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How to write a letter of complaint

When you write a letter to a retailer or service provider it is important to be clear, concise and to stick to the facts of your complaint. It may be useful to give a deadline for response to your letter. You may find the following sample letter useful when writing a letter of complaint

Your postal address e.g.
123 Euro Drive,
Hillcrest,
Co Dublin
Tel 01-3456789

[Date your letter and keep a copy]

Ms J Goodbody,
Customer Service,
Jolly's Dept Store,
Dublin 7
[The person (usually the supervisor, manager or customer service officer) to whom you are complaining - get the person's name if possible]

Dear Ms Goodbody,

I bought a jacket in your shop two weeks ago. It cost 100 euro. I enclose a copy of the receipt.

[Include details and evidence of purchase]

The sales assistant told me the jacket was waterproof but when I went out walking in the rain I got wet. When I returned to the shop to look for a refund, I was told it was two weeks since I bought the jacket and that the most he could offer me was a credit note or exchange. I do not want another jacket as I do not want the same problem again and there is nothing else in the shop I want either.

I am very unhappy about this. I would like you to arrange a full refund to me. I would appreciate a reply within fourteen days from today.

[Let the retailer know what you want them to do - give them a reasonable deadline]

Yours sincerely,

[Include your full name so they can reply]
Joe Murphy Senior

Keep a copy of all correspondence.

Page updated: 1 January 2010

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