Three for Thursday 01.14.2021
Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.
A few thoughts on originals vs. knockoffs. A friend once told me too many consumers want Delta quality for Spirit airline prices. It's simply not possible, though marketers know it's hard for us to resist a pitch promising both. I recently bought a pair of ear bud speakers from a website promising premium quality at 1/3 of the price of Apple Air pods. Guess what? They delivered less than 1/3rd the quality of Air pods, and now - I own a set of Air pods. My point? It's ok to buy knockoffs if you really don't care about quality, durability and performance. If however, those three words are important to you, nothing can replace the tried and true. When in doubt, look for consumer reviews before you slide the card, click to pay or write the check. You'll be glad you did!
Watch this Investigation
Do you suspect you're getting hit with illegal hidden fees? Watch, because This Could Happen to you!
Ask Dale
Today's Real Consumer Question is from Ethan. "Dale, I saw a story on TikTok (social media site) that the government is offering a tax credit for people who take a vacation in 2021. Is this for real?
Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!
Today's seven-point lesson confirming legal validation : For those of you who have been following Three for Thursday, you know I apply a real life situation to my seven point process. From now on, I'm going to tell a brief story and identify which of the seven standards are relevant and can protect us all.
Dealer deceit (from this week's investigation). A couple suspects the car dealer is adding illegal previously hidden fees just before signing the contract. What should they do?
Fast - Do they want your money NOW?
Funds - - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? If not, it's likely too good to be true.
Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he can't be found after he gets your money.
Define - Your deal by comparing Product, Offer and Price.
Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract and an Effective Guarantee. Surprising terms or fees revealed just before signing a usual a SURE SIGN of an unfair deal. Have the courage to walk away!
Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking Reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. This is much of the reason your state's office of consumer affairs and the Federal Trade Commission exist. If you suspect illegal add-ons, visit these organizations' web sites. They will almost always steer you right on whether or not your being wronged.
Legitimize - your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is Lawsuit and background checked.
SCAMMERS BEWARE: SEASONED CONSUMER INVESTIGATOR DALE CARDWELL GIVES READERS A GAME PLAN TO AVOID RIP-OFFS