Letter to complain about misdescribed goods bought from a private seller by Citizens Advice
Updated 3 November 2025
The Citizens Advice template letter to complain about misdescribed goods bought from a private seller helps consumers claim compensation under the Sale of Goods Act 1979 for misdescribed items. It is part of Citizens Advice’s widely trusted library of open, lawyer-vetted letter templates.
Letter to complain about misdescribed goods bought from a private seller
[sender name]
[sender address line 1]
[sender address line 2]
[sender phone]
[sender email]
[recipient name]
[recipient address line 1]
[recipient address line 2]
[date]
Dear [recipient name],
Complaint about misdescribed goods
I bought the following goods from you on [purchase date]: [goods description]
I paid [purchase price]. I now find the goods were misdescribed. You described the item as:
The light works but new bulb is needed.
But in fact:
The light doesn't work even though I've replaced the bulb with a new one.
Under the Sale of Goods Act 1979 goods you supply must match their description. As the goods don't match how you described them, I am asking you to compensate me for the difference in value between what I paid and what the goods were worth. I am requesting [compensation amount]
In support of my claim, I have enclosed: [proof of purchase]
Please respond within [number of days] days of receiving this letter.
Yours sincerely,
[sender name]
About this template
What is this template?
Letter to complain about misdescribed goods bought from a private seller by Citizens Advice is a free, ready-to-use Consumer law template you can open, customize, and download on GitLaw. It gives you a professionally structured starting point, so you never have to draft from a blank page. The wording is plain and modern, organized into clear sections that are easy to read, edit, and adapt to your own situation before you share or sign it.
When should you use it?
Reach for this Consumer law template whenever you need a reliable agreement quickly and want to be sure the essentials are covered. It suits individuals, freelancers, startups, and established businesses alike. Instead of paying for a document drafted from scratch, you can start here, tailor the details to your arrangement, and have a polished draft ready in minutes. This version is drafted with England & Wales in mind, though you should always review the final wording against the laws that apply to you.
What's typically included?
A well-drafted Consumer law usually sets out the parties involved, the scope of the agreement, and each side's rights and responsibilities. Expect sections covering key terms and definitions, how long the agreement lasts, how it can be ended, and what happens if something goes wrong. This template brings those building blocks together in a sensible order, so you can focus on the specifics rather than worrying about what to include. Open it to read the full document, then sign up to edit, negotiate, and e-sign it directly in GitLaw.