How to file a complaint against a business

Have you ever gone to a store, restaurant, or other business in the Mat-Su Borough and left feeling frustrated? Maybe the service was bad, they sold you something broken, or you felt like they just weren’t being honest. When something like that happens, it’s easy to feel powerless. Some people take it to social media and still feel unsatisfied. Knowing how to file a complaint can help not just you, but may protect your entire community.

First, it’s important to understand what counts as a reason for a complaint. If a product you bought isn’t working as it should, if you were charged for something you didn’t buy, or if a business treats you unfairly or unkindly, then you have reasons to speak up. Sometimes, a business just makes a mistake and is happy to fix it if you let them know. But not all businesses are that ethical.

There are a few places you can turn if you want help with your complaint. The main place to start is the State of Alaska’s Consumer Protection Unit. This is a special office that helps protect people from unfair treatment by businesses. You don’t have to be a lawyer or know fancy words to ask for help. The process is for everyone.

Before you file an official complaint, collect any proof you can find. Keep your receipts, take pictures if you need to, and write down what happened, including the date and the names of the people you spoke to. This information can help explain your side of the story.

Once you’re ready, you can go online and visit the Alaska Department of Law’s Consumer Protection Unit website at https://law.alaska.gov/department/civil/consumer/cp_complaint.html. There, you will find a complaint form that you can fill out. If you don’t have internet access or aren’t comfortable using a computer, you can call their office at 907-269-5200. They can mail you a form or help you through the steps. After they get your complaint, they may talk to the business to fix the problem. Just having someone from the government get involved may make the business take your complaint seriously.

Sometimes, the issues are about safety, not just fairness. For example, if you see spoiled food or an unhygienic kitchen at a restaurant, you can also call or text the state’s health department at 907-764-9825. You can also fill out their complaint form, accessible from their website at https://dec.alaska.gov/eh/fss/report-illness-issue/. They can send inspectors to make sure everyone follows the rules that keep customers safe. Your complaint may even help prevent someone else from getting hurt or sick.

Another place to turn is the Better Business Bureau. This is not a government group, but it helps people with complaints and keeps track of businesses’ reputations. Businesses care about their ratings, so they often want to make things right when the BBB gets involved. Think of BBB as the original Yelp or Google reviews.

The local cities and borough offices don’t really regulate the service delivery and product sales in most situations. But sometimes a product is being sold on a property that isn’t zoned for that type of business. When you have a question about that, contact your local city’s business license office or the clerk’s office.

Some businesses sell products that require special licenses. Cannabis and alcohol are common examples. The Alcohol & Marijuana Control Office (AMCO), which has an Alcohol Control Board and a Marijuana Control Board, manages both. Call 907-269-0350 to access either agency.

Many businesses in Alaska—like contractors, hair salons, healthcare providers, and other professionals—must have a state license to operate. If your complaint is with a licensed business or professional, contact the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business & Professional Licensing at commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/ or by calling 907-269-8160.

It’s important to remember that not every complaint will lead to a quick fix. Sometimes the process takes time, and not every problem has a perfect solution. You might even be mistaken in your understanding. But speaking up ensures others hear your voice. Besides, when lots of people speak up about the same business, it shows there is a bigger problem that needs attention.