How many times every day do you have a reason to complain? Every person on daily basis has something go wrong. Things break, services don't deliver and yet businesses continue to strive. There is no company, person or organization that does not fail at some point. You could go on and ignore things that are happening to you, or you could do nothing about it. Good businesses want to know. I think there is a stigma attached to the word complain. We don't bother doing it enough. But BUSINESSES NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE COMPLAINTS against them. These are good businesses, that is, ones who value their customers. So if you do like the business and like their products, let them know you've been wronged.
First step in contacting the business would be the seller of the product you purchased. If it's a great company they will try and resolve the issue for you.
Next step is the sellers manager, you are not tattling on the emplyee, you are giving feedback to the management so that they do not loose customers. For product returns do it as soon as possible since there may be time limits on returns and refunds.
Years ago, when you talked to a manager you talked to the owner of the business. Now its more likely that there are layers of management between you and the person who can actually solve your problem. So if the manager can't help you, do not get frustrated. Most likely they do not have the authority to help you. So try customer service, and then their manager. You should be able to find the number for customer service or Toll Free number on the box. You threw box away, go to the store and copy the number from the box there. We have listed many companies and their contact information below:
Complaint Information - Corporate
Still no results? Try going higher up—to the national headquarters of the seller or the manufacturer of the item. You can visit the company’s web site and look for a “Contact Us” link. If you do not have the web address of the comany you can call the Toll Free directory at 1-800-555-1212 to see if the company has a toll-free number listed.
The public libraries have reference books with "Who is?" directories of all companies that will tell you who the president is of any corporation and their contact information. The Thomas Register of American Manufacturers lists the manufacturers of thousands of products.
The key to your success is how you approach each person you contact. Remember they are only human beings , like you and I. It is very likely that the people that you are contacting have nothing to do with the cause of your problem. Writing an angry, sarcastic or threatening letter will only result in further delay. They hold the power of your resolution, so being angry with them is not going to get you any closer to solving your problem, and on the other hand they can be very helpful. So how to complain? By calmly and accurately explaining the problem and what action you would like them to take.
Writing a complaint letter is a good strategy because you will have a record of your communication with the company and you can use the copy of it for further action. You want the letter to be brief and to the point. Give as many important facts about your purchase, including what you bought, serial or model numbers, the name and location of the seller, and when you made the purchase, date and time if possible, clerks name. The more names you can list, of the people that you delt with, the quicker the company can get to the bottom of your issue. Remember you are helping the company by taking the time from your busy schedule. The more detail you provide, copies of paperwork, pictures, etc., the faster you will achieve your goal. Keep the originals of the letter and any supporting documentation.
By stating exactly what you want done about the problem and how long you are willing to wait for a resolution, be reasonable, you can let the company know how serious is your issue. Finally provide your name, address and phone numbers and include the account number or order number. See our sample complaint letter as a guide.
Keep a record of your efforts to contact the seller:
| Date |
Person you spoke with and their title |
What was resolved or unresolved |
Doing all this can help you resolve issues in your life, but always remember that your Life Bank energy is limited. Going through all the steps may be rewarding in the long run. But make sure it is worth your time. For example:
| Alternative One: File formal Complaint |
Time |
Alternative 2: Find a new product, manufacturer, or store |
Time |
| Try returning the product |
30 minutes |
Search on the Internet and find new product |
5 minutes |
| Complain to clerk |
10 minutes |
Share your story with your friends and our Bulletin Board |
5 minutes |
| Complain to manager |
10 minutes |
|
|
| Complain to service center |
10 minutes |
|
|
| Write complaint, copy supporting documents, mail (cost of mailing) |
2 hours |
|
|
| Written Complaint to management |
1 hour |
|
|
| File formal complaint with Better Business Bureau |
1 hour |
|
|
| File formal complaint with state or local consumer protection |
1 hour or more |
|
|
| National consumer protection agencies and media help |
many hours |
|
|
| Legal Representation |
Lots of time and $ |
|
|
So make sure that the item you are upset about is worth your time and money, and getting it resolved gives you such satsfaction that the work and energy you put into it, leaves you with a positive addition to your Life Bank. Finally you can share with your friends how to complain best!
Chris Brown
