Deliver toUnited Arab Emirates
Shocked, Appalled, and Dismayed! How to Write Letters of Complaint That Get Results

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:              
- Who to write to, what to say, what to ask for  
- The names and addresses of over 600 major companies
- How to draft personal petitions covering everything from tenant-landlord disputes to workman's compensation
- Suggestions on what steps to take to avoid litigation
- Consumer Smarts for automobile buyers
- How to protect yourself from fraudulent business solicitations
- Navigating the courts to ensure the well-being of your family and children
- Help in getting proper coverage from your HMO
- And--because sometimes the world is on your side--how to write the perfect thank- you note.

Delightfully readable, easy to use, and filled with the addresses of hundreds of corporate customer relations offices and state and federal agencies,
Shocked, Appalled, and Dismayed! is an essential resource for anyone who wants to reach out and scold somebody.


Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

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.

From the Inside Flap

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:
- Who to write to, what to say, what to ask for
- The names and addresses of over 600 major companies
- How to draft personal petitions covering everything from tenant-landlord disputes to workman's compensation
- Suggestions on what steps to take to avoid litigation
- Consumer Smarts for automobile buyers
- How to protect yourself from fraudulent business solicitations
- Navigating the courts to ensure the well-being of your family and children
- Help in getting proper coverage from your HMO
- And--because sometimes the world is on your side--how to write the perfect thank- you note.

Delightfully readable, easy to use, and filled with the addresses of hundreds of corporate customer relations offices and state and federal agencies,
Shocked, Appalled, and Dismayed! is an essential resource for anyone who wants to reach out and scold somebody.

Reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars I got great results x 3!!!!!

T.S. · July 6, 2025

I used this book almost 20 years ago to write letters of complaint for a defective gas grill after attempting to resolve the issue in person at the store it was originally purchased from - a major retailer. Following the steps recommended in this little book, I was contacted within a week by the Better Business Bureau and then by the retailer. With very little hassle, the retailer then changed their tune and delivered (at no charge to me) a brand new gas grill (the same model at my request) that has worked perfectly for years.Since that time, I have used this book’s formula for writing letters of complaint on two more occasions and have received satisfaction from the retailers on both occasions. For this reason, I highly recommend purchasing a copy of this book, following the suggestions in it, and expecting similar results.

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic Complaint letter writing at its finest, MUST have book in your library.

C.M. · December 29, 2021

I've had this book since it was published, lost it in a move and I'm glad to have it back in my personal library. This is my go to when writing complaint letters. I tweak it to fit 2021 complaints however you ALWAYS GET POSITIVE RESULTS when you use her examples and always Cc to the higher ups, State & Federal offices so they can fight for you.It takes a corporation to fight a corporation for you(especially the people you elected in office make them work for you as they promised), so be sure to include the correct agencies/corporations. The letters are short and to the point in a humble manner.ONE OF MY FAVORITES

5.0 out of 5 stars this book is a great resource on how to write an effective letter

C. · August 18, 2016

If you ever need to dispute a purchase or make a claim, this book is a great resource on how to write an effective letter. I've used her guidelines with several large corporations and received immediate responses every time.

5.0 out of 5 stars used her tips to write letters to Congressmen and Senators, etc.

D. · March 8, 2013

I have used this authors tips on writing letters to Congressmen, Senators, and others and it really works for advocacy. It is an invaluable bookif you write letters and need to get your points across to folks whothink their opinions matter more than yours.

3.0 out of 5 stars Pretty Basic

R.L.E. · March 29, 2008

Clearly this book provides the basics on writing letters of complaint. Most of it is just common sense (not so common these days). If you treat business people the way you would want them to treat you, it usually works out in the end. I didn't find much new in it. The contact addresses are helpful, but then most of them can be found on the net.. and more current

2.0 out of 5 stars Two Stars

d.p. · October 17, 2016

I was a little disappointed it wasn't really what I expected.

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent How-To book.

G.M. · March 31, 2021

Step-by-step approach and guide; and in my case with a successful outcome.

1.0 out of 5 stars Badly written "Acknowledgements"

B. · November 13, 2009

As an educated person, I am shocked, appalled and dismayed to find so many divine references in the Acknowledgment section of the book. Ellen writes "... Thank God for family!... Thank God for friends!... Thank God for publicity!... Thank God for attorneys who have faith in me!... Thank God for helpers!... Thank God for professionalism!... Thank God for people". I was nauseated after reading just the Acknowledgment section. Not sure I can carry on reading the rest of the book.

Five Stars

s.w. · February 2, 2015

great book

Four Stars

P.R. · December 2, 2015

Easy to read and full of good advice

Okish

m. · August 5, 2015

Very American...for English would be nice as most of these letters are based for us.And laws may be different.

Shocked, Appalled, and Dismayed! How to Write Letters of Complaint That Get Results

Product ID: U0375701206
Condition: New

4.2

AED8363

Price includes VAT & Import Duties
Type: Paperback
Availability: In Stock

Quantity:

|

Order today to get by 7-14 business days

Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.

Returns & Warranty policies

Imported From: United States

At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.

BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.

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Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.

BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.

All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.

All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.

More from this brand

Similar items from “Research”

Shocked, Appalled, and Dismayed! How to Write Letters of Complaint That Get Results

Product ID: U0375701206
Condition: New

4.2

Shocked, Appalled, and Dismayed! How to Write Letters of Complaint That Get Results-0
Type: Paperback

AED8363

Price includes VAT & Import Duties
Availability: In Stock

Quantity:

|

Order today to get by 7-14 business days

Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.

Returns & Warranty policies

Imported From: United States

At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.

BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.

Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.

If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.

Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.

All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.

While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.

Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.

BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.

All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.

All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.

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:              
- Who to write to, what to say, what to ask for  
- The names and addresses of over 600 major companies
- How to draft personal petitions covering everything from tenant-landlord disputes to workman's compensation
- Suggestions on what steps to take to avoid litigation
- Consumer Smarts for automobile buyers
- How to protect yourself from fraudulent business solicitations
- Navigating the courts to ensure the well-being of your family and children
- Help in getting proper coverage from your HMO
- And--because sometimes the world is on your side--how to write the perfect thank- you note.

Delightfully readable, easy to use, and filled with the addresses of hundreds of corporate customer relations offices and state and federal agencies,
Shocked, Appalled, and Dismayed! is an essential resource for anyone who wants to reach out and scold somebody.


Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

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.

From the Inside Flap

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:
- Who to write to, what to say, what to ask for
- The names and addresses of over 600 major companies
- How to draft personal petitions covering everything from tenant-landlord disputes to workman's compensation
- Suggestions on what steps to take to avoid litigation
- Consumer Smarts for automobile buyers
- How to protect yourself from fraudulent business solicitations
- Navigating the courts to ensure the well-being of your family and children
- Help in getting proper coverage from your HMO
- And--because sometimes the world is on your side--how to write the perfect thank- you note.

Delightfully readable, easy to use, and filled with the addresses of hundreds of corporate customer relations offices and state and federal agencies,
Shocked, Appalled, and Dismayed! is an essential resource for anyone who wants to reach out and scold somebody.

Reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars I got great results x 3!!!!!

T.S. · July 6, 2025

I used this book almost 20 years ago to write letters of complaint for a defective gas grill after attempting to resolve the issue in person at the store it was originally purchased from - a major retailer. Following the steps recommended in this little book, I was contacted within a week by the Better Business Bureau and then by the retailer. With very little hassle, the retailer then changed their tune and delivered (at no charge to me) a brand new gas grill (the same model at my request) that has worked perfectly for years.Since that time, I have used this book’s formula for writing letters of complaint on two more occasions and have received satisfaction from the retailers on both occasions. For this reason, I highly recommend purchasing a copy of this book, following the suggestions in it, and expecting similar results.

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic Complaint letter writing at its finest, MUST have book in your library.

C.M. · December 29, 2021

I've had this book since it was published, lost it in a move and I'm glad to have it back in my personal library. This is my go to when writing complaint letters. I tweak it to fit 2021 complaints however you ALWAYS GET POSITIVE RESULTS when you use her examples and always Cc to the higher ups, State & Federal offices so they can fight for you.It takes a corporation to fight a corporation for you(especially the people you elected in office make them work for you as they promised), so be sure to include the correct agencies/corporations. The letters are short and to the point in a humble manner.ONE OF MY FAVORITES

5.0 out of 5 stars this book is a great resource on how to write an effective letter

C. · August 18, 2016

If you ever need to dispute a purchase or make a claim, this book is a great resource on how to write an effective letter. I've used her guidelines with several large corporations and received immediate responses every time.

5.0 out of 5 stars used her tips to write letters to Congressmen and Senators, etc.

D. · March 8, 2013

I have used this authors tips on writing letters to Congressmen, Senators, and others and it really works for advocacy. It is an invaluable bookif you write letters and need to get your points across to folks whothink their opinions matter more than yours.

3.0 out of 5 stars Pretty Basic

R.L.E. · March 29, 2008

Clearly this book provides the basics on writing letters of complaint. Most of it is just common sense (not so common these days). If you treat business people the way you would want them to treat you, it usually works out in the end. I didn't find much new in it. The contact addresses are helpful, but then most of them can be found on the net.. and more current

2.0 out of 5 stars Two Stars

d.p. · October 17, 2016

I was a little disappointed it wasn't really what I expected.

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent How-To book.

G.M. · March 31, 2021

Step-by-step approach and guide; and in my case with a successful outcome.

1.0 out of 5 stars Badly written "Acknowledgements"

B. · November 13, 2009

As an educated person, I am shocked, appalled and dismayed to find so many divine references in the Acknowledgment section of the book. Ellen writes "... Thank God for family!... Thank God for friends!... Thank God for publicity!... Thank God for attorneys who have faith in me!... Thank God for helpers!... Thank God for professionalism!... Thank God for people". I was nauseated after reading just the Acknowledgment section. Not sure I can carry on reading the rest of the book.

Five Stars

s.w. · February 2, 2015

great book

Four Stars

P.R. · December 2, 2015

Easy to read and full of good advice

Okish

m. · August 5, 2015

Very American...for English would be nice as most of these letters are based for us.And laws may be different.

More from this brand

Similar items from “Research”