The Escalation Sequence
Initial dispute response
Your first written challenge — within the dispute window. Documents your position and requests the company's supporting evidence.
Documentation request
If the initial response gets no substantive reply, a formal request for the underlying records: damage report, photos, repair invoices, investigation notes.
Demand letter
After the documentation request goes unanswered or is denied without substantiation. Sets a deadline and signals formal escalation is next.
BBB complaint or review
Public record that creates reputational pressure. Companies respond to BBB complaints at higher rates than internal support tickets — especially when the complaint is well-documented.
State agency filing
Depending on your state and the nature of the dispute — wage theft, improper deductions — state labor or AG offices may have jurisdiction. Filing signals serious intent.
Arbitration demand
For disputes your contract routes to arbitration (most do). Filing the AAA demand is a formal legal proceeding. Companies often resolve before the case is actually heard.
Why Each Step Matters
Escalation works because companies do cost-benefit analysis. A support ticket costs them almost nothing to ignore. A BBB complaint creates a public record. An arbitration demand requires a legal response, filing fees, and staff time. Each step raises the cost of ignoring your dispute.
Most disputes resolve before arbitration — often at step 3 or 4. The key is following the sequence without skipping steps, and documenting each step as you go. If you jump straight to "I'm filing arbitration" in your first email, it signals that you don't actually understand the process. Following the sequence correctly signals that you do.
The Documentation Requirement at Each Stage
You cannot skip steps in the escalation sequence without weakening your position. If you file a BBB complaint before sending a demand letter, you lose the leverage of the demand letter as a pre-BBB escalation signal. If you file arbitration without a complete evidence file, you may win on paper but struggle to prove your damages.
Each step also generates documentation that strengthens the next step. A demand letter that goes unanswered is evidence at the BBB stage that you attempted informal resolution. A BBB complaint on the record is context for an arbitration statement of facts.
Know your next step
Dispute Builder shows your full escalation path
Select your dispute type and get the complete action plan — from first response through arbitration, with the documents you need at each stage.