Three for Thursday 02.27.2020
Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.
Hi friends! Some of our biggest consumer mistakes happen when we take things for granted. The sad fact is most people don't read beyond the word "warranty" when they purchase a product or service. They simply believe the warranty section covers what might go wrong. We at TrustDALE help a lot of people when they find their warranty isn't protecting them, like today's story below.
Watch this Investigation
A termite bond is something every homeowner should have. It should protect you from the damage termites can create; but what happens when a well-known termite company tries to renege on its 30-year promise to its customer? Better watch, because this could happen to you!
Ask Dale
We receive emails and phone calls literally every week seeking advice on the best way to buy a used car. Here's my advice after 35 years of observing mistakes!
Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!
Fast - Do they want your money NOW? Termite protection is a long-term relationship. A payment after initial treatment is normal, but no one should demand your money in advance.
Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? If not, it's likely too good to be true. Do it yourself termite treatments are tempting because it appears to be less expensive, but most homeowners risk not doing it right. I recommend only hiring professionals
Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he can't be found after he gets your money. Only do business with established providers who prove they have findable offices.
Define - Your deal by comparing Products, Offers and Prices. There are two principle methods of protecting your home, bait stations and liquid barriers. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Check out the companies on TrustDALE and make the decision that's right for you.
Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract and an Effective Guarantee. This is important! Make certain your warranty includes "retreat AND repair." Get the company's definition of "repair" in writing. Some companies skimp and leave you with woodwork that doesn't match, claiming a "patch job" is acceptable. It's not!
Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking Reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. Reputable pest control companies should have over-all good reviews and few major complaints. If there are complaints, look for patterns such as "this company doesn't honor its warranty." That's the big one to look out for.
Legitimize - Your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is Lawsuit and background checked.You should expect the technician who enters your home to be not only background checked, but background cleared. Ask for a copy of the company's liability insurance certificate, and for added safety, go to your state's department of agriculture and search under the heading "structural pest" to make certain the company's license is in good standing.
SCAMMERS BEWARE: SEASONED CONSUMER INVESTIGATOR DALE CARDWELL GIVES READERS A GAME PLAN TO AVOID RIP-OFFS