All too often the stoical, uncomplaining British temperament is used as a license by businesses and service providers to treat us like dirt.

But it does not have to be like that.

If you experience anything less than the level of service you have the right to expect - COMPLAIN.

If you get no joy from the regular customer "service" channels, take your complaint to the top. Communication with the President or Chief Executive sometimes does the trick.

If that fails report the matter to any relevant professional / regulatory bodies, e.g. Rail Passenger Committees, OFTEL etc. The local Trading Standards Officer is another channel to be approached.

If the matter remains unresolved, take the offending party to the Small Claims Court. The Citizens Advice Bureau will provide advice on this.

Last, but certainly not least, is the powerful weapon of publicity. Tell friends and family of your experiences. But do not stop there. Contact local newspapers and radio stations. And name and shame the rogues on Web sites like ComplaintUK, clik2complaints,
Consumer Comments and Rip-Off Britain.

Don't let them get away with it. Fight for your rights and you may find that we can make a difference.