[(Shocked, Appalled, and Dismayed: How to Write Letters o Complaint That Get Results)] [Author: Ellen Haygood Phillips] published on

by Ellen Phillips

Rarely does a day go by when most of us do not have to deal with surly salespeople, cheaply made products, or vast and indifferent bureaucracies. Most of us endure this with a stoicism worthy of Seneca himself. After all, what's the use of complaining? It all seems to fall on deaf ears, anyway. But the world needn't be like this, according to Ellen Phillips, consumer consultant and founder of Ellen's Poison Pen, Inc. Since 1988, Phillips has been helping frustrated consumers to get refunds and apologies from everyone from the corner druggist to massive insurance agencies. In her book, Shocked, Appalled, and Dismayed!, Phillips shares the secrets of writing letters of complaint that get results. The first few chapters cover the general dos and don'ts of writing effective letters of complaint (remain calm, use polite language), along with useful advice from legal experts (don't embellish, stick to the facts).The chapters that follow target specific problems we all face at some time in our lives, ranging from getting bumped from a flight to the secrets of successfully dealing with your HMO. Each chapter contains bullet points, illustrative anecdotes, and a number of example letters, most of which were based on actual letters sent on behalf of Phillips's clients. On top of all this, Phillips also provides an appendix listing the names and addresses of over 600 major companies, government agencies, and consumer organizations. Phillips believes that we should get what we pay for, and after reading her book, you'll be able to stand up for your rights with confidence.

Genres: Reference, Nonfiction

Unknown Binding

First published December 22, 1998

Reviews

[Natalie Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent pointers here for complaining to airlines: including CCing the Department of Transportation, FAA and Consumer Protection. With Ellen's excellent advice in hand, we received a reimbursement from an airline after multiple delays and an especially unsavory landing.

Note: The addresses offered in the book are now a bit outdated, so be sure to double check them with online resources before emailing or dropping your letter in the mail.