Acknowledge the Return of an Item For Exchange, Refund or Credit • Example Letters, Guides and Samples
Guides
Since the reader may be dissatisfied or defensive, make this letter especially courteous. You may wish to apologize for the inconvenience, but emphasize that you are making restitution.
How to write this acknowledgment letter:
- Acknowledge the return and express your regret that the item proved unsatisfactory.
- Explain your decision to grant the exchange, refund, or credit.
- Thank the customer for his or her business and encourage future purchases.
Example Letter #1
We are sorry that the 3D exercise machine did not meet your expectations. From your letter I understand that you would like a refund rather that a different model. Please return the machine in its original package and we will promptly refund your purchase price.
We appreciate being able to serve you and hope that you will find other Doe fitness products to your liking. We are committed to providing superior products at affordable prices. Please accept a complimentary catalog of our full line of sports equipment.
Example Letter #2
We received your return shipment of twelve size 9D shoes in today's delivery and have credited your account accordingly. We are sorry that they appear to be mislabeled.
Our customer service division is studying how such an error could have taken place. Thank you for your understanding. We look forward to serving you in the future.
Example Letter #3
We received the defective model X100 printer you returned. Unfortunately this unit was one of a small lot that escaped final inspection. We have already issued a recall notice to other X100 owners--the first in our 15 years of operation.
A new, tested X100 is being shipped to you by air courier. We trust the new unit will fully meet your expectations and we look forward to doing business with you again.
Example Letter #4
This letter is to acknowledge receipt of the portable stereo you purchased from our mail-order company. We deeply regret that the unit was damaged in shipping, and apologize for the inconvenience. We have shipped a new stereo by express mail, and it should arrive within five business days.
Please also accept the enclosed coupon for 20% off of your next purchase. We appreciate your business and thank you for your patience. Again, please accept our apologies for our error. We hope you will allow us to serve you again soon.
Write Your Letter Step-by-Step
1 Acknowledge the return and express your regret that the item proved unsatisfactory.
Sample Sentences for Step 1
- I am sorry that the hair dryer you purchased from our outlet has proven unsatisfactory.
- We have received the item you returned for exchange and apologize for the mix-up.
- We regret that the wireless radio-television you purchased from us was defective.
- We are sorry to learn that your stoneware was damaged in shipment.
- We received your defective calculator in the mail today.
- Thank you for returning the toaster.
Sample Phrases for Step 1
- acknowledge the receipt of
- am sorry that
- apologize for your inconvenience
- apologize for the
- did not work properly
- failed to meet your expectations
- had problems with
- has arrived at our
- have received the
- please accept our apologies for
- proved to be defective
- regret the error
- returned for exchange
- sorry you had problems with
- thank you for returning
- that you purchased from our
- was damaged in shipping
- was unsatisfactory
- were sorry to learn that
- were disappointed in
- which you returned
2 Explain your decision to grant the exchange, refund, or credit.
Sample Sentences for Step 2
- Your new flatware is on its way.
- We will be happy to refund your money, according to the terms of our warranty statement.
- We have sent a replacement in a separate mailing.
- We will send the new calculator as soon as we receive our next shipment.
- Rather than repairing the defective set, we are sending a replacement.
- Enclosed you will find a replacement part. If you have difficulty installing it, call 555-5555 and our representative will assist you.
- We will ship a replacement at no additional cost to you.
- We will credit your account with the full amount, including shipping costs.
Sample Phrases for Step 2
- are sending a replacement
- as you requested
- as soon as possible
- as soon as we receive
- at no cost to
- at no additional cost
- enclosed you will find
- has been shipped
- has been factory-tested
- has been sent separately
- have already mailed
- have refunded your
- have credited your account with
- should arrive within
- the terms of our warranty
- will send your new
- will be happy to
- will mail your refund as soon as
- will be on its way
- will replace the
3 Thank the customer for his or her business and encourage future purchases.
Sample Sentences for Step 3
- Thank you for your business. We look forward to receiving your next order.
- We apologize for the inconvenience and hope to serve you again soon.
- I trust this adjustment will be satisfactory. Thank you for choosing Doe Corporation for your household needs.
- We thank you for your patience.
- We appreciate your business and have enclosed a complimentary catalog featuring our newest line of Doe products.
- We have enjoyed serving you and look forward to your next order.
Sample Phrases for Step 3
- appreciate your patronage
- are always happy to
- for your business
- for choosing Doe Corporation
- for your patience
- for your understanding
- glad to be of service
- happy to be of service
- have enclosed a
- hope to serve you again soon
- is always a pleasure to
- is important to us
- is our top priority
- look forward to
- receiving your next order
- stand by our products
- thank you for
- trust that this will be satisfactory
- value your business
- your satisfaction is
- will be pleased with
