The Upseller
Nespresso
The coffee machines only work with specially designed single-serve pods. Buy a machine and Nespresso's "anti-telemarketers"—who are part of a customer service team that makes up half the company—will check in regularly, reminding you to reorder.
The Inviter
Apple spends $200 per square foot to outfit its stores, then lets customers play with merchandise for as long as they want. The pleasanter the store, the longer they'll stay, and the more time they'll have to fall in love.
The Supplier
Louis owns its own factories, enabling it to maintain a brisk production lead time: Items are turned around in just six weeks, compared to the customary 34 for most luxury brands, so big spenders stay well supplied.
The Maintainer
American Girl
With few exceptions, all the dolls look basically the same. Evergreen stock means the toys never go out of fashion, and interchangeable parts keep production streamlined.
A version of this article appeared in the November 2013 issue of Fast Company magazine.
