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Comments on the Errors

The following comments explain problems with the format in the

complaint/claim letter and offer suggestions for correcting the format
of the letter.

1. Although the individual writing this letter doesn't have

letterhead, he has included his contact information. However,
such information should not include the person's name, phone
number, and e-mail address.
2. The writer’s address has abbreviated avenue, which should be
spelled in full.
3. Although in a modified block format the writer’s address can
be placed at the right margin, most correspondence is formatted
in a block style, which aligns all parts of the letter at the left
margin. This letter, however, has elements of both block format
and modified, so it needs to be corrected to conform to just one
format.
4. The date is too high on the page; it needs to have at least one or
two blank lines of space between it and the writer’s address; in
fact, even more space can be allotted if the letter is short and
needs to be centered farther down on the page.
5. The name of the company has been left out of the inside
address.
6. The salutation in a business letter should not include the
person’s first name, and it should be followed by a colon, not a
comma.
7. The body of the letter should have a blank line between it and
the salutation.
8. Indented paragraphs can be used in a modified block format;
however, indented paragraphs reflect an older letter style.
Using a block format (with a double space between paragraphs
and without the indentations) would also lengthen the letter and
place it more evenly on the page.
9. The complimentary close doesn’t line up at the left margin or
even with the writer’s address at the top.
10. The typed name is too close to the complimentary close. Three
to four blank lines should be available for the signature.
11. Overall, the letter is crowded up at the top of the page, leaving
too much blank space at the bottom. The letter could be placed
more evenly on the page by having the appropriate spacing:
between the writer's address and the date,
between the salutation and the body,
between the paragraphs in the body, and
between the closing and the typed name.
Further adjustments could be made by adding extra blank lines
between the writer's address and the date and between the date
and the inside address.

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358 Fox Run Avenue

Holly Springs, MS 38635

August 23, 2003

Mr. Daniel Hudson

Apple Tree Fine Books
4128 East 15th Street
Lanning, NY 10305

Dear Mr. Hudson:

Over the last two years I have purchased several quality books through your Web site,
www.appletreebooks.com, and have been very pleased with the quality and service I have
received. On July 28, 2003, I used your Web site to order a first edition copy of Service for
Two by Madeleine Gatson, published in 1964 by Carlton Publishers. My on-line
confirmation number for the order is F285H324897.

On August 11, 2003, I received my order; however, rather than a first edition of the book in
question, I received a later reprint published in 1983. That same day I sent an e-mail through
your Web site, but as of today, I have not received any reply or acknowledgement. As I have
always been impressed with your speed and accuracy in filling my orders in the past, I'm
sure this is a simple error and that you will take the necessary steps to correct it.

I have returned Service for Two and my order slip by US mail at my own expense. I am
requesting that you ship the correct edition of the book to me as soon as possible at no
additional charge. If a first edition is unavailable, please inform me by mail and credit my
account for a refund.

I have confidence that you will take every step necessary to correct this problem and
maintain the good trust I have in Apple Tree Fine Books as a quality company committed to
customer satisfaction. Please contact me at 662-494-5255 or andrewfisher@mail.com if you
have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Andrew Fisher

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