After many years of putting up with crappy service, bad food, and other ridiculousness, I have finally realized that sometimes a well-placed complaint can do a world of good.

As I’m sure several people will attest to, I have absolutely no trouble complaining to friends and family about whatever is annoying me at any given time. However, I rarely follow through with notifying the offending party – whether it be Air Canada mis-delivering my delayed luggage, or the server at a local restaurant bringing me an overcooked steak. But after two experiences in the past couple weeks I think I am going to start being more direct with my complaints from now on! I was pleasantly surprised to find that most companies are happy to offer appeasement to disgruntled customers.

Exhibit 1: I ordered moocards at the beginning of February in anticipation of attending Northern Voice later that month. I received a shipping notification on February 4th which estimated the shipping time for my order at 4-7 business days. Well, those 4-7 days came and went with no sign of my moocards. Then Northern Voice happened (more than two weeks after my order shipped!) and there was still no sign of my moocards. I emailed the folks at moo to express my displeasure and they happily refunded my money and offered me a coupon for a future order! While it still sucks that I didn’t have my cards for Northern Voice (they finally showed up on March 4th – a full MONTH later) it sucks less now that I am not out the money for those cards.

Exhibit 2: The NoodleBox is a new-ish restaurant here in Vancouver that boasts super-spicy food. This week Dan was home sick with a particularly nasty cold and I thought a nice spicy hot and sour soup might be just the cure for his ailment, so I stopped into The NoodleBox on my way home. When I ordered my dish “hot” the waitress asked if I was sure. “Have you *had* our hot? It’s really really really hot.” I assured her that was fine, and happily headed home with my takeout. When Dan and I finally tucked into the soup we were surprised to find it had not a hint of heat. Someone in the kitchen must have confused out order with a super mild one – Very disappointing! But I called the restaurant to complain and now I have a free meal waiting for me the next time I want some hot and spicy takeout. Hopefully the second try will be better.

Hmmm… I wonder if there’s a statute of limitations on complaint letters. Air Canada definitely owes me a free trip or two for all the lost luggage, delays, and cancellations I’ve put up with over the past 10 years.