Templates / The last written step before filing suit.
Template: demand letter before small claims
Use it when: You intend to file in small claims and want a documented demand first.
The template
[Date] [Business legal name] [Address] Re: Demand for payment — [service], [transaction date] On [date] I paid [business] $[amount] for [service]. [Two sentences of dated facts describing the failure.] I have attempted to resolve this on [dates] without result. I am requesting payment of $[amount] within 14 days of the date of this letter. If I do not receive payment or a written proposal by [date], I intend to file a claim in [county] small claims court, where I will seek the amount above plus filing costs. This letter is sent by [certified mail / email] and I am retaining a copy. [Your name] [Address] [Phone / email]
What to swap in
- The 14-day window — some courts expect 30
- The court name — look up your county's small claims limit first
What gets it deleted
- Threatening criminal charges
- Threatening to post reviews if they do not pay — that reads as extortion and can invalidate your reviews
The full wording rules are in how to write a review that stays up, and the terms behind them are in the glossary.