What should I do if a company ignores my complaint?

Send a formal written complaint with a clear deadline for response. Document your previous attempts to contact them, state your issue factually, and specify what resolution you expect. A dated, structured letter creates a paper trail that may be required if you need to escalate to a regulator or ombudsman.

How long should I wait before sending a formal complaint letter?

If you have contacted the company by phone or email and received no response within 7-10 business days, or if their response was inadequate, a formal letter is the logical next step. The letter should reference your previous attempts.

What makes a complaint letter effective when a company ignores you?

An effective complaint letter is dated, clearly structured, includes a specific deadline for response (typically 14 business days), references your previous contact attempts, states the facts without emotional language, and indicates that you may escalate if no resolution is reached.

Complaint Letter When a Company Ignores You

You have called, emailed, maybe even waited on hold for an hour, and still nothing. When a company ignores your complaint, it is time to shift from informal requests to a formal, documented approach that creates a paper trail and sets a clear deadline for response.

Why a Formal Letter Works

A formal complaint letter is different from a phone call or casual email. It is:

Dated and documented - Creates a clear record of when you raised the issue
Structured and professional - Shows you are serious and organized
Deadline-based - Gives the company a specific timeframe to respond (typically 14 business days)
Escalation-ready - Provides the documentation regulators and ombudsmen require
A paper trail - Evidence you may need if the issue continues

Companies are more likely to respond to formal written complaints because they know these letters often precede regulatory complaints or public reviews.

Example Snippet

Preview only - not a complete template

"I am writing to formally document my complaint regarding [issue]. I first contacted your company on [date] by [method], and again on [date]. To date, I have not received a substantive response. I am requesting [specific resolution] within 14 business days of this letter. If I do not receive a satisfactory response by [deadline date], I may escalate this matter to the appropriate regulatory body..."

What to Do Next If Still Ignored

If the company still does not respond after your formal letter:

Day 1-14: Wait for the deadline you set in your letter
Day 15-21: If no response, send a brief follow-up referencing your original letter (see: Second Complaint Letter After No Response)
Day 22+: If still unresolved, consider escalation to the relevant regulator, ombudsman, or consumer protection office for your province

General guidance only. Specific timelines may vary by industry and province. This is not legal advice.

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Related Next Steps

Second complaint letter after no response - Follow up when ignored again
Formal complaint letter to a company (Canada) - The foundational format
All dispute letter templates - Browse by situation

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