Three for Thursday 04.22.2021
Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.
Let's say for some crazy reason you have to choose one eating utensil for the rest of your life: A fork, a spoon, or a "spork." I know forks and spoons have distinct advantages, but considering how much I love spaghetti and soup, I'll take a spork. I say this, because I'm amazed how media has forced most of us to choose a fork or a spoon. Preferring a "spork" no longer seems to be an option. When my team and I solve problems between companies and consumers, the first thing we must determine is whether the two sides are willing to consider if a) they could be wrong and/or b) the other person has a valid point. Over the years, I've been able to solve a lot of disputes by removing emotion from the equation. People who are not willing to do that, or worse yet, can't do that seem to be destined for undesirable outcomes.
Watch this Investigation
Paying in advance for an apartment that doesn't exist. Watch because This Could Happen to You!
Ask Dale
Today's Real Consumer Question is from Ernie, who wants to know if it would be a good idea to hire a management company to handle the leasing and upkeep of his rental home.
Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!
Today's Real Consumer Question is from Ernie, who wants to know if it would be a good idea to hire a management company to handle the leasing and upkeep of his rental home.
Today's seven-point lesson is on how to identify unreasonable people before you enter an agreement.
Fast - Do they want your money NOW? People who want all your money up front for no other reason than creating a sense of FOMO, (fear of missing out) are likely going to be unreasonable about a refund.
Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? Too good to be true deals are never easy to turn in to fair deals. Be careful!
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 it's so important to identify a valid address for the company or person.
Define - Your deal by comparing Product, Offer and Price. Being armed with accurate information gives you the confidence to negotiate a fair deal. Reluctance on the other side of the table to be fair signals a personality who will likely be unreasonable if something doesn't work out.
Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract, and an Effective Guarantee. This is where real and tricky live. It's pretty easy to identify someone who's seeking a "win-win" relationship by the tone of their negotiation, the clarity of the contract and the specifics of the guarantee.
Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. Online reviews are a great place to see if the person you're dealing with is considered reasonable.
Legitimize - your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is Lawsuit and background checked. Frequent defendants in small claims are likely unreasonable people. This is why you should always check the company's lawsuit history.
SCAMMERS BEWARE: SEASONED CONSUMER INVESTIGATOR DALE CARDWELL GIVES READERS A GAME PLAN TO AVOID RIP-OFFS