Writing a Complaint Letter

Wrap-up

We hope your problems are few in number!  But if you have occasion to lodge a complaint, remember: writing a clear, calm, and detailed letter is the most effective way of getting someone to pay attention.

In this lesson you:

• Learned how to prepare to write a complaint letter
• Decided what kind of information to include in a complaint letter
• Practiced putting the information in the right order and format

On your own:

• Write another practice complaint letter. Let’s say that there was an incorrect meter reading on an electric bill or a charge for a purchase you didn’t make on a credit card bill.
• Read the following example of a complaint letter. Use it as a model when writing your own.

YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS HERE
TODAY'S DATE

John Doe
Customer Service Specialist
Discount Appliance Center
63 Great Road
Washington, DC 20201

Dear Mr. Doe:

I recently ordered the Wrinkle-Away Iron (model number 4369K) from your spring catalog. I have enclosed a copy of my receipt. The first time I used the iron, the steam valve did not work, so I am requesting that you replace the iron. Please let me know how you would like me to return the broken iron to your company.

I run a laundry business. It is both inconvenient and costly for me to operate without an iron. Therefore, I expect that you will handle my case as quickly as possible.  I can be reached at YOUR PHONE NUMBER from 8:00 am – 6:00 pm. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
YOUR FULL NAME