The C onsumer's Resource Handbook , published by the U.S. Office of Consumer Affairs, provides a listing of federal, state and local government agencies, and offices of private businesses and organizations that can help resolve consumer complaints. The FIC is listed in the U.S. government section of telephone directories in major cities around the country. Dispute Resolution Programs Dispute resolution programs offer a substantive approach to settling disagreements. They can be quicker, less expensive, and more private than going to court. Many businesses and private organizations, as well as public agencies, offer dispute resolution programs.
Some programs are free.
Others charge a flat rate or one based on how much a consumer can afford. Two common types of dispute resolution techniques are mediation and arbitration. Through mediation, you and the other party try to resolve the dispute with the help of a neutral third party - a mediator. In the course of informal meeting, the mediator tries to help resolve your differences. The mediator is there to help you find a solution.