LETTER BEFORE ACTION
From: Hannah Brooks
Address: 22 Willow Street, Carlton VIC 3053
Email: hannah.brooks@example.com
To: Oak & Line Interiors Pty Ltd
Address: 54 Trade Park Drive, Brunswick VIC 3056
Date: 15 September 2026
Subject: Proposed claim concerning custom shelving deposit and defective components
Dear Directors,
I write regarding quotation Q-1842 for custom shelving. This letter gives you an opportunity to resolve the matter before court proceedings are considered.
Background
On 15 September 2026, you agreed to supply and install shelving by 31 July 2026. I performed my obligations by paying the AUD 6,600 deposit. You were required to supply conforming shelving and complete installation, but the work remains incomplete and the delivered components do not match the approved drawings.
Loss and remedy sought
As a result, I have suffered the loss of my deposit and an independent inspection fee. I require:
- payment of **AUD 6,880**;
- **collection of the unusable components**; and
- reimbursement of **recoverable interest, filing fees and costs where permitted**.
A calculation and supporting documents are enclosed or listed below.
Response requested
Please provide a substantive written response by 15 September 2026, being 14 days from this letter. Your response should confirm whether the claim is accepted and, if not, identify the disputed facts and provide copies of relevant documents.
I remain willing to consider reasonable settlement proposals and mediation.
If I do not receive a satisfactory response, I may commence proceedings without further notice, subject to the applicable court rules and pre-action requirements. I will draw the court's attention to this letter when costs and case management are considered.
Detailed chronology
On 3 June 2026, I accepted your written quotation Q-1842 for supply and installation of custom shelving at 22 Willow Street, Carlton. I paid the required AUD 6,600 deposit on 4 June 2026. Your quotation stated that installation would be completed by 31 July 2026.
You did not attend on the agreed dates. After my emails of 3, 10 and 18 August, you delivered incomplete components on 24 August. An independent carpenter inspected them on 28 August and reported that their dimensions do not match the approved drawings and that they cannot safely be installed.
Basis of claim
I consider that the failure to provide conforming goods and complete installation within a reasonable time breaches our contract and applicable consumer guarantees. I cancelled the contract by email on 2 September 2026 and requested repayment, but no refund has been received.
Amount claimed
- refund of the deposit: AUD 6,600;
- independent inspection fee: AUD 280; and
- total presently claimed: AUD 6,880.
I reserve the right to claim filing fees, recoverable interest and other losses that arise. Copies of the quotation, proof of payment, correspondence, photographs and inspection report are enclosed.
Proposed resolution
Please pay AUD 6,880 by electronic transfer within 14 days, by 29 September 2026, and arrange collection of the unusable components at an agreed time. If you dispute the claim, provide a detailed response and the documents on which you rely by the same date. I remain willing to attend mediation.
Worked sample parties
Sender: Hannah Brooks, 22 Willow Street, Carlton VIC 3053; hannah.brooks@example.com.
Recipient: Oak & Line Interiors Pty Ltd, 54 Trade Park Drive, Brunswick VIC 3056.
Date of letter: 15 September 2026.
Enclosures: quotation Q-1842; payment receipt; emails dated 3, 10 and 18 August 2026; photographs; inspection report dated 28 August 2026.
Yours sincerely,
Signature: ___________________________
Name: Hannah Brooks
Enclosures: quotation, receipt, correspondence, photographs and inspection report