Courteous Complainers
Posted: 2014-08-29. Categories: Holiday shopping, Online Services, Restaurants, Retail Stores

If you’re going to complaint, you might as well do it right.  Here are some tips.

Complaint_Department_please_take_a_number

At one time or another we’ve all felt under-served by a server at a restaurant or brushed off by an airline gate agent when we tried to ask a question. How can you voice your opinion or criticize and make sure you’re really heard? Jacqueline Whitmore is an internationally recognized etiquette expert and founder of The Protocol School of Palm Beach. She is the author of Poised for Success: Mastering The Four Qualities That Distinguish Outstanding Professionals.

Her 5 tips to help you complain more courteously and get faster results by Jacqueline Whitmore.

1. Ensure you’ve got a legitimate grievance.

When you’ve had a bad day, you may feel as if the world is out to get you. To avoid unnecessary conflict, step back from the situation and evaluate if it’s worth your energy to complain. There’s a difference between a cheeseburger that was slightly overcooked and one that made you sick. Always give others the chance to rectify the situation before you ask for a refund or launch into a tirade.

2. Find the right person to contact.

Before the Internet, people sent letters to companies when they had a complaint or compliment. Today, a letter sent to a company’s customer service department may or may not receive a response. You’re chances of getting a quicker response increase when you voice your opinion on social media. Try sharing your complaint on Facebook or Twitter and you will reach thousands of readers. The threat of poor publicity or a lost customer will most likely motivate the company to respond – and correct the problem.

3. Avoid foul language and threats.

Be careful not to go overboard when you express your frustrations. Keep your complaint brief and stay on point. Personal attacks, inappropriate language and unfair threats will only put others on the defensive. You’ll get much better results when you speak firmly but kindly.

4. Don’t feel forced to take down a bad review.

Once a complaint has been addressed, the company may ask you to take down a negative online review. If a company responds to you promptly and appropriately, consider removing the complaint. However, you should not feel obligated to do so. A company should never stipulate that a review must be removed prior to issuing a refund.

5. Give a great review when it’s been earned.

Complaints shouldn’t be the only feedback you provide a company. When you receive extraordinary service or someone goes above and beyond to help you, say so. Leave positive reviews on the company’s Facebook page or Twitter feed, speak to a manager about your positive experience, or directly thank the person who helped you. At the very least you’ll brighten someone’s day.

Keep calm and cool and never lose your temper. If you expect something from the company, tell them.  Don’t get side tracked, keep telling them what you want.  9 times out of 10 you will get it, if you are not distracted.

Comments are closed.