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.

Where’s my replacement TV from Wal-Mart?

May 7, 2026January 23, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

Latonya Holloway’s TV stopped working. Good thing she bought the extended warranty from Wal-Mart. Or is it?

5 Secrets for negotiating the best price every time

January 26, 2024January 22, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

No one wants to overpay for a product or service. But how do you know you’re getting the best rate? And if you’re not being offered the lowest price, how do you negotiate it?

This “historic” stay was an epic disaster

June 20, 2024January 21, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

The historic Rathbone Mansion offers an “authentic” New Orleans experience, with its antebellum architecture and “warm” Southern hospitality. But it was a little too authentic for Cori Maldonado, who reserved his rooms through Bookit.com.

When your credit card gets compromised at a hotel

January 26, 2024January 19, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

A day after Sheilah Reardon checked into the Bellagio Las Vegas, she received an e-mail alert from American Express warning that her credit card had been compromised. Among the fraudulent charges: a $67 bill from an online memorabilia store.

Why can’t foreign airlines fly in America?

January 26, 2024January 18, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

Try not to laugh too loudly the next time a flight attendant makes one of those pre-flight announcements to thank you for your business and say, “We know you have a choice in airlines.”

Expedia double-charged me — can I get a refund?

January 26, 2024January 17, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

Laura Pang has two airline reservations on Expedia. But she only needs one. Now the online agency refuses to refund the second charge. Is there anything she can do to persuade it to help her?

Stuck with a pair of shoes – and confused about Sears’ refund policy

December 13, 2024January 16, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

Olga O’Hara wants to return the shoes she bought at Sears.com, but she’s getting mixed signals from the company about how to do so. Is she stuck with her purchase?

Hey, where’d the money go for my Hawaii condo?

January 26, 2024January 14, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

Today’s question isn’t about whether I should try to mediate Deb DiSandro’s case. She paid $3,203 for a vacation rental in Oahu that she obviously didn’t get. I’m going to try to help her.

Why do airlines hate it when you know your rights?

January 26, 2024January 13, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

Information is power.

When a beach isn’t really a beach, and other travel disappointments

January 26, 2024January 12, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

To call Smathers Beach in Key West, Fla., a beach might be a little stretch.