|
Click on each of the links below to see the text referenced by the annotation. Scroll up and down in the document to see examples of the annotation. (In Netscape 2, you must reload and scroll to see the annotations in the right frame.) Use your browser's Back button to return to this page.
|
|
Complaint letter. In this complaint letter, the writer is seeking not just compensation for a faulty product but also some reassurance that the store deal with the root of the problem.
Heading. The heading portion of a business letter includes the writer's address and date. For traditional business letters like this one, you don't normally include your name in the heading. Inside address. The inside address provides the full name, title, and address of the recipient of the letter. If you do not have a specific name, you can department name or a position title. When possible, call the recipient's place of business and get a specific name to address the letter with—as is done in this letter. Salutation. In this portion of the letter, use the same name as you used in the inside address. Be sure and punctuate the salutation with a colon, not a comma (which is for informal, friendly, nonbusiness letters). Introduction. This introduction states the subject and purpose of the letter right away in the first sentence of the introductory paragraph. However, it does not launch into the problem discussion here or request the compensation. Obviously, there is a problem, but we have to keep reading to find out what it is—a conventional bit of suspense building in business letters! Background. This paragraph discusses the problem that the writer has had with the product—in enough detail to establish to make it convincing. Request and justification. In this part of the letter, the writer goes beyond just a mere request for monetary compensation. He demands better products to be stocked at the store and to receive updates on the progress of that demand! Closing. The writer keeps the heat on the recipient of this letter by referring to the company's stated preference for American products. He also issues a veiled threat that he will take his business elsewhere is the problems is not remedied. Enclosures. To document his request, this writer includes copies of the original sales receipt and the operator's manual.
|