Three for Thursday 07.13.2023

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

I would like to spend some time telling you about McKee Family Foods. The Collegedale, Tennessee based bakery was started in 1928, when founder O.D. McKee began selling five cent snack cakes out of his truck. While it is quite likely you are unfamiliar with McKee foods and just as likely you could not care less, I bet it will get your attention to learn McKee Foods invented and produces world famous Little Debbie Snack Cakes. The family hit the branding lottery in 1960, when McKee decided to use his fresh-faced granddaughter, Debbie, as the image of the company. Sixty-three years later, virtually everyone knows "Little Debbie." I'm sharing this story because my hope is that the TrustDALE brand can earn the same level of loyalty and expectation for you and your family. Every time you "unwrap" a TrustDALE Certified Partner relationship, my goal is that you get the same consistent response, experience, and ultimate satisfaction. I might not be near as cute as Debbie, but I do aim to be just as sticky!

Watch this Investigation

Today's investigation - Fridge Freeze. What to do when no one takes responsibility? Watch because This Could Happen to You!

Ask Dale

Today's Ask Dale question comes from Jacqueline, who wants to know if she should take an expensive online course to learn how to become an Airbnb host. Watch for the answer!

Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!

Today's seven-point lesson is on deciding how, when, and why to trust a brand.

Fast - Do they want your money NOW! Full payment in advance is not a familiar technique required by a trusted brand.

Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? The appearance of offering something for nothing is not a technique you associate with a trusted brand.

Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he cannot be found after he gets your money. In the 1900's, traveling salespeople-built brands by wowing their customers. In other words, doing something that would not initially pay off for the traveling salesperson. Showing up the next time, well after that gift was delivered, is what builds trust. Expect the same today.

Define - Your deal by comparing product, Offer and Price. Consistent brands are not intimidated by being compared to their competitors.

Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract, and an Effective Guarantee. Honoring and ensuring these steps are hallmarks of trusted brands.

Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. High-quality brands love to be referenced and reviewed.

Legitimize - your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is lawsuit and background checked. These are three fundamentals adhered to by trusted brands, but never fail to check!