THE HAGGLER asked readers to send their favorite techniques and stratagems for prevailing in consumer disputes, and let’s just say you came through. Loud and clear. And in very large numbers, with some rather novel ideas.
If anything, a few of these ideas were a little too — what is the word? — proactive for the Haggler. Several of you recommended suing in small claims court, which turns out to be a pretty effective way to get the attention of just about any corporation. Apparently, they tend to surrender once the case is filed, or skip the court date. Max Davies of Orlando, Fla., reports that he still gets a thrill remembering the day he called an airline he’d sued to say that a county sheriff would “impound one of their jets” if the company didn’t pay the $800 judgment he’d won in court. (He was bluffing, but it worked.)
Another reader claims occasional success screaming a vivid and succinct obscenity at the automated voice in phone trees. (“It sounds as though you would like to speak to a representative now,” the robo-voice replied.) Well, the Haggler is reluctant to endorse any dispute resolution methods that involve four-letter words or litigation, as effective as they might be. So here are some G-rated ideas that don’t require legal forms, presented in no particular order.