Do Not Just Complain: Complain Effectively
Few people like to complain. And that's certainly understandable.
However, there are times when there is really no alternative.
If your automobile is a lemon, if your oven won't heat up, if a mechanic rips you off, or if there is a torn seam in your new $400 blazer, you can't just smile and pretend nothing is wrong. Unfortunately, complaints seldom get results.
There is no mystery about why. Few people understand the art...and it is an art...of complaining. Here's how it should be done.
1. If your sole motivation for complaining is to "blow off steam", call a talk radio station instead. If you have another goal...like getting fair treatment...that's the time to complain.
2. If the person to whom you complain does not offer you what you want, ask for it. Leave no doubt about what will satisfy you and why you think it is fair. Do you seek a partial refund, full refund, product exchange, or a discount on a future purchase? Be as specific as possible. But, give the person to whom you complain a chance to make you an offer before you ask for a remedy...you may get more than you expect.
3. Do not talk down to anyone and do not use insulting or profane language. Good manners and civility are far more likely to get you results.
4. Recognize that the first person with whom you speak may not be able to give you what you want. If that is the case, politely ask to speak with whomever has the authority to resolve your problem.
5. Do you hope to do more business with the company in question? Have you been satisfied with their efforts in the past? If so, make that clear.
6. Avoid ultimatums and attempts at intimidation.
7. Do not give up if the first person to whom you speak will not give you what you want. Go at least two more steps up the ladder before you give up.
8. Generally, it is counterproductive to threaten legal action or the intervention of a consumer protection agency. Try it if you think it may help, but only as a last resort, because it tends to be a conversation ender.
How likely are these eight suggestions to get you the results you seek? They have helped me get $1,000 back on a car purchase, an insurance settlement increase of $3,000, a free week of golf, complimentary meals, and more. Be assured that they can help you get similar results.
However, there are times when there is really no alternative.
If your automobile is a lemon, if your oven won't heat up, if a mechanic rips you off, or if there is a torn seam in your new $400 blazer, you can't just smile and pretend nothing is wrong. Unfortunately, complaints seldom get results.
There is no mystery about why. Few people understand the art...and it is an art...of complaining. Here's how it should be done.
1. If your sole motivation for complaining is to "blow off steam", call a talk radio station instead. If you have another goal...like getting fair treatment...that's the time to complain.
2. If the person to whom you complain does not offer you what you want, ask for it. Leave no doubt about what will satisfy you and why you think it is fair. Do you seek a partial refund, full refund, product exchange, or a discount on a future purchase? Be as specific as possible. But, give the person to whom you complain a chance to make you an offer before you ask for a remedy...you may get more than you expect.
3. Do not talk down to anyone and do not use insulting or profane language. Good manners and civility are far more likely to get you results.
4. Recognize that the first person with whom you speak may not be able to give you what you want. If that is the case, politely ask to speak with whomever has the authority to resolve your problem.
5. Do you hope to do more business with the company in question? Have you been satisfied with their efforts in the past? If so, make that clear.
6. Avoid ultimatums and attempts at intimidation.
7. Do not give up if the first person to whom you speak will not give you what you want. Go at least two more steps up the ladder before you give up.
8. Generally, it is counterproductive to threaten legal action or the intervention of a consumer protection agency. Try it if you think it may help, but only as a last resort, because it tends to be a conversation ender.
How likely are these eight suggestions to get you the results you seek? They have helped me get $1,000 back on a car purchase, an insurance settlement increase of $3,000, a free week of golf, complimentary meals, and more. Be assured that they can help you get similar results.
About the Author:
Ed Greene is a college instructor and freelance journalist. His most recent articles have been on online colleges, online degree programs, effective resume writing, and the importance of professional networking in a weak economy.
posted by Debt Consolidation Loan at
12:56 AM
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