Christopher Elliott

Christopher Elliott is the founder of Elliott Advocacy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers consumers to solve their problems and helps those who can't. He's the author of numerous books on consumer advocacy and writes three nationally syndicated columns. He also publishes the Elliott Report, a news site for consumers, and Elliott Confidential, a critically acclaimed newsletter about customer service. If you have a consumer problem you can't solve, contact him directly through his advocacy website. You can also follow him on X, Facebook, and LinkedIn, or sign up for his daily newsletter.

Why is Sears playing markdown games with me?

February 7, 2025December 31, 2015 by Christopher Elliott

The washing machine Laurie Beane just bought from Sears is suddenly on sale. Why does the company want to return it in order to honor the new price?

Cheated by neimanmarcus.com?

December 15, 2023December 30, 2015 by Christopher Elliott

Even though Neiman Marcus promises Julia Lee a $125 gift card, it doesn’t arrive. Now, the retailer says it’s expired. What gives?

Help! Alitalia misspelled my name and won’t change it back

October 13, 2023December 30, 2015 by Christopher Elliott

When an Alitalia representative misspells Barbara Stuckey’s name, she’s sent on a wild goose chase to get it fixed. Does she have to buy a new ticket?

There’s no escaping these problems with my Ford

December 15, 2023December 29, 2015 by Christopher Elliott

The on-board computer on Shannon Stout’s Ford Escape went on the blink. It’s out of warranty. Is she out of luck?

If they resell my room, why can’t I get a refund?

February 6, 2024December 29, 2015 by Christopher Elliott

Just before Gerald and Byrone LoCasale set sail on an 18-day Princess cruise from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to Los Angeles, disaster struck.

Oh no, my Audi needs a new engine

December 15, 2023December 28, 2015 by Christopher Elliott

Elliott Shanley’s Audi A4 Avant is in the shop again, and this time it needs a new engine. Why can’t the manufacturer help him get a car that works?

Oh, did we say dollars? We meant euros

December 15, 2023December 28, 2015 by Christopher Elliott

When Kara van Wyk’s airline charges her in euros instead of dollars, her airfare bill takes off. Can her tickets be saved?

It’s time for an Uber of the skies

December 15, 2023December 28, 2015 by Christopher Elliott

Airbnb changed the hotel industry. Uber changed ground transportation. So why can’t the same change happen for air travel?

What is there to “consider”? The passenger is dead

September 21, 2023December 28, 2015 by Christopher Elliott

Vicki Berkus wants to know how nonrefundable “nonrefundable” airline and cruise tickets really are.
Actually, so do I.

Help! My delivery was not on Target

December 13, 2023December 27, 2015 by Christopher Elliott

When Kevin Williams’ delivery goes missing, he asks Target for a refund. Is that fair?