Voluntary arbitration is quite often a very effective dispute remedy for businesses and consumers.
However, dispute settlement procedures that limit a consumer's access to the courts should never be forced on anybody. Under the policy, adopted by a vote of the CBBB membership, the nation's 135 Better Business Bureaus will only agree to arbitrate such consumer-business disputes when the contract gives fair notice to the consumer of the consequences of agreeing to arbitration and the customer formally acknowledges acceptance of the arbitration clause. Underhill explained that the BBB believes arbitration often is a very effective remedy for both consumers and businesses. The BBB also believes it is essential that the parties enter these arrangements voluntarily, with a clear understanding of what will be subject to the arbitration agreement, what it will cost, and what rights are given up in return for the opportunity to arbitrate. Underhill noted that the obligation to arbitrate has frequently been buried in the contract, or very poorly drafted.