Crafting the Perfect Complaint: Why It Matters
Writing a complaint letter that gets results requires more than just venting your frustration. It’s about clearly articulating the problem, providing supporting details, and proposing a reasonable solution. A well-written letter demonstrates your professionalism and increases the likelihood of a positive outcome. These 16 examples cover a wide range of scenarios to help you craft effective complaints.
Common Scenarios and Effective Complaint Letter Techniques
The examples below illustrate how to handle complaints related to defective products, poor service, billing errors, and more. Notice the consistent structure: a polite opening, a clear description of the issue, specific dates and details, the desired resolution, and a courteous closing. Tailor these templates to your specific situation for maximum impact. Remember to always maintain a professional tone, even when you’re upset.
16 Complaint Letter Samples
Sample 1: Defective Product
[Your Name]
               [Your Address]
               [Your Phone Number]
               [Your Email Address]
[Date]
               [Company Name]
               [Company Address]
Dear [Contact Person or To Whom It May Concern],
I am writing to complain about a [product name] that I purchased on [date] from [location of purchase or website]. The product’s model number is [model number].
Upon receiving the product, I noticed that [describe the defect]. I have attached a copy of my receipt as proof of purchase. I request a [refund/replacement] for the defective product.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response.
               Sincerely,
               [Your Signature]
               [Your Typed Name]
Sample 2: Poor Service
[Your Name]
               [Your Address]
               [Your Phone Number]
               [Your Email Address]
[Date]
               [Company Name]
               [Company Address]
Dear [Contact Person or To Whom It May Concern],
I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with the service I received on [date] at your [location] branch. Specifically, [describe the poor service you received].
[Explain how the poor service affected you]. I expect a higher standard of service from your company. I would appreciate [a formal apology/a discount on future services/other resolution].
               Sincerely,
               [Your Signature]
               [Your Typed Name]
Sample 3: Billing Error
[Your Name]
               [Your Address]
               [Your Phone Number]
               [Your Email Address]
[Date]
               [Company Name]
               [Company Address]
Dear [Contact Person or Billing Department],
I am writing to dispute a charge on my account [account number] for [amount]. The charge appears on my statement dated [date].
I believe this charge is an error because [explain why you believe the charge is incorrect]. I have attached a copy of my statement for your review. I request that the incorrect charge be removed from my account.
               Sincerely,
               [Your Signature]
               [Your Typed Name]
Sample 4: Delayed Delivery
[Your Name]
               [Your Address]
               [Your Phone Number]
               [Your Email Address]
[Date]
               [Company Name]
               [Company Address]
Dear [Contact Person or To Whom It May Concern],
I am writing to complain about the delayed delivery of my order [order number], which I placed on [date]. The estimated delivery date was [original delivery date].
As of today, [current date], I have not yet received my order. [Explain why the delay is causing you inconvenience]. I request immediate action to expedite the delivery of my order, and I expect to receive it within [number] days. If this is not possible, I request a full refund.
               Sincerely,
               [Your Signature]
               [Your Typed Name]
Sample 5: Hotel Complaint
[Your Name]
               [Your Address]
               [Your Phone Number]
               [Your Email Address]
[Date]
               [Hotel Name]
               [Hotel Address]
Dear [Hotel Manager or To Whom It May Concern],
I am writing to express my disappointment with my recent stay at your hotel from [start date] to [end date], room number [room number].
[Clearly describe the specific issues: e.g., unclean room, noisy neighbors, malfunctioning AC]. These issues significantly impacted my stay, and I believe the quality of service was below your advertised standards. I request [partial refund/points/other compensation] to compensate for the inconvenience.
               Sincerely,
               [Your Signature]
               [Your Typed Name]
Sample 6: Restaurant Complaint
[Your Name]
               [Your Address]
               [Your Phone Number]
               [Your Email Address]
[Date]
               [Restaurant Name]
               [Restaurant Address]
Dear [Restaurant Manager or To Whom It May Concern],
I am writing to complain about my dining experience at your restaurant on [date] at approximately [time].
[Describe the problem: e.g., slow service, cold food, rude waiter]. Specifically, [give details]. This greatly detracted from what was meant to be an enjoyable meal. I would appreciate it if you could [offer a discount on a future meal/investigate the matter/other resolution].
               Sincerely,
               [Your Signature]
               [Your Typed Name]
Sample 7: Airline Complaint
[Your Name]
               [Your Address]
               [Your Phone Number]
               [Your Email Address]
[Date]
               [Airline Name]
               [Airline Address]
Dear [Customer Service Department],
I am writing to complain about flight [flight number] from [departure city] to [arrival city] on [date].
[Describe the problem: e.g., delayed flight, lost baggage, rude staff]. As a result of [the problem], I experienced [explain the consequences]. I request [compensation for lost baggage/reimbursement for expenses/flight voucher]. I have attached copies of my boarding pass and baggage claim tag.
               Sincerely,
               [Your Signature]
               [Your Typed Name]
Sample 8: Internet Service Provider Complaint
[Your Name]
               [Your Address]
               [Your Phone Number]
               [Your Email Address]
[Date]
               [ISP Name]
               [ISP Address]
Dear [Customer Service Department],
I am writing to complain about the consistently slow internet service I have been experiencing. My account number is [account number].
For the past [number] weeks/months, my internet speed has been significantly below the advertised speed. [Give examples of when the service was particularly bad]. I have contacted customer support on [dates], but the issue remains unresolved. I request that you investigate this matter and improve the quality of my internet service. If the issue cannot be resolved, I request termination of my contract without penalty.
               Sincerely,
               [Your Signature]
               [Your Typed Name]
Sample 9: Bank Complaint
[Your Name]
               [Your Address]
               [Your Phone Number]
               [Your Email Address]
[Date]
               [Bank Name]
               [Bank Address]
Dear [Bank Manager or Customer Service],
I am writing to complain about [specific issue, e.g., unauthorized transaction, incorrect fee]. My account number is [account number].
On [date], I noticed [describe the unauthorized transaction or incorrect fee]. I contacted your customer service on [date] and spoke with [representative’s name, if known], but the issue has not been resolved. I request that you investigate this matter immediately and [reverse the unauthorized transaction/refund the incorrect fee]. I have attached a copy of my bank statement for your review.
               Sincerely,
               [Your Signature]
               [Your Typed Name]
Sample 10: Landlord Complaint
[Your Name]
               [Your Address]
               [Your Phone Number]
               [Your Email Address]
[Date]
               [Landlord Name]
               [Landlord Address]
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to complain about [specific issue, e.g., lack of repairs, noise violations, property maintenance]. I am a tenant at [address] in apartment [apartment number].
On [date], [describe the problem in detail]. This issue violates the terms of our lease agreement, specifically [cite the relevant clause, if possible]. I request that you address this issue promptly by [request specific action, e.g., scheduling repairs, enforcing noise regulations]. I expect a response within [number] days.
               Sincerely,
               [Your Signature]
               [Your Typed Name]
Sample 11: Construction Noise Complaint
[Your Name]
               [Your Address]
               [Your Phone Number]
               [Your Email Address]
[Date]
               [Construction Company Name or Site Manager]
               [Construction Address (if known)]
Dear [Contact Person or To Whom It May Concern],
I am writing to complain about the excessive noise coming from your construction site located near my home at [Your address].
The construction noise, including [specific examples like hammering, machinery, loud music], is occurring at [specific times of day and days of the week]. This is significantly disrupting my [sleep/work/ability to enjoy my home]. I request that you take steps to mitigate the noise, such as [suggest specific solutions like noise barriers, reduced hours, quieter equipment]. I expect a noticeable improvement within [number] days.
               Sincerely,
               [Your Signature]
               [Your Typed Name]
Sample 12: Car Repair Complaint
[Your Name]
               [Your Address]
               [Your Phone Number]
               [Your Email Address]
[Date]
               [Mechanic Shop Name]
               [Mechanic Shop Address]
Dear [Mechanic or Shop Manager],
I am writing to complain about the recent repair work performed on my vehicle, a [year] [make] [model], VIN [VIN number], on [date].
I brought my car in for [original problem]. While the [original problem] was addressed, I am now experiencing [new problem, or dissatisfaction with the original repair]. [Explain the situation in detail]. I request that you re-examine my car and correct the issue at no additional cost. I have attached a copy of the original repair bill.
               Sincerely,
               [Your Signature]
               [Your Typed Name]
Sample 13: Gym Complaint
[Your Name]
               [Your Address]
               [Your Phone Number]
               [Your Email Address]
[Date]
               [Gym Name]
               [Gym Address]
Dear [Gym Manager or To Whom It May Concern],
I am writing to complain about [specific issue, e.g., broken equipment, cleanliness, overcrowding] at your gym. My membership number is [membership number].
[Describe the problem in detail]. This has negatively impacted my ability to use the gym effectively. I request that you address this issue by [request specific action, e.g., repairing the equipment, improving cleanliness, managing overcrowding]. I expect to see improvements within [number] weeks/days.
               Sincerely,
               [Your Signature]
               [Your Typed Name]
Sample 14: Online Purchase Complaint
[Your Name]
               [Your Address]
               [Your Phone Number]
               [Your Email Address]
[Date]
               [Company Name]
               [Company Address (if known, otherwise use email)]
Dear [Customer Service Department],
I am writing to complain about an order I placed on your website, [website address], on [date]. My order number is [order number].
[Describe the problem: e.g., incorrect item received, damaged item, never received the item]. I have attached a copy of my order confirmation and [photo of damaged item, if applicable]. I request that you [send the correct item/replace the damaged item/issue a full refund]. I expect a response within [number] business days.
               Sincerely,
               [Your Signature]
               [Your Typed Name]
Sample 15: School Complaint (Teacher)
[Your Name]
               [Your Address]
               [Your Phone Number]
               [Your Email Address]
[Date]
               [Principal’s Name]
               [School Name]
               [School Address]
Dear [Principal’s Name],
I am writing to express my concern regarding [Teacher’s Name], who teaches [Subject] in [Grade Level]. My child, [Child’s Name], is in their [Class Period or Section].
[Clearly and objectively describe the concern: e.g., lack of communication, perceived bias, inappropriate teaching methods]. I have observed [Specific examples of the issue]. I believe this is affecting my child’s [learning/confidence/well-being]. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this further with you and [Teacher’s Name] to find a resolution that benefits all students. I am available to meet on [Suggest available dates/times].
               Sincerely,
               [Your Signature]
               [Your Typed Name]
Sample 16: Poor Quality Food Product
[Your Name]
               [Your Address]
               [Your Phone Number]
               [Your Email Address]
[Date]
               [Food Company Name]
               [Food Company Address]
Dear [Customer Service Department],
I am writing to complain about a [Food Product Name] that I purchased on [Date of Purchase] from [Store Name and Location]. The product’s expiration date was [Expiration Date]. The product batch number (if available) is [Batch Number].
Upon opening the product, I discovered that [Describe the problem: e.g., it was moldy, it tasted stale, it had an unusual odor, it contained a foreign object]. This was very concerning, and I am worried about the quality control of your products. I request [a full refund/a replacement product/an investigation into this matter]. I have kept the product as evidence and can provide a photo if needed.
               Sincerely,
               [Your Signature]
               [Your Typed Name]
Conclusion: Taking Action with Effective Complaint Letters
These examples provide a solid foundation for writing your own complaint letters. Remember to adapt them to your specific situation, maintain a professional tone, and clearly state your desired resolution. By taking a proactive and well-articulated approach, you increase your chances of achieving a satisfactory outcome. Good luck!
