Crutchfield

The best consumer electronics site

Let's start with the disclaimer: I worked for Crutchfield for 15 years before leaving in 2007. However, rather than create a built-in bias that fact is the basis for my nomination. While at Crutchfield, no matter where I'd go - be it on vacation in the Outer Banks, or New Orleans, or wherever, when I told people where I worked many of them had heard of Crutchfield, and many of those who had heard of Crutchfield told me how awesome the company is. Many told me a specific story about a purchase, and the support they had received. After leaving Crutchfield and moving to Houston, this "let me tell you my Crutchfield story" phenomenon has occurred even more frequently. I have met people here who have said "I wouldn't buy electronics from anybody else". Crutchfield is a relatively small retailer - they are no threat to Best Buy (though I do think they contributed to Circuit City's demise). Yet year after year after year the company, its service, and its web site are recognized for exceptional customer service. BizRate has recognized them with their Circle of Excellence 10 times - of the thousands of companies BizRate measures, Crutchfield is the only 10-time recipient. Though small, the company is highly innovative. Their website is world class - in this regard I am definitely biased, but it's the best consumer electronics site in the world.

Kemp, - 08 October 2009