Consumer Complaints Frustrate

You just don't know what you're getting til you got it.

Many consumers have something to complain about these days. The product or service purchased might be less than expected or totally unacceptable. Perhaps we were mislead by an enticing advertisement or slick talk. It's upsetting and we want to complain.

In earlier years we could talk to a manager or customer relations person and get a satisfying result for our efforts. This is still worthwhile in a lot of cases but can also be frustrating and a great waste of time. For one thing the customer relations person may not exist, perhaps because dissatisfaction is too widespread in this present day retail-consumer environment.

If we think that a retail outlet is marketing or selling unfairly and it appears to be a local problem, a complaint can be made to the manager. However if it is such as an obvious deceptive advertisement or display the effort may not be worthwhile. After all, if it was planned that way why wouldn't they defend their actions? If it is a larger corporate concern the same rationale might apply.

My experience in writing complaints, about scammy marketing mostly, did not achieve much except to get it off my chest. I did observe that by addressing the letter to someone high in the organization, it could always be delegated downward. Also referring to the word 'ethical' seems to gather quick attention and I have even received a rebuttal from a corporate CEO. Still the fluffy replies will usually be empty and discouraging.

"... the advertisement you refer to meets all legal requirements."
" ... subject to the ethical standards generally accepted by the industry."
" ... our intent has never been to mislead and I believe our practices will bear me out."
" ... the new TV program listing channel is an industry accepted format."

Finding a corporate address and contact may not be easy. An internet search or asking at the local outlet might find a person and place to write to. Related business or advertising associations are there to represent their business clients and this may not be very satisfying either.

If a complaint is about a deliberate attempt by a company to deceive or cheat consumers, writing to a government agency or consumer's group is more appropriate. Again, not easy. There is not a clear direction and process in submitting concerns and complaints to someone who will act adequately. Letters to the editor can be good because they should be easy to get published and may get read by interested people.

There is growing widespread callous treatment of consumers by corporations and a general disregard by government on its citizens' behalf. One has to wonder just where we are and where we are headed. The root of the problem lies in the greed of business and ineffective or biased government. To arrest and reverse this deteriorating social trend to a more people friendly society is difficult. It will require changing the apathy of consuming citizens, the quality of politicians and the ethics of business people.

It's unfortunate but advertising can sell junk as needs, garbage as food. Excessive and deceptive advertising should be outlawed as a start for social betterment.

If we don't complain verbally, online, by letter or by email, things will only get worse. Let's tell the politicians to make it easier for taxpayers to protest unethical marketing, and governing. They can set up the proper consumer channels and publicize and encourage participation from the citizens.

Some helpful consumer resources


Grampa Ken ~ Author of 32 KEYS About Life and Blogger at Social-Fix