There are two basic steps involved in making a consumer complaint. First, contact the person or company who sold the item or performed the service. Explain the problem and what action you would like to see taken. If you are unsuccessful, ask to speak with that person's supervisor or manager. A complaint can often be resolved at this level. If you fail to receive a response at the local store, call or write to the person responsible for consumer complaints at the company's headquarters. The consumer complaint letters in this program can help you write a letter. Address letters to the company's president or the company's consumer office. Many companies have toll-free telephone numbers which are often printed on the product's package. To find out if a company has a toll-free number, call 1-800-555-1212. Forwarding Your Complaint to Other Officials
You may also want to write a letter to your local consumer protection office. Consult your telephone directory for county or city consumer protection offices. If no consumer protection office is listed for your state, write or call your state Attorney General's Office or Better Business Bureau. For assistance in writing to these agencies you may use the "Complaint Letter to a BBB or Attorney General." |