There is an old expression that states “the squeaky wheel always gets the grease”. My overwhelming experience over the years proves that this is absolutely true! If you don’t express your concern about a problem or issue to someone in charge, things will never change. I have also found that by far the most powerful way to express one’s concerns about an issue is via a polite formal complaint letter. This is especially true if you are dealing with a large company or government organization.
Although complaint letters aren’t always fun, they usually need to be written
In most cases, if people don’t complain, the problem agency at fault (e.g., company or government) won’t even know that the problem that you and others may have experienced even exists. Legitimate complaints, by even a few people, can (and often do) result in better service for everyone. Not only that, writing complaints down can be personally beneficial for the writer too!
That’s right. Writing complaint letters can be an empowering and therapeutic experience! It allows one to take action instead of playing the role of a victim and nursing an ongoing resentment towards a company about poor service or treatment that you received. Once the complaint letter is written and in the mail, you can let it go knowing that you have done something tangible and constructive about the situation.
In fact, properly written and handled complaint letters almost always get action!
Once I started writing complaint letters, I began receiving gracious letters of apology and contrition from senior executives including bank vice-presidents and directors of marketing for giant corporations. Getting those felt one heck of a lot better than polishing an ongoing resentment and getting even angrier the next time something bad happened. Sometimes I even received discount coupons and free merchandise!
Over the years, many people have contacted me about writing complaint letters for them. I always request that they at least give me a draft in their own words so that I can get some idea of the essence of the situation. More often than not, what they send me is an angry and rambling diatribe that just confuses the situation or issue.
Thanks. This topic is quite useful to me as a Lawyer.
The article is very informative and relevant. As usual I loved the forenote in your email. Though I haven’t been to Canada yet but can relate to quite a few sports activities and weather thanks to your writings.
Hi,
Thank for this useful topic. Writing complain letters can be very difficult. It once happened to me; instead of writing a complaint letter, I resigned.
Thanks,
— Naima
Dear Shaun, I always find your tips very helpful and will always do. I feel that your tips on complaint writing is but only the bomb…
Great article! I usually just let it be when I get bad customer service. Now I know better…
Complaint letters are very useful because they help you get the service or actions you need to get proper service.
Thanks Shaun. You always know how to structure letters and it works.
Hi Shaun,
I always enjoy reading emails from you about better grammar, letter writing, etc.
Your July post was right on time for me. I had to write a resignation letter and I used your cues. Thank you for all your info, I don’t always use everything you send but I always read and enjoy the learning.
Thanks
Diane
WOW!!! this article is really interesting to read.
it helps a lot on making letters in a very professional way. Thanks for having Shaun here.
This post actually helped me in a situation in our office. As always, I am grateful to Shaun for his useful site. Thanks, again, Shaun!
I must confess Shaun this article is timely, jaw-dropping and hits home with almost every line and point raised. I have a complaint letter waiting to be dispatched to a bank here in Nigeria. I will use the information in your article to rewrite my letter (hope I am not plagiarizing? he laughs).
Thank you for your continuous posts.
We have a saying out here in Aussie Land.
“YOU CATCH MORE FLIES WITH SUGAR THAN WITH VINEGAR.”
Thank you Shaun, this is a very informative article.
Hi Shaun. Thank you for this very informative and helpful article. I could use this one for two of my pending complaints to big companies promising benefits yet did not deliver to its distributors and former distributors.
Thanks for sharing this informative article. Writing a complaint letter is quite tedious you know, simply you made it uncomplicated. This article has been an eye opener.