Consumer

Legal Notice for Non-Delivery of Goods Format

A non-delivery legal notice demands that a seller deliver goods already paid for — or refund the price with interest and damages — within a stated period, usually 15 days. Businesses rely on the Sale of Goods Act, 1930 and the contract; consumers can also invoke the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and the e-commerce rules for online orders.

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When to send this notice

Use this notice when you paid an advance or the full price for goods — machinery, raw material, furniture, electronics, an online order — and the seller has not delivered by the agreed date, delivered short quantity, or delivered goods that do not match the order, and is not responding to reminders. For a consumer purchase on an e-commerce platform, raise a complaint with the platform’s grievance officer as well.

Statutory basis

Under the Sale of Goods Act, 1930 the seller must deliver goods in accordance with the contract (Section 31), and if the seller wrongfully neglects or refuses to deliver, the buyer may sue for damages for non-delivery (Section 57), recover the price paid where the consideration has failed, and claim interest (Section 61). The Indian Contract Act, 1872 (Section 73) governs compensation for loss. Consumers can complain of deficiency, unfair trade practice or defective goods under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020 require platforms to have a grievance officer and to process refunds. A criminal complaint for cheating under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 is appropriate only if there was dishonest intent at the outset.

This format is a general drafting aid, not legal advice. Statutory timelines and wording vary by facts and jurisdiction — have it reviewed by a qualified advocate before you send it.
Copy-ready notice format
[ON THE LETTERHEAD OF THE ADVOCATE]

By Registered Post A/D & Email

Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]

To,
[Name of Seller / Supplier / Company]
[Address]

Subject: Legal notice for non-delivery of goods under order / invoice no. [Order Number] dated [DD/MM/YYYY] and demand for [delivery / refund].

Sir/Madam,

Under instructions from my client, [Buyer Name], of [Address], I serve upon you the following notice:

1. That my client placed [purchase order / online order] no. [Order Number] dated [DD/MM/YYYY] with you for [description, quantity and specification of goods] at a total price of Rs. [Total Price].

2. That my client paid Rs. [Amount Paid] on [DD/MM/YYYY] by [mode, reference no.] towards [advance / full price], which you acknowledged by [receipt / invoice / email dated ___].

3. That you agreed to deliver the goods at [Delivery Address] on or before [DD/MM/YYYY]. [Time was of the essence because ___.]

4. That despite reminders dated [dates], you have [failed to deliver the goods / delivered only ___ out of ___ units / delivered goods not conforming to the order, namely ___].

5. That my client has suffered loss, including [cost of alternative procurement Rs. ___ / production delay / other], due to your default.

I therefore call upon you, within fifteen (15) days of receipt of this notice, to [deliver the goods as per the order] OR [refund Rs. ___ together with interest at ___% per annum from DD/MM/YYYY], and to compensate my client in the sum of Rs. [___], failing which my client shall initiate proceedings for recovery of the price, damages and interest [before the civil court / commercial court / Consumer Commission], at your risk as to costs.

[Advocate Name]
[Enrolment No. / Contact]

Replace every [placeholder] with your own details before use.

How to send this legal notice

From draft to proof of delivery and the next legal step.

  1. Collect the order, quotation, invoice, payment proof, delivery commitments and reminders.

  2. Decide whether you still want delivery or would rather cancel and claim a refund with damages.

  3. Quantify the loss, such as the extra cost of buying elsewhere.

  4. Send the notice by Registered Post A/D and email to the seller’s registered or business address.

  5. For online orders, also escalate to the platform grievance officer and the National Consumer Helpline.

  6. If unresolved, file a consumer complaint or a recovery or commercial suit within limitation.

Frequently asked questions

Can I cancel and get my advance back if goods are not delivered?

Generally yes. If the seller fails to deliver by the agreed date and time was of the essence, or after a reasonable final deadline, you can treat the contract as ended and recover the price paid with damages.

Which forum do I approach — consumer or civil court?

Individuals buying for personal use can go to the Consumer Commission. Goods bought for a commercial purpose usually go to a civil or commercial court, subject to the consumer-law exception for self-employment.

Is non-delivery a criminal offence?

Usually it is a civil breach. It becomes cheating under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 only if the seller never intended to deliver when taking the money — a fact that must be shown.

Related notice formats

From template to tracked notice

Draft from approved formats, dispatch with delivery proof, and get reminded before the reply window closes, then turn an unanswered notice into a case in one click.