Why can’t I cancel my DirecTV contract?
Yan Qi wants to get out of her DirecTV contract — a contract she says she didn’t knowingly sign. Is there any hope for waiving its $380 early cancellation fee?
Problem Solved
Problem Solved is a weekly consumer column that fixes reader problems. From broken laptop computers to faulty kitchen appliances, nothing is off limits for this feature. Each story brings a fresh problem and solution in an engaging and succinct Q&A format.
The biggest mistake I ever made as a consumer
Somewhere in the attic of my old house in Key Largo, Fla., a reminder of my biggest consumer mistake ever is collecting dust. I’ve never told anyone about it. Until now.
What to do when Ashley’s Home Care is a no-show
The $99 voucher Gabi Tanis bought through LivingSocial for power washing is worthless. Making matters worse, the company won’t refund her money. What now?
Are you a whining customer? 3 ways you can tell
No one likes a whiner.
Why doesn’t Target’s website work in South Korea?
Target.com doesn’t work in South Korea, and that’s a problem for Sean Bamrick, who is stationed there with his family. Can I help him unblock it?
Should companies break their own rules? Yes, and here’s when …
Last week, when I suggested that consumers should sometimes apologize to a company, a few of you thought I had completely lost it.
Dish doesn’t work even after “re-education” visit
Her mother’s Dish TV service doesn’t work despite repeated calls to the company. But now it refuses to waive her early termination fee. Does Denise Omelia’s mother have no choice but to pay up?
5 times customers should say “sorry”
Ever apologized to a business? If you said “never,” then maybe you don’t have kids.
Hey, where did my Sprint discount go?
When Denise Mendoza “upgrades” her Sprint account, the discount she had for years is gone. Is there any way to get it back?
Should I shame, sue – or take it straight to the top?
Ever want to see how customers screw up? Then spend a few hours looking over the shoulder of a consumer advocate.