Wednesday, 3 October 2012

How To Complain

As consumers we can be a funny lot, some too ‘polite’ to complain, even when service is appalling or goods are faulty, whilst others shout and swear about next-to-nothing, losing the point amidst their angry tirade. So just how and when should we complain?

Firstly, let’s look at the when. As a customer you are right to speak out when service is unusually slow or poor, assistants are rude or unhelpful, goods are faulty, products are not fit for purpose or you feel that you are being treated unfairly. If the service you have received has left you feeling upset, dissatisfied or inconvenienced, then you should not feel that you are being ‘a nuisance’ by making a complaint. The trick is to do it properly.

You should initially complain verbally at the point of service, if this does not resolve the problem then ask to speak to a supervisor, and/or the manager. If this does still not get results, then you should request the details of head office to write a formal letter of complaint.

When making a verbal compliant –
DO – state clearly what the problem is
      be firm, but calm and polite (even if the response you get is anything but)
      smile, or use a little humour, as this can ease tension, resulting in a better response 
                               
 DO NOT – shout, swear, or make offensive or personal comments
                apologise for complaining, it is not you who is at fault
                waffle on about unrelated issues

If you need to follow up a complaint in writing, try to get the name of the person that needs to deal with the complaint, or at least address your letter to a specific ‘position’ e.g. Customer Services Manager, Managing Director etc.

DO – be concise, keep to the point
      include relevant names, times and dates
      state what you would like the outcome to be
       include a little humour where appropriate
       keep a copy

DO NOT – run to several pages, keep to one side of A4, typed or neatly written
                deviate from the point
               include offensive comments 

Remember! It is not wrong to complain (standards of service may improve as a result), but there is a wrong way to complain.

Let me know about your experiences of making a complaint, email comments@shoppersjoy.co.uk


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