What's On Your Mind? Emerson, Jackson Hewitt,Marriott, Black And Decker

There have been a number of complaints in recent months about Emerson microwaves powering up by themselves. One of the latest comes from Marilyn, of Tyler, Tex.

“We purchased the Emerson Microwave/Grill model # MWG9115SL Suffix D with great enthusiasm,” Marilyn told ConsumerAffairs.com. “I am so disappointed with this appliance!”

Marilyn says the microwave started making popping sounds and running by itself, so she unplugged it.

“After a couple of months of 'sometimes it is OK and sometimes not' - it has been unplugged for good and I have told my elderly mother to not use it at all in fear of it catching on fire. I have sent an e-mail to the address provided on the web-site and hope that Emerson will respond positively. I will re-post at this site when I hear back from them.”

Marilyn did the right thing in letting Emerson know about the problem. She should also take the additional step in filing a report with the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Choose tax preparer wisely

Tax season will soon be upon us so now may be a good time to think about how you plan to prepare and file your tax returns. While franchise tax preparation storefronts usually draw a slew of complaints each year, George, of Syracuse, N.Y., says many complaints about the company he works for, Jackson Hewitt, are off base.

"I've been reading over quite a few of these 'complaints' and while I agree that some of you have been misinformed by the franchise you went to, you can't blame the company as a whole for this," George said. "I am sorry that you had a bad experience with the franchise but again that doesn't mean that all franchises operate the same way. I have been an employee of a Jackson Hewitt franchise for 15 years and we have to take classes every year due to all the tax law changes etc. Unfortunately some franchises don't train their preparers correctly."

George brings up a valid point. The tax preparers in your local area, whether independent or franchise, should have been in business long enough to have a reputation. Ask people you know to recommend someone. And consider a local accounting firm with a good reputation as well as a franchise store.

Costly changes

In October, Shirley, of Williamstown, N.J., made reservations for a four-night stay at the Residence Inn in Hazelton, Pa., for Thanksgiving week. Early this month she says she contacted the hotel again to see if she could change the reservation, arriving on Wednesday instead of Tuesday and departing on Sunday instead of Saturday.

"When I received the confirmation email, I noticed my rate increased from $209 to $259 per night," Shirley told ConsumerAffairs.com. "I recontacted the 800 number, explained the change in rate and the customer service rep said she needed to contact the hotel manager directly. I received an email two days later stating that any modifications or changes were subject to changes in rates and that due to the limited amount of rooms and holiday week, the $50 per night higher charge will NOT change."

Shirley thinks the change in rate is unreasonable, but hotels routinely offer a better room rate the farther in advance you book. By changing the reservation, even though she was staying the same number of nights, Marriott considered it a new reservation, and one made closer to the holiday week.

Reason for the leak?

For those who have complained their Black and Decker coffeemaker carafes leak, Rod of Lakewood, Wash., may have found the reason.

"The carafe leaked from day one," Rod said. "After looking at the design it actually leaks between the glass and the plastic pour rim. There is clear silicone that is supposed to prevent it leaking but mine wasn't sealed due to lack of silicone. I had used it for a month and later took it apart. The silicone was being eaten away from the pot in addition to the poor sealing job in the first place. Too bad because I like the coffee maker but shame on B&D for such a poorly designed and manufactured carafe."

Rod should forward his observation to Black and Decker. Companies need to get consumer feedback to help them fix problems and improve products.