Refund, charge dispute, and small claims check

First moves

1. 1

   Write down the seller's legal name, amount, and purchase date. Add the promise, payment method, delivery date, and what went wrong.

2. 2

   Save the receipt, contract, return policy, ad, and order page. Keep delivery proof, photos, messages, your request, and each response.

3. 3

   Ask the seller in writing for the specific refund, repair, replacement, cancellation, or account correction. Keep the request short and dated.

4. 4

   California has no general return right for a change of mind. A store may limit returns if it clearly posts the policy. Legal exceptions still apply.

5. 5

   Was a limited policy not posted as required? The Attorney General says some goods may be returned with proof for a full refund within 30 days.

6. 6

   For a credit-card billing error, contact the issuer quickly. Send written notice to the statement address within 60 days after the statement was sent.

7. 7

   Keep paying charges that are not disputed. Debit cards, bank transfers, apps, checks, cash, and crypto use different rules. Report those losses at once.

8. 8

   Use the regulator that fits the seller. An Attorney General complaint may show a pattern. That office does not represent a private claim.

9. 9

   For a money claim, check California Courts. The usual small claims limits are $12,500 for a person or sole owner and $6,250 for many business entities.

10. 10

    Before filing, name the right defendant and reason for the claim. Check the deadline, county, proof, demand, and service plan.

Watch for

1. 1

   A return policy is not the same as a warranty, card billing error, service-contract cancellation, fraud report, or court claim.

2. 2

   The 60-day card clock runs from the statement. It does not restart after the last call with the seller.

3. 3

   Payment apps, debit cards, gift cards, wires, checks, and crypto do not automatically carry credit-card dispute rights.

4. 4

   Small claims normally awards money. It is not the right court for every order, title dispute, eviction, family matter, or complex case.

5. 5

   A small claims plaintiff usually cannot appeal their own claim. A defendant ordered to pay usually has 30 days to appeal.

6. 6

   The plaintiff cannot serve the claim personally. Service and filing deadlines depend on the defendant and court date.

7. 7

   A judgment is not automatic payment. Collection can be a separate process.

8. 8

   Bankruptcy, arbitration clauses, government claims, liens, injury, large losses, and statutes of limitation need qualified review.