While it’s wonderful that the Consumerwatch team - consisting of Wendy Knowler and Diane Macpherson - has developed a reputation for resolving consumer problems, the downside is that we get more requests for help than we can handle, despite our best efforts. So here a few pointers on upping your chances of your issue being tackled by us:

When you email us, keep it short and to the point initially, summarising the issue (ideally in under 10 lines) and telling us what you think is a fair resolution. Please don’t simply forward us your correspondence with the company, without an explanation, and expect us to figure out what the issue is. It’s confusing!

And please don’t write the entire email in capital letters – it’s the email equivalent of shouting or barking, which makes reading it fairly hard-going.

We generally steer clear of getting involved in cases where consumers have hurled personal insults at staff members; used abusive language or made wild threats. In so doing, you lose some of your moral high ground, and getting results is that much harder.

The more detail you are able to supply – such as dates, times and names of people you have dealt with – the more likely we are to be able to help you.

If it’s a cellphone complaint, for example, give us your cellphone number! You won’t believe how many people forget to do this. The same applies with banking complaints - don’t forget to give us your account number.

Please be specific in the subject line. “Help” or “Consumerwatch” is not going to stand out in the crowded inbox. Name the company you’re complaining about in the subject line so it’s easy to see.

Above all, please understand that while we’d love to help each and every person, we’re simply not about to do so. Our many contact numbers (Under A-Z, Companies that Care) are your next best route in trying to resolve your issue.

Consumer Affairs KZN can also be reached on 033 264 2500.