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Step 1
Start with the manager. Any time you have a problem with an employee or a product, the first person to complain to is the immediate supervisor. Many times they will give you what you want just to keep the operation running smoothly. A surprising number of people never ask to speak to a manager despite how poorly they are treated.
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Step 2
Go over the manager's head. If the manager is not responsive to your needs, talk to his supervisor. Regional managers supervise several establishments or departments. They are very busy and get annoyed when customer complaints reach their level. They will usually pressure the manager to solve your problem so they wont have to deal with you.
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Step 3
Go over the regional manager's head. If you have an issue that is potentially embarrassing to the company, take your complaint to the corporate level. Write a letter to the director of media relations or even the president of the company.
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Step 4
Report it to the Better Business Bureau. The BBB keeps track of all consumer complaints about companies. No company wants to be on that list. You can often find others who experienced the same problem by checking with the BBB. Join forces with them to give your complaint more validity.
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Step 5
Enlist the media. Public opinion can bring even the mightiest corporation to its knees. Find a consumer reporter, columnist, or blogger who can spread your complaint to the masses. It can drive business away from the company and embarrass them into responding to your complaint.
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Step 6
Inform the authorities. If laws are broken, tell the police. If things are borderline illegal, take your complaint to your district attorney or state's attorney. Also inform the attorney general of the state. If the company is regulated by an agency or belongs to an industry organization, let them know too. Your complaint could make them lose their license.
Comments
lmccray4 said
on 5/3/2009 Well written, Great article 5* and recommendation