How To Complain About A Company Or A Service

'Tis the season where we are out in the public much more through shopping, eating out and just being exposed to good and bad customer service. Those that know me well, know I will not hesitate to go above an employee's head and as high as the corporate office if necessary. I have done this a few times and have gotten various results, even have corporate reps and executives call and personally apologize to me, then rectify the problem.

There are right and wrong ways to get your way and let your voice and thoughts be heard. Here are some of the right ways.

1. Be proactive not reactive.

Don't lose your cool instantly but don't waste a lot of time in reporting the incident. If you're out and about, report it immediately, then go up the ladder until you get satisfaction. Prompt and quick, polite action can get you far.

2. Make your complaints at appropriate time periods and methods.

Emails and voicemails only go so far. Make sure you speak to a live person and or manager. Try not to call first thing in the morning or at the end of the day, or near a weekend. Your complaints will be best heard when the other party is most alert and focused on the task at hand.

3. Remember all pertinent information, and if out in public, record a video of the incident.

YouTube and WorldStar HipHol have been putting companies and people on blast for quite some time now. In addition to video evidence, gather employee and manager's names, descriptions, exactly what the problem is and how it was mishandled.

4. Diffuse the blame and make it interpersonal.

I realize this can be difficult. However, be sure to let customer service reps or anyone not directly involved that you are complaining against their company and NOT necessarily them. Often they are doing as they are told. This is when you need to do #5.

5. Climb the ladder as far up as necessary.

Know the basic hierarchy and try to stick to it when making complaints. Keep it in house if possible. If not, continue to make your voice heard and be relentless until this happens, even if you have to reach owners, CEOS, and the like.

6. Know your rights, regulations and use them.

You can do a lot of good for yourself when you understand the code of conduct and decorum. For example, restaurants have to comply to health and labor regulations, and phone services have to comply by the FCC. If it goes to the point of using legal council and law enforcement, by all means use your judgment and do it! You don't want to be the enemy, but places of businesses need to know you're no pushover.

OK well go get them and good luck!

Have you ever complained publicly about a company or a service? What useful tips do you have to add?