When faced with a customer complaining through a letter or email, it is human nature to try to appease the customer with a conciliatory response or no response at all. I have seen this “human nature” all too often when defending brokers and advisor from customer complaints.

In almost all instances, the complaining customer now claims that the conciliatory comment or non-response is the functional equivalent of an admission by the broker/advisor that he/she did something wrong. In turn, the broker denies that he/she made any admissions by being conciliatory or silent. While I generally agree with the advisors, it is always an issue that must be overcome.

So what should an advisor do when confronted with a nasty/accusatory email/letter? Most important, forward the communication to the person/persons who are designated in your company to handle customer complaints regardless if you “think” this person is just blowing smoke.

Someone should always respond to such a communications. The responding communication does not have to be the functional equivalent of beating up baby seals with a bat. Instead, it should be nice, but be firm at the same time.

If a client claims that you misrepresented an investment that you recommended, the response should remind the client in detail what was discussed, and why the investment falls within the client’s overall investment objectives, goals and tolerance for risk. Ideally, prior written communications on the subject will be sent back to the customer as part of this “reminder.”

Although nothing will ultimately keep a client from suing you if he/she is really inclined to do so, avoid potentially making it worse by not responding or being too conciliatory to a complaining email/letter. The last thing you want to have do is explain away the poor response (or absence of any response) to an arbitrator or jury who may not really understand you were just trying to be nice.