abcnews.go.com — Great tips from the senior editor at the Wall Street Journal about how to complain to a company and WIN. Whatever your gripe, Bounds said, you have to make a decision to make some noise if you want things to change. She gives tips on how to win against airlines, cellphone & credit card companies.
Apr 4, 2007 View in Crawl 4
ostracizeApr 5, 2007
Dugg just because it links to the printable version.
mymateApr 5, 2007
couldnt have read this at a better time! dugg
Closed AccountApr 5, 2007
"Unlike airlines, with credit card companies, threats can work if all other types of complaining fail."Ask for a waiver for fees and hint that you know other credit card companies are loosening rules," Bounds said."It should be noted that this does not work with department store cards as 90% of them do not negotiate the APR, so don't waste your breathe.
jeffeb3Apr 5, 2007
I don't think they were talking about negotiating the APR, just the fees. Not the same.
tical2756Apr 5, 2007
"When you go out of your coverage area and go into "roaming" mode, that costs your cell phone company money because they have to pay another carrier to transmit your call. So if you have a lot of time on your hands, take a trip, make a lot of calls. Your cell phone company will drop you like a hot potato," she said. "Obviously, this is not a very realistic option for most people, but it's fun to think about."I don't see how this would work. Your cell phone company is just going to charge you up the ass for roaming minutes
aeliasApr 5, 2007
This sounds like she overheard a drunk conversation at the bar about these topics.The cell phone roaming thing is a joke. Just tell them you've moved to someplace that has no coverage on their network. Problem solved. In order to get dropped for roaming, you must make most of your calls in a roaming area, and even then it might take months to get "the call". I fly twice a year. If I get f**ked by the airline, I stay f**ked. Public bashing seems to be pretty high percentage. Pricerite, Corvette, AOL, etc. I say stick with that.
irimiApr 5, 2007
There never any point to complaining.
unghApr 5, 2007
After doing support for a call center, I can definitely tell you that calling is not usually the best way! They train Customer Service REPs extensively on gaining and maintaining control of calls so that THEY control the conversation, not you. You're much better off in person or via letter.
pookakooApr 10, 2007
Knowledge really is king when it comes to complaining or negotiating. I've learned to arm myself with specific prices, information and precedent. Not only do I get what I want more times that not but I can speak with great conviction because I BELIEVE what I'm arguing for. It makes all the difference in my attitude and the way I'm accepted on the other side.