Three for Thursday 01.05.2023
Jan 5, 2023 5:00 AM
Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.
You might not know I'm a huge fan of Quick Trip (thank you Clark Howard), especially their grilled cheese sandwiches. I often use QT as a way of describing seemingly unchangeable consumer habits. I've long said no matter how fond I am of the grilled cheese; I would never purchase dinner from QT. Last week I ate my words. Due to several circumstances, I bought a pizza for my family. Oh my gosh! $16.95 for eight slices of heaven! I stopped dead in my tracks and realized a) as a consumer, I need to be more open to new opportunities, and b) as a vendor, when people sample your product, you better be ready to wow them. As we begin 2023, I invite you to share TrustDALE with your family and friends and be sure you tell them about our $10,000 Make it Right Guarantee! Pretty sure not even Quick Trip offers that!
Watch this Investigation
Today's investigation - TrustDALE gets results for boot trapped Phil! Watch because This Could Happen to you!
Ask Dale
Today's Ask Dale question comes from Melinda, who wants to know if she is responsible for her late father's debt.
Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!
Today's seven-point lesson is on trying something new.
Fast - Do they want your money NOW? If you don't have time to investigate, never risk more money than you're willing to lose when payment is required in advance.
Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? Lots of companies offer introductory rates. Make certain you have an escape route if the product doesn't match the hype.
Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he can't be found after he gets you money. This is the classic trade show or state fair purchase. Never risk what you're not willing to lose.
Define - Your deal by comparing product, Offer and Price. Products that claim to be revolutionary often have no peers. This is when it is important to test drive that product without a $ commitment.
Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract, and an Effective Guarantee. New products, especially expensive new products should carry these protections.
Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. Even new products should have a valid number of reviews. If it doesn't, be suspect!
Legitimize - your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is Lawsuit and background checked. Not as effective if you're dealing with a new company. More effective safety check if the company has been around awhile and is offering something new.
