You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
When people need to complain about a product or poor service, some prefer to complain in writing and others prefer to complain in person. Which way do you prefer?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
You should write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1
It is rather difficult for me to answer the question of how I prefer to complain: in writing or in person, because sometimes I just do not have a choice. For example, if I order a product using the Internet from another state or even country, I will more likely have no opportunity to speak to a representative of a company in person. So, in some cases I choose to speak in person and in others I prefer to complain in writing. However, I believe that every option has its advantages.
From one side, complaining in writing brings many benefits. First of all, one does not have to spend his precious time driving, waiting for his turn and talking with a representative. He can just send mail or e-mail and get all explanation he needs. Second, I think it is the best way to avoid an unpleasant conversation. I do not like to complain about anything especially, in person. Finally, sometimes it is impossible to have a face-to-face conversation because a company that provided a poor product or service is too far away.
On the other side, complaining in person has some benefits too. First, this type of complaining provides immediate feedback. So, if I have complaints about a company’s products, I will receive all information and explanation immediately. However, sending a company a letter and getting feedback can take more than a month. Second, face-to-face conversation is often more effective. People talk to each other and see each other facial gestures and body movements, which can tell a lot about a person. In addition to these practical benefits, in case one can not receive a credible explanation from one representative, he is always can require to talk to another person. For instance, my husband recently had some extra withdrawals from his account by his bank, and he was not aware of it. So, he went to the bank and explained to the bank’s representative the situation, and they together found the solution and that money was given back to my husband’s account. In this case, face-to-face conversation is the best way to complain and get feedback fast.
In conclusion, I think that if I have to complain about a product or poor service I will do it in person. However, if a face-to-face conversation is impossible, I think I have nothing left but to send a letter or write an e-mail there.
Model Answer 2
A lot of times, people need to complain about a product or poor service which is quite common nowadays. It is, therefore, important for one to identify the best medium for your complaints to have the desired effect. Rising complaints both in person or in writing have their pros and cons but I personally prefer to lodge my complaints in writing.
Firstly, putting down your complaints in writing has the advantage of getting to the person intended. That person is usually at the top of the hierarchy. For example, if someone complains to the driver of a bus about over-speeding or reckless driving, the information might not get to the manager of the transport company but may only end up with the driver which might not stop the driver from over speeding in the future and therefore the complaint would not make any impact.
Secondly, writing to the manager about a poor service gives the manager time to understand and assimilate the gravity of the situation and understand how important it was to you the consumer for you to take your time to write about a certain problem. In addition, if one decides to complain in person, emotions may come into play and may lead to the exchange of words and the desired effect is therefore not achieved. Written complaints also have the advantage of being referred to in the future.
In summary, written complaints have the advantage of getting to the individual in charge, being able to be referred to in the future and giving the receiver ample time to understand the situation and to address it appropriately. As a result, I would prefer to forward my complaints in writing.
( by – Abdur Rahim )
Model Answer 3
In day-to-day life, it is pretty common that the daily use products undergo repair and we are dissatisfied with some services from a provider. To complain about these to the concerned party, some send letters or emails, and others complain in person. These two ways differ in resolution time and effectiveness.
The drafted complaint is a long way because the delivery of the complaint through courier or postal service takes time. In addition, if the service provider could not understand our complaint, communication between two parties would take additional time. For example, when my microwave oven was damaged, I sent a written complaint to the service centre, and it took 2 days to deliver the letter along with the product. Two days later, I got a call from the service centre technician for the complaint clarification as he could not understand it clearly. Finally, I got back my micro woven after 7 days. In contrast face to face, complaints take less time.
When we give complaints personally, they are quickly resolved and give effective results. For instance, a few days back I bought Rasagulla sweets and I found them spoiled after opening the container. Immediately I went to the supermarket, complained in person and returned the items. Consequently, they informed the manufacturer to collect back all the boxes of Rasagulla sweets that had the same batch number that I complained. As a result, the manufacturer and seller’s reputation was saved and I got my result.
In short, the above two examples say that an in-person complaint is more effective than a penned complaint.
( by – Ronith )