Small Claims Court Bundle Checklist

Disclaimer: This is a template - always read the linked guide first. BeautyKiln gives general information, not legal advice.

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Your details:

• Claimant (you): [YOUR FULL NAME]
• Trading as: [YOUR BUSINESS NAME]
• Defendant: [PERSON/BUSINESS YOU'RE CLAIMING AGAINST]
• Claim amount: £[AMOUNT]
• Claim number (once issued): [CLAIM NUMBER]

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How to use this checklist

This is everything you need to gather before filing a small claims court claim through Money Claims Online (for England and Wales). Tick off each item as you go. The better your evidence bundle, the stronger your case.

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Section 1: The Claim Itself

• Claim form N1 (or completed online at www.moneyclaims.service.gov.uk)
• Particulars of claim - a clear, factual summary of what happened and why you're owed money. Keep it under 1,000 words. Include:
  • What service you provided and when
  • The agreed price
  • When payment was due
  • That payment has not been received
  • The amount you're claiming (including interest and compensation)
• Court fee payment ready (credit/debit card for online claims)

Section 2: Your Contract/Agreement

• Written contract or terms and conditions (if you have one)
• Booking confirmation (email, text, DM, online booking system screenshot)
• Price list or quote you gave the client
• Any messages where the client agreed to the price or service
• Consent form signed by the client (if applicable)

Section 3: Invoices and Payment Records

• Copy of the original invoice
• Proof the invoice was sent (email sent folder, delivery receipt)
• Your payment records showing no payment received
• Bank statements highlighting the missing payment (redact other entries)
• If payment bounced: screenshot or bank notification

Section 4: Your Payment Chase Trail

• Copy of your first friendly reminder (with date)
• Copy of your firm second chase (with date)
• Copy of your Letter Before Action (with date)
• Proof of delivery for the Letter Before Action (recorded delivery receipt/tracking)
• Any responses you received from the debtor
• Notes of any phone calls (date, time, what was said)

Section 5: Evidence of Service Provided

• Appointment records from your booking system
• Photos of the work you did (before and after if relevant)
• Treatment records or consultation notes
• Product records (what you used, the cost to you)
• Testimony from anyone who was present

Section 6: Communication Evidence

• Screenshots of text messages (full thread, showing dates)
• Screenshots of WhatsApp messages (full thread, showing dates)
• Screenshots of Instagram/Facebook DMs (full thread, showing dates)
• Printed copies of emails (showing headers with dates)
• Screenshots of missed calls or voicemails
• Any social media posts relevant to the dispute

Section 7: Interest and Compensation Calculation

• Calculation of statutory interest:
  • Formula: (Amount owed x interest rate x days overdue) / 365
  • Interest rate: 8% + Bank of England base rate (currently [CURRENT RATE]%)
  • Days overdue: from [DUE DATE] to [TODAY'S DATE] = [NUMBER] days
  • Interest: £[CALCULATED AMOUNT]
• Fixed compensation amount: £40 (debts up to £999.99), £70 (£1,000-£9,999.99), or £100 (£10,000+)
• Total claim: Original debt + interest + compensation + court fee

Section 8: Witness Evidence (if applicable)

• Witness statement(s) - signed and dated, in the witness's own words
• Each statement should include: witness's full name, their relationship to the situation, what they saw/heard, and a declaration that the statement is true

Section 9: Timeline

• A simple chronological timeline of events:
  • [DATE] - Client booked appointment
  • [DATE] - Service provided
  • [DATE] - Invoice issued
  • [DATE] - Payment due
  • [DATE] - First reminder sent
  • [DATE] - Second chase sent
  • [DATE] - Letter Before Action sent
  • [DATE] - Deadline expired, no payment
  • [DATE] - Claim filed

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Tips:

• Number every page of your bundle
• Make 3 copies: one for you, one for the court, one for the defendant
• Put everything in date order
• Don't include anything irrelevant - only evidence that supports your claim
• The small claims track handles claims up to £10,000
• You usually don't need a solicitor for small claims - you represent yourself
• The hearing is informal - the judge will ask questions and guide you through it