When it comes to their customers, Apple delivers top-class service. They not only meet their customers' needs and requirements, they also anticipate them.

BusinessWeek has ranked 25 client-pleasing brands (this is the first time they do so) and listed Apple Inc. on the 18th place. (This is all about customer services, not about the degree of satisfaction regarding Apple products).

The company topped names like JW Marriott, Buick and Lincoln. The leading five names were: USAA (insurance), Four Seasons (hotels), Cadillac (automotive), Nordstrom (retail) and Wegmans (supermarkets).

Apple was included in the electronics industry and was the only company of its kind ranked in the top. Apple received bonus points for being first in its industry.

"Despite frustration about iPod battery replacements, Apple's customer service phone support ranks tops among electronics providers. In particular, customers rate its automated phone system as easy to navigate and good at resolving questions," says the team at BusinessWeek.

Apple scored 875.4 in Service Index, compared to the 992.6 scored by first-ranked USAA. The Service Index is composed of a weighting of J.D. Power's scores for "people" and "process," plus a bonus score for industry leaders.

Apple was graded a C- for "Process" (a reflection of their return policies and reservation procedures). The company scored a B+ in the "People" category (for their friendly and experienced customer service representatives). 58 percent of respondents would recommend the brand with no reservations, according to the BusinessWeek survey.

Looks like Apple really knows how to gain and keep their customers and the exquisite customer services they provide have been acknowledged in this BusinessWeek top. Well done, Apple.