Almost nobody likes to complain.
But, when you or someone in your family has been seriously wronged, what choice do you have?
If your new dishwasher doesn't get your silverware clean, if your just installed air conditioning system doesn't cool your bedroom wing, or if your new exercise bicycle keeps locking up, suffering quietly just doesn't seem like an option. The problem, you might say, is that airing your complaints usually accomplishes little or nothing.
There is an easy explanation for why that is the case. Most people do not know how to complain effectively. To get results...to be an effective complainer...here is what you need to know.
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. Let the other party make you an offer before you propose a solution. You may get more than you you would have asked for. It happens.
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. 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. Remember that it is often the second or third person in the chain of command who will acede to your request; don't accept the first or even the second "no" as final if you sincerely believe you have been wronged.
8. The threat of complaining to a consumer watchdog agency or hiring an attorney seldom leads to a quick solution, but it may be worth trying as your very last resort. But, only as your very last resort.
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. - 15224
But, when you or someone in your family has been seriously wronged, what choice do you have?
If your new dishwasher doesn't get your silverware clean, if your just installed air conditioning system doesn't cool your bedroom wing, or if your new exercise bicycle keeps locking up, suffering quietly just doesn't seem like an option. The problem, you might say, is that airing your complaints usually accomplishes little or nothing.
There is an easy explanation for why that is the case. Most people do not know how to complain effectively. To get results...to be an effective complainer...here is what you need to know.
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. Let the other party make you an offer before you propose a solution. You may get more than you you would have asked for. It happens.
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. 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. Remember that it is often the second or third person in the chain of command who will acede to your request; don't accept the first or even the second "no" as final if you sincerely believe you have been wronged.
8. The threat of complaining to a consumer watchdog agency or hiring an attorney seldom leads to a quick solution, but it may be worth trying as your very last resort. But, only as your very last resort.
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. - 15224
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.
