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Consumer Rights ResourceConsumer ProtectionEasy
Consumer Complaint Checklist
Prepare a consumer complaint by organising the supplier, purchase record, defect or service issue, requested remedy, complaint proof, and escalation route.
Time to prepare45-120 minutes
Before you start
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Before submission
0/4 completedOn submission day
0/3 completedafterwards
0/3 completedWhen It Applies
You need a shorter checklist for a refund, repair, replacement, cancellation, poor service, or supplier complaint.
You want to prepare documents before escalating to a supplier, ombud, regulator, Small Claims Court, or lawyer.
Not For
- Consumer-credit, insurance, rental, medical, employment, or property disputes without route-specific review.
- Final advice on compensation or refund entitlement.
Documents
- Receipt
- Invoice
- Contract
- Warranty
- Photos
- Videos
- Supplier messages
- Repair records
- Payment proof
- Complaint reference
- Delivery proof
Timeline
- Before complaint: record purchase and problem dates.
- Before escalation: gather proof and choose the remedy requested.
- After submission: track references and responses.
- Before legal action: check forum, costs, and evidence.
Tips
- Write the complaint in numbered facts.
- Attach proof rather than long explanations.
- Keep the item available if inspection may be needed.
- Use the fuller complaint pack for complex matters.
Warning Signs
- The supplier denies the transaction.
- The goods may be unsafe.
- The supplier is closed or outside South Africa.
- The dispute is old or the amount justifies legal advice.
Official sources
- National Consumer CommissionConsumer complaint and regulator-route context.
- Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008Consumer rights and supplier-obligation context.
- Department of Justice Small Claims CourtsSmall-claims escalation context.
This checklist is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.
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