How to Change Terrible Business Practices

#1. Show, don’t just tell.

No matter what you do, writing is much more effective. Anonymous reviews and complaining rants don’t really change anything, and can be easily ignored or deflected, like the Amazon example. Be positive, yet direct. Take an extra minute, send an email to Customer Service, and complete those customer surveys, as a start.  

#2. Identify yourself.

This is a requirement on Angie’s List, for example. Even if you are red in the face because you’re so angry, calm down! Think about it rationally. It’s much easier to attract flies with honey than it is with vinegar. This is especially true when taking something back to the store and dealing with a lowly clerk, who is just trying to do their job the best way they can. Always start there and work your way up. And work your way up until you get satisfaction – most people stop at the first step and don’t take it further. And, most importantly, take a moment to send the company an email about your experience, good or bad.

#3. Hit all outlets with your message, not just one.

If it’s particularly egregious, don’t just email the company on their “Contact Us” link, but also write to anyone with a website and an email address, and that includes congressmen and senators. It’s so easy to do on the Internet, it’s comical. Again, the old method of writing works best, but now we have a brand new tool, much easier to use: your web browser.

#4. Tell people about your experience.

 Research has proven every time a person says a good thing about a company, three people hear it. That’s compared to 10 people who hear about a bad experience. The law of supply and demand, and market forces, will have their effect, even though the progress may be too slow for your liking. Also, telling your friends will prevent them from making the same mistake.

#5. Contact government and other agencies and complain.

 To be honest, this really works best in fraud cases. Same for the CFPB and other agencies at the Federal level, and, there are lots, like the FTC, FCC, EPA, DOT etc. Yes, you can and should file a complaint, but don’t expect an earth-shattering response. However, it does help put the nail in the coffin of bad businesses. The more details the better. Also write an email to Consumer Reports. Best of all, go to www.consumerworld.org and take your pick of caring orgs.

Bottom line: the Internet is fast becoming the best consumer protection tool there is, bar none. Use it. And use it often.