Start My Claim
When marketplace buyer protection isn't enough — how to claim through small claims court for items not as described, not delivered, or paid for but never received. Platform-by-platform guide.
Amazon (third-party sellers)
Facebook Marketplace
How to claim against an online marketplace seller through small claims court
Steps to take when marketplace buyer protection fails and you need to recover money through the courts.
Exhaust the platform dispute process
Open a formal dispute via the marketplace (eBay Money Back Guarantee, Amazon A-to-z, Vinted buyer protection). Document every step and screenshot the outcome.
For traders, you sue the business. For private sellers, you sue the individual. A "private" listing from a seller with 500 transactions may still legally be a trader.
Write to the seller formally
Email the seller stating the item was not as described or not delivered, the amount you want refunded, and a 14-day deadline before you issue a court claim.
Send a Letter Before Action
If they do not respond, send a formal Letter Before Action. For traders, give 30 days; for private sellers, give 14 days.
File via Money Claim Online
Issue your claim via MCOL. Include the item price, any return postage costs, and the court fee. Attach screenshots of the listing, dispute, and correspondence.
Online Marketplace Disputes
Platform protections
Most marketplace disputes resolve through the platform’s own buyer-protection scheme — faster and free. Use platform first, court as fallback.
Your legal rights — trader vs private seller
| Seller type | Your protections |
|---|---|
| Trader (business seller) | Full Consumer Rights Act 2015 protections — satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, as described. Plus 14-day right to cancel under Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 for online purchases. |
| Private seller | "Buyer beware" applies. The seller must not misrepresent the goods, but otherwise no implied quality terms. Your only claim is misrepresentation or breach of an express promise. |
When to use small claims
- You missed the platform’s claim window (eBay 30 days, Amazon 90 days, Etsy 100 days)
- Platform refused your claim and you disagree
- You bought via Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree where there is no platform protection
- The seller is a UK trader who took payment off-platform after introducing you on the platform
- The claim involves loss beyond the item itself (delivery costs, replacement hire, consequential damage)
Always exhaust platform protection first — courts expect you to mitigate by using free remedies before bringing a claim.