Goods and Services Disputes

At Hibberts Solicitors, our dispute resolution solicitors act for both buyers and suppliers throughout Cheshire and Shropshire who are facing goods and services disputes.

Our goods and services dispute solicitors handle both commercial and consumer disputes, involving faulty goods, poor quality services, unpaid invoices, and disputes with suppliers and contractors. We provide practical, tailored advice on how to defend or negotiate a claim to achieve the best possible outcome.

There is nothing more upsetting and annoying than finally purchasing an item and finding out it either doesn’t work or doesn’t do as it should do.  All that anticipation and excitement, only to end up with something that didn’t meet your expectations.

Thankfully, in 2015, a handy piece of legislation, the Consumer Rights Act was introduced that set out to help consumers who believe they have been wronged by a trader, and protect the public from dodgy sellers. 

However, this does not mean that you can just decide you do not like something and should get money back, the dreaded ‘buyer’s regret’, so some protections are offered to the trader too.

And whilst the Consumer Rights Act protects parties in disputes between consumers (individuals) and traders (businesses), this does not work for any disputes between businesses, for this we look to the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982.

What are goods and services disputes?

When you buy something, a contract is formed, providing legal protection if the item or service is not fit for purpose and as described.

The contract does not have to be a written contract, such as a receipt or invoice; it could also be a verbal agreement or implied by conduct.

What is important is that when there is not a written contract with terms and conditions, or perhaps a contract is silent on certain points, the laws above help imply terms between the parties. 

Disputes can arise when a supply contract has been breached. A contract may be breached if goods are defective, services are incomplete, or payment is not made.  Alternatively, you may have supplied goods or a service that you know met the contract, but the purchaser has simply decided to change their mind, in which case you would need to defend yourself in any claim.

If a goods and services dispute has caused you financial loss or other damage, seeking legal advice as quickly as possible can help prevent the dispute from escalating and strengthen your position.  

What types of goods and services disputes do Hibberts Solicitors handle?

With expertise in corporate and commercial law as well as dispute resolution, the team at Hibberts Solicitors is equipped with the knowledge and experience to support all types of goods and services disputes, including consumer, corporate, and commercial disputes.

No matter whether you need to defend or negotiate a claim, our team will work tirelessly to help you reach a successful resolution.

Some of the most common types of goods and services disputes we handle are:

• Faulty goods disputes.
• Substandard or incomplete service.
• Late deliveries or delayed services.
• Unpaid invoices for goods or services.
• Commercial supply agreement disputes.
• Contractor and supplier disputes.

How can our solicitors help you resolve goods and services disputes?

The right way to resolve your goods and services dispute depends on the nature and seriousness of the breach of contract.  At Hibberts Solicitors, we begin by finding out more about the impact the dispute has had on you and your objectives, then we review any contracts and terms of business, before advising you on your legal rights, obligations, and options.

Most goods and services disputes are resolved using one or more of the following:

• Negotiation
• Mediation
• Court proceedings

Where possible, our team always aims to resolve disputes outside of court.

What are the possible outcomes of a goods and services dispute?

Every goods and services dispute is different, and there are a variety of possible outcomes.

Resolution may include:

• Compensation for financial loss.
• Enforcing payment for goods or services supplied.
• Repair, replacement, or refund for faulty goods.
• Terminating a contract for serious breaches.
• Court action to enforce contractual obligations.

Contact Hibberts Solicitors for help resolving a goods and services dispute

Whether you’re a commercial supplier facing claims for quality of service or a consumer who has received faulty goods, contact our contract dispute solicitors in Cheshire today for straightforward legal advice.

Contact our Dispute Resolution Solicitors today by calling 01270 624225 or emailing enquiries@hibberts.com to take the first step towards resolving your goods and services dispute.