Singapore
In Singapore, consumer claims can be dealt with by the State Court, the successor to the previously named Small Claims Tribunals. They were established in 1985 to provide a quick and inexpensive forum to resolve small claims between consumers and suppliers. The State Courts have jurisdiction to hear claims not exceeding $10,000, or up to $20,000 if the parties agree in writing.
A consumer complainant may seek assistance from CASE, which is partly funded by the government. Usually, CASE will seek to resolve the matter by negotiating with the seller. If that fails, mediation will be attempted, and if that fails the matter is taken before the State Court. Counselling and legal advice is provided to the consumer free of charge. CASE’s policy is to help consumers help themselves. It offers a four-step process for assisting to resolve disputes.
Step 1: CASE provides the consumer with an Assisted Case-Write • letter which the consumer takes to the business. The letter will usually state that the consumer has certain rights and so on. The cost to the consumer for the letter is $10. The consumer is encouraged to negotiate the matter with the business.