Consumer advice information

Writing an effective complaint

This guidance is for England, Scotland and Wales

In most cases, goods, services or digital content supplied by a trader will be satisfactory, but sometimes things go wrong and you will want to complain.

You can complain in person or by telephone but make sure that you follow this up in writing too so there is a record of your complaint.

You can also arrange for the trader to ring you, use an online contact form, web chat or social media as a way to report a complaint.

To get the best possible outcome, go through the following points before you contact the trader:

for most contracts but not all, the trader must give you certain important information, such as after-sales information and details of any complaints-handling policy they may have. Check this before you complain
if the trader does not provide after-sales information or details of a complaints-handling policy, you need to find out who and where to complain to. Check the trader's website, social media, the back of the receipt, the order form or the delivery note for details
depending on how a trader deals with customer service matters, contact the person or department authorised to deal with complaints. Check to make sure you are using the correct contact details. If you write directly to a branch you can also send a copy of your letter or email to the head office
most large traders are unlikely to have a named individual to complain to; they may have a general email address or contact form for customer complaints
keep a copy of your complaint
if you receive an email acknowledgement of your complaint, keep it
use the trader's social media accounts to report a complaint, but take care about the information you disclose if your post can be seen by others
check online complaint forums for more information before you contact the trader. Other people may have the same problem as you
quote relevant order numbers, reference numbers and invoice numbers to make it easier for the trader to connect your complaint to the order
be polite and stick to the point. Genuine points of concern may get lost in a long complaint
quote dates or events and all the relevant issues about your complaint
if you send a handwritten letter, make sure it can easily be read. Seek help if necessary
ensure as best you can that the problem is not 'user error'
know what your rights are. For example, are you returning goods within 30 days for a refund, do you have extra protection because you paid by card or on finance? do you have a guarantee or warranty? It may be useful to inform the trader that you have sought legal advice
if possible, quote the law that you are making your claim under and make it clear what you are legally entitled to
be clear about the result you are looking for and what you want the trader to do to resolve your complaint
you may need to provide evidence to the trader to back up your complaint, such as copies of your documents (receipt, emails and letters) as well as anything else you think will prove your case, such as photographs and videos
do not send copies of bank / credit card statements due to the risk of identity theft
act quickly as a delay can sometimes affect what you are entitled to
give a reasonable time for the trader to get back to you
be persistent and complain again if you do not get a response to your first one
copies of letters, emails, screen shots from your device and other documents are useful evidence if you forward your complaint to a trade association, regulatory body, use any other form of alternative dispute resolution or if you take action in court
if at any stage you need to check your legal rights, contact the Citizens Advice consumer service

TEMPLATES

If you are unsure about what to write, then use the following templates (attached in Word format). Where you are given a choice of words to use, make sure you use the correct ones.

If you want to know what your legal rights are and what you are entitled to, consumer guides on this website provide detailed information.

Goods: non-delivery
Goods: price reduction or final right to reject
Goods: refund
Goods: repair or replacement
Services: carried out within a reasonable time
Services: legally binding information
Services: price reduction
Services: reasonable price to be paid
Services: repeat performance
Digital content: damage caused to device or other digital content
Digital content: price reduction
Digital content: right to supply (refund)
Digital content: repair or replacement
Off-premises sale: cancellation
Returning goods bought at a distance
Right to redress: right to damages
Right to redress: right to a discount
Right to redress: unwinding the contract
Building work repairs
Building work delays
Repairs to faulty double glazing
Flights: compensation for a delayed flight
Flights: compensation for a cancelled flight
Flights: compensation for denied boarding
Flights: reimbursement for being downgraded
Package holiday complaint
Refund for faulty car
Repairs to faulty car
Unsatisfactory car repairs
Holding a finance company equally liable in a dispute with a trader
Asking a trader to consider a joint expert report
Letter before court action

IN THIS UPDATE

Templates updated.

Last reviewed / updated: June 2023

Key legislation

there is no key legislation for this guide

Please note

This information is intended for guidance; only the courts can give an authoritative interpretation of the law.

The guide's 'Key legislation' links may only show the original version of the legislation, although some amending legislation is linked to separately where it is directly related to the content of a guide. Information on amendments to legislation can be found on each link's 'More Resources' tab.

For further information in England and Wales contact the Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 2231133. In Scotland contact Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000. Both provide free, confidential and impartial advice on consumer issues.

The county council is not responsible for this information.