Unsure Dealing With A Dispute ?

Here are ten tips for complaining effectively:

1/ Know your rights – what are your rights in this situation? Find out before you go back 

2/ Complain to the person you first dealt with – this may resolve the problem without having to take it further 

3/ Don’t delay – act now before you forget the important stuff. Sometimes there’s a time limit for making a complaint 

4/ Be reasonable – when you’re asking for something to be put right make sure what you’re asking for is fair 

5/ Use evidence – take any evidence related to your complaint  eg. Receipts, letters 6/ Prepare – practice what you are going to say. Consider taking someone along to support you 

7/ Keep cool – keep calm and remember your manner ; this will get you further than if you don’t! 

8/ Escalate – if talking to them doesn’t help, ask to talk to their manager or supervisor 

9/ Ensure they can contact you – if someone is going to follow up your complaint ensure they have your contact details and you have theirs ! 

10/ Writing a formal letter of complaint can help – if talking with them doesn’t sort out the problem, putting your complaint in writing can help and here are some simple tips for an effective letter:

Say that you are making a complaint  . . . explain the reason why you’re complaining and what you want them to do to fix the problem . . . give them a deadline for replying to your complaint . . . attach copies of evidence but keep the originals .  

Keeping it brief and polite will help it be taken more seriously.  If you’re not confident about writing a letter of complaint, CAB can help you with this.

Need other help, contact CAB 43 Perry Street Masterton Mon-Fri 9am to 4pm ph 06 377 0078  or  0800 367 222 email wairarapa@cab.org.nz