Author: Michelle Couch-Friedman

Michelle Couch-Friedman is the executive director of Elliott Advocacy. She is a consumer advocate, writer, SEO-lady, and psychotherapist who spends as much time as possible exploring the world with her family. You can contact her at Michelle Couch-Friedman. Follow us on Linkedin, Twitter and Facebook. Read more of Michelle's articles here.

Is this the worst travel agent ever?

By Michelle Couch-Friedman |

Christopher Anderson believes he might just have discovered the worst travel agent ever — one who lacks even basic geography skills. Just how bad were those skills? Well, Anderson and his wife asked this “professional” to plan a vacation to Cabo San Lucas. But she booked them a trip to Cancun, on the opposite side of Mexico. Then to make matters worse, this geographically challenged agent expected the couple to pay for her mistake.

What is going on here, and can the Elliott Advocacy team help? Read more “Is this the worst travel agent ever?”

This mattress discount was too good to be true. Should the company honor it?

By Michelle Couch-Friedman |

If a customer service representative offers a massive mattress discount by mistake, is the company required to honor it?

Read more “This mattress discount was too good to be true. Should the company honor it?”

If you lock yourself out of your Airbnb rental, don’t do this!

By Michelle Couch-Friedman |

What happens if you lock yourself out of your Airbnb rental thousands of miles from home? Will your host or the caretaker immediately come and rescue you?

Xiamin Qi recently discovered the answer to both questions after she locked herself out of her Airbnb rental in Barcelona. Despite the host warning her about the self-locking feature of the front door, she says jet lag caused an oversight. That fatigue caused Qi to walk out of the building and leave the keys inside.

Now she is asking the host to refund $500 for her trouble. But is this a reasonable request? Read more “If you lock yourself out of your Airbnb rental, don’t do this!”

How can I get off of the Do Not Rent list?! This is not my mistake

By Michelle Couch-Friedman |

Heather Steele just landed on the Do Not Rent list of her favorite car rental company. She says she’s been a great customer of Hertz for many years and the banishment has her flabbergasted. But a dispute over a prepaid car rental refund sent her account to collections and earned her a spot on the blacklist.

Now Steele is asking the Elliott Advocacy team to step in and clear her name. She wants to be removed from the Do Not Rent list and have her account returned to good standing.

Can we do it? Read more “How can I get off of the Do Not Rent list?! This is not my mistake”