Would You Complain?
According to a recent survey 1 in 3 people don't think that complaining is worth the effort... Or is it simply that we don't know how to complain?
If we receive goods that are not what we ordered, which are faulty or incomplete should we really take it lying down or should we complain?
If we are not getting the product we expected or we receive sub standard goods or services then we should complain. How we complain however will increase, or decrease, our chances of success!
Contents at a Glance
- Before you complain sit down and work out what you hope to achieve....
- Always complain at the earliest possible opportunity....
- Complain Firmly But Politely!
Before you complain sit down and work out what you hope to achieve....
Be clear in your mind what you expect as a result of your complaint.
Do you want a replacement, a refund or give the manufacturer a chance to rectify the fault?
If you do give the retailer/manufacturer a chance to fix the item and you are still not happy then you still have the right to ask for a refund!
Gather together everything you can by way of evidence. This may include:
- Proof of purchase
- Photographs
- Videos
Remember, in some cases, you may have to go to court so just ask yourself what evidence you would need to present to the judge.
Always complain at the earliest possible opportunity....
Don't risk leaving your complaint too long
If you wait to complain then you risk weakening your case.
- If you can't go into the shop then ring up and complain.
- Try to speak to somebody senior if at all possible make a note of the time and date, who you spoke to and what was said.
- Follow your phone call by putting your complaint in writing confirming what was said and any promises or responses made.
Don't let the Retailer blame the Manufacturer!
Your contract is with the retailer and it is up to them to sort matters out.
Complain Firmly But Politely!
You are more likely to get results, when you complain, if you stay calm and don't lose your temper
- Try not to swear and lose your temper.... This won't resolve anything!
- Turn on the charm instead!
- Remember that the sales assistant that you are dealing with is unlikely to be directly responsible for your problem, so being rude to them won't help at all as they will be more inclined to be unhelpful. Being firm and polite will likely mean that the assistant will go the 'extra mile' to help out.
- If it is the fault of the person you are speaking with ask to speak to their manager so that things don't become personal.
Keep a complaints diary of every phone conversation, letter and visit.
This could form part of your evidence if your complaint goes to court
- Never send original documents in any correspondence, only copies, unless specifically asked for and then keep a copy of the original for yourself.
- Always send letters by recorded delivery or registered post so you have proof of their postage.
- If you do write then set down clearly what it is that you expect.
- Set a deadline for the matter to be resolved.
- If you want compensation state how much you expect, but be reasonable, don't expect to receive $100's for one hour of your time.
The same guidelines apply if you receive a substandard service.
If a service you receive is below standard then you should complain!
- Keep records of contact and set out clearly how you want the matter resolved.
- If you feel you have been overcharged then get other quotes to prove your case (though you should really have done this before having any works done)
- If you then can't resolve the matter find out if the tradesman belongs to a trade association. The Association may run a free or low cost arbitration service.
Alternatively, in the UK, the small claims court covers disputes up to £5000.
Top Tips To Help Your Complaint
Follow these tips when you make your complaint
Have you got any tips that might lead to a successful complaint? Please share them and vote for your favourite tip. You don't have to be a squidoo member to vote or share.
Be assertive without being aggressive.
Be clear about what you want while remaining polit more...0 points
Complaining On The Phone
If you complain on the phone, make sure you keep r more...0 points
Don't Be Put Off!
If you don't get anywhere the first time you compl more...0 points
If You're Not Sure How To Write A Letter Of Complaint
Check out the following links for sample complaint letters and advice on writing letters of complaint.
- Consumer Direct UK Sample Complaint Letters
- If you have a complaint against a trader or a credit company you may need to send a complaint letter. These letter of complaint templates are here to help you.
- How To Write A Complaint Letter
- How to write a complaint letter with sample letter.
- BBC - Consumer - How to complain - Letters of complaint
- Sample complaint letters that you can adapt to suit your situation.
More Helpful Consumer Advice
- Good Negotiation Tactics Can Save You Money
- Many people hate negotiating but a few simple negotiation tactics can make it rewarding and fun! The steps on this hub will mainly relate to employing negotiation tactics to making purchases, but the overall...
Further Help With Writing Your Complaint Letters
How to write complaint letters and sample complaint letters for you to use.
How to Complain: Spot the Tactics Employed by Companies Dealing with Complaints and Turn the Tables on Them
Amazon Price: $15.00 (as of 01/07/2010) 
How To Complain For Fun And Profit: The Best Guide Ever To Writing Complaint Letters.
When you're ready to scream, "I've had it up to here and I'm not going to take it anymore," you're ready for How to Complain for Fun and Profit, the best guide ever to how to write complaint letters to airlines, hotels, merchants, manufacturers and more. Yes, you'll learn how to vent your spleen. But much more importantly, Bruce Silverman will teach you how to get something back for your troubles - everything from free airline tickets, luxury hotel suites and south sea cruises to thousands of dollars in cash! Silverman ingeniously - and sometimes hilariously - shares the techniques he's developed over the past 20 years as the "King of Complainers;" you'll never feel powerless again!
Amazon Price: $13.95 (as of 01/07/2010)
Shocked, Appalled, and Dismayed! How to Write Letters of Complaint That Get Results
Amazon Price: $11.07 (as of 01/07/2010)
101+ Complaint Letters That Get Results, 2E: Resolve Common Disputes Quickly and Easily
Amazon Price: $15.56 (as of 01/07/2010)
Webster's New World Letter Writing Handbook
Amazon Price: $12.23 (as of 01/07/2010)
Or How To Complain From Amazon UK
Great books with advice on how to complain
Leave Your Feedback Here
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Reply
- ClassyGals ClassyGals Aug 6, 2009 @ 2:57 pm
- Wonderful tips on how to complain, effectively. Must forward to hubby. *****5 big ones!
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Reply
- flighty02 flighty02 Mar 20, 2009 @ 3:46 am
- I think the trick may be to not let whoever you are complaining to realise that we feel like a wimp. I know that sometimes its difficult but if we try to put on a calm and assertive manner the chances are that we will get better results.
[in reply to monarch13]
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Reply
- monarch13 monarch13 Mar 19, 2009 @ 2:02 pm
- I always feel like a B*** ,or a wimp. it seems I cant win.
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Reply
- oliver oliver Mar 13, 2009 @ 1:52 am
- my yahoo password has been hacked,i am helpless to prove my validity as i do not remember the details i provided at the time of account opening which was dome in 2000
-
Reply
- oliver oliver Mar 13, 2009 @ 1:52 am
- my yahoo password has been hacked,i am helpless to prove my validity as i do not remember the details i provided at the time of account opening which was dome in 2000
- Load More
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