DON'T PUT UP WITH BAD SERVICE

There’s nothing worse than bad customer service, said Catey Hill in MarketWatch.com. A new survey found that 51 percent of U.S. consumers have been so fed up with poor service this year that they’ve ditched consumer goods retailers, cable and satellite providers, banks, and phone companies. It’s not easy to switch from companies that hold you to a long-term contract, such as utilities and cable and telecom companies. But “while some companies aren’t going to significantly change their customer service policies anytime soon, there are ways that consumers can get better service.” Start with a polite and positive attitude, and “be as specific as possible with your expectations.” And “when kindness and clarity don’t work,” escalate your complaint by asking for a supervisor.