Belly Acres

On the other hand, if you're going to be dealing with a bureaucratic entity, it's generally nice to send some paper their way. They like paper and they understand paper, so might as well give them some. If you have receipts, send photocopies, not originals (bureaucracies also like to lose paper.) If you decide to go the phone route, make sure you're ready to take notes during the call, especially the names of any people you speak to.

For more online guidance, Planet Feedback offers people an online forum to help them voice and direct their complaints, and air their complaints as well. And you can also find help online from the Federal Consumer Information Center, in Part II of the Consumer Action Handbook, including a sample complaint letter.

Before you march off to battle, there's just one more thing I think you should keep in mind: when you make your complaint, whether in person or in writing, be as calm and polite as you can. Admittedly, this can sometimes be a little tricky to pull off, but it seems to be worth the effort in the long run. At the very least, your calm and cool demeanor won't be something for someone else to complain about.

(Links checked Dec. 16, 2001)

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