When you watch unboxing videos on YouTube, the most horrible products are often the most amusing. However, it’s not always fun when you are on the receiving end of a disappointing product or service. Let’s talk about when and how you should write complaint letters.
For most people, it’s rather rare to write any type of letter. Instead, they may contact the company by phone, online chat, or even social media. But the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) gives three important reasons to mail complaint letters. They “[put] your complaint on record with the company, [help] preserve any legal rights you may have in the situation, and [let] the company know you’re serious about pursuing the complaint.” You can ask for proof of delivery at the post office so you will have a digital record of your letter arriving at its destination.
Now, let’s break down the components of an effective complaint letter. In essence, they are business letters so you should begin with your address and the date. The name and title of the contact person should come next if you can locate them, otherwise begin with the name of the company and its street address. Finally, after your salutation, you can begin the body of your letter.
Even though you may be angry, the tone of your letter should be respectful and constructive. After all, the person reading the letter may not be directly responsible for the problems you are having. He or she will be more likely to want to help you resolve your issues if you are courteous. Include all relevant details, but be concise.
Information You May Want to Include:
- Store name and location
- Your account number
- Relevant dates, such as when you bought goods or services and when the problem began
- Names of sellers, customer service representatives, or managers with whom you’ve addressed the issue previously
- Serial and model numbers
- Copies of receipts, invoices, and warranties
- Copies of previous correspondence, such as emails, chat logs, or letters
- Your contact information
In the body of the letter, the opening sentence should identify your specific complaint. Next, outline what actions you have already taken to resolve it and how you expect the company to address the issue. Use a simple, professional, complimentary close, such as Sincerely or Regards.
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Open in new tab The best outcome of a complaint letter is a successful resolution. In fact, once companies are aware of problems, they may improve their goods, services, or policies for other consumers too. You are most likely to achieve a positive result if you are courteous and include all the relevant details!
