Consumer Disputes
Complete guide to handling consumer protection disputes in small claims court.
Consumer Protection Disputes
Defective products, services not delivered, refund disputes, and warranty issues are common small claims cases that help consumers recover money from businesses.
What Small Claims CAN Handle
- •Defective products that broke or never worked
- •Services paid for but never received or poorly done
- •Refunds promised but not provided
- •Warranty repairs or replacements not honored
- •Auto repair disputes (overcharging, shoddy work)
- •False advertising or misrepresentation claims
What Requires Different Courts
- •Product liability causing serious injury (personal injury court)
- •Class action consumer fraud cases
- •Claims exceeding state small claims limits
- •Lemon law cases with specific state procedures
- •Credit card disputes covered by federal law (FCBA)
- •Identity theft or major fraud (criminal matters)
Common Scenarios
Defective Product
You purchased an item that was broken, stopped working shortly after purchase, or didn't match the description. The seller refuses to refund or replace it.
Auto Repair Disputes
Mechanic overcharged, performed unauthorized repairs, did shoddy work that didn't fix the problem, or damaged your vehicle during service.
Service Not Delivered
You paid for a service (cleaning, moving, repairs, event services) that was never performed, partially done, or done so poorly it needs to be redone.
Warranty Not Honored
Your product is under warranty but the manufacturer or seller refuses to repair, replace, or refund despite a covered defect or malfunction.
Evidence You Should Gather
Strong documentation is essential for consumer disputes. Gather these items before filing.
Purchase Documents
- Original receipt or invoice
- Credit card or bank statement showing payment
- Service contract or work order
- Warranty documentation
- Product manual or specifications
Photos & Visual Evidence
- Photos of defective product or damage
- Before/after photos (for services)
- Screenshots of online listings or ads
- Video showing the defect or problem
Communications
- Emails with seller/service provider
- Text messages about the issue
- Chat logs from customer service
- Demand letter you sent (keep a copy)
Supporting Evidence
- Independent repair estimate
- Expert opinion or inspection report
- Similar complaints online (BBB, reviews)
- Comparable product prices for damages
Critical Consumer Protection Info
Pro Tip: File BBB Complaint First
Many businesses will respond to BBB complaints to protect their rating. This creates a paper trail even if they don't resolve it.
Credit Card Chargebacks
If you paid by credit card, you can dispute the charge within 60 days under the Fair Credit Billing Act - often faster than court.
State Attorney General
Report businesses to your state AG's consumer protection division. They track complaints and may take action against repeat offenders.
Calculate Full Damages
Include all costs: purchase price, shipping, repair attempts, time off work for appointments, and any resulting damages from the defect.
Example Case + How This Site Helps
Example: A retailer sold you a defective appliance and denied a valid return.
You bought a washer that failed within a week. The seller rejected your return request even though policy and warranty terms should cover it.
Typical claim range: $400-$2,500
What to collect first
- Receipt, order confirmation, and warranty language
- Photos or video of the defect and troubleshooting attempts
- Customer service chat or email showing refusal to refund
Confirm fit and priorities
Start with the quiz so the app can steer you toward the right dispute flow and state rules.
Take the quizOrganize evidence and timeline
Use Case Manager to track facts, deadlines, and uploads so your story is clear and ready for court.
Open Case ManagerPrepare your pre-filing package
Generate a demand letter and supporting documents to improve settlement chances before filing.
Build demand packagePlan filing and hearing prep
Use filing guidance, calendar, and statement tools so you can submit correctly and present clearly.
Review filing stepsReady to Assess Your Consumer Dispute?
Take our intake quiz to organize your facts and see if small claims is right for your situation.
Legal Disclaimer
This page provides general information only and is not legal advice. Laws vary by state and locality, and information may be outdated. No attorney-client relationship is created. Consult a licensed attorney for advice about your specific situation. See our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.