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As a Better Business Bureau member, you have options when handling a complaint filed against the business. Before going to litigation, where there may be an unfavorable outcome and where the cost is high, try mediation where there is potential for everyone to be satisfied and the cost…may be free! (Contact the BBB to find out)
The Better Business Bureau works closely with the CMC's mediators to achieve resolution between consumers and businesses when a conflict arises. The Community Mediation Center is a United Way Agency and Hampton Roads' only not-for-profit community mediation center. Their mission is to provide education and services that increase the capacity of families, youth, individuals, organizations, and communities to more effectively resolve, reduce, and prevent conflicts themselves. This includes providing mediation services at little or no cost to businesses like yours!
Mediation is a process in which a team of two impartial third parties assists people in conflict to collaboratively reach a mutually crafted resolution. The CMC assists people by facilitating conversation, not by making value judgements or by telling the parties how to resolve their differences. In mediation you are in control! The CMC has found that when people reach an agreement on their own accord, they are more likely to abide by it. So, before you try to settle a dispute or work out a payment schedule in court, try mediation!
Why Try Mediation?
It is Confidential…
It may take less time to come to a resolution…
It will certainly cost less money…
It shows, as a business, you're willing to resolve problems!
There are always more options after mediation too.
Think about it…
In Binding Arbitration, you get one bite of the apple. That is, after the story telling is over and the arbitrator has heard the facts, their decision is final. Once Arbitration is over, you may not have any other options.
In Court, you get two bites of the apple. After spending a lot of time and money, a judge may hear your case. If you overcome your opponent, they may appeal. Likewise, if they succeed, you can appeal. Then you've spent many times more money exhausting your appeals or defending yourself from appeals. Finally, it comes down to what one judge or jury says…whether you like it or not. Remember, at nearly any time during a court case you can choose to mediate again, or for the first time.
In Mediation, you get the whole apple. It is time efficient and cost effective. You are in control of the proceedings, and are not forced to agree to anything. Though most people resolve their differences in mediation, if a case does not find an ending the options of arbitration, conciliation, or litigation are still there!
This benefit is not only for businesses, it is extended to a Member's employees - even for non-business concerns like equal employment issues or salary issues.
To find out more about the partnership of the Better Business Bureau and the Community Mediation Center contact either organization. See if your situation is prime for mediation!
Resolving Conflicts | Building Relationships | Empowering People
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