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 raise your voice, do not say anything insulting about anyone in the organization from which you are seeking compensation, and be unfailingly pleasant and polite. There is no doubt about it, folks who are civil are most likely to be given what they ask for.
4. Don't "blow off steam"...state the facts calmly and objectively.
5. If you have had good previous experiences with the company about which you are complaining and/or if you expect to buy their products or services again if your problem is resolved fairly, say so.
6. Nobody likes intimidation or ultimatums; avoid both. And, avoid words like "demand", "insist", and "immediately".
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.
Do these suggestions really work? The simple answer is yes. They have helped me receive improved insurance settlements, free flights, free hotel rooms, a discount automobile rental, complimentary meals, product exchanges, and more. You can do the same.
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 raise your voice, do not say anything insulting about anyone in the organization from which you are seeking compensation, and be unfailingly pleasant and polite. There is no doubt about it, folks who are civil are most likely to be given what they ask for.
4. Don't "blow off steam"...state the facts calmly and objectively.
5. If you have had good previous experiences with the company about which you are complaining and/or if you expect to buy their products or services again if your problem is resolved fairly, say so.
6. Nobody likes intimidation or ultimatums; avoid both. And, avoid words like "demand", "insist", and "immediately".
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.
Do these suggestions really work? The simple answer is yes. They have helped me receive improved insurance settlements, free flights, free hotel rooms, a discount automobile rental, complimentary meals, product exchanges, and more. You can do the same.
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
7:50 AM
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