Finance Blog: Personal Finance: Learn to be a 'squeaky wheel' Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2013/04/28/5375422/learn-to-be-a-squeaky-wheel.html#storylink=cpy

http://www.sacbee.com/2013/04/28/5375422/learn-to-be-a-squeaky-wheel.html

Inevitably something goes wrong with something you've bought. What do you do?Too many of us just give up or don't bother trying to get the store or company to resolve the problem.We live in a buck-up-and-take-it society, we're not going to plead for anything; we're just going to take it. We have a subconscious feeling that when we speak out, we're viewed as a complainer.Not all consumers are treated equally. If you're persistent and know how to complain effectively, you're more likely to get a remedy.Companies have two types of responses to complaining customers: those who get the quick brush-off and the "squeaky wheels" who merit some attention.

There's an art to getting good customer service. Here's how:

Be nice

If you start off angry or arrogant, you'll likely get shut down quickly.

Be armed

Don't pick up the phone, go online or write a letter until you have essential details: serial numbers, date of purchase, warranty information, etc. If you're shuffling papers or unsure of details or vague about what you want, you're not going to sound like someone who should be listened to.

Don't stop at "No"

Many consumers give up too easily, especially when they encounter a brusque or unhelpful customer service rep. "You need to appeal any decision you get … Companies are not in business to lose customers."

Put it in writing

Often, the most effective way to lodge a complaint is to write a letter.

Start local

Begin with the store where you bought the item.

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2013/04/28/5375422/learn-to-be-a-squeaky-wheel.html#storylink=cpy

Fill out the card

Consumer Reports says you should always fill out the paper warranty card that comes with most major purchases. Even though it's not required to activate the warranty.

Warranty or not

Even if your warranty has expired, it doesn't mean there's no point in trying. Giorgianni says the legal concept of "implied warranty" means there's a reasonable expectation that a product should be workable and usable.

Tweet it; post it

Social media can be an ally, as well. Many companies have Facebook pages where you can post your beef on a message board. The sites are monitored and you'll often get a reply from a company rep. Same with message boards on the company's website.

Ultimately, being a squeaky wheel means "not being afraid to ask," said Papantoniadis. "You have to go in with the idea that you don't expect anything. And the worst they can say is 'No.' "