7 Ways to Cut Your Budget: #5

#5: You bought it, it broke, now what?

If I have a product that doesn’t taste or work the way it’s supposed to, I call or write the company. I’ll be damned if I pay good money for something that turns out to be crap. Like, this one time I tried one of Odwalla’s Superfood smoothies. It was basically all types of greens blended together. And it tasted horrible. I didn’t have a problem with their other flavors like I did this one. So, I emailed them off their website and within a few weeks got coupons for their product. Another time, my writing professor contacted a publishing company when she saw the binding of our “used” books falling apart. Not only did she get a response, but they also sent a replacement for the whole class. Most companies will try to resolve the issue to the best of their ability. If the problem is bigger or more expensive and customer service isn’t helping, contact one of the higher ups of the company. They may not read the letter, but their administrative assistants will. Then you’ll be heard. No company, especially in these times, wants to lose your business.

If the company is small and you suspect them of being all around shady, file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. When I was researching companies to pack my stuff and haul them up north, I was surprised by the complaints on the BBB site. All the companies I was referred to, pull the same stunt with their customers. They’d give them an estimate. Then when the driver arrives, give them another price that cost way more than the estimate. When the customer tried to call their sales rep they had been in contact with, they were either told to talk to the driver or no one picked up. The bill was not only filled with ridiculous charges, but they were charged for boxes they never received. One company had so many unresolved complaints they changed their name to continued ripping people off.

All in all, don't accept subpar products or services. Voice your concern and get your $$$ back or at least your voice heard.
----------------
Now playing: The Platters - Only You (and You Alone)
via FoxyTunes