Demand letters

What do I do if my demand letter is ignored?

Updated November 12, 2026 · By the Certified Letter Online team

First confirm it was delivered (check tracking and your return receipt). Then send one short final notice by Certified Mail, and if the deadline passes, take the next step you named: file in small claims court, complain to your state attorney general or a licensing board, or dispute the charge with your card issuer. Bring the letters and USPS receipts as evidence.

Next steps after an ignored demand
Step	Cost	What to bring
Final notice letter	One more certified letter	Reference the first letter and its delivery date
Small claims court	Court filing fee (varies by court)	Letters, receipts, return receipts, evidence
Attorney general complaint	Free	Copies of your letters and the company's replies
Licensing board complaint	Free	Contract, letters, photos
Card dispute	Free	Demand letter, merchant's non-response

If the letter came back

If it was refused or unclaimed, keep the envelope sealed and see refused or unclaimed certified mail. Try another address, such as the registered agent.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. For your specific situation, a legal aid office or a licensed attorney in your state can tell you what applies.

Quick answers

Is ignoring a demand letter bad for the other side?

Under some laws, yes. For example, a business that ignores a valid Massachusetts 93A demand can face higher damages if it loses.

Do I need to send a second letter?

Not required, but a final notice shows the court you gave every chance to settle.

How do I prove they got my letter?

The return receipt shows who signed and when. Tracking alone shows delivery to the address.

What to do next

Send a final notice with proof of delivery: type it in and we'll mail it Certified with return receipt for $17.99.

Send a final notice

Sources

Checked: November 12, 2026. General information, not legal advice. Fees and rules change: confirm current values at the official links above.