How to Complain Effectively - 4 Easy Steps
1. Get clear on what you are complaining about
The statement, "how to complain effectively" entails some sort of goal. If you want something to be effective, you want it to achieve a result. Complaining without a purpose is not effective. Complaining to hurt someone or create drama is also ineffective. This kind of complaining is destructive. So the second step in effective complaining is:
2. Identify your purpose; what result are you hoping for?
Once you know what you're complaining about and why, you need to come up with a way to execute the complaint so that it will achieve the desired result. There are a number of things to consider when coming up with a plan. Who are you complaining to and what is most likely to invoke a favorable response in them? Is what you are complaining about really worth the time and effort you are putting into it? Where and when would be the best way to bring this up? So, step three in effective complaining is:
3. Come up with an appropriate plan of action
After following the previous steps, you need to be willing to follow through with anything you may be called upon to do. We often think that simply voicing a complaint is all that is required of us, and that may be the case in some instances. Sometimes however, after a complaint is made, action is required to address it. You may be asked to help with this. You need to be prepared to do what you can if this is the case. Step four in effective complaining is:
4. Be prepared to do whatever you may be called upon to do in order to properly address the issue
In any situation where you are expressing a complaint always show respect and concern for whoever is involved. Blaming and accusing are not effective or mature responses and will probably increase the problem rather than improve it.
This is not a prescription to complain about every little thing. Yet, when a reasonable complaint presents itself keep these steps in mind. You'll find that the results are much more pleasant and productive.
Published by Sabrina Martin
Sabrina has published hundreds of articles for various websites. To see further samples of her work or contact her, please click 'contact' above. View profile
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6 Comments
Post a CommentI know it's been almost a year since you (the writer of this actual article) posted your question. I did notice that, as far as I could tell, nobody posted an answer for you. I think readers of well-written article are being led to your article from a link that you can click on after you finish reading an article entitled "how to effectively complain to Wal-Mart" or something like that...
You probably already know that by now since it's been a year but I couldn't resist dropping this quick note for you, just in case. Have a Happy Holiday! :)
Randi
I am just curious...why am I getting complaints about Walmart with people asking me to do something about a bad experience they had there? I have nothing to do with Walmart and my article has nothing to do with Walmart...am I missing something??
I am very disappointed in how a return of a gift I gave my grandson was handled last week. When I gave him the gift that I purchased at Walmart I included the gift receipt and yet when his mother took him to return it she was told that they would only get the half price refund. I had paid $29.95 for the gift but they said they could only give her the sale price of $14.95. What good does a gift receipt do? I thought the purpose of a gift receipt was so that the receiver could get the price that was paid for the item. Please explain. After a lot of effort on my daughter's part they finally decided to give her the price I paid for it. This was very aggravating for her and disappointing for me. If this is how your policy is, then I do not want to shop at Walmart anymore for gifts. I'd like to receive a reply to this. Thank you.
Valerie Wheeler'
leriebud@triad.rr.com
10-21-2010
The last six times I've shopped there have been products that were not available, shelves empty.
Today the second time I was there, I had to go back because I had been overcharged for an item, there were no baskets inside at one end, earlier I saw the clerk that rang me out and an elderly clerk out in the parking lot collecting baskets. The temperature in the store was so warm this morning that I cut my shopping short. I can't take heat. There are not many registers operating. Is there a problem hiring people? There are over 1500 people in the Kerrville area looking for work. I find it hard to imagine that Walmart can't get help.
Even the employees are uncomfortable and see the need for better management. I have a hard time getting an electric chair when I need one. (torn meniscus). There are just to many things not right for there not to be a problem with management.
Thank You, I hope you do something about the Kerrville store, Texas on Junction Hwy.
Well-written piece with great suggestions!
Interesting read great work`!