complaint letter

[chazza]

i need to write a letter of complaint but not sure how to start it! 

Does anyone know of a good general opening or have any drafts i could take a look at to get ideas?

[nigidivitch]

What's it about?  Typically you want to keep it formal, so start "Dear Sir or Madam", and then indicate what it is you're writing about "I am writing concerning the level of service I recieved following a recent telephone discussion I had with one of your employees."

Make sure you name drop a lot (if possible), as well as trying to put lots of times and details of any previous discussion or service, or whatever.

If you indicate what it is you are complaining about, then I might be able to be more specific!  Buy I remember complaining to Vodafone a while back, wrote a three page complaint letter that was very detailed, and also had a conclusion along the lines that I was deeply concerned about their operations department wondering whether it was the fault of their training or management and that I felt it my duty to bring this worrying event to the attention of the MD, etc...  I think they just got bored, didn't read it all, and sent me lots of money back!! 

[Oneeyedvic]

Personally I would dear sir it - if you do chances are noone will take responsibility. To complain effectively you need to know who to address it to - if needs be check companies house and complain to a director (if a limited company).

As nigidivitvh says, it really would help if you could give a brief decription of your complaint.

[snappythe3rd]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/watchdog/index.shtml

They have examples of letters of complaints and guides on how to compain.

[tony1941]

General advice and a sort of template is here:

http://www.businessballs.com/complaintsletters.htm

[gucciman]

below is the opening paragraph i always use for my letters of complaint.

" dear sir/madam, it is with great regret that i feel the need to write to you to complain about the poor service that i recently recieved at the hands of your company."

i always phrase the letter to read as though i am actually sad to have to complain to them because i am usually a happy customer of theirs but they have let me down. this approach seems to work better than being aggressive and rude and its earnt me some great free meals, rail travel, free samples etc

[bigveg]

i used to work in cust services for a company (who shall remain nameless) who received rather a lot of complaints. the best letter was one that began

"Dear F*ckers,"

they never used an asterisk. everyone got to see that letter. try to find out if there is an ombudsman/ regulatory service, and contact them first. be sure to mention this in your letter. with a bit of luck the ombudsman will put pressure on the company to resolve your complaint. also, include the names of people you have dealt with, the time/date etc. if its a billing issue, demand a discount/rebate- you never know! good luck.