Nobody likes a complainer, but everyone likes to complain. Whether it's an airline screwing up a flight, a clothing store sending you the wrong order or a not-quite-as-vegetarian-as-advertised meal, we all feel the need to complain to get our way.
While there's nothing wrong with bringing your problems to a sales representative or management, not all problems necessarily need to be formal complaints, says author and etiquette expert Jacqueline Whitmore.
"When you've had a bad day, you may feel as if the world is out to get you. To avoid unnecessary conflict, step back from the situation and evaluate if it’s worth your energy to complain," she says. "There’s a difference between a cheeseburger that was slightly overcooked and one that made you sick. Always give others the chance to rectify the situation before you ask for a refund or launch into a tirade."
It is important to remember not all complaints are the same. If you're formally filing something against a business in Ontario, for example, there are specific steps to take with the Ministry of Consumer Services. Whitmore recommends doing your research before filing a complaint.
But she also strongly believes there's a true art to complaining, and when done right, you're more likely to get sympathy and a refund, instead of simply being dismissed as an annoyance. Below, Whitmore shares 14 ways to successfully file a complaint about something and get your way.
