How To Write A Complaint Letter – Or – Avoiding Complaints – The Consumer Action Handbook

Complain, complain, complain.

Have a complaint as a consumer but don’t know where to begin to solve the issue? A US government information website –  USA.gov – has some useful links and suggestions on how to take action.  Start here – FILING COMPLAINTS.   On this page you will even find a link with information on how to file a complaint to your federal or local government and its agencies.

How to write a complaint letter.

A related web page has a “Consumer Complaint Letter Wizard” to help you organize your thoughts and write out your letter.  There is also a sample complaint letter available – here.   A useful suggestion in helping you start the process is to cut and paste this sample text provided into the company’s or organization’s “Contact Us” webpage.

An ounce of consumer complaint prevention.

Want to educate yourself to help avoid consumer problems?  The Consumer Action Handbook published by US General Services Administration Federal Citizen Information Center is a guide to being an informed consumer. This everyday guide to being a smart shopper is full of helpful tips about preventing identity theft, understanding credit, filing a consumer complaint, and more.   A copy of this handbook would be a great offering to young adults heading off to college or anyone making their initial entrance into the adult world with all its responsibilities.

The full text of the 146 page publication can be read here – consumer_action_handbook_us_USgovt.

Or you can order a free paper copy from this webpage – http://cah.gpo.gov/cah-form.aspx  The Spanish language version is also available.

Here is some advice from the Handbook (page 6):

 

Part II of the Handbook discusses “Filing the Complaint” – starting with contacting parties and following with a guide to starting a legal action using alternative dispute resolutions or small claims courts.