If all else fails...use this template ...best way to handle small claims
[Your address]
[Supplier's address]
Dear
Reference: [a single sentence summing up your claim]
As it has not been possible to resolve this matter amicably, and it is apparent that court action may be necessary, I write in compliance with the Practice Direction on Pre-Action Conduct.
[Provide a summary of the facts of the dispute]
From you I am claiming [state what you want from the party you are claiming from]
I have calculated this sum [state how you have calculated the amount being claimed]
Listed below are the documents on which I intend to rely in my claim against you:
- In accordance with the Practice Direction on Pre-Action Conduct I would request that you provide me with copies of the following documents:
- I can confirm that I would be agreeable to mediation and would consider any other system of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in order to avoid the need for this matter to be resolved by the courts.
I would invite you to put forward any proposals in this regard.
[Alternatively you can set out details of any ADR scheme that you are prepared to use]
In closing, I would draw your attention to paragraphs 15 and 16 of the Practice Direction which gives the courts the power to impose sanctions on the parties if they fail to comply with the direction including failing to respond to this letter before claim.
I look forward to hearing from you within the next 28 days.
Should I not receive a response to my letter within this time frame then I anticipate that court action will be commenced with no further reference to you.
Yours faithfully,
If he does not respond , then the the choice is yours to take further through small claims (cost is apprx £30, however you claim that as well)
Above is the letter that is needed to show that you have done everything possible to reclaim your money. Dont forget recorded delivery, can be claimed back later.
Bit of work doing the above, but more often than not it looks like you know what you are doing
Good luck and let us all know how you get on, if no success , it will have to be Ronnie & Reggie 