My $.02 Tuesday

1) You must contact the company. I prefer by phone first or e-mail second.

2) Be specific in your complaint.

3) Have a model number, UPC code or ID of a service person handy.

4) I always like to tell, the company that I normally like their products, I am a regular customer or the high quality standards I have come to expect from them was not met on this occasion. In general, I try to be as positive as I can about the company.

5) If the first person does not resolve your issue, ask for a manager.

6) Do not take your frustrations or aggravations out on a customer service rep. They may not even have the power to resolve a matter.

7) Don’t complain just to get something free.  Have legitimate and valid concerns for making a call to a company. 

If you cannot get resolution on a matter that you truly feel is valid, there are two things the company needs to know before you hang up.

1) The will lose your business.

2) You will tell others about their products and the customer service one can expect to receive from them.

As a last resort on big issues, file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau.

Finally, don’t just call companies when things go wrong. Call them with compliments too! I have been pleasantly surprised by some snail mail in the form of coupons thanking me for taking the time to call/write!