Prior to a lawsuit, consumers have a number of options that can be taken, beginning with the company itself. Most companies contain a consumer affairs division, where consumer complaints are received in the form of letters and attended to officially. Not only can taking this initial step possibly solve your case out of court, it may also work in your favor if a lawsuit actually is necessary. The fact that the company was unwilling to properly attend to your complaints may serve as additional evidence in your case. Business consumer complaints are also received by the Federal Trade Commission and state/local consumer protection agencies, who have government authority to investigate, administer mediation, and offer guidance for filing a lawsuit. In lieu of a lawsuit, companies may be willing to offer other forms of resolution after you have displayed your intent to do so. If a complaint and mediation, you may then want to proceed to taking legal action against the guilty party.