So how do you write an effective complaint? Hints or tips?

[Chrissytree]

I got a phone call yesterday saying I'd won a DVD recorder in a competition I regularly enter.  I was pleased and surprised as I won the same comp and same prize last November. But I got this email today:

Just wanted to get in touch and apologise it's been flagged to me there's been an admin error on our part and your DVD recorder prize has been ordered twice. As you received your prize before Christmas the order for the second DVD recorder has now been cancelled. Apologies for the confusion.

So does anyone have good advice or tips for writing a response to this so I show disappointment and check I haven't really won again? I'm not good at letter writing

Have you had a successful complaint before? what happened for you?

[Kiwi]

Oh my, I can definitely see why you'd want to contact them. If they make the error on their end, you shouldn't be penalized - surely they could find an alternate prize.

[kaoskat]

Wow that stinks. I really don't know how you'd approach it.

[Dludnerad]

sounds like an administrative error in their dispatch department.

ask for more information and get details about the previous competition and the current one so it can be made clear that you entered two separate competitions.
Someone there will be able to help you.
Just be polite in your letter and let them know that you are confused and disappointed that this has happened and would someone please sort this out.

[Eviecorn]

If you write a draft, I can revise it for you if you like.

[Chrissytree]

Cool, thanks everyone.  I've posted on the competition board I found the competition on and asked advice there too.  i'll be asking for more info and I might take you up on the offer Eviecorn I'll be sending it before Monday I think.