Online Purchase or Marketplace Disputes
Bought something online that never arrived, was counterfeit, or was completely different from the listing? If the seller won't refund you and you can't resolve it through the platform, small claims court is your next step.
Typical claim amount
$50 – $5,000
Statute of limitations category
Written contract (varies by state)
See your state's small claims rules
Pick your state above to see its claim limit, deadlines, and rules — or browse all state guides.
How much to ask for
Usually what you paid — the refund you're owed for an item that never arrived, was counterfeit, or didn't match the listing. If you reasonably had to spend more to replace it, you may be able to claim that difference. Subtract any partial refund the platform already gave you. Keep the claim tied to your documented payment, not to the hassle.
How to pursue this claim, step by step
- 1
Screenshot everything before it disappears — the listing, the seller's profile, payment confirmation, tracking, and all messages.
- 2
Try the platform's dispute process and any card chargeback first, and save the outcome.
- 3
Total your claim: what you paid, minus any refund received, plus a reasonable replacement cost if it applies.
- 4
Identify the seller's real legal name and address — many online sellers operate under a storefront name.
- 5
Send a written demand with your evidence and a deadline to refund, then confirm you're within the deadline to sue.
- 6
File naming the seller correctly, bring printed copies of everything, and present it to the judge in chronological order.
Common examples
Item paid for but never shipped or delivered
Received a counterfeit or fake product
Item was significantly different from the listing description
Seller stopped responding after payment
Platform dispute process was denied or insufficient
Freelancer took payment but didn't deliver the work
Evidence you should gather
The stronger your evidence, the better your chances. Start collecting these items before you file:
Screenshots of the product listing or service description
Payment confirmation (PayPal, credit card, Venmo, etc.)
Shipping tracking (or lack thereof)
Photos of what you received vs. what was advertised
Communication with the seller
Platform dispute records (if applicable)
Chargeback denial (if applicable)
Ready to take action?
A demand letter often resolves disputes before court. Our free guide shows you how to write one in minutes.
Read the demand letter guideDemand letter tip
Screenshot everything before it disappears — the listing, the seller's profile, all messages. Include these with your demand letter. Many online sellers operate under business names, so research their real name and address for service of process.
Read the demand letter guide →Court preparation tip
Print everything. Screenshots of the listing, payment confirmations, tracking info, and all messages with the seller. Digital evidence is powerful but judges need paper copies. Organize it chronologically.
What trips people up
Not screenshotting the listing and messages before the seller edits or deletes them.
Suing a storefront handle instead of the seller's real legal entity.
Skipping the platform dispute or chargeback, which courts like to see you tried.
Overlooking that the seller may be out of state, which can complicate where you file and serve.
Bringing only digital evidence — judges generally need printed copies.
Filing deadlines by state
Your statute of limitations depends on your state. Here are some examples for this type of case:
| State | Deadline | Max claim |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 6 years | $6,000 |
| Alaska | 3 years | $10,000 |
| Arizona | 6 years | $5,000 |
| Arkansas | 5 years | $5,000 |
| California | 4 years | $12,500 |
| Colorado | 3 years | $7,500 |
| Connecticut | 6 years | $5,000 |
| Delaware | 3 years | $25,000 |
| District of Columbia | 3 years | $10,000 |
| Florida | 5 years | $8,000 |
| Georgia | 6 years | $15,000 |
| Hawaii | 6 years | $5,000 |
| Idaho | 5 years | $5,000 |
| Illinois | 10 years | $10,000 |
| Indiana | 10 years | $10,000 |
| Iowa | 10 years | $6,500 |
| Kansas | 5 years | $10,000 |
| Kentucky | 15 years | $2,500 |
| Louisiana | 10 years | $5,000 |
| Maine | 6 years | $10,000 |
| Maryland | 3 years | $5,000 |
| Massachusetts | 6 years | $7,000 |
| Michigan | 6 years | $7,000 |
| Minnesota | 6 years | $20,000 |
| Mississippi | 3 years | $3,500 |
| Missouri | 10 years | $5,000 |
| Montana | 8 years | $7,000 |
| Nebraska | 5 years | $7,500 |
| Nevada | 6 years | $10,000 |
| New Hampshire | 3 years | $10,000 |
| New Jersey | 6 years | $5,000 |
| New Mexico | 6 years | $10,000 |
| New York | 6 years | $10,000 |
| North Carolina | 3 years | $10,000 |
| North Dakota | 6 years | $15,000 |
| Ohio | 8 years | $6,000 |
| Oklahoma | 5 years | $10,000 |
| Oregon | 6 years | $10,000 |
| Pennsylvania | 4 years | $12,000 |
| Rhode Island | 10 years | $5,000 |
| South Carolina | 3 years | $7,500 |
| South Dakota | 6 years | $12,000 |
| Tennessee | 6 years | $25,000 |
| Texas | 4 years | $20,000 |
| Utah | 6 years | $20,000 |
| Vermont | 6 years | $10,000 |
| Virginia | 5 years | $5,000 |
| Washington | 6 years | $10,000 |
| West Virginia | 10 years | $20,000 |
| Wisconsin | 6 years | $10,000 |
| Wyoming | 10 years | $6,000 |
Frequently asked questions
The seller is in another state — can I still sue?
Possibly, but where you can sue and how you serve an out-of-state seller can be tricky. Jurisdiction rules vary, so confirm whether your local small claims court can hear the case before you file.
Do I have to try the platform's dispute process first?
It's not always required, but it often resolves the issue and shows the court you tried. Save the platform's decision and any chargeback result.
How do I find the seller's real name to sue them?
Check the listing, receipts, payment records, and the platform's seller information. You generally need the seller's correct legal name and a service address to file.
What if I got a counterfeit item?
You can usually claim a refund, and your evidence is the listing, the payment, and proof the item is fake. Photos comparing it to the authentic product help.
How much can I claim?
Generally what you paid, minus any refund already received, plus a reasonable replacement cost if you had to buy elsewhere. Keep it documented.
Other case types
Security Deposit Not Returned
Your landlord won't return your security deposit
Unpaid Invoice or Loan
Someone owes you money and won't pay
Car Accident Damage
Someone damaged your car and won't pay for repairs
Contractor or Repair Disputes
A contractor did poor work or didn't finish the job
Defective Product or Service
Something you bought doesn't work and the seller won't fix it
Breach of Contract
Someone broke a written or verbal agreement
Unpaid Rent (Landlord vs Tenant)
Your tenant owes rent and won't pay
Property Damage by Neighbor
Your neighbor damaged your property
Auto Repair Disputes
Mechanic overcharged, did bad work, or caused damage
Moving Company Damage
Movers broke or lost your belongings
Wedding Vendor Disputes
Wedding photographer, DJ, venue, or vendor didn't deliver
Bad Check or Bounced Payment
Someone paid you with a check that bounced
Pet-Related Disputes
Dog bite, vet malpractice, or pet purchase gone wrong
Roommate Disputes
Roommate owes rent, utilities, or damaged shared property
Dry Cleaner or Laundry Damage
Dry cleaner ruined or lost your clothing
Travel and Airline Disputes
Airline, hotel, or travel company ruined your trip
Insurance Claim Disputes
Insurance company denied or underpaid your claim
Gym or Membership Cancellation
Gym or club keeps charging after cancellation
Towing and Vehicle Impound Disputes
Your car was illegally towed or you were overcharged
Home Appliance or Electronics Warranty
Manufacturer or retailer won't honor a warranty
Freelance or Gig Work Payment
Client won't pay for freelance or contract work you completed
Utility Billing Disputes
Overcharged by a utility company or service provider
Dental or Medical Billing Disputes
Overcharged for medical or dental services
Tenant Suing Landlord for Repairs
Landlord won't fix habitability issues in your rental
Last updated 2026-06-28.
General information to help you understand the process — not legal advice. Rules and dollar limits vary by state and change over time, so always confirm the current requirements with your court. See our Editorial Standards.
Ready to take action?
A demand letter is often the first step. Many online purchase or marketplace disputes disputes are resolved without ever going to court.
Read the demand letter guide