Writing a complaint letter can be daunting, but it’s often the most effective way to resolve issues with products, services, or organizations. A well-written complaint letter is clear, concise, and professional. It clearly outlines the problem, the impact it has had, and the desired resolution. This ensures your concerns are taken seriously and increases the likelihood of a positive outcome. Below are 12 sample complaint letter formats designed to cover a variety of common situations, helping you craft your own impactful correspondence.
Before diving into the templates, remember these key elements: Clearly state the issue in the first paragraph. Provide specific details, including dates, times, and product/service information. Explain the impact of the issue on you. Suggest a solution you deem acceptable. Maintain a polite and professional tone, even when expressing dissatisfaction. Using these strategies will increase the effectiveness of your correspondence.
12 Sample Complaint Letter Formats
Sample 1: Defective Product
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Contact Person or Customer Service Department],
I am writing to complain about a [Product Name] I purchased on [Date of Purchase] from [Location of Purchase or Website]. The [Product Name] is defective because [Describe the defect].
I have attached a copy of my receipt as proof of purchase. I request a [Replacement/Refund] 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 Customer Service Department],
I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with the service I received on [Date] at [Location]. The issue was [Describe the poor service in detail].
This poor service has caused me [Describe the impact of the poor service]. I request [Specific resolution, e.g., apology, discount, etc.].
I look forward to a resolution to this issue.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 3: Billing Error
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Account Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Billing Department],
I am writing to dispute a billing error on my account. On [Date of Bill] I was charged [Amount] for [Item or Service]. This charge is incorrect because [Explain why the charge is incorrect].
I have attached [Relevant Documents, e.g., previous bill, contract]. I request that the incorrect charge be removed from my account.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt correction of this error.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 4: Airline Complaint
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Airline Name] Customer Relations
[Airline Address]
Dear Customer Relations Department,
I am writing to complain about my experience on flight [Flight Number] from [Departure City] to [Arrival City] on [Date]. [Describe the problem – delayed flight, lost luggage, poor service, etc.].
As a result of this [Problem], I [Explain the impact, e.g., missed connecting flight, incurred expenses, etc.]. I am requesting [Specific compensation, e.g., refund, voucher, etc.].
I hope to receive a satisfactory resolution to this issue.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 5: Landlord Complaint
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Landlord Name]
[Landlord Address]
Dear [Landlord Name],
I am writing to complain about [Specific issue, e.g., lack of repairs, noise complaints from other tenants, etc.] at my apartment located at [Apartment Address]. [Provide detailed explanation of the issue, including dates and times].
This issue is impacting my [Explain how the issue affects your living situation]. I request that you [Specific action you want the landlord to take].
I look forward to your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 6: Restaurant Complaint
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Restaurant Name] Management
[Restaurant Address]
Dear Management,
I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with my dining experience at your restaurant on [Date] at approximately [Time]. The issue was [Describe the problem – poor service, food quality, etc.].
[Describe the specific incident in detail, including names of staff if possible]. This experience was unacceptable because [Explain why it was unacceptable]. I request [Specific resolution, e.g., discount on a future meal, apology from the manager, etc.].
Thank you for considering my complaint.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 7: Hotel Complaint
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hotel Name] Management
[Hotel Address]
Dear Management,
I am writing to express my disappointment with my stay at your hotel from [Start Date] to [End Date] in room [Room Number]. The problem was [Describe the issue, e.g., unclean room, noisy neighbors, broken amenities].
[Provide specific details and examples]. This significantly detracted from my experience. I request [Specific resolution, e.g., partial refund, points towards a future stay].
I hope for a positive response and a resolution to this issue.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 8: Delivery Service Complaint
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Delivery Service Name] Customer Service
[Delivery Service Address]
Dear Customer Service,
I am writing to complain about a recent delivery with tracking number [Tracking Number]. The package was [Describe the problem, e.g., damaged, late, lost].
[Provide specific details, including the expected delivery date and the actual condition of the package upon arrival (if it arrived)]. This has caused me [Explain the inconvenience or loss]. I am requesting [Specific resolution, e.g., refund of shipping costs, replacement of the item].
I look forward to your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 9: Internet Service Provider (ISP) Complaint
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Account Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[ISP Name] Customer Service
[ISP Address]
Dear Customer Service,
I am writing to complain about the consistently poor internet service I have been receiving. Since [Start Date], I have experienced [Describe the problems: slow speeds, frequent outages, etc.].
I have contacted your support team on [Dates] and was [Describe the support received – or lack thereof]. I am paying for [Speed/Plan Details] and am not receiving the promised service. I request [Specific resolution, e.g., credit to my account, upgraded equipment, cancellation without penalty].
I expect a significant improvement in my service, or I will be forced to switch providers.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 10: Complaint about a Doctor/Medical Practice
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Medical Practice Name] Management
[Medical Practice Address]
and/or
[Doctor’s Name]
[Doctor’s Address]
Dear [Management or Doctor’s Name],
I am writing to express my concern about [Specific issue: treatment received, billing practices, lack of communication, etc.] on [Date(s) of Incident(s)].
[Provide a detailed and factual account of the events, including names of other staff involved if applicable. Be specific about the impact this had on you]. I request [Specific action you want to be taken, e.g., a review of your case, a formal apology, a correction of billing errors].
I hope to receive a response and a resolution to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 11: Unsolicited Email/Spam
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Company Name] Compliance Department (If known)
[Company Address]
Dear [Compliance Department or To Whom It May Concern],
I am writing to complain about unsolicited email messages I have received from your company. I received emails on [Date(s) of Emails] at my email address [Your Email Address]. These emails contained [Brief description of the content].
I have never subscribed to your mailing list and I did not give you permission to send me these emails. I demand that you immediately remove my email address from your mailing list and cease sending me unsolicited messages. Under the [Name of relevant spam law, e.g., CAN-SPAM Act], you are required to honor this request.
I expect written confirmation that my email address has been removed from your list.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample 12: Complaint to a Government Agency (e.g., BBB)
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Name of Government Agency, e.g., Better Business Bureau]
[Agency Address]
Re: Complaint against [Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to file a formal complaint against [Company Name]. On [Date(s) of Transaction(s)], I [Describe the transaction/interaction with the company. Be clear and concise].
[Provide a detailed account of the problem, including copies of any relevant documents: contracts, receipts, emails, etc.]. Despite my attempts to resolve this issue with [Company Name] directly (as documented in the attached correspondence), I have been unable to reach a satisfactory resolution. I am seeking [Specific resolution, e.g., refund, fulfillment of contract, etc.].
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I have attached all supporting documentation.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Conclusion
These sample complaint letter formats provide a starting point for addressing a wide range of issues. Remember to tailor each letter to your specific situation, providing accurate details and clearly stating your desired outcome. By maintaining a professional tone and focusing on the facts, you can increase your chances of a successful resolution. Documentation is key – always keep copies of your letters and any related correspondence.
