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Complaint Letters


COMPLAINT FORMAL LETTER 

LAYOUT 

USEFUL PHRASES 

GREETINGS 

Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms Smith  

Dear Mary

INTRODUCTION/  

OPENING PARAGRAPH 

• I am writing…  

in connection with…  

to complain about…  

to draw your attention to…  

• I have to say that I was not at all satisfied with… • I am sorry to say that I was extremely disappointed with…

MAIN PART  

(State what exactly happened)  (2-3 PARAGRAPHS) 

• Although you advertise “top quality”, I felt that the  product I received was well below the standard I expected.  • The goods were faulty/damaged/in poor condition.  • There seems to be an error in the invoice/a  

misunderstanding.  

Example paragraph:  

Our order dated 16 September clearly stated that we wanted 1,000  t-shirts. However, we only received 800. Furthermore, we asked you  to print our company logo in the top left corner of the shirts and you  have printed it in the centre.  

To make matters worse, your staff were very unhelpful when I  called. Above all, no-one took responsibility to sort out the  problem-I was simply passed from person to person. In addition,  after 30 minutes I gave up in frustration and ended the call.

REQUEST FOR ACTION 

• I would like you to investigate this matter, and let me know  your decision.  

• I would like a full or partial refund as soon as possible.  • Could you please arrange for me to receive a new  (radio/CD, etc) or refund my money in full?  

• We must insist on an immediate replacement/full refund.  • Unless I receive the goods by the end of this week, I will  have no choice but to cancel my order. 

CONCLUSION/  

CLOSING PARAGRAPH 

• I hope that this matter can be resolved…  

• I hope that you will deal with this matter promptly as it is  causing me considerable inconvenience.  

• I feel/believe that I am entitled to a replacement/refund…  • I demand a full refund/an immediate replacement/etc or I  shall be forced to take legal action/the matter further.  • I hope that I will not be forced to take further action. 

ENDINGS 

Yours faithfully,(when the letter starts Dear Sir/Madam)  Yours sincerely, (when the letter starts Dear Mr/Mrs Jones…) 






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