Once translated they discovered that what they had in fact found, was most probably the earliest record of a written complaint! The complaint was to a copper merchant. The customer was unhappy because the copper was substandard, the delivery late and his servant who had handled the transaction had been treated rudely! Sounds like the struggles of business never change!

In business, some complaints are genuine, and others can seem like they just want to find something to whinge about! This is so common in fact, that the internet has even created an avatar for the serial complainer – known as “A Karen”.

A Karen is apparently a middle-class, middle-aged woman with an inverted bob haircut – they’re usually blonde too. But the most important thing about Karens is that they like to complain – about everything. They’re the one in the restaurant who asks to speak to the manager or the one whingeing at the checkout girl. They’ll complain about anything and everything – and if they can’t find something to complain about then they’ll make it up.

Now, while I feel for anyone in the world named Karen, it’s just a bit of fun to make light of complaints for those at the receiving end of them. Because as a business owner, receiving complaints sucks.

Most business owners put their blood, sweat and tears into providing a good service. So when someone complains it can feel like a kick in the nuts. Some complaints are fair – and if so, just do what it takes to put it right and apologise. But some are just plain unfair… For these, it’s often best just to grin and bear it. Try to put it right (although you likely won’t be able to make them happy) and move on with your day.

And remember, you’re not alone. We all received complaints from time to time. Even at Millennium where customer service is at the heart of everything we do!

I’d love to hear your funniest complaint stories? What’s the weirdest, whackiest, most ridiculous complaint you ever received?…