If you have a goods/services complaint, you may be wondering whether it’s actually worth using Consumer Arbitration.
> Can Consumer Arbitration actually get you compensation?
You’ll be pleased to hear that yes – at Consumer Arbitration, we do have the power to decide you’re owed financial compensation if we deem this to be the appropriate resolution for your case!
However, focusing on just the financial side of things minimises what we could actually award you. Arbitral Awards are not just about money, and not every case brought to Consumer Arbitration will result in a monetary resolution!
For example: what if you want a trader to take practical action, or apologise?
Let’s delve into the potential outcomes of using Consumer Arbitration!
By the way, if you have an unresolved goods & services complaint…
Consumer Arbitration offers a fair, independent and accessible route to a resolution – approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute to settle disputes between consumers and Participating Member traders right across the UK.
Can Consumer Arbitration award compensation?
Yes!
In appropriate cases, we at Consumer Arbitration could direct a Participating Member trader to issue you a financial award of up to £25,000.
However it’s important to remember that this does not mean that every successful complaint will result in financial compensation!
As we’ll detail throughout this article, money is far from the only thing we can direct a trader to give a consumer to resolve their complaint. At times, other resolutions may be more appropriate.
The outcome of your complaint will depend on:
- The facts of your individual case
- The evidence provided
- What our specialist arbitrator/s consider appropriate
What else could you be awarded by Consumer Arbitration?
… So, now that you know we could award you compensation if deemed appropriate for your case, the logical next question is:
> If not compensation… what else could Consumer Arbitration award me?
The following list isn’t exhaustive, as each case brought to us is unique (and may thus involve unique, tailored resolutions), however these are some of the most common alternatives to financial compensation that we could award you:
1. Practical action
Not every complaint is simply about money!
Sometimes the best way to resolve a dispute is for the trader to take a particular action – such as product repair or refurbishment. We could direct a participating trader to take, or stop taking, specified steps where appropriate in your case.
Practical action means the potential resolution could address the underlying problem rather than simply providing a financial payment.
2. An apology
In some circumstances, we could direct a trader to issue you a formal apology.
While an apology does not necessarily compensate you financially, it can be an important part of putting things right where the circumstances justify it.
3. A refund
While this is also a financial resolution, a refund is different to compensation!
We may direct a trader to refund the money you paid them where appropriate – for example, if you were incorrectly charged for a service, a refund may form part of the resolution.
4. A combination!
Your resolution doesn’t necessarily have to tick just one box.
Why settle for just financial compensation when it may be appropriate for a trader to issue an apology too? Or take practical actions to fix things?
Sometimes, it ends up being the case that multiple actions are appropriate – we take all options into consideration when issuing an Arbitral Award for your case!
Is compensation automatic if I use Consumer Arbitration?
Though it may be disappointing to hear… No.
Bringing your complaint to us does not guarantee that you will receive compensation.
Our Arbitral Awards are based on the:
- Facts of the complaint
- Information and evidence provided
- Applicable law and regulations
- Where appropriate, what is fair and reasonable
… Though it’s arguably the most commonly discussed and sought-after outcome, compensation is not necessarily an appropriate resolution for every case.
Since every complaint brought to us is unique, there’s no one-size-fits all resolution – only what’s most appropriate for your case!
What happens if Consumer Arbitation decides in my favour?
Please see our After our Decision webpage for the most up-to-date information on this!
If the Arbitral Award we issue is in your favour, congratulations!
Our Arbitral Awards are legally binding, and the trader is contractually required to implement the agreed resolution within 21 days of the Award being sent.
I want to use Consumer Arbitration! How do I get started?
You can lodge your complaint with us in whichever way suits you – through our online portal, by post, or by phone:
> Start your complaint with Consumer Arbitration
> What to do before you come to us
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