Money Saving Tip: Do Business with Companies that Back up Their Products/Services

Here's a short and easy money saving tip:

When you have a choice, do business with companies that back up their products and services with guarantees, no hassle refunds/exchanges, and/or good customer service. Then when things go wrong -- which they do even with the best of companies and products -- you know that you (and your money) will be taken care of.

I have a list of companies that we associate with because of just such reasoning. They are:

Hampton Inn -- Our company uses Hampton Inns whenever we travel. Why? Good, clean hotels at decent prices. Plus, they have free high-speed internet service. Best of all, they have a 100% satisfaction policy, which I've had to test out twice. The first time, I was awakened at 4 am in the morning by the hotel's fire alarm and had to march outside in the cold with the rest of the guests. The reason was a malfunction in the hotel's system. When I asked for a partial refund the next morning, the clerk said, "No, we have a 100% satisfaction policy. If you weren't 100% satisfied, you stay for free." Then she credited me for the whole night. Cool. The second time, I was in a room where the high-speed internet didn't work and the staff was less than helpful. After I returned home, I wrote the company and they credited me for the entire cost of my stay. That's the type of company I want to patronize!!!

Bob Evans -- I LOVE Bob Evans pancakes. They taste great, fill you up for hours, and provide plenty of energy for those 50-mile plus bike rides (or re-charge you afterwards). One night, my son and I went in and ordered pancakes. They're usually pretty fast with their service, but this night we waited and waited and waited. The server kept saying our order was "coming right up". An hour later, it was no where in sight and we were close to running late to meet my wife. So I told the server I was leaving, we stopped at Wendy's for a quick bite, and headed home, less than happy. The next day, I emailed Bob Evans headquarters with the story. A week or so later, I received a letter of apology and $25 in gift certificates as compensation. Sweet! (literally) ;-)

Costco -- Costco is one of the few remaining companies that make returns hassle free. You still need your receipt, but they process the return quickly with no questions and don't give any "why didn't you want this" attitude. It makes buying things there a lot easier and, in my view, a great way to spend my money.

Are there any companies/products that you consider excellent in backing up what they sell?

Comments

[Debbie]

L.L. Bean has high-quality products for reasonable prices.

And here's my something-went-wrong story. I received a flashlight whose case was cracked in two places. I wanted to exchange it for a flashlight that was still in perfect condition. After calling the toll-free number, I was told to save the old flashlight and I would be receiving a (currently back-ordered) flashlight plus a postage-paid label. I was to put the first flashlight in the packaging from the second flashlight, put on the label, and leave it out with my mail to be picked up. This is both easy and efficient (with the packing materials).

(I also get very good service from some local business people--my ballroom dance instructor, my auto mechanic, a roofer, and a tree-trimmer.)