Better clip and save Eileen's Sunday column reviewing how to get results when you have a dispute with a utility, your mobile phone carrier or your credit card company.

You should always start with the initial call to the company to give them a chance to address the problem.

But, if that doesn't work, consider taking your gripe to a more public forum via social media. Many companies monitor their Twitter feeds and Facebook pages to intercede when people complain there. (You can usually just google the name of the company and "Twitter" or "Facebook" to find the right site.)

But as Consumer Reports editor Tod Marks explained to Eileen, it's good form to return to the social media site to offer thanks when your problem is resolved.

If you don't have luck hashing it out with the company directly, consider bringing in state or federal authorities who can mediate on your behalf. For example, the Federal Communications Commission has an online complaint site that can help you narrow down the root of your problem with wireless or landline phones or some problems with cable or broadband service.

Have you had luck resolving a problem by broadcasting it via social media or by bringing it to the regulators? Tell us about it in the comments below.