Page 65 - Today’s Business Communication; A How-to Guide for the Modern Professional

54 TODAY’S BUSINESS COMMUNICATION

Sometimes, you may be in the position of writing a letter of complaint. As
with all business communication, these letters should be accurate, brief,
and clear (the ABC of business communication). They may be crafted in
the form of an email or a snail mail letter. But regardless of the format, there
is an additional important point to remember, and that is this: always ask
for an action to be taken in your letter of complaint. You are seeking not
only to complain about a problem, but also to ask for redress. Below, you’ll
find a letter of complaint written to us at Zimpal. It would be the letter that
prompted Jason’s response in the example of communicating bad news.
Sample Letter of Complaint

January 31, 2013
Drs. Jason Snyder and Robert Forbus
Partners
Zimpal Group LLC
1028 Boulevard
Box 314
West Hartford, CT 06119

Dear Drs. Snyder and Forbus,

I attended your seminar on personal branding last month in Made
Up City, CT. Your registration procedures were not up to appro-
priate standards. In fact, I’ve read your textbook, and frankly I was
surprised that your employee, Ralph Goofoff was so rude and seemed
to follow none of the advice you give in the pages of your book.
Despite Mr. Goofoff’s rudeness to me, which delayed my entry into
the room where you were conducting the seminar, I was able to get a
seat. It was the last seat in the room. Your seminar was helpful to me.
Clearly you know your material. But, the registration experience with
Mr. Goofoff ruined the day for me.

I would sincerely appreciate your refunding at least a portion of my
seminar fees for the day in light of the poor reception I received at
the registration desk.

Sincerely,
Sheree Sherazod