This handbook is intended to help consumers exercise their rights in the marketplace in three ways: (1) it shows how to communicate more effectively with manufacturers, retailers, and service providers; (2) it is a self-help manual for resolving in dividual consumer complaints; and (3) it lists helpful sources of assistance. The handbook has two sections. Part I, How to Be a Smart Consumer, features tips on avoiding purchasing problems and getting the most for one's money. It gives steps for handling one's own complaint and writing an effective complaint letter. Part II, the Consumer Assistance Directory, lists consumer offices in both the public and private sectors that provide assistance for consumer complaints. An index in the back of the handbook lists, by subject, the appropriate contact. Consumer tips and reminders on resolving complaints appear throughout the handbook. These tips are also in the index by subject. (YLB)