In every small business problems can arise from time to time between businesses, their customers, suppliers, partners and employees. Most can be resolved quickly and efficiently with a common sense approach.
To maximise the chances of a successful dispute resolution with a customer you need to:
-
listen to your customers (put yourself in their position)
-
ask for documentary evidence to verify the facts
-
understand your legal obligations - get advice from your state fair trading agency
-
negotiate face to face in a calm and professional manner
-
if you reach a stalemate, refer back to your state fair trading agency.
Each state has a fair trading agency to provide information to traders and consumers to help resolve marketplace disputes. If parties are unable to reach agreement, you may lodge a complaint with them. They can act as an informal negotiator. When a dispute is unable to be resolved, you can either seek legal advice or lodge a claim with the Small Claims Tribunal.
Can't find what you're looking for? Search for more information on this topic: