Suing an Online Course or Coaching Program for Non-Delivery
The online course and coaching industry has grown fast — and so have disputes over programs that don't deliver what they promised. Here's how to approach a claim in this specific category.
Common disputes
- Purchased a course that was never actually delivered or made accessible
- Content significantly different from what was advertised (missing modules, outdated material, far less comprehensive than promised)
- A coaching program where the coach stopped showing up or delivering promised sessions
- A "guarantee" (results guarantee, refund guarantee) that wasn't honored
Start with the sales page and any specific promises made
Screenshot the original sales page or advertisement as soon as possible — course creators frequently update or remove pages after a dispute arises, and the original claims made are central to your case. Pay attention to specific, factual promises (e.g., "12 modules," "weekly live calls," "money-back guarantee within 30 days") versus vague marketing language, since specific claims are much easier to hold someone to.
Check the refund policy carefully
Most online courses and coaching programs have a stated refund policy — read it closely, since your case often comes down to whether you followed the process they specified (requesting within their stated window, through their specified method) and whether they actually honored their own stated terms.
Evidence that strengthens your case
- The original sales page or ad, screenshotted with the date
- Your purchase receipt and confirmation email
- Proof of what was actually delivered — screenshots of course content, session logs, or lack thereof
- Your refund request and their response, if applicable
- Any specific promises made in emails, DMs, or live calls, if documented
Watch for arbitration clauses in the terms of service
Many online course platforms and individual creators include arbitration clauses in their purchase terms — similar to larger companies, some include a small claims carve-out, but not always. Check the specific terms you agreed to at checkout before assuming small claims court is available to you.
Where to file
This depends on the seller's location and the terms of service, which sometimes specify a particular jurisdiction for disputes. If the terms don't specify, general venue rules (typically where the seller/business is located) usually apply — see our guide on venue rules for more detail.
A note on "guru" or high-ticket coaching disputes
For larger, high-ticket coaching programs (often several thousand dollars or more), the claim amount may exceed your state's small claims limit — in that case, you can either waive the amount above the limit to stay in small claims, or consider whether the dispute is significant enough to warrant regular civil court instead.
This article is for general informational purposes and isn't legal advice. Terms of service, refund policies, and arbitration clauses vary by seller — review the specific agreement before filing.