Problem Solved is a weekly consumer column that fixes reader problems. From broken laptop computers to faulty kitchen appliances, nothing is off limits for this feature. Each story brings a fresh problem and solution in an engaging and succinct Q&A format.
Carol Pratt is stuck with three pre-paid nights at a Starwood Hotel. Even though she wants to move the reservation by a few days, the hotel won’t let her without losing all of her money. What’s going on?
Philip Boutelle’s minivan is a money pit and Toyota doesn’t seem to care, even though it issued a limited recall. Can this car be saved?
It’s that time of year when you follow the herd to the mall and gorge on the displays.
Westgate promises Matt Solum “free” ski lessons, tickets and cruise vouchers as part of his timeshare purchase. But when it doesn’t deliver, should he get his money back?
Did you know that when it comes to customer satisfaction, the United States falls short of the top 10, behind Russia, Poland and Chile? That the worst industry for service is social media? Or that the worst time to contact customer support is after 6 p.m.?
Sprint promises it will unlock Bill Fuller’s iPhone. Why won’t it?
As far as rejection letters go, the one I almost never use is unfailingly polite.
When PayPal “permanently” limits Umang Nahata’s account, he appeals the decision. When his wife’s account is also frozen, he turns to me for help. Can I get their accounts unfrozen?
It’s the proverbial man-bites-dog story for consumer reporters: an over-the-top customer service experience in which an employee goes the extra mile.
When Capital One offers to “erase” part of her debts with award points, Kate Morrical calls on a points skeptic to clear things up. See what happens next.
