Three for Thursday 07.06.2022

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

I was recently asked to write a column that provided tips on making your biggest home maintenance purchases. I wanted to scream. Why? Because 95% of consumers make their mistakes BEFORE following specific due diligence tips, and here's what I mean. The number one consumer purchase mistake? Hubris, or believing "I got this," in a field where you have no expertise. Mistake # 2? Going on the advice of one source, such as a neighbor, relative or single advertising source. Three? Failing to get more than one estimate. Paying too much for a product or service is almost always preventable by pursuing multiple estimates. Companies that discover they're completing for your business, primarily because you tell them, will most often take the opportunity to reduce their price, or introduce an option that will make them more appealing. My advice might be a bit boring when compared to "how to go to war with your home service vendor," but I'd prefer you not have to go to war. Just get estimates from TrustDALE Certified companies and know you're doing what's necessary to being a savvy consumer!

Watch this Investigation

Today's investigation - Funeral Scams. Could someone stoop this low? Watch, because This Could to You!

Ask Dale

Today's Ask Dale question comes from Suzanne, who wants to know if there's a reliable and accurate rating source for genealogy test kits.

Watch the video to find out!

Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!

Today's seven-point lesson is on identifying the emotional trigger a con artist has built-in the offer.

Fast - Do they want your money NOW! Money upfront is almost always accompanied by an emotional trigger, most often greed.

Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? The temptation of getting something for nothing is perhaps the strongest emotional trigger of all.

Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he cannot be found after he gets your money. Playing on the emotions of loved ones is the playing field of people who can't be found.

Define - Your deal by comparing product, Offer and Price. Good "let-downs" happen when you level the playing field by examining products, offers and prices.

Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract, and an Effective Guarantee.This is another sure method of removing emotional triggers.

Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. Too good to be true scams are often exposed through reviews. Check them!

Legitimize - your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is lawsuit and background checked. People who fall for emotional triggers are usually not successful in court, so to protect yourself, focus on steps four, five and six above.