Small Claims Court
An informal track within the county court for claims of £10,000 or less in England and Wales. Designed for individuals to represent themselves without a solicitor. The losing side does not normally pay the winner's legal costs. Claims can be issued online through Money Claims Online. The court fee depends on the claim amount.
Related terms
Related guides
Consumer Rights and Returns
This guide focuses on your legal rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 — the specific statutory entitlements that apply regardless of any retailer policy. Many people are unsure about their returns rights — some retailers suggest that returns are a privilege rather than a right. In fact, UK law gives you strong statutory rights to return goods that are faulty and to cancel most online purchases within 14 days even if there is nothing wrong with them. For the step-by-step complaint process, see our <a href="/complaints-ombudsmen/retail-complaints">retail complaints guide</a>. For dangerous or defective products, see our <a href="/complaints-ombudsmen/faulty-goods-complaints">faulty goods guide</a>.
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Faulty Goods and Product Complaints
This guide covers defective, dangerous, and unsafe products specifically — including what to do when goods fail, how to report safety hazards to Trading Standards and the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), and when you may have a claim under the Consumer Protection Act 1987. Whether a product stops working shortly after purchase, was never fit for purpose, arrived damaged, or poses a safety risk, you have clear legal rights. For a broader overview of your legal rights, see our <a href="/complaints-ombudsmen/consumer-rights-returns">consumer rights guide</a>. For the general complaint process, see our <a href="/complaints-ombudsmen/retail-complaints">retail complaints guide</a>.
5 min