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[MN] What evidence should a business owner bring to defend against a customer’s claims in small claims court?
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A customer came to my braiding salon not once but I observed her hair was thin and permed or flat iron, not natural. She came for a braiding service, never followed by appointment procedures. I started with five braids. She took a call, went to the bathroom, came back, decided to end the appointment. Only five braids were braided. She took a photo on her phone and chose to end the appointment. She apologized, asked for a hug, and days passed. I got a call from her family asking me what I did to her. I responded she didn't complete her appointment, after a few braids she left. Next I saw a review of the five braids saying I cut her hair or used unidentified chemicals. I only used a braiding condition/gel on her, which the product label states. I was called to the police station, I said my own side of the event that happened, the police advised me to block further communication since the text messages were hurting words and threatening to me. Next I got mail from conciliation court. How do I defend myself with 15 claims?
I'm sorry to hear about the stressful situation you're facing with this customer. Can you tell me more about the specific claims made against you in the conciliation court notice?
She said she paid me, she said I used chemical, she claims I cut her hair, and she had hair loss.
Have you had any previous disputes or complaints from other customers regarding your services?
No.
Is there anything else the Lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they'll be able to help with your legal claims.
No.
Hey there! Welcome to our service. I'm an attorney with many years of experience. No attorney-client relationship is formed from our conversation. Regarding the claims made against you, do you have any documentation or evidence that could support your side of the story?
Yes. A payment app. Product used for braiding.
Thank you. So you can have your lawyer send a letter summarizing the facts and the relevant law. If these are false allegations, often a letter from a lawyer will resolve the issue.
Yes I do. I don't have a lawyer. Thank you very much.
The case is for tomorrow, 22nd July 2026. I have the product used, I have receipts from a payment app since I only accept payments through certain digital payment apps, no cash, and I have five star reviews from other customers on an online reviews platform. And she has come in three times and twice paid with a payment app.
For the 21st of March, she claimed no payment was made and that I didn't complete the hair braiding appointment. She decided to stop the appointment when she got a call. I only provide hair braiding services, and I also have a shop policy. On the wall of my business is my prices and the shop policy, but she always wants to pay less for a higher braiding style.
Thanks for sharing those details. So if the hearing is tomorrow, you would want to bring any relevant evidence to prove your case. This can include witnesses that are familiar with the services provided. Conciliation court cases in Minnesota are governed by (MN Stat § 491A), which sets up an informal, simplified procedure for these disputes, and under Rule 512 of the Minnesota General Rules of Practice, the judge will hear testimony from the parties and their witnesses and will consider the exhibits each side offers. Bringing your product labels, payment records, and any witnesses who can speak to the services you provided would directly support your defense at the hearing.
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