Useful expressions Explaining the problem • Synonyms for “problem”: o issue o inconvenience (major / minor) • The item I purchased was faulty. • It’s broken down / It’s out of order / It doesn’t work • It needs fixing / recharging. • There is no reception [phones]. • It keeps making this strange noise. • It’s crashed / frozen.
Expressing dissatisfaction FORMAL (written) I am displeased / dissatisfied with your standard of service.
NEUTRAL (oral) I’m not happy with the way I was treated.
It failed to live up to my expectations.
It wasn’t as good as I expected.
I regret to tell you that I shall no longer engage your services.
I’m sorry, but I won’t come back to this shop any more.
You failed to deliver the package in a timely manner.
I didn’t get the package on time.
Saying what you want FORMAL (written) I would (very much) appreciate it if you would...
NEUTRAL (oral) Could you / Can you...?
I believe I am entitled to a discount on... I request / demand a full refund on....
I think I should get a discount on...
Please take the pertinent measures to solve this problem... ...at your earliest convenience. ...within the next ... days. ...immediately.
Please sort out this problem... ...as soon as possible. ...at once.
Could I speak to the manager?