Three for Thursday 05.18.2023
May 18, 2023 4:00 AM
Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.
My grandmother and I bonded over the craziest thing. The ABC soap opera General Hospital. Putting aside the inappropriateness of a ten-year-old watching, I was shocked by the deceit, infidelity, and general bawdiness of it all. But everyone was redeemable and there were lots of second chances. Fast forward fifty years and I am once again disturbed by our entertainment content. When I was a kid, Hollywood showed our government was under siege by foreign forces, secret agents, and moles. Today, we are entertained watching internal corruption (House of Cards), a crooked Vice President (Night Agent), and it doesn't end there. There's an old saying "Life imitates art." That certainly played out in our society mirroring the soaps. I hope for goodness it does not play out in our leadership. Losing confidence in your employer, community, congregation and/or government is a proven slippery slope.
Watch this Investigation
Today's investigation = Faulty Flooring. The big name is not always the best play. Watch because This Could Happen to you!
Ask Dale
Today's Ask Dale question comes from Trenton, who wants to know if a company you hire to inspect your septic system can be held responsible when it fails and is exposed as being out of code? Watch and listen to what Dale has to say!
Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!
Today's seven-point lesson is on determining the time necessary to make a sound decision.
Fast - Do they want your money NOW? Paying up front for more than a gumball always comes with risk.
Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? Too good to be true is often partnered with "they're going to sell out if you don't act." That kind of pressure is a red flag.
Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he cannot be found after he gets your money. It takes a while to determine proof of employment and a findable office. Take the time!
Define - Your deal by comparing product, Offer and Price. This too takes time to identify what you need, compare it with competitors and determine a fair price. Time consuming, but worth it!
Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract, and an Effective Guarantee. The most time-consuming step. Anyone who rushes you into taking chances wants the advantage.
Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. Many vendors want you to buy before you have taken this step. Do not cave!
Legitimize - your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is Lawsuit and background checked. Bad companies want you to sign before you take the time.
