Consumer Complaint

Each year, millions of consumers experience problems with a product or service. There are several strategies for resolving those complaints. First contact the seller. If that does not work, contact a consumer complaint agency. If that does not bring satisfaction, consider other options, such as arbitration or filing a lawsuit. This article begins with the assumption that you do not yet need a lawyer to help you. If you are sure you need a lawyer open "How to Hire the Right Lawyer" and "Understanding the Legal Fee Agreement." There are many lawyers with many different levels of expertise and experience, who practice in widely different arenas. You will want someone with specific experience in prosecuting a specific case for you. These two related articles explain how an experienced lawyer goes about finding the "right lawyer" for a particular case and what you can and should expect in negotiating a contract for legal services.

CONTACT THE SELLER
Whether your problem is a defective hair dryer or a leak in your newly installed roof, the first step in resolving your problem is to contact the merchant who sold you the product or service. Most consumer complaints are settled at this level.

But first be prepared.

Always make a record and document what went wrong with a letter, by taking photos or by having your neighbor confirm that the ceiling under the new roof was leaking after the rain. Save boxes, brochures, and other written materials that were provided by the seller or contractor.