The Shadow
Dear Readers: Have you had bad service or bought something that is defective? What’s the BEST WAY TO COMPLAIN to get positive results? Companies really do want your feedback — in the right way.
Keep receipts until you are sure you are satisfied. Stay calm and collected. Don’t show overzealous emotion when writing to a company or speaking to someone on the phone or in person. Here are some other Heloise Hints to help:
* Note the name of the person who sold you the item or performed work for you.
* Indicate the serial and model numbers of defective merchandise.
* Include your contact information, and the date and place of purchase.
* Make copies of your complaint letter, and give the company enough time to respond.
* Don’t give up until you are satisfied!
* As a last resort, you can contact the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb. org). There also are other state agencies that protect your rights as a consumer.
— Heloise
RACK ‘EM UP
Dear Heloise: I’ve discovered a good use for old dishwasher racks. When it’s time to replace the dishwasher, save the bottom rack. Use under a bed for shoes, etc. It rolls over carpet well. I have three under my bed, and I love them. — Ruth in Westminster, Calif.
EASY REMOVAL
Dear Heloise: I’ve just read in your column that you suggested using a terry towel with a little acetone-based nail-polish remover, etc., to take residue off material from a manufacturer’s sticker. I have found the best and fastest way to do this is to use duct tape.
Just blot the duct tape on the residue several times, and it’s gone! Works like a charm. — Eileen from Florida
TURN IT DOWN
Dear Heloise: A woman wrote to complain about the music in stores and restaurants. I, too, am irritated by this. I have asked the clerks at a popular clothing retailer to turn it down, and now I don’t shop there because of the music. And in restaurants, it is hard enough to hear the conversation of table mates with all the noise of diners, let alone music background noise. Please add my voice to the complainers. Thanks for your work. — Pene, via email
SPARE BED
Dear Heloise: I had my grandchildren visit for a few days and needed a quick spare bed. I came up with a great solution! I pulled out my patio-furniture cushions from storage (checked thoroughly for spiders and insects), and voila! I put them side by side and stretched a fitted sheet over them, and it was a nice, comfy mattress. — Joan C. in California
REUSE IT
Dear Readers: Have an old, large, laminated wall calendar from 2011 or earlier? Hate to throw it away? Here are some ways to reuse it: As a mat for kids to color or paint on; carefully cut for individual place mats; or use to cover the driveway when spray-painting. — Heloise
Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to 1-210-HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise(at)Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.
(c)2012 by King Features Syndicate Inc.
