As you write a demand letter, it is good that you assert yourself by getting your point across without sounding pushy. An assertive letter may help persuade the other party to repay what they owe you. When drafting the letter, stick to the facts, and include as little emotion as you can.
Creating an Assertive Demand Letter
Start With a Summary
As you begin drafting your demand letter, tell the recipient your main points regarding the damage that they did. Follow it with a demand for payment or any damage. A summary helps in condensing the argument to the basics. Your reader will be aware of what the letter is all about before reading through.
Know the Person You Are Writing To
You need to draft the letter to the person who will read it. If you are not an attorney, do not use legal terms to confuse the recipient and make them anxious. If both parties are into business, it is good that you use the common business terms so that the recipient will understand your letter clearly.
Show Professionalism
It will help if you don’t abuse the recipient or call them names. You must be direct and calm, and not include your personal feelings in the letter. Address the person with respect. If you are angry, take time to calm down, but do not write anything that will show your anger because it will get you nowhere.
If your demands are not met, remember that in a court of law, the judge may request to read the demand letter. You do not want the jury reading abusive words that may make it hard for them to rule in your favor. You have to be clear, direct, and professional. It will show that you are an assertive person.
Write the Complete Details
Your letter should include a detailed story of what transpired. In the letter, you should write the dates, numbers, what you are owed, and any other concern. Including all the details of the case will help you in the small claims court. The judge might request the defendant to pay you if your demand letter included information about any letter you had sent before, dates of the invoices, etc.
You also need to show evidence of your claims to the judge. In the letter, you should have details of what happened, why the other person is in the wrong, how you fixed the problem, the cost of repairing the problem, and what your demand for the damages is.
Be Reasonable
The demands you make to the defendant should be reasonable. Although it may be difficult to quantify your damages, what you demand should not go overboard. The defendant may have caused you pain and suffering, but that should be the jury’s decision to make. Do not use the opportunity to make yourself rich by defrauding the other party.
Ask the defendant for precisely what you want rather than beating around the bush. Also, explain how you arrived at your figure.
Show Honesty and Truthfulness
Your demand letter should only include facts that can be proved. Do not lie about anything or make up some stories regarding the issue. Be honest and truthful.
End Your Letter, Politely Stating the Consequences
As you end the letter, state that you will promptly pursue litigation if your demands are not met. Do not make any threats. After signing the letter, make copies and receipts of the post office and keep them.
Conclusion
Writing an assertive demand letter will show the recipient that you are serious about the damages done and that you may pursue legal measures. Before drafting the letter, you need to know the basics and how to go about it without sounding rude and pushy. Following the tips highlighted in this article will help you draft a well-written demand letter.
