If you've asserted "claims and defenses" and the merchant refuses to budge, contact your card issuer.
"Give a call to get things rolling, and follow up with a letter," Bowne says.
In your letter, succinctly outline the problem and desired solution. Detail exactly how you've tried to resolve the credit card dispute with the retailer and any responses you received.
Invoking "claims and defenses" requires you to have made a "good faith" effort to work it out with the merchant first, says Bowne.
Include any copies of evidence that backs up your claim. "Just try to keep as much of a paper trail as you can," says Bowne.