How to Make a Complaint

In a perfect world, we would never have anything to complain about. That being said, I think you and I both know that we don't live in that perfect utopia world. In this article, I provide you with information on how to make a complaint.

Things You'll Need

• Patience
• Kindness
• Persistence

Instructions

1. 

   Make a list of what your specific complaint is. Why are you complaining? What is wrong with the product or service you received? Be specific.

2. Decide what resolution you want. Do you want an exchange? Your money back? A free trial? A free whatever it was you bought that was not satisfactory. Be reasonable in this request. If your meal was missing the French Fries you ordered, then asking for a free meal is a bit much. A more reasonable request would be to get two free French Fries the next time you visit or right away if you drove back to get them.

3. Research who to contact to make the complaint. Most often you can call customer service and start there.

4. 

   You can write a complaint. If you do so, make sure that your letter is complete. Include your contact information in case they need to get more information from you. Include in your letter the reason for your dissatisfaction and what you'd like for them to do. Always be courteous and professional. Follow-up with a phone call if you don't receive a response.

5. 

   Call the customer service number and explain what your problem is and ask them to assist you in resolving the matter. Be polite. Yelling, shouting, or profanity will get you no where. If you don't get the resolution with customer service, ask for a supervisor. You can continue to ask for the supervisor and on up as you work towards a resolution. I have found though, if you bond with the customer service agent, are kind and courteous, are reasonable, and ask them to help you resolve this situation for your and the company's benefit, you will get the resolution you are looking for. Kill them with kindness but remind them if you have to that you could take your future business elsewhere. Only use that tactic if they are not being responsive.

Tips & Warnings

• Be patient.

• Be courteous.

• Be specific about the error and what you want.

• Only threaten if it is a last resort.

• Never use profanity.

Resources

• Consumer Action Organization