Three for Thursday 04.30.2020
Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.
Hi friends! I'd like to share a great example of how the TrustDALE community works. I got a call from friend and former Cox/WSB/AJC colleague Tony Barnhart. That's right, you know him as "Mr. College Football." Well, Tony didn't call to talk sports, but to tell me about a friend of his who'd hired a contractor to build a handicap ramp for his wife, who's battling ALS. Turns out the contractor took 100% of the money in advance but wouldn't finish the job. Tony calls Dale, Dale gets the TD team on the problem, and one day later - the contractor agrees to and finishes the job. What's more, a TrustDALE Certified company, Pro Painting and Remodeling saw the story and volunteered their expertise to make the ramp even prettier and more efficient! It's really that simple; community members caring about one another. Thank you Tony!
Watch this Investigation
When a woman chose her flooring material to be non-toxic, she ran into other issues. Learn how TrustDALE helped and tips on how to solve your own issues with companies.
Ask Dale
Mike asks, "I noticed Costco Wholesale's gas prices are way lower than surrounding service stations. Are they gouging? What gives?"
Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!
Today's seven-point lesson on hiring a specialized contractor
Fast - Do they want your money NOW? Never pay more than 30% in advance, and only if that money goes to cover the cost of materials.
Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? If not, it's likely too good to be true. People who don't have certified credentials in a trade (plumber, electrician, etc.) will often charge a third to one-half less. Be careful! There's a reason people get certified. It proves they know what they're doing.
Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he can't be found after he gets your money. It doesn't matter if the contractor is a "specialist" or a general service provider, confirm their office or home address before signing an agreement of paying a deposit.
Define - Your deal by comparing Products, Offers and Prices. Companies that "specialize" in certain areas like "senior living modifications" do often have specialized training or access to products that are commonly needed. That's ok, but still get three estimates.
Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract and an Effective Guarantee. Find out if your specialist intends to "sub out" any of the work. Get a start and completion date in writing, with a penalty for delays.
Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking Reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. I've seen too many consumers lose money to a specialist or expert who was simply a con artist. ALWAYScheck references, reviews and reports.
Legitimize - Your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is Lawsuit and background checked. If a company claims to be a specialist and is not, you will more likely find a small claims suit.
SCAMMERS BEWARE: SEASONED CONSUMER INVESTIGATOR DALE CARDWELL GIVES READERS A GAME PLAN TO AVOID RIP-OFFS