An ordre letter and a letter of complaint are two distinct types of business letters that serve

different purposes. While both letters are used for communication, they differ significantly in their
content, tone, and objectives.

Order Letter

An order letter is a formal letter used by a company to place an order for goods or services with a
vendor or supplier. The primary purpose of an order letter is to detail the specific requirements of
the order, including the product description, quantity, payment terms, and shipping instructions.
This letter serves as a bridge between the company and the vendor, ensuring that both parties are
on the same page regarding the transaction.

Key characteristics of an order letter include :

Formal tone : Order letters are typically written in a professional and polite tone, using formal
language and phrases.

Specific details : The letter includes detailed information about the products or services being
ordered, including descriptions, quantities, and specifications.

Clear objectives : The letter clearly states the company’s objectives, such as the purpose of the
order and the expected delivery date.

Payment and shipping information : The letter includes information about payment terms and
shipping instructions to ensure that both parties are aware of the logistics involved.

Letter of Complaint

A letter of complaint, on the other hand, is a formal letter written by an individual or organization
to express dissatisfaction or grievance about a product, service, or situation. The primary purpose
of a letter of complaint is to raise concerns and seek a resolution to the issue.

Key characteristics of a letter of complaint include :

Informal tone : While still professional, letters of complaint often have a more informal tone, as
they are written by individuals rather than companies.

Clear description of the issue : The letter clearly describes the problem or issue, including relevant
details such as dates, locations, and people involved.

Specific demands : The letter typically includes specific demands or requests for resolution, such as
a refund, repair, or replacement.

Emphasis on resolution : The letter emphasizes the need for a resolution to the issue and may
include a timeline for the desired outcome.

Key Differences

The main differences between an order letter and a letter of complaint are :

Purpose : An order letter is used to place an order, while a letter of complaint is used to express
dissatisfaction and seek a resolution.

Tone : Order letters are typically formal and polite, while letters of complaint may have a more
informal tone, depending on the context.
Content : Order letters include detailed information about the products or services being ordered,
while letters of complaint focus on describing the issue and seeking a resolution.

Objective : The objective of an order letter is to ensure that the order is fulfilled correctly, while
the objective of a letter of complaint is to resolve the issue and restore satisfaction.

In summary, while both order letters and letters of complaint are used for formal communication,
they serve different purposes and have distinct characteristics.