DO W

DYL AN

Arbitration

Arbitration results in a decision

that is legally binding. After

brochure
hearing both sides and consid-

ering evidence, the arbitrator

makes a deci-

sion. Both the

Caption describ-
ing picture or
consumer and graphic.

business must

abide by the arbitrator’s ver-

dict.
DYLAN DOW
C o m p l a i n t P ro c e s s
 Contact the place of Purchase
- Most complaints are handled
thre
 Contact the Company Headquar-
ters
-Call the customer service depart-
ment
 Involve a Consumer Agency
-Call a local, state, or federal gov-
ernment agency
 Take Legal Action
-Get a lawyer involved
M e d i at i o n
Mediation involves the use of a third
party who tries to resolve the com-
plaint between the consumer and
the business. A mediator suggests a
compromise between the two par-
ties. This process helps the parties
work out their own mutually agree-
able solution to the dispute. If the
parties agree to it in advance, an-
other third-party action may be used.
C l a s s - Ac t i o n S u i t
A class-action suit is a legal action by
one party on behalf of a group of
people who all have the same griev-
ance. In this type of lawsuit, one per-
son or a small group represents the
interests of many others. The settle-
ment may result in a refund to all
consumers involved. If they cannot
all be identified, the funds are some-
times given to public education pro-
grams or schools.