Work & Business guide

Handle a customer complaint about your work

Respond calmly to a complaint, check it against the agreed work and consumer law, and offer a fair fix that protects your reputation.

Time needed: 1–3 hoursUpdated: 28 September 2026

Even careful businesses receive complaints. How you respond often matters more than the original problem, and a fair resolution can protect your reputation. This guide gives a structured approach for sole traders dealing with customers in the UK, including a reminder of consumers' basic rights for services.

Step by step

  1. Acknowledge the complaint quickly

    Reply promptly to say you have received the complaint and will look into it. Thank the customer for telling you and give a date by which you will respond fully. Keep your tone calm and avoid being defensive.

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