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How to write a good complaint

A good complaint has one aim: someone at the company should understand what happened and what they need to do. The clearer it is, the better your chance of a reply and a resolution. Here are six steps.

1. A title that says what the problem is

The title should name the brand and the problem, the way you would search for it yourself: “Parcel not delivered for ten days” is better than “Disaster!!!”. People with the same problem find you by the title, and the brand knows at once what it is about.

2. The facts, in order

Write what happened, step by step:

  • what you bought or which service you use,
  • when and where the problem appeared,
  • what you have done so far and what you were told.

Dates, amounts and numbers help. Write what you experienced yourself, not what you heard from others.

3. What exactly you are asking for

Say what a resolution would be for you: a refund, a replacement, a repair, an apology or simply an answer. A brand resolves a complaint with a clear request more easily.

4. Evidence

Add a photo of the product, the receipt or your correspondence. Documents are private unless you choose to make them public. Put the order number in its own field: only the brand's verified team can see it, so they can find your case straight away.

5. Calm, and without insults

You may be unhappy and say so plainly. But insults, threats, employees' names and accusations of crimes without proof hold a complaint back for review and may keep it from being published. Describe what someone did, without naming them.

6. Follow your complaint to the end

When the brand replies you get a notification. If the problem is solved, confirm it on the complaint's page and rate the experience: that rating goes into the brand's score and helps other consumers.

Not sure where to start? The complaint form has an assistant that asks you questions and builds a draft from your answers. You always review the draft and send it yourself.

Frequently asked questions

How long should a complaint be?
Long enough for someone who does not know the case to understand what happened: usually five to ten sentences. Complaints shorter than 50 words are hard to resolve and are not shown in search engines.
May I name an employee?
No. Describe what was done and where (for example “the clerk at the counter in Podgorica”), without a first and last name. Complaints containing other people's personal data go to a moderator first.
What if I write my phone number in the complaint?
Phone numbers, email addresses, account numbers and similar data are hidden automatically before publication. Put the order number in its own field: only the brand's verified team can see it.

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