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COMPLNR FIELD GUIDE

How to complain about bad customer service

Separate the service failure from the emotion it caused, then describe both clearly.

Name the service failure

Examples include an unanswered request, conflicting advice, an unreasonable delay or a promised callback that did not happen. Describe what occurred rather than labelling a person.

Show the impact

Explain whether the failure cost time, caused an extra charge, delayed a service or left the original problem unresolved.

Request a realistic correction

Ask for the information, refund, fee reversal, callback or process review that would address the problem.

Recognise a good recovery

If the business fixes the issue, record the outcome. A fair complaint can acknowledge both the failure and the recovery.

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Keep it safe

Do not publish names, contact details, account numbers, addresses or identifying information about private people. Complnr is not legal advice.