Businesses and Services I Love
Today I decided to be positive and give a little plug to businesses and services that I really like.
USAA: A Fortune 200 financial services company for the military, some other government employees, and their dependents. I check, save, invest, and insure through them. They have a great website and excellent customer service. They’re the only financial group in the world, I expect, that shares profits with the people they serve; in good years, I get a check from them with my cut. They’ve been there and helpful whenever I’ve needed them — including when I wrecked my car and when my mother died. If you qualify to use them, what are you waiting for?
GoDaddy: Okay, their advertising is kinda sexist and their website unduly cluttered, but when it comes to customer service, I consider them second only to USAA. I register all my domain names through them and they host this website. Whenever I have a question, I’ve always been able to call and get the help I need. I recommend GoDaddy to the students in my web design course and to anyone else who asks. I just wish they’d clean up their website.
Trader Joe’s: Who doesn’t love TJ’s? Great specialty food, reasonable prices, and, again, good customer service. They don’t offer the selection you’ll get at a full grocery store, but they do a reasonably good job of offering environmentally responsible food and products (Whole Foods is better in this respect but isn’t as customer-friendly, I think). Of course, they’re not nationwide, which is a pity, but if you have one close by, use it.
Netflix: I know not everybody loves Netflix (pace, Dan), and I’m mildly put off that its download service isn’t compatible with Macs, but overall, I’ve been happy with it. Netflix is inexpensive, efficient, and offers a much better selection of movies than is available at my local rental stores or library. If I get a scratched or broken DVD in the mail, I just report it and a new one is sent the next day while I return the damaged one. Since I don’t have a TV, I find this DVD rental service invaluable.
Locals:
Dr. Ellen Baker, audiologist. She recently fitted me for custom earplugs in my ongoing Quest for Quiet. She’s friendly, easy-going, patient, and if I’m ever lucky enough to start losing my hearing, I’ll be sure to see her for all my audiological needs.
Kelly Barron, my hair stylist for the last nine years. I dreaded haircuts for years before putting myself into her hands, but now I just go in and she makes my hair look presentable again. If you live in my area and need someone to do your hair, drop me a line and I’ll give you her phone number.
Mysteries to Die For: I don’t get here nearly as often as I should, but this indie bookstore is great if you enjoy mysteries, and if you need a recommendation, just ask the staff.
As I consider this list, I realize that a major selling point for me is high-quality customer service. I use lots of companies for various services or goods, but it’s only the ones that offer prompt, helpful customer service that I remember and recommend to friends.
drupagliassotti @ June 20, 2008