2. MAIL A COMPLAINT LETTER

Let's say that you did everything we said you should do in section 1. Bully for you! Now let's say that you don't want the thing that you bought, and you want to get your money back. Most of the time, all you have to do is call or visit the store and return the merchandise to get your money back.

If you get turned away with a kick in the pants, you've got a couple of options. If the refund's worth less than $3, just let it go, and never go back to that store. It's not worth the headache, no matter the moral victory, and your loss of patronage will cost the store more than anything else. But if you really got hosed, and are ready to put some work into getting your hard earned money back, then let the games begin! (One very important final thing: when you speak to someone, make sure to get his or her full name and write it down.)

Write a complaint letter

If the company refuses to return your money, ask for an address where you can send them a written complaint. Then dust off your keyboard and sit down to write your initial complaint letter. You should address this letter to the company, and it should contain all of the following information:

  • the name and model number (if any) of the product or service you purchased
  • the date and store location where you made the purchase (if you can remember the salesperson's name – damn, you're good – include that, too)
  • the purchase price of the item and the amount of the refund you are requesting
  • an explanation of why you want/deserve a refund
  • a detailed account of your first attempt to obtain a refund (make sure to include the name of the person you spoke to – we told you to write it down – and the reason they gave you for not returning your money)
  • a copy of the receipt for the product (don't send the original – keep that for your files)

If you want, you can check out our example of an initial complaint letter.

We're sure you're probably thinking to yourself that you don't want to write a stinking letter. After all, the company already said no; a silly letter isn't going to make them change their minds. WRONG! This letter is going to make them sit up and take notice, because you are going to cc this letter to the Better Business Bureau, your State Attorney General's Office, and a local legislator. That'll show them you mean business.

In case you've never seen the inside of an office before, you should know that "cc" means "carbon copy." In other words, you write the name of a person or agency next to the abbreviation "cc" at the bottom of your letter, and then you send a copy of the letter to that person. You don't change the address at the top of the letter, nor the opening salutation, when you cc it to someone. All you do is put "cc" on the bottom next to the names of the other two folks you're mailing it to, like we said, and mail an exact copy to each appropriate address.

A cover letter also

Send the initial complaint letter to the company and send a copy to the three offices above along with a cover letter asking for their help. Don't forget to include your full name, address, and telephone number on the cover letter. If you're really feeling lazy, you can check out our example of a complaint cover letter.