Historian Heather Cox Richardson wrote yesterday that the White House is trying to combat junk fees, excessive paperwork, hold times, and other ways companies “deliberately design processes to be burdensome in order to deter people from getting a refund or a rebate, or canceling a membership or a subscription.”
She also noted that the administration has opened a public portal where Americans can submit their own experiences regarding these issues.
So I went online to find the portal, since Ms. Richardson didn’t mention it by name. And what I found was most surprising: there are a number of ways any American (and probably those who are not citizens . . . yet) can express their concerns. Just Google® how to contact the administration, and you see the myriad ways.
Of course, you still have to go the next step, which is making your voice heard. I haven’t done this yet, but I have spent the day thinking about how difficult life is when it shouldn’t be.
Personal cases in point: 1. I was on hold at our doctor’s office for 50 minutes and never got through. I don’t think my doctor wants me to contact him. 2. I sent something I’d purchased from Macy’s back because it didn’t fit. Most companies refund your money. Not Macy’s. It gives you a credit card to spend in their stores for the amount of your refund. I shall never shop there again. 3. Talbot’s, Land’s End, Bas Bleu all have my email address and inundate me with various “sales” that end at midnight tonight. I don’t like being pressured.
And, finally, when I called to cancel a subscription to The New York Times I was given the third degree. “But why do you want to cancel? What if we reduced your rate? How can resist a dollar a month for all-access?”
I plan to revisit the administration’s portals and make my voice heard.
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