How to End a Complaint Letter

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A complaint letter is a good way to express your displeasure as a consumer. [1] You may write a complaint letter to note a problem with a company's product or an issue you had with an organization's service. You have the opening and middle paragraphs of the letter done, but you're stuck on how to wrap it up on a professional note. To end a complaint letter, write a polished closing paragraph. Then, finish with a sign off that is formal and sincere.

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Writing the Closing Paragraph

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  1. Begin the paragraph by telling the recipient that you look forward to hearing their response to your complaint. This will remind the recipient that you expect a response from them about your concerns. [2]
    • For example, you may write, “I look forward to your reply to my complaint” or “I trust you will respond to my complaint in kind.”
  2. If you have shopped with the company in the past and are a devoted customer, make note of this in the closing paragraph. Doing this will let the recipient know that your business is valuable to them. [3]
    • For example, you may write, “As a dedicated customer, I hope you will work to resolve my problem and find a resolution” or “I have been a devoted customer of your company for years now and I hope you will take my complaint seriously.”
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  3. Put pressure on the company or organization to respond by setting a time limit for them to respond to your letter. Note that if you do not hear back within the time frame, you are going to get help from a consumer protection agency or the Better Business Bureau in your area. [4]
    • For example, you may write, “I will wait one week to hear back from you about this issue, and then I will seek help from a consumer protection agency or my local Better Business Bureau.”
  4. If you are including any documents or receipts as proof of purchase, make note of them at the end of the letter so the recipient knows they are attached. [5] Providing documents or receipts can help to strengthen your complaint and show the company you are filing a legitimate complaint.
    • For example, you may write, “Please find attached a copy of my recipient as proof of purchase of the item for your records.”
  5. End the paragraph by giving the recipient your address, email, or phone number. Write the area code and your home or office phone number. [6]
    • For example, you may write, “Please contact me by phone at (305) 123-4567.”
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Part 2
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Selecting the Sign Off

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  1. [7] This is considered the standard sign off for a formal letter to someone you do not know intimately, such as a company or organization. It is short and to the point.
  2. These options are good if you would like to come across a little less formal and a bit more friendly. “All the best” also works well if you prefer it to “Best.”
  3. Sign your name by handwriting it below the sign off. [8] You can also type your name under the sign off if you'd prefer.
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Examples to End a Complaint Letter

Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What's a good last line for a complaint letter?
    Tami Claytor
    Etiquette Coach
    Tami Claytor is an Etiquette Coach, Image Consultant, and the Owner of Always Appropriate Image and Etiquette Consulting in New York, New York. With over 20 years of experience, Tami specializes in teaching etiquette classes to individuals, students, companies, and community organizations. Tami has spent decades studying cultures through her extensive travels across five continents and has created cultural diversity workshops to promote social justice and cross-cultural awareness. She holds a BA in Economics with a concentration in International Relations from Clark University. Tami studied at the Ophelia DeVore School of Charm and the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she earned her Image Consultant Certification.
    Tami Claytor
    Etiquette Coach
    Expert Answer
    You could try something like, "Thank you for your time" or "Thank you for your consideration."
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  • Question
    Will the first letter of my name be in capital letters?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    Yes. Proper names always begin with a capital letter.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://unacademy.com/content/ca-foundation/study-material/business-correspondence/complaint-letter-how-to-write-a-professional-business-correspondence/
      2. ↑ https://www.usa.gov/complaint-letter
      3. ↑ https://www.scribendi.com/advice/example_complaint_letter.en.html
      4. ↑ https://www.infoplease.com/business-finance/consumer-protection/sample-complaint-letter
      5. ↑ https://byjus.com/english/complaint-letter-format/
      6. ↑ https://www.infoplease.com/business-finance/consumer-protection/sample-complaint-letter
      7. ↑ Tami Claytor. Etiquette Coach. Expert Interview. 29 September 2020.
      8. ↑ https://byjus.com/english/complaint-letter-format/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To end your complaint letter, reaffirm that you'll be expecting a reply or refund. Put something like, “I look forward to your reply to my complaint.” Alternatively, write, “As a dedicated customer, I hope you will work to resolve my problem and find a resolution.” If you’re including any documents or receipts as proof of purchase, your last paragraph can be, “Please find attached a copy of my recipient as proof of purchase of the item for your records.” Then, write, "Please contact me by phone or email," and provide your contact details so they know how to get in touch. For more tips, including how to include a time limit for their response in your complaint letter, read on!

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