SquareTrade Wins 2011 Stevie®, World's Premier Business Award, for Sales & Customer Service(SM)

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- SquareTrade, the #1 rated warranty provider by consumers, today announced it was awarded the 2011 Stevie® in the "e-Commerce Customer Service" category in the fifth annual Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service.

Stevie Awards are one of the most coveted business awards.  The Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service, one of four annual competitions under the Stevie banner, recognize the accomplishments of sales, customer service, and call center professionals worldwide.  The awards are governed by a Board of Distinguished Judges & Advisors that includes many of the leading figures in business.

"SquareTrade has made it a cornerstone of its business to treat its customers fairly, promptly, and with great respect.  We're thrilled that this commitment has been recognized by the premier business awards organization," said Steve Abernethy, President and CEO of SquareTrade.  "This accolade really goes to our exceptional customer service team that works so hard to put the needs of our customers first."

More than 800 entries from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted to this year's Stevie Awards.  The winners were announced at a gala banquet on Monday, February 21 at the Eden roc Renaissance Hotel in Miami Beach, Florida, and were determined by the Board of Distinguished Judges & Advisors and their staffs.

"This year's class of honorees illustrates that no matter your organization's size, industry, budget, or location, it's possible to excel at the two most important functions in business: acquiring and keeping customers," said Michael Gallagher, president of the Stevie Awards.

Details about the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service, as well as the list of honorees in all categories, are available at www.stevieawards.com/sales.

AWARDS BROADCAST THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24

The Business TalkRadio network will broadcast the awards presentations on Thursday, February 24 at 8:00 PM Eastern Time across the U.S.A.  The broadcast may be heard worldwide via Web simulcast at www.businesstalkradio.net.

About SquareTrade

Founded in 1999, SquareTrade offers warranties that make sense, with fair prices, no-pressure sales, and no-hassle service. It offers consumers an alternative to other overpriced and under-serviced warranties at a price point that is 40% less on average. The company boasts millions of customers who have consistently rated the warranty service 5-star reviews. SquareTrade was named one of PC Magazine's Top 100 Websites of 2010, awarded BizRate's Circle of Excellence for 2010, and is the winner of the 2011 Stevie Award for Sales & Customer Service.  SquareTrade is privately held and headquartered in San Francisco. For more information, go to www.squaretrade.com.

About The Stevie Awards

Stevie Awards are conferred in four programs: The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service.  Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide.  Learn more about The Stevie Awards at www.stevieawards.com.

Sponsors of the 5th annual Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service include American Support, Infogroup, the Sales Management Association, and ValueSelling Associates.

SOURCE SquareTrade