How do you write an effective complaint letter?

Asked by: Miss Jennifer Auer  |  Last update: July 14, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (26 votes)

Information To Include in Your Letter
  1. Give the basics.
  2. Tell your story.
  3. Explain how you want to resolve the problem.
  4. Describe your next steps.
  5. Send your complaint letter.
  6. [Your Mailing Address]
  7. [Your City, State, Zip Code]
  8. [Your email address]

How do you write a powerful complaint letter?

Be honest and straightforward. Write to the point, and in clear language. Do not include subjective opinions, except to the effect that your expectations were higher - for example, that you would have expected a better service from such a prominent company, or the product to be free of faults.

What is an example of a formal complaint?

Dear [name of your employer / HR manager/ line manager],

I am writing to raise a formal grievance. I have a [problem with / complaint about] [give details]. [Optional] I have evidence in the form of [give details]. I would be grateful if you could let me know when I can meet you to talk about my grievance.

What should you not put in a complaint letter?

9 mistakes to avoid
  • Don't be vague or leave out details. ...
  • Don't make unreasonable demands. ...
  • Don't assume the reader is responsible. ...
  • Don't write words that are angry, sarcastic, or threatening. ...
  • Don't leave out proof. ...
  • Don't forget to include copies of all relevant documents.

What are good lines for a complaint letter?

I feel I must complain to you about… I wish to complain in the strongest terms about… REQUEST FOR ACTION I would like you to investigate this matter, and let me know your decision. I would like a full/partial refund as soon as possible.

A COMPLAINT LETTER

35 related questions found

What is a common phrase to start a complaint?

* My first concern / complaint is... * I would like you to look into this matter, and let me know your decision. * I hope that this matter can be resolved… * I hope that you will deal with this matter promptly as it is causing me considerable inconvenience.

What is the first paragraph of a complaint letter?

A complaint letter format will typically begin with the sender's details, followed by stating who it's addressed to, the date, and then the letter itself. The opening paragraph should state your reason for writing, and the meat of the text will go into detail about the matter.

What is most important in a letter of complaint?

Writing a good complaint letter

1. Be concise and stick to the facts. 2. Include essential information relating to the product or service that you bought or received.

What must you never do when dealing with a complaint?

Failing to follow up with the customer, ignoring or dismissing the complaint, or acting as if it isn't worthy of addressing. Making excuses, deflecting, or laying the blame back on the customer, management, or another department.

What 3 elements must a complaint contain?

Under the federal rules, the three mandatory elements in every civil complaint are: (1) a statement as to why the court has jurisdiction over the case, (2) a “short and plain” statement as to why the plaintiff is entitled to relief and (3) a description of the relief sought.

What is a sample sentence for complaint?

Examples of complaint in a Sentence

The board has received a number of complaints about the new policy. The company has a system to handle customer complaints. The lack of parking spaces is a common complaint among the city's residents. The lack of financial support is our biggest complaint.

What are the 4 types of complaints?

Understanding the nature and intent of each type of complaint can help HR and managers decide on the best approach to tackle them.
  • Productive complaining. ...
  • Venting. ...
  • Chronic complaining. ...
  • Malicious complaining.

How to end a complaint letter?

End the complaint letter with Yours Sincerely if you know the name of the recipient, or Yours Faithfully if you don't.

What words to use when making a complaint?

Straight Talking:
  • 'I'm not happy'
  • 'I'm very unhappy'
  • 'I cannot accept this'
  • 'I'm really angry/annoyed'
  • 'I'm confused'
  • 'I'm tired of..'
  • 'I want to make a complaint'
  • 'I want to speak to a manager/supervisor/team leader'

How do I write a complaint letter about unprofessional behavior?

Basic rules
  1. keep your letter to the point. You need to give enough detail for your employer to be able to investigate your complaint properly. ...
  2. keep to the facts. ...
  3. never use abusive or offensive language. ...
  4. explain how you felt about the behaviour you are complaining about but don't use emotive language.

What is the structure of a complaint letter?

The format of a complaint letter follows the format of a formal letter. To write a complaint letter, you can start with the sender's address followed by the date, the receiver's address, the subject, salutation, body of the letter, complimentary closing, signature and name in block letters.

What is the most effective way to make a complaint?

Be assertive, not aggressive. Your experience of making a complaint is likely to be more productive if you calmly discuss the issues with the complaint officer. Getting angry often makes the complaint process more difficult for everyone and doesn't lead to a better outcome.

Why should you never complain?

The time and effort you waste on complaining could be invested in fixing problems, finding solutions, & achieving results. Complaining creates a culture of negativity which kills innovation & creativity. Negative people are quick to shoot down new ideas. Create a culture of positive energy.

What is step 5 when dealing with a complaint positively?

A 5-step process for handling customer complaints
  • Step 1: Dig deeper by asking the right questions. ...
  • Step 2: Identify the type of customer you're dealing with. ...
  • Step 3: Respond to the customer quickly. ...
  • Step 4: Present a solution, and verify that the problem is solved. ...
  • Step 5: Log the complaint so you can track trends.

What is not appropriate to include in a letter of complaint?

However, complaint letters that are clear, logical and using plain language are more likely to be effective than letters that include swear words or strong language, or that provide other historical information unrelated to the particular complaint.

What should be written in the first paragraph of a letter of complaint?

In the body of the letter, the opening sentence should identify your specific complaint. Next, outline what actions you have already taken to resolve it and how you expect the company to address the issue.

What is a good example of a complaint letter?

Dear [Contact Person]: This letter is to [notify you {or} follow up on our conversation of {date}] about a problem I am having with the [name of product or service performed] that I [bought, leased, rented or had repaired] at your [name of location] location on [date].

Which is a common phrase to start a complaint letter?

➢ I am sorry to have to inform you that… ➢ On using this product I discovered… faults… ➢ I look forward to… ➢ I wish to complain about… ➢ According to…, but… ➢ Despite my request for… ➢ …is not what I expected ➢ I am particularly unhappy about… ➢ What would suit me best is…

How do you write a strongly worded letter of complaint?

Information To Include in Your Letter
  1. Give the basics.
  2. Tell your story.
  3. Explain how you want to resolve the problem.
  4. Describe your next steps.
  5. Send your complaint letter.
  6. [Your Mailing Address]
  7. [Your City, State, Zip Code]
  8. [Your email address]

What is the final response letter of a complaint?

What a good final response letter includes
  • Step 1: Set out the issues complained about and what the person wanted. ...
  • Step 2: Explain how you looked into the complaint. ...
  • Step 3: Present the evidence you considered. ...
  • Step 4: Explain the outcome and whether something went wrong.