Three for Thursday 05.27.2021
Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.
Always strive for three estimates. How many times have you hear me say that? Virginia didn't. She hired a so-called mold remediation company to make her basement safe for her family. The bill? $21,000 - and the contractor wants more. That's when Virginia smelled a rat and called TrustDALE. We turned to two of our trusted partners, Mold Stoppers and Archer Restoration. Both companies agreed, Virginia paid three times more than she should have. Some people don't get multiple estimates because they don't want to pay a several trip fees. I know a couple who paid twice as much for their HVAC unit because they didn't want to pay a second company a $90.00 trip fee. That second estimate, especially when the second company knows they're competing, seems to have a magical effect on the estimated cost. We're trying to get a lot of Virginia's money back - and we might, but please, please get three estimates!
Watch this Investigation
What bad can come from an unsolicited knock on your door? Watch because This Could Happen to You!
Ask Dale
Today's Real Consumer Question is from Lela, who wants to know if the city or state requires certain materials or components to be included when replacing a roof. You best watch my answer!
Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!
Today's seven-point lesson is on determining the right amount of time to make a buying decision.
Fast - Do they want your money NOW? If they want your money now, and you don't have the opportunity to thoroughly review, I greatly recommend you never risk more than 100 dollars.
Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? The reason for out of balance cost vs. benefits almost always rise to the surface with a little time. Never get in a hurry when it sounds too good to be true.
Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he can't be found after he gets your money. People who want large sums of money should have stable, findable offices.
Define - Your deal by comparing Product, Offer and Price. Comparing these variables takes time. Usually, enough time to let you think through the offer.
Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract, and an Effective Guarantee. Please see my book Don't Get Scammed, Get Smart for thorough advice on when you should turn to a friend, an expert and/or an attorney.
Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. Again, authenticating forces you to take time. This will almost always protect you.
Legitimize - your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is Lawsuit and background checked. Real companies are far less likely to try to rip you off fast. Great companies have confidence in their products and service and will give you time to make a decision.
SCAMMERS BEWARE: SEASONED CONSUMER INVESTIGATOR DALE CARDWELL GIVES READERS A GAME PLAN TO AVOID RIP-OFFS