Arbitration Opt Out tradeoffs

[FarmerCharlie]

I have two new T-Mobile Galaxy S2 phones. Are there any disadvantages in exercising the arbitration opt out. I can't see any from what I have read.
Thanks,
Charles

 

[LoyalServant]

I have been wondering the same thing.
I have about a week to decide this myself.

My only concern is that while legally they cannot do anything to you for opting out I just wonder if when you call customer service the screen flashes red and alarm bells go off.

 

[John Jason]

I have been wondering the same thing.
I have about a week to decide this myself.
My only concern is that while legally they cannot do anything to you for opting out I just wonder if when you call customer service the screen flashes red and alarm bells go off.

I can't believe their customer service software is sophisticated enough to know a detail like that.

But I wonder why you want to opt out of arbitration. Arbitration is pretty expensive (about $1,000 per side, flat fees, paid to the arbitrator), but it's still a lot cheaper than going to court. And bear in mind that in many states binding arbitration clauses are not enforceable anyway. Courts take a dim view of people trying to go around their jurisdiction. And even if it is enforceable in your state, you probably still have the right to appeal to a court.

 

[FarmerCharlie]

But I wonder why you want to opt out of arbitration. Arbitration is pretty expensive (about $1,000 per side, flat fees, paid to the arbitrator), but it's still a lot cheaper than going to court.

Mainly because most consumer experts seem to think that arbitration is almost always stacked in favor of the company. I have never sued anyone, but I don't like the idea of giving up that right just in case.

 

[ItnStln511]

Mainly because most consumer experts seem to think that arbitration is almost always stacked in favor of the company. I have never sued anyone, but I don't like the idea of giving up that right just in case.

Pretty much why I'd opt out if I had to do it over again.