I’m really steamed about a quilt I can’t return
SmartBargains.com won’t respond to Peter Zapalo’s request for a refund on a quilt he purchased through the site. How do you get the company to listen?
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.
“I feel like Starbucks is stealing money from me”
Peter Volpe’s Starbucks account is frozen, and he doesn’t understand why. Is the company allowed to just confiscate his credits?
Help! My Pottery Barn slipcovers have faded
Ricki Le Vine’s slipcovers, purchased three years ago at the Pottery Barn, are fading. Why won’t the company stand behind its product?
Why did T-Mobile charge me an early termination fee?
T-Mobile wants to charge Chad Jones a $200 early termination fee. But wait — isn’t he on a month-to-month plan? He sure is. Or at least, he thinks he is.
Why did this Whirlpool microwave go down the drain?
David Eck’s Whirlpool microwave breaks down less than two years after he buys it. The company will fix it -— for $300. Is that the right offer?
Help! DirecTV is charging $235 for my move
DirecTV wants to charge Heather Amaral $238 for moving her service, even though she didn’t want to move, and even though the moving fee wasn’t adequately disclosed. Does she have a case?
My Frigidaire burst into flames — now what?
When Lauren Fitzgerald’s dishwasher self-destructs, she turns to the manufacturer for help. But it won’t do anything. What the next step?
Mom’s Element doesn’t work — can you help her?
Diana Kennison’s mother has a problem with her new flatscreen TV: it doesn’t work. But neither the manufacturer, nor Wal-Mart, can help her fix it.
Las Vegas ATM stole $990 — can you help recover it?
Tim Crawford tries to withdraw cash from an ATM in Las Vegas. He gets nothing, but his bank deducts $990 anyway. Is there a way to reverse it?
Get me out of AAA renewal hell, please!
Ruth Marino just wants to renew her AAA membership. But her credit card company is not making it easy.