Rarely does a day go by when most of us do not have to deal with surly salespeople, cheaply made products, or vast and indifferent bureaucracies. Most of us endure this with a stoicism worthy of Seneca himself. After all, what's the use of complaining? It all seems to fall on deaf ears, anyway.

But the world needn't be like this, according to Ellen Phillips, consumer consultant and founder of Ellen's Poison Pen, Inc. Since 1988, Phillips has been helping frustrated consumers to get refunds and apologies from everyone from the corner druggist to massive insurance agencies. In her book, Shocked, Appalled, and Dismayed!, Phillips shares the secrets of writing letters of complaint that get results. The first few chapters cover the general dos and don'ts of writing effective letters of complaint (remain calm, use polite language), along with useful advice from legal experts (don't embellish, stick to the facts).

The chapters that follow target specific problems we all face at some time in our lives, ranging from getting bumped from a flight to the secrets of successfully dealing with your HMO. Each chapter contains bullet points, illustrative anecdotes, and a number of example letters, most of which were based on actual letters sent on behalf of Phillips's clients. On top of all this, Phillips also provides an appendix listing the names and addresses of over 600 major companies, government agencies, and consumer organizations. Phillips believes that we should get what we pay for, and after reading her book, you'll be able to stand up for your rights with confidence.


Book Description
How to get the best of shoddy shops, crooked car-dealerships, and heartless HMOs--without having to hire an attorney.

The Miss Manners of the consumer kvetch shows readers how to go postal, with complaint letters designed to melt the heart and sting the conscience of the most obdurate, negligent, or customer-hostile corporations.

Drawing on her experience as a pen-for-hire for irate consumers--and on the advice of clients, attorneys, and CEOs--Ellen Phillips shows readers

I'm not surprised [this runs] out of stock., June 4, 2001

I learned about Phillips years ago and immediately bought her book upon publication. What a delight to see her on "Oprah" last week and to know that her techniques are still working as great as they did, once upon a time with regards to my own problems.

Shocked, appalled and Dismayed is the best consumer book around, as far as I'm concerned. It details every aspect of writing not just a complaint letter (about every kind of situation) but every other kind of letter that falls within that realm. Tried and tru tips, wonderful advice, sample letters, easy steps - I could go on and on. Suffice it to conclude with the fact that Shocked, Appaled and Dismayed worked for me and I know it'll work for you.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

Home Contractors Beware!, April 6, 1999

I've been dealing with a "reputable" contractor for three months who has procrastinated the whole time. With my kitchen unusable and his excuses for non-completion on time, I finally got "shocked, appalled, and dismayed" enough to write a strong letter. I followed Phillips' expert advice and sent copies to everyone she suggests. The upshot of my complaint letter? The attorney general and my county's consumer protection office, among others, has warned him he has one month to complete the job per my satisfaction (and the contract)or else!

Thanks, Ellen Phillips. Your book is my bible from now on.