The Reality of Fighting a Big Company
Taking on a major company is not for the faint of heart.
It feels like standing barefoot in front of a bulldozer—with nothing but truth as your shield. No legal team, no deep pockets. Just you, your receipts, and a gut full of righteous anger.
I felt that way when I filed a Small Claims Court case against a luxury skincare company known for manipulative, high-pressure sales tactics. I wasn’t rich, connected, or legally trained—but I had the truth on my side.
And sometimes, that’s enough to start.
What You’re Up Against
When you go up against a corporation, you quickly learn that it’s not just about the money—it’s about power.
These companies don’t just sell overpriced products. They sell control. They rely on contracts you didn’t understand, policies they never explained, and silence they hope you’ll keep.
They come armed—with lawyers, fine print, delay tactics, and intimidation. You might show up with a binder full of screenshots and a racing heart. But don’t underestimate that.
Your lived experience matters.
Your voice matters.
Your courage to stand up? That’s where change begins.
How to Advocate for Yourself
This process will test you—but it will also sharpen you. Here’s what helped me:
✅ Document Everything
Every receipt, email, DM, screenshot, invoice, and interaction. Write down what was said, when, and by whom. These details become your armor. Paper trails are power.
✅ Learn the Law
In Ontario, Small Claims Court is designed for people like us to represent ourselves. You don’t have to be a lawyer to understand your rights under the Consumer Protection Act or the Business Practices Act. Take time to read the rules. Learn what “unfair business practices” actually mean. Knowledge makes you dangerous—in the best way.
✅ Stay Organized
When you’re emotional (and you will be), organization is your anchor.
Draft your timeline. Create clear statements. Use bullet points. Label every piece of evidence. Highlight violations. Stick to facts over feelings—but don’t silence your story either. The truth doesn’t need decoration. It just needs clarity.
✅ Expect Delay Tactics
They will ignore your emails. Miss deadlines. Request adjournments. Show up unprepared. They’re betting you’ll get tired, give up, or lose your footing.
Don’t.
Their delay is your opportunity to grow stronger, gather more evidence, and get crystal clear on what you’re owed.
✅ Stay Calm in Court
You don’t have to sound like a lawyer. Just be honest, respectful, and grounded. Speak clearly. Don’t interrupt. Let your story speak for itself.
There’s power in poise. There’s weight in truth.
Why It Matters
When you fight a big company, it might seem like you’re just trying to fix one wrong. But you’re doing more than that.
You’re setting a precedent.
Every time someone speaks out, files a claim, or tells their story—it chips away at the culture of silence and corporate protection.
You’re not just fighting for yourself.
You’re fighting for everyone who couldn’t.
For the single parent who was tricked into a loan.
For the newcomer who didn’t know their rights.
For the person too overwhelmed to take legal action.
You are the disruption they didn’t expect.
Final Thoughts
Yes, it’s exhausting. Yes, it’s lonely at times.
But no, you’re not powerless.
Courage doesn’t always roar—it sometimes sounds like quiet determination and well-organized documents.
If you’ve been mistreated, deceived, or silenced: you have a right to fight back.
And you don’t have to do it alone.
