Three for Thursday 04.15..2021
Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.
Is it possible TrustDALE came from an ostrich egg? That's what occurred to me this week when answering the question "tell me one of your favorite stories about your mother." My Mom Carolyn Cardwell is one of a kind. When I was in sixth grade, we visited the farmer's market where I discovered a display of ostrich eggs for sale. If you've never seen an ostrich egg, imagine a hen egg size 15A. They're really big! I believe the farmer wanted fifty cents or a dollar per egg. I asked my Mom and she said "it's your allowance." That one response represents one of my mother's greatest qualities... Not only allowing her kids to dream - but encouraging us to dream. That eventually led to my brother Bruce and me creating TrustDALE.com, a community of vendors and consumers who believe in and seek "win-win" relationships. The next time your child or grandchild shares their crazy idea with you, please smile and help them dream. And the next time you see me, ask about the day my Mom took us to see the mummy!
Watch this Investigation
Watch this investigation:
Ask Dale
Today's Real Consumer Question is from Phil in California, who wants to know if there really is an app that can stop robocalls.
Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!
Today's seven-point lesson is on how and why to exit commitments after you've discovered you were intentionally kept in the dark, or worse yet - deceived.
Fast - Do they want your money NOW? It's nearly impossible to exit an agreement IF you pay in advance. You can voluntarily choose to not participate, but it's likely your cash is gone."Fast" payment, and money-back guarantee usually don't co-exist.
Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? If the offer appears to put you at a significant advantage, then get ready to find out something you didn't know, after you've signed or paid.
Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he can't be found after he gets your money. You can't exit an agreement with a person who has your money and can't be found.
Define - Your deal by comparing Product, Offer and Price. This is the second most important step to avoiding having to exit an agreement due to lack of honest communication. Homework here saves heartache later.
Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract, and an Effective Guarantee. This is where real and tricky live. And this is THE most important step. If you find out you've been "had," examine your exit options carefully. Hopefully, you insisted on a severance option that is fair to both parties.
Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. People who deceive intentionally usually do it as a pattern. These patterns can be identified by carefully reading reviews.
SCAMMERS BEWARE: SEASONED CONSUMER INVESTIGATOR DALE CARDWELL GIVES READERS A GAME PLAN TO AVOID RIP-OFFS