Three for Thursday 05.11.2023

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

Let's discuss the power of story. First, a team of physicians trying to save the lives of injured soldiers in war-torn Korea, also happen to be comedians who specialize in pulling pranks and mocking authority. Who would watch that? MASH. Two, a couple of college friends thought it would be great to get strangers to crash on each other's sofas or spare rooms and they would take a fee for coordinating the sleep-over. Who would do that? Airbnb. Third, an investigative reporter who grew tired of telling horror stories, realized he could prevent those disasters from happening if he convinced consumers and companies to build a community based on trust and win-win relationships. TrustDALE. All three were crazy ideas. The first two are legends. TrustDALE has channeled nearly one-billion dollars in safe commerce since 2009. Not too bad, and I have you to thank for that.

Watch this Investigation

Today's investigation = Renewal Fee Rip-off Voucher. Watch because This Could Happen to you!

Ask Dale

Today's Ask Dale question comes from Ed, who wants to know if those trucks advertising twenty steaks for $40 for real? Watch and find out!

Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!

Today's seven-point lesson is on determining the validity of a persuasive story or pitch.

Fast - Do they want your money NOW? Cash in advance with no evidence of product is dangerous.

Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? This is where "story" can be the riskiest step in a buying process. Excitement built on promises without due diligence is a bad path.

Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he cannot be found after he gets your money. The greater the chance of escape, the taller the tale can be.

Define - Your deal by comparing product, Offer and Price. This is the step where you validate the story.

Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract, and an Effective Guarantee. This is the step where you safeguard the story.

Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. Tall tales get exposed in online reviews. Look for common denominators.

Legitimize - your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is Lawsuit and background checked. The taller the tale, the greater the likelihood of discovering lawsuits.