UPS has pledged to fix the problem with their drivers lofting Ryan’s packages through the air and over the fence to smash on the concrete. After Ryan’s complaint went up, UPS contacted Consumerist, and we put them in touch with Ryan. They are also apparently going to work on the whole leaving packages to soak in the rain thing. Hurray. [More]
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United Stewards' "TMI" Session Nets Traveler $250 Coupon
By 2.1.10
Bucky Turco got a $250 credit for his next United Express flight after he complained about the two-hour gab fest between two United stewards he endured on a recent trip from SLC to ORD. In that time he learned from the two women such factoids as: Hispanics, Blacks and Asians shouldn’t go blonde, a type of birth control gave one of the stewards’ sister menstrual spots, how getting spit on is the ultimate disrespect, right up there with getting a shoe thrown at you like George Bush did, and more. Too much information! [More]
Consumerist Friday Flickr Finds
By 1.29.10
Here are eight photos readers added to The Consumerist Flickr Pool this week, picked for neatness and usability in a Consumerist post. Also, be sure to check out our new Photo Gallery to see the latest additions all week long! [More]
Every Time VW Fixes My Car, They Break Something Else
By 1.27.10
Amy’s ’06 VW Passat has been in the shop 106 of the past 141 days. After the engine broke down on a road trip and needed replacing, VW replaced it, but broke the transmission. When they replaced the transmission, they broke an axle. When they fixed the axle, the car started leaking oil worse than the Valdez. All Amy and her family want to be able to do is drive their car around like normal. So far, that’s not happening, and VW’s only offer of contrition has been to waive one car payment and $250 in services. So Amy launched her EECB, complete with a graph of how long VW has held her car hostage: [More]
Kiefer Sutherland Roped Into $869k Bovine Ponzi Scheme
By 1.27.10
Actor Kiefer Sutherland has lost $869,000 to a con-man who roped him into a bum cow investing scheme. Shyster Michael Wayne Carr had a plan to buy cows in Mexico and sell them in the US for a profit, but allegedly never bought the cows and sold cows that weren’t his. [More]
Passenger And Steward Fight Over Cup Of Ice
By 1.26.10
There’s dark clouds brewing in the friendly skies and sometimes it’s the passengers fault. George Hobica writes, “I was on a plane recently, first class, on American, where the guy sitting next to me shook his glass as the flight attendant was passing by and said “More ice”–the FA said, “What’s the magic word” and the guy said, “Oh, you mean I’m supposed to say please? I just want more ice” … and she said, “You want more ice, it’s up in the galley. Go get it yourself.” [More]
The Debtor Debt Collectors Hate To Call
By 1.26.10
Craig Cunningham has made $20,000 from 18 lawsuits he’s filed against debt collectors for violating the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). In fact, it’s something a part-time job/hobby for him. To ensnare his first FDCPA-violating collector, with voice recorder running, he called back the number they left on his answering machine, and asked: [More]
Happy Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day!
By 1.25.10
Today is bubble wrap appreciation day, or “BWAD.” Celebrated the last Monday of every January, it’s the day to celebrate your love of everyone’s favorite packaging helper. Some partake in the festivities by making bubble wrap animals, bubble wrap dresses, or simply grabbing a piece of bubble wrap and popping all the pockets. And if you don’t have any lying around, you can always play the online bubble wrap popping game. Hooray for bubble wrap! You’ve filled our hearts almost as much as you’ve filled our landfills. [More]
Can't Find A Company's Physical Address? Check Their Privacy Policy
By 1.25.10
Some websites make it nearly impossible to find any kind of contact information for reaching a real human. In that case, you can click over to a link that all are required to have but few customers ever read: their privacy policy. [More]
Consumerist Friday Flickr Finds
By 1.22.10
Here are eight cool photos readers added to The Consumerist Flickr Pool this week, picked for neatness and usability in a Consumerist post. Also, be sure to check out our new Photo Gallery to see the latest additions all week long! [More]
Paypal Rewards Dollars: Use 'Em In One Go Or Lose 'Em
By 1.20.10
The PayPal plus rewards card earns points which can be traded for vouchers which can be used like cash to buy stuff. You have to be careful, though, and make sure that the price is the same or greater than the voucher amount. Any unused dollars on the voucher get forfeited after the purchase. Tricky! Reads those terms and conditions close, folks. [More]
Kmart Worker Killed By Shoplifters
By 1.20.10
A Detroit Kmart loss prevention officer was killed by a pair of shoplifters. He tried to stop them but they ran over him with their SUV. He became tangled in the truck somehow and was dragged at least 100 feet before he was dislodged when the truck deliberately hit a pole. They were both charged with unarmed robbery and homicide. The plunder the five finger discount duo killed to keep? $400 in CDs. [More]
Consumerist Friday Flickr Finds
By 1.15.10
Here are eight cool photos readers added to The Consumerist Flickr Pool this week, picked for neatness and usability in a Consumerist post. Also, be sure to check out our new Photo Gallery to see the latest additions all week long! [More]
Free Tacos!
By 1.15.10
Taco Bell is giving away printable coupons for free Fresco Tacos. Valid until a million taco coupons are printed. The rules say the manager’s decision is final on whether or not to accept the coupon so if there’s a mad free taco rush and Mr. Stanley doesn’t feel like comping another Fresco Taco, don’t come crying to mama. [More]
Debate Airport Security In The Playmobil Security Check Point Amazon Review Section
By 1.13.10
After more knuckleheads tried to kill us, debate over airport security procedures has spilled over into all facets of lite, from the news to the diner counter to the the Amazon.com review section for the Playmobil Security Check Point. “I was a little disappointed when I first bought this item, because the functionality is limited. My 5 year old son pointed out that the passenger’s shoes cannot be removed,” quips one. There are dozens more. [Amazon] (Thanks to GitEmSteveDave!) [More]
Delta Hikes Bag Fees: $23 For 1st, $32 for 2nd
By 1.12.10
Delta has increased its checked baggage fees, effective today. Your first bag now costs $23 and your second, $32, up from $15 and $25, respectively. [More]
Printer Ink Costs More Than GHB
By 1.11.10
Dang, what doesn’t printer ink cost more than? If you answered “Thailand cobra venom,” you are correct! [More]
