Complaints

How to Write a Consumer Complaint Letter

Complaints... there is a special skill involved in obtaining a successful outcome to your consumer grievances.

Your prime motive should always be to obtain a just resolution to the consumer dilemma you find yourself in.

So, to facilitate this outcome, I am including a brief list of useful advice which should help you to obtain justice.

No matter what the problem, explain it clearly and concisely.
Be tactful, respectful, and reasonable... yet firm.
Be brief.
Never, ever, send the originals of ANY document... always send copies.
Always remember to include your full contact details.
Only 'threaten' that which you are willing, able, and can afford, to carry through!
BE PERSISTENT.
If you don't get any favourable response from your first contact, ask for the name of the President or CEO of the company... and contact them.
Never give up.

* * *

It may take a telephone call, a couple of e-mails, and a letter... as it did for me when I last had cause to complain... but you will get there in the end.

First, state the situation AS IT IS. As concisely as possible... your grievances and demands should be reasonable.

[If it will help, write down your grievance with all relevant dates, prices, guarantees, expectations, etcetera... and use this as the basis for your telephone call, e-mail, and letters.]

Say what you expect to be done to resolve the situation. Be reasonable, and if you do not get satisfaction... contact them by another method.

Say why you are not satisfied... mentioning 'Which?', this website, the Citizens Advice Bureau, plus any TV programmes [such as 'Watchdog'] which happen to be showing at the time should help. Do NOT use all the threats in one go! Build them up as you see fit!

Persistence WILL pay in the long run.