Saturday, January 1, 2005 - Page updated at 12:00 a.m.

Consumer Guide

Complaint letter

Index

Here's a sample complaint letter from the Federal Citizen Information Center. Use this sample to craft your own complaint letter. Personalize it by choosing the wording that works for your situation. Make sure to include copies (not originals) of relevant documents, such as invoices, receipts or contracts.

Your Address
Your City, State, Zip Code

Date

Name of Contact Person, if available
Title, if available
Company Name
Consumer Complaint Division (if you have no specific contact).
Street Address
City, State, Zip Code

Dear (Contact Person):

Re: (account number, if applicable)

On (date), I (bought, leased, rented, or had repaired) a (name of the product, with serial or model number or service performed) at (location, date and other important details of the transaction).

Unfortunately, your product (or service) has not performed well (or the service was inadequate) because (state the problem). I am disappointed because (explain the problem: for example, the product does not work properly, the service was not performed correctly, I was billed the wrong amount, something was not disclosed clearly or was misrepresented, etc.).

To resolve the problem, I would appreciate your (state the specific action you want — money back, charge-card credit, repair, exchange, etc.). Enclosed are copies (do not send originals) of my records (include receipts, guarantees, warranties, canceled checks, contracts, model and serial numbers, and any other documents).

I look forward to your reply and a resolution to my problem, and will wait until (set a time limit) before seeking help from a consumer-protection agency or the Better Business Bureau. Please contact me at the above address or by phone at (home and/or office numbers with area code).

Sincerely,

Your name

Enclosure(s)

Source: Federal Citizen Information Center, www.consumeraction.gov