Three for Thursday 02.03.2022
Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.
"I can't believe what they charged me!" It's a complaint I hear from time to time, but 99% of the time it's not a valid statement. First, the person almost always fails to get more than one quote, then hears from a neighbor who claims they received the same product or service for 50% less. (It's probably not true, or the neighbor's product was inferior). Second, the person complaining has an industry bias. "What's that, you ask?" It's an unfounded belief that a person who works in a trade should not be paid competitive wage. And how about trip fees? Well, we all pay them whether we think we do or not. The company buries gas, insurance, and the loss of a higher paying job in its billing, or they simply tell you there's a trip charge in advance. Bottom line? There's no free lunch, but humans are forever seeking them.
Watch this Investigation
Today's investigation - Mink wigs. Yes, I said mink wigs. Watch, because this could happen to you!
Ask Dale
Today's Ask Dale question comes from Terri, who wants to know if a company that charges to file your passport application is a good deal.Click the video for the answer.
Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!
Today's seven-point lesson is considering which of three estimates to choose:
Fast - Do they want your money NOW? Companies that demand less up front generally have strong cash flow and tend to be more stable.
Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? Too good to be true estimates are usually cutting a corner in a place you can't see.
Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he can't be found after he gets your money. This is why I recommend local companies or national companies that have strong and lengthy histories.
Define - Your deal by Product, Offer and Price. Comparing the costs and benefits of three competing products is the best way to arrive at a fair purchase and expected performance.
Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract, and an Effective Guarantee. Read each competitor's guarantee thoroughly. There can be real differences.
Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. Ask for twenty references of each company and call at least three of your choice.
Legitimize - your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is Lawsuit and background checked. Sketchy companies operate in the gray. This is another reason multiple estimates can play in your favor.
SCAMMERS BEWARE: SEASONED CONSUMER INVESTIGATOR DALE CARDWELL GIVES READERS A GAME PLAN TO AVOID RIP-OFFS