What the letter pack looks like

Sample materials for a fictional homeowner whose deck contractor stopped showing up. A purchased draft uses your answers and can be edited. Review every detail before deciding whether to use it.

Fictional example · invented names and businesses

1. The refund-request letter

The reply-by date is a requested response date, not a legal deadline. Your purchased draft can be copied or downloaded as a PDF after review.

Example

Alex Morgan
123 Example Lane
Springfield, IL 62701
alex@example.com

April 6, 2026

Sample Decks & Patios LLC
45 Sample Road, Springfield, IL 62702
office@sample-decks.example

Re: Request for refund of $4,900

Dear Sample Decks & Patios LLC,

I am writing about what we agreed: Replace the back deck with composite boards, finished by March 31, 2026. Our agreement is set out in writing. On March 2, 2026, I paid you $4,900 by credit card.

The crew removed the old deck on March 9 and came back twice. Since March 18 nobody has come to the house or answered my calls, texts or emails. No new deck has been built.

The work I paid for remains unfinished.

I am asking for a full refund of $4,900. Please send the refund, or reply in writing with a date by which you will send it, no later than April 20, 2026.

If this is not resolved, I may consider the other options available to me, including disputing the charge with my card issuer, filing a complaint with the state contractor licensing board, filing a complaint with my state consumer protection office and filing a claim in small claims court.

I would prefer to resolve this directly with you. You can reach me at alex@example.com.

Sincerely,


Alex Morgan

2. Evidence checklist

Suggested records based on the fictional answers. Requirements for a real dispute may differ.

The signed contract or written quote (every page, including any change orders)
Texts, emails and app messages with the vendor — screenshots with dates and the vendor's name or number visible
Your card statement showing the charge (and the receipt, if you have one)
Photos showing how far the work got, with dates
The contractor's license number, business name and address (from the contract, truck, website or permits)
A call log: date, time, who you spoke to and what they said
A copy of your refund-request letter and proof you sent it (email sent folder, certified mail receipt)
The vendor's legal name and contact details — check your court's rules for identifying and formally notifying a defendant if you consider a claim

3. Timeline of events

March 2, 2026
Paid $4,900 by credit card
March 9, 2026
Old deck removed
March 18, 2026
Last visit and last reply from the contractor
March 27, 2026
Called and texted; no answer
March 31, 2026
Date the work or item was due
April 6, 2026
Letter draft date (add the actual sending date after you send it)
April 20, 2026
Requested reply-by date in the draft (not a legal deadline)

4. If there's no reply

1
Confirm deadlines before waiting for a reply
This is general information, not legal advice. The reply-by date is a request to the vendor; it does not extend card, platform, notice or court deadlines. Verify those independently. No response or recovery is guaranteed.
2
If there's no reply by April 20, 2026
If you sent the letter and still want to follow up, you could write: 'I haven't heard back about my letter of [date]. Please reply by [requested date].' Keep a record, and check any separate time limits before waiting longer.
3
If they reply with an offer
Ask for the proposed amount, work and timing in writing. Consider the terms carefully before agreeing, signing a release or changing payments. A qualified lawyer can explain how a settlement affects your rights.
4
Ask your credit card issuer about dispute options
A consumer credit card may provide a billing-error process for goods or services not delivered as agreed. Eligibility, notice requirements and the outcome depend on the facts. Timing: Early planning estimate — confirm with your issuer (May 1, 2026). Calculated as payment date + 60 days. For a qualifying billing error, the issuer generally must receive written notice within 60 days after it sent the first statement showing the error. We do not know that statement date. Confirm the applicable process now; do not wait until this estimate. Call the number on the back of your card, describe what happened accurately, and ask which dispute process and time limits apply.

The pack also includes general information about other options to investigate. Their availability depends on your circumstances.

Optional: small-claims preparation pack

+$9

General court preparation information and a draft summary of your account. Not an official court form or a sign that you can or should file; check eligibility, venue, forms and deadlines with your court.

Plaintiff (you): Alex Morgan, 123 Example Lane, Springfield, IL 62701
Defendant: Sample Decks & Patios LLC, 45 Sample Road, Springfield, IL 62702, office@sample-decks.example
Amount claimed: $4,900
What was agreed: Replace the back deck with composite boards, finished by March 31, 2026
Your account of the problem — review for accuracy: I paid for work that was started and not completed.
Key dates: Paid March 2, 2026; due March 31, 2026; letter draft April 6, 2026; requested reply-by April 20, 2026 (not a legal deadline)

Explore general dispute options first

The option finder is free. The letter pack is a one-time $19 purchase, only if you want it. No response or recovery is guaranteed.

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