Article: Gather the documentation you need to prove what happened, like your paperwork, receipts, or product information. Additionally, note the date it happened, who you’ve talked to so far, and any other relevant information you may be asked to give. This will help you accurately answer questions and can help you feel more confident about your complaint.  If you’re complaining about a bad product, you’d need your receipt, the product information, and details about what’s wrong with it. If you’re complaining about a meal, you’d want your receipt, the date and time of the incident, the names of people involved, and a list of the problems you experienced. If you’re complaining about an incident at work, collect any paperwork you have to back you up, the date of the incident, the names of the people involved in the incident, and the details of what happened. Briefly describe the incident that you’re complaining about. Give a condensed summary about this issue so that the person understands what it’s about. This will let them decide if they can help you or not. You might say, “Earlier today I ordered takeout from your restaurant, but half of my order is missing,” or “Last week Doug told a joke about a sex act, and several people laughed. Now I’m feeling uncomfortable in the break room.” Ask the person for a remedy to help you be whole again. Be direct and specific about what you want. Additionally, make sure you ask for something that’s reasonable considering what happened. You might say, “I want a refund for the items that weren’t provided in my order, and I’d like to receive a replacement order right now,” or “I think it would be helpful if the entire staff participated in a sensitivity training workshop so everyone knows dirty jokes aren’t appropriate.” While the person you’re complaining to might want to help, it’s possible that they don’t have permission to do so. It’s best to ask them early on in your conversation if this is something they can do so you can save time. If they can’t help you, ask for a supervisor. You might say, “Is this something you can help resolve?” If they say no, say, “Thank you for your help so far, but I need to talk to a supervisor.” The first few people you talk to may not be able to solve your problem, but someone at the company will be. Keep asking to speak to a supervisor until you find the person who can help. Each time you speak to a new person, tell them what happened and what you want. Some companies are more responsive to complaints than others. However, you can get results if you’re persistent.

What is a summary?
Organize the details of the incident before you complain. Tell the representative what happened. Explain what you want them to do about it. Ask the representative if they can help you. Request to speak to a supervisor if you don’t get what you want.