Young people are so afraid that complaining will be perceived as causing a scene that fewer than half would speak out about bad service in a restaurant, a major study has found.
Just 46 per cent of 16-24 year olds would complain about things like a rude waiter or a cold meal, versus 71 per cent of the over 55s - who see speaking about out poor service as a matter of empowerment.
Three out of four Brits said they have put off complaining entirely at one point or another, and failing to speak up for themselves costs people around £275 a year.
The poll, by the Financial Conduct Authority, found 15 million people in Britain routinely fail to get refunds or replacements, and don't get their problems solved, because they don't know how to complain or do not feel it is appropriate to complain - even when things go wrong.
Is complaining a dying art? Just 46 per cent of 16-24 year olds would complain about bas service in a restaurant versus 71 per cent of the over 55s
The FCA's study, conducted last month, revealed the vast majority of people have avoided making a complaint altogether (75 per cent) or have put off complaining (73 per cent).
Consumers estimated they missed out on £275 each in the last year by not taking a stand on issues from incorrect deliveries to refunds for transport delays. The average amount people told researchers they had missed out on because they hadn't complained when they could have, over the last three months, was £68.65.
1. People who queue jump
2. A poor meal when eating out
3. Being ignored by a shop assistant
4. A parcel arriving late
5. Travel delays
6. Inadequate service in a shop
7. Smoking in a public place
8. Someone playing loud music on public transport
9. People who take up extra space on public transport
10. A haircut you were unhappy with
And researchers discovered the top pet peave among people who find themselves muttering to themselves rather than speaking up was queue jumping - followed by poor service in restaurants and shops.
The government body commissioned the research ahead of next August's deadline to apply for compensation if you have been mis-sold PPI, amid concerns many could miss out on money that was taken from them without their informed consent.
People aged 25-34 were found to be twice as likely as the over-55s to delay so much they miss their chance entirely.
The poll of 3,000 people concluded the art of complaining may be at risk of dying out, with younger generations the least likely to be proactive about getting problems resolved or their money back.
Fewer than half (46 per cent) of 16-24 year olds would complain about bad service in a restaurant, versus 71 per cent of over 55s.
Those aged 16-24 wait more than a week on average to complain about an issue, but the over-55s speak up within two and a half days.
It may be that differing perceptions of complaining among different generations mean it is a dying art.
More than a quarter of people in their teens and twenties told researchers they think complaining is 'making a scene' but 68 per cent of older people see it as a matter of sticking up for their rights
Younger people are more likely to see it as critical and 'causing a scene' than their parents, who associate it more with empowerment – taking a stand or making a protest.
Just two in five (44 per cent) of the under 35s relate complaining to 'getting a good deal', compared with 68 per cent of over 55s.
In contrast, more than a quarter (27 per cent) associate it with 'awkwardness', compared to just one-in-ten (11 per cent) of over 55s.
Fashion presenter Gok Wan told the FCA that complaining, like fashion, is 'about being fearless'
Consumer confidence champion, Gok Wan, told the FCA: 'As a nation we tend to shy away from sticking up for ourselves, even when we feel we've been given a raw deal. But, just like fashion, complaining is all about feeling fearless!'
Andrew Bailey, Chief Executive of the FCA, said: 'Almost three quarters of us wish we were better at complaining and the same number say it's important to them to be treated fairly.
'With time running out to claim for mis-sold PPI, we want to make sure everyone feels empowered to check and complain before the deadline on 29 August 2019.'
Researchers concluded people's top regret about not complaining is how it affected them emotionally.
To avoid missing out on your chance to claim back mis-sold PPI, get help with how to check and complain online at fca.org.uk/ppi or by calling the FCA helpline on 0800 101 8800.