The Complaining Cow Consumer Column

Your consumer rights explained simply

Consumers often don’t know their rights or how to complain effectively. In The Complaining Cow Consumer Column, I explain consumer rights in plain English, showing consumers “what” action to take and “how”, so they can resolve problems themselves without third-party help. This in turn empowers others to do the same.

Every day, consumers ask me a variety of questions across my social media platforms, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Threads. In my weekly The Complaining Cow Consumer Column, I share the issues that come up most frequently.

Consumers are increasingly disengaging from traditional sources of information and advice. I spend at least two hours daily helping consumers with clear, practical, actionable advice across social media and email. This enables time-poor audiences to gain redress fast by using my timely and easily implemented advice. In addition, I get to see exactly what is troubling consumers the most, as well as current emerging issues.

Weekly consumer rights topic

Each week I answer a commonly asked question and provide links to further information. Usually they will include a video, to provide the information in an alternative format.

Frequently asked consumer rights questions

About Helen Dewdney – The Complaining Cow

I am a trusted consumer expert and founder of the longest-running (since 2012) independent UK consumer rights and customer service blog written by an individual. With no advertising, my website provides advice and information on consumer rights, money saving strategies and topical consumer issues, building trust and growing its audience through proven integrity.

More About Helen Dewdney

For more detailed advice about consumer rights and customer service, explore the website, search for specific topics, or see my consumer books for practical, easy-to-follow guidance.

As a consumer expert, I regularly comment in the media on consumer rights and complaints. See my consumer rights expert media appearances and commentary.

How to complain to get refunds and more

Top 20 Tips on how to complain effectively.
Cover of How to Complain updated 2019 large cow logo 101 Habits of an Effective complainer book cover with logo

For more guidance on complaining effectively and understanding your rights, see the consumer guide GET THE BOOK! How To Complain: The ESSENTIAL Consumer Guide to Getting REFUNDS, Redress and RESULTS!

101 Habits of an Effective Complainer provides you with more tips.

The Complaining Cow logo download templates

Empowering people with gusto

“The critical thing is empowering people and part of empowerment is making people understand their legal rights more and it’s theirs, being able to identify the persona in authority to make a decision and having the elbow when somebody says “no” to say “well I’m sorry..” and those are the three things and I think you do that with gusto and are an example in that regard.”

“How to Complain

Helen Dewdney’s How to Complain is a masterclass in asserting your rights with wit, precision and just the right amount of righteous fury. It’s the book every consumer didn’t know they desperately needed – until now.”

“101 Habit of an Effective Complainer

If complaining is an art form, Helen Dewdney is Rembrandt. This book is easy to follow, beautifully written and – above all – teaches us that complaining effectively doesn’t require rudeness or angry sharp elbows. Dewdney’s book is a brilliant reminder that being a successful complainer (or getting what you were entitled to in the first place) is simple to achieve and can even be fun. Her superb how-to guide isn’t for ‘complainers,’ it’s for anybody who has ever been a consumer and been let down – it’s for all of us.”

“How to Get Free PR and be Paid for it

Helen Dewdney writes with fearless clarity and she’s done it again… She’s one of my few and regular go-tos, especially for how to approach consumer issues or in the event of an urgent sense check. This book is packed full of great and creative ideas for building up excellent PR, establishing yourself as the expert and keeping the momentum going. She is – hands down – a mega star in the world of consumer affairs and in this latest book, on PR, she shares how you can do it for yourself.”

Rob Rinder

Journalist, TV Judge barrister, presenter