Which nonconformance type should be selected for issues related to a customer's complaint about item quality?

The appropriate type of nonconformance to select for issues related to a customer's complaint about item quality is a service request. This classification is used to manage and address issues raised by customers regarding the quality or performance of products they have received.

When a customer raises a complaint, it signifies that the problem is related to their experience with the item, which is often connected to service and support aspects of the organization. Handling this as a service request allows the company to focus on resolving the customer's issue effectively and improves customer satisfaction.

Internal, vendor, and production nonconformances refer to issues that arise within the organization’s processes or with goods received from suppliers, not directly related to customer feedback. Internal issues pertain to problems identified during internal processes, vendor nonconformance focuses on supplies that do not meet quality standards, and production issues are related to manufacturing problems. Only the service request nonconformance type centers on the customer's perspective and ensures that the organization addresses the complaint appropriately.