Consumer Complaint — Evidence Checklist

Gather these before you draft the complaint. Missing paperwork is the #1 reason consumer complaints stall.

1. Identity of the seller / service provider

Registered company name (not just brand name)
Registered office address (from invoice / website footer)
Customer-care email and grievance-officer email (where listed)
GST number (where shown)

2. Proof of purchase / contract

Invoice / bill (PDF + printed copy)
Order ID / booking ID / reference number
Payment proof — bank statement entry, UPI reference, or card slip
Warranty card / terms-and-conditions copy
Screenshot of product page / listing as it was on purchase day

3. Communication trail (in date order)

Every email — keep header info (date, from, to)
WhatsApp / chat screenshots — show full thread, not just the last message
Call log — date, time, agent name if shared, ticket numbers
Any "we will resolve in X days" promise — with date stamp

4. Product / service evidence

Photos of the defect (multiple angles + close-ups)
Video showing the issue, with date/time visible
If applicable — independent technician's report
Comparison with manufacturer's spec / advertised feature

5. Loss assessment

Amount paid (INR)

Out-of-pocket expense due to issue

Days of loss / inconvenience

Refund / replacement asked for

6. Complaint references already raised

Company complaint ID

National Consumer Helpline (1915) — docket

Sector regulator (if any) — reference

Date of last response

Tip: Keep one folder (digital + paper) per complaint. Number every document. Refer to them by number in your written complaint.

Information only. This checklist is for personal documentation. It is not legal advice and is not a substitute for guidance from a qualified consumer-law professional.