Making Claims

If you have been given poor service or faulty goods, you may wish to complain to the supplier. We offer a collection of Complaint Letters that you might find useful in such situations.

As a first step you should write formally to the person, firm or company against whom you have a grievance in an attempt to settle the matter. Before you write, make sure that you have a valid complaint and that you have copies of receipts, guarantees and any other documents which you may have to send with your letter. Keep a copy of any letter you send (which should be sent by recorded delivery) and do not send original documents.

If you don't receive a response, write again in 14 days' time. If you still don't receive a response, send a final letter before action.

You should issue a claim through the courts only as a last resort, only if you cannot settle the matter in the manner outlined above. See our information page on the Small Claims Court for an overview of the small claims process.

Related Clickdocs documents

• Complaint Letters - a set of template letters for use in disputes over faulty goods, poor services, non-payment of invoice or promissory note

More information

• Small Claims Court - an overview of the small claims process