How To Write a Letter Of Complaint

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They say the pen is mightier than the sword, so if you've had a bad experience with a company, use your mightiest weapon to get satisfaction!

To complete this How-To you will need:

The name of the offending company's CEO
A suggested reparation

Step 1: Go straight to the top

Address your letter to the company's CEO. His secretary will likely forward it to customer service with a personal note, sending your complaint to the top of the pile. In fact, research has found that this trick can triple your chances of a successful outcome.

Step 2: Include back-up

State the problem and include any back-up materials, such as a sales receipt or any previous correspondence. This will show that you are a serious person who will not be ignored until your complaint is resolved.

Tip: In addition to your address and phone number, include your email address for a speedy response.

Step 3: Be specific

State exactly what the company can do to keep you as a customer, whether it's a refund, store credit, or a replacement. If all you do is complain, chances are all you'll get back by way of apology is a form letter.

Tip: Include a reasonable date by which you expect to have a response—two weeks is fair. This will reduce the chances your complaint will land in someone's to-do-whenever pile.

Step 4: Talk up your loyalty

If you're a longtime customer, say so! (And even if you aren't, it doesn't hurt to fudge a bit.) Companies do not want to lose loyal customers.

Tip: Research shows that colorful words like "appalled," "stunned," or "shocked," get better results than quieter ones like "upset." Just don't use more than three of these words, or you'll end up sounding hostile.

Step 5: Make a vague, veiled threat

Hint—in a polite, friendly way—what will happen if they don't make things up to you. For example, say, "I am surprised that no one has complained yet about your customer service in the online reviews I've read" to imply is that you might just add a disgruntled account.

Step 6: Keep it short

Keep your letter short and to the point. Studies show that after about a page, or 200 words, people lose interest—and sympathy!

Step 7: Spell check

Don't forget to spell check your letter. Misspellings make the reader perceive you as unintelligent, which may make them not take your complaint as seriously.

Step 8: End on a positive note

End by thanking the person "in advance" for resolving the matter.

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[DrPillowPaper]

i'm going to write a complaint letter to the makers of this video

[bks1366]

This reminds me of something.......

Dear Howcast,

Your videos have gotten really stupid lately, and I am agrivated with you. I am not going to be ignored until you stop making stupid "no shit" videos.

Thank you,

bks1366

How mas my letter of complaint??

[McPIMPDADDY3]

the pen is mightier than the sword but not mightier than the gun

[BtownX]

i'd just call in Naplam strike that bitch

[smellyface101]

Dear: CEO

*spits on paper*

sincerely,

Me 

[louise061061]

omg they write CEO but they say COD

[illSlapUrBitch]

You have recently posted several comments.

Enter the text in the image to continue posting ufc is awsome

[tfontana63]

A pen is mighiter than the sword, then they use a typewriter? Seriously, who owns a typewriter? A pen writting letter using a real pen might get some attention.

[chocomocha]

@bks1366 LOL

[samhainaz]

@bks1366 you didnt do your spell checkin gand profanity doesnt help lol

[8447michael]

they say the pen is mighiter than the sword lets see

pen: ink poisoning/mini/sneakable

sword: big/hard to break/awsome

[Nidonemo]

@SirFelix377

I would say no. First, if you destroy the CEO, you have a good chance of never getting the reparations you asked for, as the company will be in too much chaos to even consider your complaint, or the complaints of others. Plus they will be quite angry with you.

Second, you will most likely receive a visit from one, if not one hundred police officers, hungry for your arrest.