Write a letter

Many people who want to make a complaint about an advertisement or product, are not sure how to go about it. The following tips are to assist you with your letter.

Writing to a company

First paragraph:

State why you are writing to the company. Be specific about which ad or product you are referring to. Provide a URL (web address) if the items can be found online, or an image of the advertisement if you have been able to take a photo. If sending by post, include a photograph, or the actual advertisement (such as a page out of a magazine).

State clearly why you have a problem with the advertisement/product. ie. ‘This advertisement objectifies women.’

Next 1-2 paragraphs:

Elaborate on why you find the product/advertisement problematic. Examples: “Your commercial presents women as sex objects because….” “The slogans on these shirts reference pornography and are completely inappropriate for children’s clothing.”

Final paragraph:

State what action you would like the company to take. Examples: “This advertising campaign needs to be pulled…” “I would like you to stop selling these shirts and advise your buyer not to bring in clothing for kids with offensive slogans.”

Then advise what you will do: “I believe that our young people are important and as such, I will not shop at any store that stocks items which degrade and sexualise them. If you continue to sell this range/advertise in this way, I will no longer be shopping at xxxxx.”

Important: Don’t make your letter too long, Keep it to one page only.

Writing to the Ad Standards Board

Writing to the advertising standards board can be done online, via their complaints form which can be found here. Filling in the online complaints form takes about 5-10 minutes. As part of the complaints process, accurate contact details need to be included so the Ad standards board can respond. They say they will disclose this information to the advertiser, however there is the option of ticking a box to keep your information confidential.