Three for Thursday 02.16.2023

Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.

My friends' consensus is that the Super Bowl commercials were well, more commercial this year; meaning - they were less focused on humor and more focused on selling, which makes them less memorable. This brings me to my most recent hated commercial, I call Housewives/Football. Since I'm a football fan, I've been forced to watch it probably a couple of hundred times this season. I've made a point of at least muting the sound during the last dozen or so plays. I realized last week that I had no idea what the product being promoted was. I can't imagine how much money has been spent on a commercial so bad, that it leaves a negative impression when one finally discovers the product they're trying to sell. I'm a big fan of truth in advertising, but advertisers must know I'm in the minority.

Watch this Investigation

Today's investigation - Missing Mail. The postal service lost some important mail. What can Lynn do? Watch because This Could Happen to you!

Ask Dale

Today's Ask Dale question comes from a handful of people who want my take on how companies justify marking up the retail price of parts you can find at a big box store. Click the video to find out!

Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!

Today's seven-point lesson is on judging the veracity of a friend or neighbor's claim that you paid too much, and they got a better deal.

Fast - Do they want your money NOW? Your neighbor probably isn't going to admit they were taken.

Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? Your neighbor's product or service may very well be subpar.

Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he can't be found after he gets your money. Bragging about getting a better deal comes before something goes wrong.

Define - Your deal by comparing product, Offer and Price. Ask to see your neighbor's contract and invoice to compare apples to apples.

Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract, and an Effective Guarantee. Ask to see your neighbor's written guarantee he received for his "deal."

Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. Taking this step will greatly reduce the chance a friend or neighbor will claim you got burned.

Legitimize - your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is Lawsuit and background checked. Companies that don't carry insurance might give your neighbor a better deal, but the odds of the repair costing them more in the long run are real.