When a seller refuses to refund money you're clearly owed, you actually have multiple avenues — many of them faster and easier than going to court. Here's the escalation ladder, from quickest to most aggressive.
Send a clear, polite email or letter explaining what you bought, what went wrong, what you've tried, and what you want. Keep it factual and reference any warranty or return policy. Many "final" no's flip when escalated in writing.
If you paid by credit card, dispute the charge with your card issuer within 60 days (longer in some cases). The merchant has the burden to prove the charge was valid. Chargebacks are by far the fastest remedy when they apply.
BBB complaints are public and often prompt response from reputation-conscious sellers. Filing with your state Attorney General's consumer protection division creates additional pressure and may trigger investigation in serious cases.
A demand letter referencing your state's consumer protection law (TX DTPA, AZ Consumer Fraud Act, NV NRS 598, NM Unfair Practices Act) and the relief available (often treble damages and fees) often gets results.
If the amount is below your state's small claims limit (typically $10,000–$20,000), filing yourself costs $50–$100 and can be heard in 30–60 days. Many sellers settle once they're served.
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NotALawyer.com provides general legal information, not legal advice.