Consumer Affairs

How to File a Consumer Complaint

When to file a complaint

• If a package scans at a different price than the shelf tag or advertised price.
  
  
• If a vendor delivers less firewood than you paid for.
  
  
• If a taxicab driver charges more for a trip than you think it should cost or if the driver asks for a different amount than shown on the taximeter.
  
  
• If the seller refuses to provide you with a receipt for a heating oil or firewood delivery.
  
  
• If a fillup at the gas station costs more than you think it should.
  
  
• If you are overcharged. Do not assume that the store is dishonest. Most often, pricing errors are caused by new or poorly trained employees and they are simply mistakes. Many stores have sales on a weekly basis and from time to time a pricing error is found in the store computer or with the signage. Bring the incident to the attention of the store manager. Management is generally anxious to correct any errors and refund any overcharge.

How to file a complaint

• Ask the seller for a receipt.
  
  
• Record the name and location of the store, the date and time, the gas pump number, the taxicab number, or other information that will help identify the source of the suspected problem.

Contact the Consumer Affairs Unit immediately. If the complaint is about a business located outside Seattle, please contact the State of Washington as follows:

In Seattle:
Consumer Affairs Unit
805 S. Dearborn Street
Seattle, WA 98134
Ph: (206) 386-1298
Fax: (206) 386-1129
Email: seattle.consumer-affairs@seattle.gov

Outside Seattle:
Department of Agriculture
Weights and Measures Section
P. O. Box 42560
Olympia, WA 98504-2560
Ph: (360) 902-1857
Fax: (360) 902-2086

Click here to file a complaint