Features
- Cover Type: Paperback with 220 pages
- Published by: Ten Speed Press August 15, 2006
- Written in: English
- ISBN 10 Number: 1580087620
- ISBN 13 Number: 978-1580087629
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Book Dimensions:
7.9 x 5 x 0.6 inches
- Weighs: 9.6 ounces
Book Description
Every four seconds unsuspecting consumers are bamboozled, shafted, or duped by companies of all sizes. As customer service departments have become automated wastelands, our ability to get satisfaction within the conventional complaint system has eroded. In UNSCREWED, consumer advocate Ron Burley offers a logical and assertive five-step plan to convince companies to keep their word and do the right thing.
Publisher Description
A practical guide to getting your due from unscrupulous and inaccessible companies - including the government - through the creative use of technology. The five techniques are completely legal and virtually guarantee success. Covers a wide range of situations to guide consumers through all types of offenses, from disputing minor scams to wrangling with corporate bureaucracy.
Reader Reviews
Rob Burley has the exterior of Mr. Belvedere and an interior which whirls like the Tasmanian Devil. And, when Big Business decides to throw its massive weight upon this hyper-energetic consumer advocate, he responds with ferocity. He is like the nagging fifi dog who won't let go of the intruder's ankle - he will not quit. But, I enjoyed his style: Thesis with simple analysis followed by anecdotal true story. Very common in the "How To" industry of nonfiction novels. And, very true here. Makes the reading much easier. In a nutshell he espouses consumer terrorism. Legitimate methods? Mostly. Ethical? Partly. Justifiable? Yes. And, it is the last answered question which the reader must understand. First, he commences all acts with the "give them the chance to do the right thing" telephone call. You must commence by offering the company a chance to fully understand what has transpired and how to resolve the issue without confrontation . . . But, this does not always work (Actually Chapter 15 shows what happens when it works - and Big Business and the consumer are both winners). Upon there not being a successful remedy delivered, he then asks that you employ his five "P's" - Chapters 4-8. Then, after understanding the methodology (what I have coined as "consumer terrorism"), he seeks for the consumers to go forward, but to curtail their activity by a simple marginal cost analysis - Chapter 9: basically don't get overwhelmed. "[I]f getting what you deserve is going to cost you more than it's worth, forget about it and move on." A few hints to the readers. First, Chapters 12 and 13 basically are recaps of the prior chapters, so those wanting to learn the tricks of his trade quickly can do so by reading these two chapters - much more efficiency. Second, he is not a lawyer. And, on a few occasions he makes references to laws which are not accurately depicted for ALL consumers in ALL states. His statements about liens on homes is precisely the opposite of what happens in Florida. So to Floridians who choose to follow his advice about not being concerned about mechanics' liens, I say - beware. You will have got what you paid for. Lastly, there are civil actions which are labeled "Civil Extortion." Many of the tactics employed in this book toe the line and could easily be determined "worthy of litigation" by many attorneys employed by "Big Business." Again, take caution. But, when no one steps over the line and his tactics are not over-the-line, his David-like triumphs over Big Business make the reader both smile and cheer. One for the underdogs is always appreciated by a true spectator.
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