Complain About Receiving Damaged Goods • Letter Templates and Guides
How to write this letter:
1 | State all the relevant facts concerning the situation. |
2 | Include photocopies of purchase orders, contracts, or invoices that will validate your claim. |
3 | Include a specific request regarding how you feel the situation should be rectified. |
4 | Close the letter on a positive note, expressing confidence that the reader will do what is necessary to rectify the situation. |
Guides
Most businesses are eager to satisfy their customers and will respond to a complaint letter. There is no need to be challenging, so use a congenial tone. The problem is a mutual one. If you do not receive satisfaction, consider taking more serious action.
Example Letter #1
A few weeks ago I ordered a terra cotta vase through your mail order catalog, but when it arrived it was shattered into several small pieces. It appeared that the box had been crushed by something quite heavy. I hope you have another just like it, because I would still like to receive the vase.
I am returning the invoice that was in the box, and will return the broken pieces, if necessary, to receive a replacement. Otherwise, I will eagerly await the arrival of a new vase. If it can be delivered before Christmas, I will be most grateful.
Example Letter #2
We appreciate your willingness to deliver our new copy machine a day early. Unfortunately, it arrived with some damage to the front door. The machine works, but the door is an eyesore and doesn't close all the way. I have enclosed a Polaroid photo of the door so you can see the problem. I trust you will send someone to replace the door as soon as possible.
Example Letter #3
Yesterday my order of flour and sugar canisters arrived damaged. The large flour canister was in pieces. I am returning the canisters with a copy of my purchase order. Please ship us a new set and pay the shipping since we already paid it twice. Thank you for your help.
Write Your Letter Step-by-Step
1
State all the relevant facts concerning the situation.
Example Sentences for Step 1
Example Phrases for Step 1
2
Include photocopies of purchase orders, contracts, or invoices that will validate your claim.
Example Sentences for Step 2
1. Copy of purchase order #123
2. Copy of carrier's bill #456
3. Our shipping clerk's memo on the damaged items Accompanying this letter is a copy of the shipping contract and the purchase order.
Example Phrases for Step 2
3
Include a specific request regarding how you feel the situation should be rectified.
Example Sentences for Step 3
Example Phrases for Step 3
4
Close the letter on a positive note, expressing confidence that the reader will do what is necessary to rectify the situation.