FINDLAY, OHIO – A new Corporate Research International survey reveals which retailers, restaurants and other businesses, such as hotels and airlines, are providing consumers with the best customer service.

Based on results of the mystery shopping and market research firm’s quarterly customer service survey, RealPeopleRatings.com, more than 5,000 respondents rated their perception of how well each business provides customer service.

In the convenience stores category, BP grabbed top honors among survey participants as having the best customer service, followed by Shell and Chevron/Texaco. In the fast food category, Subway beat out Quiznos and Sonic.

“As companies seek ways to improve customer service and stay ahead of their competition, they need to get the whole picture before they can make improvements,” said Corporate Research International CEO Mike Mallett.

Mallet noted that RealPeopleRatings.com is designed to provide “an objective, holistic view of how a brand’s customer service is perceived,” adding that if a company believes it is doing a great job of providing customer service, but the perception in the marketplace reflects differently, “that organization needs to take a serious look at its program.”