Letters to Traders - Advice

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When you have a problem with faulty goods or services, it is often a good idea to put the details of your complaint in writing. When writing a letter of complaint, use this checklist to make sure that it is as effective as possible:

• write to the correct company address.
• include copies (not originals) of any supporting documents, such as a receipt or other proof of purchase, order form, invoice etc.
• quote any relevant account/customer/invoice number.
• be specific and stick to the point - quote dates of events, and all the relevant circumstances surrounding your complaint.
• be clear about what you want the trader to do to solve your complaint.
• set a deadline by which time you want the matter to be sorted out and stick to this deadline.
• get evidence to support your claim and enclose a copy with your letter.
• act quickly - delaying can sometimes affect your rights.
• be persistent - write a reminder letter if you don't get a reply to your first one.
• keep a copy of your letters, and send them by recorded delivery.

For sample letters to traders, please visit the Trading Standards central website.

Contact information

• email: ts.es@renfrewshire.gov.uk
• phone: 0141 842 5457
• call in or write to us at:
  Trading Standards
  Environmental Services
  Renfrewshire House
  Cotton Street
  Paisley
  PA1 1UG