Faulty Delivery or Shipping Error? Get It Fixed With These Complaint Letter Examples & Templates

Letter #1: Incorrect Filing Cabinets Delivered

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I recently ordered an oak desk and two three-drawer filing cabinets from your [location] showroom. However, four-drawer cabinets were delivered instead. Due to space constraints, I can only use the three-drawer style. Please arrange for a pick-up and exchange of the cabinets as soon as possible.

Letter #2: Incorrect Letterhead Stationery Received

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On [date], I ordered letterhead stationery for our [location] office. The delivered stationery had another firm's address. I am returning the incorrect stationery and request the correct one be sent promptly. Please also credit my account for [amount], the return shipping cost.

Letter #3: Damaged and Incomplete Tulip Order

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My order of Doe Tulips arrived damaged and incomplete. The tulips appeared to have been mishandled, and I received [number] dozen instead of the [number] dozen ordered. Please send a replacement order of [number] dozen tulips. I will discard the damaged tulips unless you require their return.

Letter #4: Missing Items from Online Order

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My recent online order from your store arrived with several items missing. The packing slip indicates that these items were included, but they were not found in the package. Please ship the missing items as soon as possible or provide a refund for their cost.

Letter #5: Wrong Item Delivered in Mail

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I received a package containing a [incorrect item name] instead of the [item name] I ordered. I have attached a copy of my order confirmation for your reference. Please arrange for the correct item to be shipped and provide instructions for returning the incorrect item.

Letter #6: Late Delivery of Time-Sensitive Package

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I placed an order for express shipping on [date], with a guaranteed delivery date of [date]. However, the package did not arrive until [date], causing me significant inconvenience. I would like to request a refund for the express shipping charges due to the delayed delivery.

Letter #7: Package Delivered to Wrong Address

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My package, tracking number [tracking number], was delivered to the wrong address on [date]. The correct shipping address is [address]. Please investigate this error and ensure my package is delivered to the correct location as soon as possible.

Letter #8: Stolen Package After Delivery Confirmation

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I received a notification that my package was delivered on [date], but it is nowhere to be found. My order confirmation number is [order number]. Please investigate this matter as I suspect the package may have been stolen. I would like a replacement or a full refund for my order.

Letter #9: Package Damaged During Transit

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The package containing my order arrived severely damaged, and the contents inside were also damaged. I have taken photos of the damaged packaging and items. Please arrange for a replacement or a full refund for my order.

Letter #10: Incorrect Shipping Charges Applied

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My order was charged [amount] for shipping, but the actual shipping cost should have been [amount]. I selected the [shipping method name] shipping option. Please refund the difference in shipping charges.

Expert Tips

  • Clearly state the delivery or shipping error, including order details and dates.
  • Attach supporting documentation, such as order confirmations, tracking information, or photos of damaged items.
  • Request a specific resolution, such as redelivery, replacement, refund, or shipping cost adjustment.
  • Maintain a polite and professional tone throughout the letter.
  • Follow up if you do not receive a timely response.

Write Unique and Personalized Letters: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these simple steps to write your own complaint letter effectively:

Sample Sentences
  • On March 12 we received a shipment of six cases of your cherry pie filling (invoice # 3213 21). We ordered eight cases.
  • Two weeks ago I ordered a refrigerator from your warehouse and was told by Mr. John Doe that I would receive the refrigerator within three days. Four days later I called Mr. Doe to see if my appliance had been shipped yet. He apologized and said that somebody had "botched up" the paperwork. He told me that he would have it shipped to me the next day. I still have not received my refrigerator.
  • We ordered six model T-123 printers from your company, but when we opened the boxes, we found you had sent six model TV-180 printers instead.
  • After your company moved my family, we missed several boxes of books, including one containing a Dickens first edition valued at $900. The movers made a note to this effect on the manifest, but we have heard nothing since then.
  • Two months ago I ordered a subscription to your magazine. The order form said that I should allow four to six weeks to receive the first issue. Well, I have now waited almost nine weeks and still have not received an issue.
  • Once again we did not receive an important shipment on time. This time the studs and particle board we ordered from you (invoice # 12345) arrived two days after the promised delivery date, causing us to lose three more work days on our house construction.
Key Phrases
  • agreed to deliver it by
  • am dissatisfied with
  • an apparent shipping error
  • appears to have been a mix-up
  • constantly receiving the wrong
  • did not receive the
  • didn't match the description in
  • has happened once again
  • kindly correct your records
  • kindly send us the correct
  • much to our dismay
  • much to our chagrin
  • must notify you that
  • regarding the recent shipment
  • regarding our recent order
  • several items were missing
  • shipment did not reflect
  • the order form showed
  • understand that mistakes happen, but
  • understood that we would receive
  • upon opening the boxes we found
  • was different from the
  • was under the impression that
  • was entirely different from
  • were dismayed to discover
  • were greatly inconvenienced by the late delivery
  • when we opened the boxes
  • will withhold payment until
  • wish to call your attention to

Sample Sentences
  • We would appreciate your company sending us the remainder of the hardware we ordered.
  • Kindly locate and return our missing items or compensate us for our losses.
  • I want you to credit me for the issues I have not received.
  • We request that you reimburse us for the penalties that our general contractor has leveled against us due to your late delivery.
  • Because your warehouse has not yet shipped my refrigerator, please cancel my order, credit and close my account, and take me off your mailing list.
  • Because your company consistently ships our orders late and sometimes delivers only partial shipments, we have decided to terminate our account with you. We have included a check to cover the remaining balance.
Key Phrases
  • as soon as possible
  • cancel the original order
  • compensate us for
  • credit my account with
  • expect a full investigation of
  • expect to receive
  • expect to see improvement in
  • expect a refund of
  • for the issues I have not received
  • for the time and money lost
  • had your delivery arrived on time
  • have decided to terminate our
  • is totally unacceptable
  • kindly correct your error
  • kindly reimburse us for
  • let us know what you plan to do about
  • locate and send our missing items
  • request reimbursement for
  • send us an itemized invoice
  • send us what we ordered
  • take me off your mailing list
  • will not accept a partial shipment
  • would be satisfied if you

Sample Sentences
  • I trust that your firm will make every effort to clear up this situation.
  • I will appreciate your immediate attention to this matter. If you continue to ignore my request, I will file a case with small claims court to recover my losses.
  • Thank you for addressing my concerns. I look forward to doing business with you again.
  • Please contact me immediately and let me know how you plan to resolve this problem. If I do not hear from you within two weeks, I will pursue legal action.
  • I hope we can resolve this situation quickly and satisfactorily. Otherwise I shall have to find a new supplier.
  • I will greatly appreciate your attention to this matter.
Key Phrases
  • am sure you will be able to
  • clear up this situation
  • don't hesitate to call
  • for addressing my concerns
  • for giving this your personal attention
  • has been satisfactory in the past
  • have confidence that
  • if we do not hear from you within
  • know you have a good track record
  • look forward to
  • make every effort to
  • regret that I will have to
  • situation can be resolved
  • thank you for
  • this regrettable situation
  • trust that you will
  • trust that this situation will
  • understand that errors do occur from time to time
  • will be obliged to pursue legal action
  • will be greatly appreciated
  • your normally excellent customer service

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