Teacher Discussion Forums

Which do you prefer, 'complaint' or 'claim'
in the following situation?
"If you purchase a defective product, you
must write a complaint / claim letter to the compnay."
Thank you.

Hiya!

I would say a complaint.

CU
Siân

To me, if you write a complaint, you complain about the product. You may or may not get a response. If you make a claim, you expect them to send you a replacement item or give you money back. I don't think you can make a claim unless they specifically tell you they are accepting claims.

I think a claim letter is a better, more professional fit. This corresponds to the widely-held belief that there is no place for negative terms in business. Much like how "problems" are restated as "challenges", so too, a complaint is better put forth as a claim, which sounds pro-active as opposed to negative.

Hiya

In Germany BE is predominant.

Here claim would merely be associated with gold....


Best wishes

Siân

I would say 'complaint'. I think of a claim more in terms of insurance or the law, e.g., "In his claim, he is asking that we reimburse him for his expenses to have his car fixed." A complaint simply lets someone know that you are unhappy with something. A claim is a formal request for money or other restitution which you feel another party owes you.