What happens if a company doesn't respond to your complaint?

Asked by: Everette Trantow  |  Last update: March 5, 2026
Score: 4.4/5 (23 votes)

If a company ignores your complaint, you escalate by contacting government agencies (like FTC, State AG, EEOC), the BBB, or industry ombudsmen, posting public reviews, and potentially seeking legal help (lawyer, small claims court) for resolution, as ignoring you can lead to regulatory action, legal trouble (default judgments), and significant reputational damage.

What happens if a company does not respond to a complaint?

If we think the organisation has not responded to your request as they should've done, we can give them advice and ask them to solve the problem. You can also seek to enforce your rights through the courts. If you decide to do this, we strongly advise you to seek independent legal advice first.

How long does an employer have to respond to a complaint?

We ask that you provide a response within 30 days from the date you receive it. For more information, see EEOC Procedures for Respondent Position Statements.

How long should I wait for a response to a complaint?

A clear, substantive response within 14 days of receiving the complaint. For complex issues, businesses should acknowledge receipt within 3 working days and provide an estimated timeframe for resolution.

What to do if a company won't respond?

Get Outside Help

  1. Contact your state attorney general or state consumer protection office. ...
  2. Contact a national consumer organization. ...
  3. Contact your local Better Business Bureau The Better Business Bureau is made up of organizations supported by local businesses. ...
  4. File a report with the FTC.

What happens if your employer does not respond to the EEOC in 30 days? What if they never respond?

36 related questions found

Can you sue a company for not responding?

Potential Legal Actions After No Response

After you consult your lawyer, you can file a lawsuit or pursue arbitration. When you file a lawsuit, you present your case in court and demand financial compensation or the enforcement of a contract.

How do you get a refund from a company that ignores you?

To get a refund from an unresponsive company, first send a formal demand letter, then escalate by initiating a chargeback with your credit card company or PayPal, filing complaints with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and your State Attorney General, and reporting to the FTC to document patterns for potential investigations, using your detailed records of all communication. 

How to get a complaint taken seriously?

An effective complaints process should:

  1. Have a named point of contact. ...
  2. Use simple language that is easy to follow. ...
  3. Be accessible. ...
  4. Be as straightforward as possible. ...
  5. Be clear about what will happen at each stage and how long each stage should take.

What is the 10 5 3 rule in customer service?

The 10-5-3 rule in customer service is a guideline for staff to acknowledge and engage customers at specific distances: at 10 feet, make eye contact and smile; at 5 feet, add a friendly verbal greeting like "Good morning"; and at 3 feet, offer warm, personalized assistance, ensuring customers feel seen and welcome, often adapted for different environments like retail or contact centers. 

What are the 5 stages of complaint handling?

A key five-step complaint process involves: 1. Listen & Acknowledge (understand the issue), 2. Apologize & Empathize (show you care), 3. Investigate & Offer Solutions (find the fix), 4. Act with Urgency & Ownership (implement the solution), and 5. Follow-Up & Analyze (confirm resolution and prevent recurrence). This structure moves from understanding to resolution, focusing on customer satisfaction and continuous improvement.
 

What if my employer doesn't respond to my grievance?

The Code outlines reasonable timeframes for each stage – typically, your employer should respond to your grievance in writing and arrange a meeting without unreasonable delay. If your employer fails to follow the procedure, you may have grounds for further action, including a potential claim to an employment tribunal.

How long do work investigations take?

Most investigations should be completed within 7-10 business days. Allowing complaints to linger and investigations to continue for weeks creates concerns. Who has ultimate control over the scope and manner of the investigation?

Can you sue a company after 3 years?

This depends on the type of claim you have. California law requires employment lawsuits to be filed within two to four years, depending on the claim. Legally speaking, this is known as the “statute of limitations”.

Is it illegal for HR to not respond?

If HR continues to ignore you, that may violate your rights under California law, especially if your complaint was about harassment, discrimination, retaliation, wage violations, or a request for accommodation. At that point, when HR ignores your complaint in California, it may be time to seek legal advice.

What happens after you file a complaint against a company?

Business will be asked to respond in 14 calendar days from the date you filed the complaint. If a response is not received, a follow-up letter will be sent to the business. Consumer will be notified of the business response when the BBB receives it and will be asked to respond.

What are some strong words to use in a complaint?

Customers who are direct and clear in their dissatisfaction, may use phrases like:

  • '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'

What is the rule 1 customer is always right?

"The customer is always right" is a motto or slogan which exhorts service staff to give a high priority to customer satisfaction. It was popularised by pioneering and successful retailers such as Harry Gordon Selfridge, John Wanamaker and Marshall Field.

What is the 80 20 rule for customer service?

CLV's advantage is that it recognizes a customer's value beyond their first purchase and sees potential in the long term. If the Pareto principle, also known as the 80/20 rule, holds true for your business, it means that 80% of your revenue is being generated by 20% of your customers.

What are the three F's in customer service?

What is the 3 F's method in customer service? The "Feel, Felt, Found" approach is believed to have originated in the sales industry, where it is used to connect with customers, build rapport, and overcome customer objections.

What not to write 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.

Is it worth filing a complaint with the BBB?

Yes, filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is often worth it, especially if you've exhausted direct communication with a business, as it provides a structured mediation process that encourages resolution and can impact the company's public rating, though the BBB isn't a government enforcer. Many companies, particularly larger ones, prioritize their BBB standing and will take action to resolve issues when a complaint is filed, often more quickly than direct consumer attempts. 

What are my consumer rights?

What are your rights? You can make a claim for a refund, repair or replacement when the product you've bought (it could be an object or a service) doesn't meet these three standards: Satisfactory quality: The product shouldn't be damaged or faulty when you receive it.

Do companies legally have to give you a refund?

Generally speaking, when you buy goods you enter into a legally binding contract and you have no right to return them for a refund. However, there are circumstances where a right to return goods may arise.

What to do when a company won't respond?

If a letter to the manager does not resolve the problem, you may want to file a complaint with the following:

  1. Department of Consumer Affairs. File a complaint online at www.dca.ca.gov or call 800.952. ...
  2. The Better Business Bureau. ...
  3. The District Attorney's Office in your county.

Can I sue a company for no refund?

Many unethical and greedy companies, businesses and corporations are withholding your money. You don't have to accept a refund denial. Consumers have legal rights, if you have been denied a refund it may take a lawsuit to get what you deserve.