Alternative dispute resolution gives every consumer the option to turn to official entities that help resolve or guide a conflict before going to court. The procedure is usually as follows: the customer asks an impartial third party to act as an intermediary between themselves and the merchant who is the subject of the complaint. The intermediary may suggest a solution, impose one on both parties, or bring the parties together to find one.

You may know alternative dispute resolution by other names: 'mediation', 'conciliation', 'arbitration' or 'competent commission for consumer disputes'.

Alternative dispute resolution is usually less expensive, less formal and faster than going to court.

PCByte lists the websites of some of these entities that may help you present your case: