Writing a Letter of Redress

Writing a letter of redress is an important exercise of your consumer rights. You will be writing a formal business letter, requesting redress as your express dissatisfaction with a product or service.

This letter should preferably be written from a real-life situation – yours or that of a family member or friend. If a real-life situation cannot be used, indicate that it is fictitious. Your letter should not be threatening in any manner.

Your letter may be one that could be mailed to the company or business – but only after it has been evaluated. If a response is received, bring it back and share the situation and the response received with the class for extra credit. You may receive refunds, product replacements, or repairs for defective products.

You may need to research in order to find a name and address of the company to which you will write. Look on package labels, in phone books, or on internet sources. A name may be difficult to find, but may prompt a quicker and more effective response.

Talk to family, friends, or neighbors about a problem they may have had. Maybe you can help them out! A real problem or situation will be more interesting to write about and may result in a positive ending for you or someone you know.

…what makes a complaint letter effective?

  • Start out “positive” in the first paragraph. Begin with a genuine compliment or simply describe the problem in a NON-EMOTIONAL tone.
  • Be specific about the style, serial number or model number. This is less time the company will have to spend searching for your product. Make it easy for them.
  • Include the current date on the letter and also the date you purchased the product. If the company sees that you sent them a complaint in a timely manner, your request will be viewed with more validity.
  • Include a contact number or email address if possible.
  • Describe the problem, but be brief. Keep the language simple (but intelligent!) and the letter should not be longer than one page in length.
  • Enclose a copy of your receipt. DO NOT ENCLOSE ORIGINAL RECEIPTS. Keep the receipt for your records. If you lost the receipt, try and write anyway.
  • Tell the company what you are requesting. Request firmly, but courteously, without being threatening. Do not demand.
  • Set a deadline for your reply. Send another letter if you do not hear from the company. The next step may be to contact the Better Business Bureau.
  • Go to the top. Address the letter to the company president or CEO. He or she will get it to the right person. You may find the name of the CEO on the company website or by calling the company.
  • Typing is more professional and will increase your credibility.

*Keep in mind, only about half of unsatisfied customers will tell the offending business that they are upset. Being heard and expecting a response are CONSUMER RIGHTS. We have to keep businesses motivated to keep us as customers so we can expect quality products and services

HOW TO SET IT UP

2 inch margin from top

[Your Name]

[Street Address]

[City, State Zip Code]

[Date]

4 returns

[Addressee Name]

[Company]

[Street Address]

[City, State, Zip Code]

[Dear Mr./Ms.____]

2 returns

Body of letter, using single spacing. Double return between paragraphs.

2 returns

Sincerely,

[Your Name]