Three for Thursday 06.17.2021
Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.
Clear communication. I'm reminded daily of its importance. Writing a clear and easy to understand contract is only half the challenge. Communicating effectively with your client begins with determining if the personalities involved in the transaction seem to be a good fit. Overlooking or intentionally disregarding this step almost always leads to conflict. Empathy is incredibly important to effective communication. Making someone feel heard and cared about, even if it's within the bounds of a disagreement, carries a lot of weight when it comes to outcomes. I've seen atrocious performance forgiven when followed by a genuine "I'm so sorry." Conversely, I've seen ridiculously small conflicts explode into unfixable and expensive debacles because someone can't say, "I'm terribly sorry we got off track, but I here to fix it." Take it from someone who deals in customer service every day. Those are truly magic words.
Watch this Investigation
"White Van Speaker Scam, part two" We confront people who make their living off "too good to be true." Watch, because This Could Happen to You!
Ask Dale
Today's Real Consumer Question is from Sallie, who wants to know if she should buy separate policies for travel insurance if she's taking three different trips. You need to hear my answer!
Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!
Today's seven-point lesson is how to communicate for a "win-win" outcome.
Fast - Do they want your money NOW? Recognizing unusual early pressure is a sign this not likely going to become a "win.-win."
Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? Continue to communicate but proceed with caution.
Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he can't be found after he gets your money. Communication will of course disappear if the vendor can't be found. Politely ask for and confirm findable office address before you commit.
Define - Your deal by comparing Product, Offer and Price. Ask direct questions with a polite tone. They should get your respect, until they prove they don't deserve it.
Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract, and an Effective Guarantee. If the vendor goes out of their way to make you comfortable with these three steps, you're likely headed toward a "win-win."
Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. "Win-win" outcomes should be easily identified in reviews.
SCAMMERS BEWARE: SEASONED CONSUMER INVESTIGATOR DALE CARDWELL GIVES READERS A GAME PLAN TO AVOID RIP-OFFS