Technical issues
You run an app, software product, or website. Sometimes, customers are bound to run into issues, whether it’s a mistake on their part or an issue with your service.
Some customers will be patient about it, and some won’t be so patient when reaching out to your company about the problem.
Your response:
“Dear [Customer Name],
We apologize for the technical issue you’ve experienced with our [product/service] and for submitting a support request. We understand how frustrating this can be and are here to help resolve it promptly.
Please try [specific troubleshooting steps/visit FAQ page/read Knowledge Base]. If the problem persists, we’d be happy to assist you further. As a token of our apology, we’d like to offer you a [discount/refund/complimentary service].
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Please contact us at [customer service phone number/email] for further technical support assistance.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Position/Department]
[Company Name]
[Contact Information]“
Bad customer service experience
It’s bad when a customer response reaches your inbox to complain about a negative support experience. Their whole reason for coming to one of your customer service team members was to resolve their problem.
So, when a customer has a bad experience with your customer support team and worsens their problem, prepare for a really frustrating email.
Your response:
“Dear [Customer Name],
We sincerely apologize for the poor customer service you received. This is not the experience we strive to provide, and we regret any frustration it has caused.
We take this issue very seriously and address it internally to ensure it does not happen again.
To make up for this, we’d like to offer you a [discount/refund/complimentary service].
Your satisfaction is important to us. Please contact us at [customer service email/phone number] if you have any further concerns.
Thank you for bringing this to our attention and for your patience.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Position/Department]
[Company Name]
[Contact Information]“
Wrong item or incomplete order
Imagine waiting patiently for an order you recently placed. Then, imagine getting the wrong item or not receiving the complete order.
Now, think about it happening to one of your valued customers, and they send a not-so-happy email.
Your response:
“Dear [Customer Name],
We sincerely apologize for the error with your recent order. Receiving the wrong item or an incomplete order is frustrating, and we want to do everything we can to resolve the issue.
We will immediately [send the correct item/do a product exchange/complete the order] at no additional cost to you. Plus, we’d love to give you a discount or coupon on your next purchase.
Please contact us [customer service email/phone number] for further assistance.
Thank you for your understanding and patience.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Position/Department]
[Company Name]
[Contact Information]“
Customer wants an exception
This is a tough one. How do you professionally write a response email to a customer who wants you to make an exception to your company policy?
Your response:
“Dear [Customer Name],
Thank you for reaching out to us. We understand your request for an exception to our policy regarding [specific situation/issue]. We strive to accommodate our customers whenever possible and have carefully considered your situation.
While our standard policy [briefly explain our policy], we value your loyalty and would like to offer a one-time exception in this instance. We will [explain the specific action you’ll take, such as processing a refund, extending a deadline, etc.].
We hope this resolution meets your needs. Should you have further questions or require additional assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at [customer service email/phone number].
Thank you for your understanding and patience.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Position/Department]
[Company Name]
[Contact Information]“
But what if you just can’t grant the exception?
Your response:
“Dear [Customer Name],
Thank you for reaching out to us. We understand your request for an exception to our policy regarding [specific situation/issue] and appreciate your patience while we reviewed your situation.
After careful consideration, we regret to inform you that we are unable to grant your request for an exception due to [briefly explain the reason]. We understand this is not the outcome you were hoping for, and we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
To assist you further, we would like to offer [an alternative solution or a gesture of goodwill, such as a discount, credit, or other form of assistance]. We hope this can help address your needs in some way.
Your satisfaction is important to us, and we are here to support you. Please contact us at [customer service email/phone number] if you have any further questions or need additional assistance.
Thank you for your understanding and patience.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Position/Department]
[Company Name]
[Contact Information]“
Negative review
So, a customer leaves a negative review about your brand for all to see on social media. What do you do?
Your response:
“Dear [Customer Name],
Thank you for your feedback. We’re sorry to hear about your recent experience and apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. We take your concerns seriously and are committed to improving.
Please contact us at [customer service email/phone number] so we can resolve this matter promptly and restore your confidence in us.
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to make this right.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Position/Department]
[Company Name]
[Contact Information]“
Overtly negative or aggressive customers
It can be difficult to maintain professionalism and calmness when a customer is being overly aggressive. However, it can be done.
Your response:
“Dear [Customer Name],
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re sorry to hear about your frustration and apologize for the inconvenience. We take your concerns seriously and are here to help resolve the issue.
Please contact us at [customer service email/phone number] so we can address this matter promptly and find a satisfactory solution for you.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Position/Department]
[Company Name]
[Contact Information]“
How to write an angry customer email response template
Here’s how to write a sample email response template for unhappy customers.
Angry customer email structure
Emails responding to angry customers should always include:
- Greeting: Addresses the customer personally, making the customer feel valued.
- Acknowledgement of customer issues: Recognizes the customer’s complaint and shows empathy, which validates their feelings and demonstrates you’re taking customer feedback seriously.
- Apology: Express sincere regret for the inconvenience your business/product/service caused. This helps defuse anger and shows your commitment to offering a great customer experience.
- Explanation (if applicable): Explains what went wrong without any excuses, providing context and transparency, which can help to rebuild trust.
- Solution: Outlines the steps you’re taking to resolve the issue, directly addressing the customer’s anger and concern.
- Further assistance: Invites the customer to reach out if they have additional questions or need more help.
- Thank you: Expresses gratitude for the customer’s patience and understanding, leaving them with a positive impression and showing appreciation.
This email from the Pokemon Center includes all those components. The support agents responsible for the email greet the customer, sincerely apologize for the inconvenience they experienced on the site, state how they understand the customer’s frustration, explain the issue, offer a solution, and express gratitude.
Handling emails this way helps boost customer retention and is a perfect example of how to handle angry customers.