A letter of complaint

How to Write a Complaint Letter

by WriteExpress Staff Writers

Keep in mind that most errors are unintentional
and realize that most businesses and organizations want to address and clear up complaints quickly in order to have satisfied customers or members.
Address your letter to a specific person
Letters addressed to “Dear Sir” or “To Whom it May Concern” are not as effective and will likely not reach the right person. Call ahead and ask for the name of the manager and his or her administrative assistant. Writing to the assistant may ensure your letter reaches the manager.
Begin your letter on a positive tone
Consider how you’d react if an angry customer approaches you and shouts obscenities versus someone who smiles who begins the conversion with compliments.
Be brief
Keep your complaint letter to one page, and write short paragraphs rather than long ones.
Be honest and straightforward
Include sufficient detail to back up your claim and to show that you have thoroughly researched the subject. However, omit irrelevant details.
Maintain a firm but respectful tone, and avoid aggressive, accusing language
Keep your complaint letter concise and professional.
Send only photocopies of receipts and other documents, and retain all originals
Keep a copy of the complaint letter for your records.

Get other signatures
In many cases, you can increase the effectiveness of your letter by getting several others to sign it with you. This is particularly the case when trying to influence or change legislation, denouncing material from the media, and so forth.
Do not threaten!
If a company has repeatedly given you bad service and refuses to correct the situation and you feel that your only recourse is to pursue legal action, voice your feelings in a tactful but firm way. However, don’t threaten legal action unless you are willing to follow through with it.
Avoid making generalizations
about the company or organization if your complaint letter focuses on a single individual.
Use tact, and be direct, but respectful
If you need to make a complaint to or about people that you will still have contact with on a regular basis, your complaint needs to accomplish its purpose without destroying the relationship.
Include your contact information
Include your name, address, phone number, and e-mail address, if desired, so that the person(s) can reach you to discuss any questions or concerns.
If a first letter does not bring action, assume a stronger but still respectful tone in the next one.
If two or three letters do not resolve the problem, send one to the president or CEO of the company or entity. In each case, be firm but polite.

How we can help you write an effective complaint letter

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