CONSUMER RIGHTS Archives

Ronald Crossley faces a challenging situation with his Hamilton Beach toaster oven, experiencing both functional issues and poor customer service. Despite his efforts to return the appliance and request a refund, he encounters unresponsiveness, leading him to seek advice on how to navigate this frustrating consumer predicament.

“Burned” by my Hamilton Beach toaster oven. Why can’t I get a refund?

August 31, 2024January 26, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Ronald Crossley’s Hamilton Beach toaster oven doesn’t work. And apparently, neither does the Hamilton Beach customer service department. How does he get this appliance fixed?

She left her “unsafe” Vrbo rental. Can she get her money back?

January 30, 2025January 22, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Nicole Morin wants her money back for the “unsafe” vacation rental she booked through Vrbo. And she wants me to help her get it.

Lillian Kohler faced losing $36,000 after Vantage Travel's bankruptcy. Unlike others, she discovered a potential path to a refund. This story explores the complexities of cruise line bankruptcies and offers insights on protecting your travel investments, highlighting the crucial role of consumer advocacy in navigating these turbulent situations.

Will she get a $36,000 refund for her canceled Vantage Travel cruise?

January 16, 2024January 15, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Lillian Kohler never imagined she’d get stiffed for $36,000 by a supposedly reputable cruise company like Vantage Travel.

In a quest for better customer service, frustrated travelers like Robert Grunfeld are recording their calls with airlines. While this tactic can yield mixed results, experts suggest alternative strategies, highlighting the complexities of customer service interactions and the evolving legal and ethical considerations in the digital age.

Frustrated travelers start recording customer service phone calls. But does it work?

January 16, 2024January 13, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Oh, the lengths some people will go to get better customer service. Like recording phone calls with a customer service agent.

Britt Lane's ordeal with Ashley Furniture began when her new bed arrived missing crucial parts. Despite repeated efforts to resolve the issue, including requests for a partial refund and a copy of the contract, she faced unhelpful customer service and was left sleeping on the floor for over a month.

My bed from Ashley Furniture is missing a few parts. What should I do?

January 13, 2024January 12, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

What’s wrong with Britt Lane’s bed? And why won’t Ashley Furniture fix it for her? She’s been sleeping on the floor since she ordered the furniture from the retailer.

Steve Feiertag's journey from Palm Beach to Reykjavik takes an unexpected turn when Chase Ultimate Rewards mistakenly downgrades and cancels his business class flights. Facing a loss of $5,000 and left without assistance, Feiertag turns to Christopher Elliott, a consumer advocate, in a desperate attempt to salvage his travel plans.

Help! Chase Ultimate Rewards downgraded my flight — and then canceled it

January 6, 2025January 9, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Steve Feiertag’s flights from Palm Beach to Reykjavik are messed up, but Chase Ultimate Rewards won’t help him fix them. Is he about to lose $5,000?

Donald Davidson faces a $6,758 bill from Avis for squirrel damage to his rental car. He claims no responsibility, as the damage occurred naturally. Avis, however, insists on payment. This dilemma raises questions about liability and consumer rights. Should Davidson be held accountable for unforeseen, non-negligent damage?

Squirrels destroyed his rental car. Should Avis let him off the hook?

April 8, 2024January 4, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Squirrels destroyed Donald Davidson’s rental car – and now Avis wants him to pay $6,758 for the damage! Should we advocate for him?

When Don Kelly triumphs in a credit card chargeback, he unexpectedly faces an Uber ban. His odyssey through automated customer service and complex policies highlights the intricate battle between consumer rights and corporate rules in today's technology-driven world.

Uber banned him after he won a credit card chargeback. Is that allowed?

May 17, 2025January 2, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Can Uber ban you if you file a credit card dispute against it and win? It happened to Don Kelley. Here’s how to make sure it doesn’t happen to you.

Jim Ogden faced a frustrating ordeal with his new BMW M240i Coupe. Despite a full warranty, the car's persistent issues remained unresolved by the dealership. With the service department unable to fix the vehicle and lemon lawyers hesitant to take on a used car case, Ogden sought external help.

My BMW doesn’t work! Why won’t they fix it?

August 31, 2024December 28, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Jim Ogden’s new BMW is a lemon, but he can’t get his dealership to fix it or take the car back. What are his options?

Hertz hits Joseph Meisinger with an $850 bill six months after he returns his rental car. Wait, six months? Yes, six months. Does he still have to pay?

Help! Hertz hit me with an $850 repair bill six months after I returned my rental car

January 2, 2025December 27, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Hertz hits Joseph Meisinger with an $850 bill six months after he returns his rental car. Wait, six months? Yes, six months. Does he still have to pay?

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