Preserve your evidence: the Sale or Return documentation checklist

Original, dated records usually matter more than speculation. Keep untouched copies of your sources and a separate working copy for notes or highlights.

Signing and contract evidence

Save the complete PDF, electronic signature certificate or audit trail, invitation email, linked terms, promises made before signing and the precise company name. Do not assume a signature proves that every linked term was read.

Marketing and vehicle records

Retain handover photos, mileage, keys inventory, advertisements and price-change records, condition reports, approved offers and anything independent advertising platforms have actually confirmed.

Cancellation and money demands

Keep copies of website form submissions and error screens, cancellation emails, later replies, every invoice and quotation, bank payment records and receipts. Make a date-by-date comparison when a fee changes.

WhatsApp, recordings and witnesses

Keep original conversations and voice messages where lawful, including relevant context and sender identifiers. A screenshot may omit earlier or later messages. Record what each witness personally saw; distinguish their account from hearsay and opinions.

Build a simple evidence table

For each event record the date, document name, source, directly proven fact, unresolved question and proposed witness. Separate any without-prejudice settlement material and obtain advice before relying on it in a liability hearing.

Protect personal data

Never upload unredacted bank numbers, home addresses, private telephone numbers, buyer identities or other people's contracts to a public website. Obtain consent before sharing group material and protect originals from accidental alteration.

Reviewed 23 October 2026. General information for England and Wales, not legal advice. This independent website is not a regulator or law firm. Legal rights depend on the particular contract and facts.