What are your favorite businesses?

[FreeFlyNole]

Just wondering who you think is a good business that you enjoy patronizing, or that you think adds to the fabric of your life? And why?

1. Costco - I think they have extremely high quality of selections there at very fair prices. I've been a member since 1992, they treat their employees and customers great.

2. Southwest Airlines - It takes some getting used too, but I think the have commercial business travel down. No change fees, companion passes, refundable tickets, IMO the best frequent flyer program in the business.

3. Amazon - they have revolutionized shopping and have vastly improved my life.

4. Wild Turkey Distilling Co ( a division of the Campari Group) - for obvious reasons.

5. Apple Computers - They make great stuff, it's a rip-off but I have a lot of their stuff and it has always performed for me.

 

[OrlandNole]

Just wondering who you think is a good business that you enjoy patronizing, or that you think adds to the fabric of your life? And why?

1. Costco - I think they have extremely high quality of selections there at very fair prices. I've been a member since 1992, they treat their employees and customers great.

2. Southwest Airlines - It takes some getting used too, but I think the have commercial business travel down. No change fees, companion passes, refundable tickets, IMO the best frequent flyer program in the business.

3. Amazon - they have revolutionized shopping and have vastly improved my life.

4. Wild Turkey Distilling Co ( a division of the Campari Group) - for obvious reasons.

5. Apple Computers - They make great stuff, it's a rip-off but I have a lot of their stuff and it has always performed for me.

Completely agree with your first three. Here are some other brands that I'm loyal to:

Nike - I know what I'm getting, and can usually get it at a good price (outlet). I currently own about 14 pairs.
Myprotein - Protein, supplements and athletic wear. The best combination of price, taste, effectiveness, style and fit, and it's not even close.
Ralph Lauren - I own about 10 of their custom fit polos.

 

[SeaPA]

Frontier Airlines; nothing quite like taking a plane cross country, sitting on a cardboard box, with 2 inches of legroom between my cardboard box & the one in front of me. Even better, I get to pay a $1000 fee if I forget to pre-check my carry-on that is too big to fit in my front pocket.

 

[Squirrel J.]

-Amazon: If I remember that I need something, it will always be at my house quicker than by the time I got around to going to the store. (Prime music is pretty sweet as well)

-Chic-fil-a: In a world where people seem bothered by you requesting a service, they train their people to be polite

-ACE Hardware: most helpful people in town

-Kuiu: great company for hunting clothing and I like their no middle man business model, unfortunately their founder just committed suicide

-Venmo: makes paying people simple

-Uber: makes getting a ride simple

 

[Formerly Rockymtnole]

Apple and Amazon for the reasons you mentioned above.

Always like Chick-Fil-A.

 

[RunRonnieRun]

Patagonia - high quality products from a company with a strong social and environmental conscience. They also treat their employees incredibly well. Should be a model for all businesses.

 

[NDallasRuss]

Patagonia - high quality products from a company with a strong social and environmental conscience. They also treat their employees incredibly well. Should be a model for all businesses.

Oboz, for pretty much the same reason.

 

[Imtotallynottribe]

Just wondering who you think is a good business that you enjoy patronizing, or that you think adds to the fabric of your life? And why?

1. Costco - I think they have extremely high quality of selections there at very fair prices. I've been a member since 1992, they treat their employees and customers great.

2. Southwest Airlines - It takes some getting used too, but I think the have commercial business travel down. No change fees, companion passes, refundable tickets, IMO the best frequent flyer program in the business.

3. Amazon - they have revolutionized shopping and have vastly improved my life.

4. Wild Turkey Distilling Co ( a division of the Campari Group) - for obvious reasons.

5. Apple Computers - They make great stuff, it's a rip-off but I have a lot of their stuff and it has always performed for me.

Honestly other than Southwest which I've never gotten to use thanks to the Tally airport I agree with your list. I love Costco; use Amazon extensively along with EBay, Etsy, Overstock and Wayfair; learned to love all of the Wild Turkey esp the Kentucky Spirit and Masters Keep (especially the 17 yo) by visiting the distillery itself (second favourite distillery tour in America); and love and own most Apple Products other than the laptop and desktop.

As far as airlines, they all have been terrible experiences except for Virgin Australia which actually did a fantastic job of comfort and customer service to the point I assume that's how all flights were in the 50s and 60s.

As far as other companies I can't really think of any large companies I love other than Lenovo for laprops and Netflix for its content. There's a lot of smaller companies I really like such as Sweet Grass Dairy, Abita, Victory, Shiner, Tijuana Flats, Kreuz Market, Don's Specialty Meats, Red Bridges BBQ, etc...

 

[12Nole]

Make it easy and friendly.

Amazon
Southwest
Uber
Venmo
Publix
Chick-Fil-A

 

[mcgrawfsu]

Culver's. If you have one near you, definitely a must try.

 

[cfbfan23]

Costco
Dekalb Farmers Market
Bojangles
QuickTrip
Amazon
Phidippides for anything running-related
Four Seasons and Fairmont Hotels

 

[TarponSpringsNole]

Publix
Amazon
Xhamster
Chick Fil-a: as mentioned the most courteous, helpful, and respectful employees around
Dunkin

 

[OrlandNole]

Four Seasons and Fairmont Hotels

I'll add Hilton (including Hampton Inn, Doubletree, Embassy Suites, Tru, Garden Inn, etc.) - I can find a property almost anywhere, it's a pretty consistent experience and a decent rewards program.

 

[ggmike1992]

Publix
Amazon
Xhamster
Chick Fil-a: as mentioned the most courteous, helpful, and respectful employees around
Dunkin

One of these things is not like the others

 

[Imtotallynottribe]

One of these things is not like the others

You definitely get screwed more at Publix than on Xhamster.

 

[KitingHigh]

Marriott - Only travel company that deserves this title in these days. I've had stuff go wrong at Marriott, as I have everywhere, but they've always gone out of their way to fix it. They have also gone above and beyond for me on a number of occasions.

Disney Parks - I know this one will sound weird, but same as Marriott, they still do what they can to correct mistakes and make customers happy.

The customer service of those places puts most others to shame. Or at least they did when I was travelling all the time and the kids were younger.

Levis - Been wearing them forever and they the last as expected and do what they are supposed to. Every few years when I need a new pair, I don't even have to try them on. On a side note, until very recently (after many people took advantage of it), Levis had a lifetime warranty on their jeans. You could actually return a 100 year old pair of jeans and have them replaced.

Columbia boat shoes - I have different favorite brands for different types of shoes. Columbia blows away the other brands of boat shoes. I've had many pairs of Sebago and Sperry and even the most expensive ones didn't grip, drain, or hold up like Columbia ones do. I've had pairs that I've worn for over a year nearly every day, and they are far more comfortable than the others as well. I like their clothing as well, but not exclusively. I'm exclusive on the shoes.

Hunts all natural ketchup - It's thicker (this has been scientifically proven) and better than Heinz, plus it bothers people that blindly say they only like Heinz.

 

[seminoledq]

I am extremely loyal to Southwest Airlines, Hyatt brand hotels and MGM Properties. With travel (for me at least) it's all about service and loyalty programs and both are top notch at these places.

As for retail I would list:
King Soopers grocery store (Kroger brand)
Yeti
Reef
Bealls (this is new to me but so far my experiences have been great)

 

[TripTych]

Arc'teryx - The best clothes from casual to athletic
On Running - The best running shoes by far I've ever worn
Polar Beverages Seltzer (Cranberry Lime) - The best non-alcoholic
AG denim - The best jeans
Titleist - The best irons and balls
Garnish and Gather - The best organic, local, meal delivery service. So much fun to have these to make a few days a week
Instacart - Never go to the grocery store again, everything delivered straight to your door
UberEats - Great for a last minute dinner idea, get to try a bunch of different places, and extremely cheap
Spotify - Been a premium user since 2008? Couldn't live without it
Burial Brewing - Best brewery for my IPA palate
American Express - Member since 2002, best service, awards, customer service.

 

[RunRonnieRun]

On Running - The best running shoes by far I've ever worn

I’m a relative newcomer to these and agree. They’re wonderful.

No idea about them as a company, but I love their product.

 

[Formerly Rockymtnole]

Culver's. If you have one near you, definitely a must try.

Agreed. It’s the Chick Fil A of burger joints.

 

[Imtotallynottribe]

Marriott - Only travel company that deserves this title in these days. I've had stuff go wrong at Marriott, as I have everywhere, but they've always gone out of their way to fix it. They have also gone above and beyond for me on a number of occasions.

Disney Parks - I know this one will sound weird, but same as Marriott, they still do what they can to correct mistakes and make customers happy.

The customer service of those places puts most others to shame. Or at least they did when I was travelling all the time and the kids were younger.

Levis - Been wearing them forever and they the last as expected and do what they are supposed to. Every few years when I need a new pair, I don't even have to try them on. On a side note, until very recently (after many people took advantage of it), Levis had a lifetime warranty on their jeans. You could actually return a 100 year old pair of jeans and have them replaced.

Columbia boat shoes - I have different favorite brands for different types of shoes. Columbia blows away the other brands of boat shoes. I've had many pairs of Sebago and Sperry and even the most expensive ones didn't grip, drain, or hold up like Columbia ones do. I've had pairs that I've worn for over a year nearly every day, and they are far more comfortable than the others as well. I like their clothing as well, but not exclusively. I'm exclusive on the shoes.

Hunts all natural ketchup - It's thicker (this has been scientifically proven) and better than Heinz, plus it bothers people that blindly say they only like Heinz.

I hope Hunts Ketchup dies of Guinira and rots in hell.

 

[mcgrawfsu]

SideLine Swap - it's a new (at least to me) app to sell or trade sporting goods equipment. WAY better than Play it Again. I've sold 5 of my son's baseball bats in the past couple of months. They charge a 9% fee of the sale price before shipping. Super easy to use and you get more for the items you are selling.

 

[LesClaypool]

“A guy told me one time, "Don't let yourself get attached to anything you are not willing to walk out on in 30 seconds flat if you feel the heat around the corner”

That's how I feel about businesses. I'm prepared to leave them at a moment's notice. I've never found one that was genuinely worthy of loyalty or fandom.

 

[Imtotallynottribe]

Agreed. It’s the Chick Fil A of burger joints.

So soggy and without seasoning, got it.

Actually as far as Culvers goes it's WAY better than Chick Fil A which I'd put at best in the middle third of fast food chain chicken places. I would have CFA behind at least Bojangles, Raising Cane, Spanky's (I'm being loose with fast food and chains when including them I know), Maryland Fried, Hattie B's, Guthries, Lindy's, Popeyes, Golden Chick and Churchs probably in that order although it would fluctuate depending on what I'm in the mood for as Guthries has the best sauce but Raising Canes better fingers and Maryland is my favorite chain whole chicken but Bojangles and Popeyes have much better sides.

Getting back to Culvers, there was only one chain place I've been to that has better ice custard/ice cream and I couldn't find the name of it. It's a smaller chain also from Wisconsin that has recently popped up and I do like it a little better than Culvers. But that's it.

 

[Formerly Rockymtnole]

Re Culver’s, my comparison to CFA is the consistent cleanliness, friendliness, decent fast food/good value.

 

[Imtotallynottribe]

Re Culver’s, my comparison to CFA is the consistent cleanliness, friendliness, decent fast food/good value.

I will grant you that CFAs are fast, friendly and clean when serving their bland boring food.

 

[ggmike1992]

I will grant you that CFAs are fast, friendly and clean when serving their bland boring food.

 

[GwinnettNole]

CFA- for sure, place knows how to do a great job on customer service
Starbucks- Love their stores, service and coffee
Apple- They make cool reliable technology

I don't love but I do like:
Microsoft- They get some hate but frankly I think Windows 10 rocks

 

[Fijimn]

H-E-B grocery in Texas are pretty awesome.
Southwest - even though its a cattle call to get to your seat, it's the best business travel.
Ritz Carlton - i don't stay at the Ritz very often because, even if it is the cheapest hotel somewhere, the optics of submitting a bill from the Ritz to a client is not good, but damn they take care of people.
Wayfair - my wife bought a coffee maker about 3 - 4 months ago and the thing went really wonky on us. They asked if we wanted a new one or a refund, no issues about being outside warranty. Don't even have to send the old one back.

 

[goldmom]

Stein Mart
They're just so smooth at taking my money.

 

[FreeFlyNole]

I will grant you that CFAs are fast, friendly and clean when serving their bland boring food.

It's hard to make a piece of white meat chicken taste good, they do the best job possible. You're nuts. The constant line wrapped around the building from open till close 6 days a week proves it.

 

[NoleLizards]

Show business!

 

[funksouljon]

Read through the companies listed. Wonder what people consider "a good company" which was part of the OPs question. How do you weight socially good vs good products? There were a couple listed that made me raise an eyebrow.

 

[Nole Lou]

“A guy told me one time, "Don't let yourself get attached to anything you are not willing to walk out on in 30 seconds flat if you feel the heat around the corner”

That's how I feel about businesses. I'm prepared to leave them at a moment's notice. I've never found one that was genuinely worthy of loyalty or fandom.

Yep, that's pretty much me. Between a natural lack of loyalty to business, plus being an extreme value shopper, there isn't much for me. There are plenty of things I like or am satisfied with, but nothing I wouldn't walk away from as soon as a better value comes along.

I guess I would consider myself a "fan" of Amazon, Netflix, Ebay, Craigslist and Aldi.

The only products I think I am hardcore committed to are Frank's hot sauce and Aldi chewing gum.

 

[cmanole]

ECCO shoes. Bit the bullet and bought a pair of golf shoes and loafers last summer. Most comfortable shoes I've ever owned.

Ralph Lauren polos. Expensive but they last a long time (unless your wife nukes them in the dryer like mine tends to do).

Nike. I think their shoes and shirts are garbage but their golf slacks are really well made and comfortable.

Toyota trucks. Hands down the most dependable and long lasting.

Premium fuel and synthetic oil. Always. Protect your engine.

Apple computers. Expensive but they are the best imo.

Applebee's. Best French onion soup ever.

Sonny's. Great food every time you walk in the door.

 

[Lurker1999]

Amazon.

Do my mechanic and tire guy count?

Both aren't cheap but are honest and quick...

 

[Urban Cryer]

Read through the companies listed. Wonder what people consider "a good company" which was part of the OPs question. How do you weight socially good vs good products? There were a couple listed that made me raise an eyebrow.

Are you a special agent with the Morality Enforcement Agency? Where do you draw the line?

 

[nynole1]

It's hard to make a piece of white meat chicken taste good, they do the best job possible. You're nuts. The constant line wrapped around the building from open till close 6 days a week proves it.

Someone had to be the contrarian, are you really that surprised?

 

[Imtotallynottribe]

Someone had to be the contrarian, are you really that surprised?

Contrarian? I like chicken meat that's juicy without an overnight soak in pickle juice and enjoy a light but actually crunchy and not mushy and soggy crust. You can get that at Raising Canes, Spankys, Guthries and more while you CAN'T get that at CFA. Plus I prefer sauces that aren't basically corn syrup.

 

[nynole1]

Contrarian? I like chicken meat that's juicy without an overnight soak in pickle juice and enjoy a light but actually crunchy and not mushy and soggy crust. You can get that at Raising Canes, Spankys, Guthries and more while you CAN'T get that at CFA. Plus I prefer sauces that aren't basically corn syrup.

Boooo