If you have been unable to resolve your dispute or if the retailer will not honour your rights then can take them to court.

If the value of the dispute is less than £5,000, then you can use the Small Claims Court. The process is less complicated so you don't need a solicitor, there is a modest fee, but if you win you can receive those costs back. Your local Citizens Advice Bureau can advise on how to make a claim.

If you want to know more about the small claims procedure you can contact the HM Courts Service.

If the claim is against someone who is difficult to trace, or has no money, you may have to write the loss off to experience.

But if you paid by credit card then you should contact your credit card company. If the product was between £100-£30,000 then they are equally liable. If it is less than a £100 then you could ask your credit card company to do a chargeback for the amount in dispute.

Last updated on April 4, 2008 by The E-Victims Organisation