and businesses looking to improve their services would be wise to take note. Here’s how to level up your game:

Cultivate a customer-first mentality

• Train your team to prioritize customer needs.
• Make customer centricity a core value, not just a marketing buzzword.
• Pay close attention to what your customers are saying. Use surveys, feedback forms, social media — whatever it takes to get their honest opinions.

Remain consistent

• Establish clear service standards and empower your team to make decisions.
• Make sure every interaction, whether online, on the phone, or in person, delivers the same awesome experience.
• Implement training programs on your company’s service standards, customer communication guidelines, and problem-solving techniques.

Invest in innovative solutions

• Don’t be afraid to experiment and find new ways to impress your customers.
• Consider integrating cutting-edge tools, such as AI-powered chatbots and AR technologies.
• Provide opportunities for your employees to expand their knowledge, such as access to customer service-focused books, podcasts, or conferences.

Want to make the list of the best customer service companies?

The companies we’ve mentioned have cracked the code of delighting customers at every touchpoint and building a loyal customer base in the process.

Explore their strategies and start implementing their best practices in your own business. Remember, it takes more than just fast replies to provide exceptional support.