Service dispute guide

What to do if you paid for a service and it was not delivered.

If you paid for a service that was not completed, a clear written request can help explain what was promised, what happened, and what resolution you want.

General information only. ResolveLetter is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.

Situation

A common situation

You paid a service provider, but the work was never completed, was only partially done, or was different from what was promised. The provider may delay, ignore messages, or refuse a refund.

If the issue involves court papers, urgent deadlines, large financial exposure, eviction, injury, or other serious risk, consider speaking with a licensed attorney.

Practical steps

Practical steps to take

The goal is to make the issue easier to understand, easier to document, and easier to present in writing.

01

Write down what was promised

Identify the service, price, deadline, scope, and any written promises or estimates.

02

Collect payment proof

Save receipts, bank or card records, invoices, confirmations, and messages.

03

Document what was not delivered

Explain what remains incomplete, what was done incorrectly, or what never happened.

04

Choose the resolution you want

Ask for completion, refund, partial refund, repair, replacement, or written explanation.

05

Send a clear written request

A demand letter can put the issue and requested next step in one professional document.

Written document

When a service demand letter may help

A demand letter may help when a paid service was not delivered and informal messages have not resulted in a clear response.

Prepare your document

Prepare a service dispute letter

ResolveLetter can help you prepare a professional demand letter for an undelivered service.

Start service letter

Related

Related resources

FAQ

Service not delivered questions

Should I ask for completion or refund?

That depends on your preferred outcome. A written request can state either completion, refund, partial refund, or another specific resolution.

What if the provider stopped responding?

A written request can create a clear record of your attempt to resolve the issue and ask for a response by a reasonable date.

Is this legal advice?

No. This page provides general information and document-preparation context.

Important notice

ResolveLetter is a document-preparation and legal information tool. It is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship and does not represent you. For legal advice, consult a licensed attorney in your state.