Quick answer
Check the contract, the order or quote, what the supplier promised, what was delivered, what you paid, and what you have already complained about. Before a lawyer can tell you whether to demand performance, cancel, claim damages or negotiate, they need the paper trail and the commercial context.
Key takeaways
- Check the contract, the order or quote, what the supplier promised, what was delivered, what you paid, and what you have already complained about. Before a lawyer can tell you whether to demand performance, cancel, claim damages or negotiate, they need the paper trail and the commercial context.
- Build a short file before calling a lawyer. Put the contract first. Then add the quote, purchase order, invoices, proof of payment, delivery notes, photos, messages and the complaint history. Write a one-page timeline showing what was promised, what happened and what you want fixed.
- Costs depend on the size of the dispute and whether the lawyer is asked to review documents, write a letter, negotiate, draft settlement terms or litigate. Timeframes depend on the contract, the urgency, and whether the supplier is still willing to fix the problem.
- This commercial and contract law article is general information and still needs legal review for specific facts.
Documents and facts to prepare
- Signed contract, quote, purchase order or service level agreement.
- Invoices and statements.
- Proof of payment.
- Delivery notes, job cards or completion certificates.
- Photos or inspection reports.
- Emails, WhatsApps and complaint records.
- Any cancellation, breach or demand letter.
- Notes of losses suffered, with supporting proof.
Common mistakes
- Relying on a phone conversation when the written quote says something different.
- Complaining emotionally but not saying what remedy is required.
- Deleting emails or WhatsApps after the relationship breaks down.
- Withholding payment without checking the contract.
- Accepting replacement work without reserving rights where the issue is serious.
- Treating a consumer complaint route as if it replaces legal advice in a high-value dispute.
Why this situation happens
Supplier disputes often start with practical frustration: late delivery, poor workmanship, defective goods, unpaid invoices, missing stock, or a service that does not match the quote. The legal problem is usually narrower than the argument. The question is what was agreed, what changed, who breached first, and what loss can be proved.
Legal explanation
Some supplier disputes are consumer disputes. The Consumer Protection Act creates consumer-rights routes and the National Consumer Commission allows complaints about alleged contraventions of the Act. The Consumer Goods and Services Ombud may also deal with qualifying complaints after the consumer has tried to resolve the matter with the supplier.
Other disputes are mainly contract disputes. In those matters, the wording of the agreement, the conduct of the parties and the proof of loss matter more than general fairness. If both parties are businesses, the contract and correspondence will usually carry most of the weight.
What to do next
Build a short file before calling a lawyer. Put the contract first. Then add the quote, purchase order, invoices, proof of payment, delivery notes, photos, messages and the complaint history. Write a one-page timeline showing what was promised, what happened and what you want fixed.
If the supplier is still performing work, do not send threats or cancellation notices without advice. A bad letter can make a manageable dispute harder.
Costs and timeframes
Costs depend on the size of the dispute and whether the lawyer is asked to review documents, write a letter, negotiate, draft settlement terms or litigate. Timeframes depend on the contract, the urgency, and whether the supplier is still willing to fix the problem.
FAQs
Is every supplier dispute a Consumer Protection Act matter?
No. Some disputes fall under consumer protection, some are ordinary contract disputes, and some are business-to-business disputes where the contract wording is central.
What should I send a lawyer first?
Send the signed contract or quote, invoices, delivery records, payment proof, complaint messages and any notice of cancellation or breach.
Should I stop paying the supplier?
Do not stop payment without checking the contract and the facts. Withholding payment can sometimes protect you, but it can also create a counterclaim.
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Legal note
This article is general legal information for South African readers. It is not legal advice. Speak to a qualified legal professional about your specific facts before taking action.