Customer Complaints

[fuzzie bear]

... we all get them... but what happens when it gets to a stage where nothing will satisfy a customer and they post all over the web about you.

Do slander rules still apply on the web ??

Anyone on here had customers doing this to them ?

[chris ashdown]

Slander is slander and if they write it down you have undisputable proof

The best solution is to try and make a short truthful statement to negate the problem

I seem to remember that you have to prove loss or damage to claim slander, but may well be wrong

[jont]

If you can prove what they say is incorrect you can seek legal action to have it removed. Depending on what is being said (and where) this could cause further problems rather than leaving it alone.. in most cases it will be read by a handful of people and then disappear.

There a plenty of idiots out there and most people reading inflammatory posts will often see a balanced view.

I would not post anything about it on your website (or theirs if a forum) even if a simple statement outlining the truth....as this could escalate things further. If they are so unreasonable to take this action in the first place they are most likely looking for a fight - from which you have the most to lose.

[pinbrook]

We all have a natural instinct to defend ourselves, but I feel the best policy is to ignore it.

Sadly the more you post to add your position the more you inflame the original complainer. All they want is a platform from which to pontificate. Most people are sensible and can spot a looney and draw their own conclusion.

Remember there is no such thing as bad publicity. You never know you may be getting more visitors to your site who may be buying.

It may be worth taking a look at your own site to add more credibility factors, press cuttings - (if you have any) or even testimonials from happy customers

[ackerman]

Do slander rules still apply on the web ??

I believe once it is in print it then becomes libel rather than slander. Potentially worth a lot more in damages!!