Three for Thursday 02.06.2020
Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.
Happy Thursday everyone! Thank you for being a part of our TrustDALE Community. I want to share a review we received this week from a consumer right here in Atlanta. Deborah writes " We'll always make sure that any vendor we hire is listed on TrustDALE, because having that designation means that we will get the work we paid for." Thank you Deborah for the review. We are so proud to be able to serve consumers every day!
Watch this Investigation
It's sssoooo tempting to accept an offer that's too good to be true. In this case, Richard hired one contractor who miserably failed to deliver, only to hire a second contractor who wouldn't honor its "fix it" guarantee. Check it out, because This Could Happen to You!
Ask Dale
Why won't UPS honor their shipping insurance to replace my damaged package?
Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!
Today's seven-point lesson on making sure your guarantee is a real guarantee:
Fast - Do they want your money NOW? Never expect that money up front in the absence of a contract will result in a real guarantee
Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? If not, it's likely too good to be true. Are they asking for money in advance of delivery? There's a basis for up to 35% up front for materials - with proof of purchase within 30 days. Asking for more money in advanceis a red flag.
Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he can't be found after he gets your money.Vendors who offer real guarantees are not reluctant to prove their base of operation.
Define - Your deal by comparing Products, Offers and Prices. Real guarantees are backed by third parties. If the company or industry retains oversight, be careful!
Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract and an Effective Guarantee. If the negotiation feels uncomfortable, it IS uncomfortable. Don't sign!
Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking Reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. Nothing provides more security than talking to three consumers who confirm a satisfactory experience. Never skimp on this step!
Legitimize - Your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is Lawsuit and background checked.Final but most important step, get proof of existence.
SCAMMERS BEWARE: SEASONED CONSUMER INVESTIGATOR DALE CARDWELL GIVES READERS A GAME PLAN TO AVOID RIP-OFFS