Three for Thursday 07.14.2022
Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.
Do you like to be angry or informed? I ask, because a lot of people are terribly angry over gas prices, without knowing how the process works. Gas station owners get most of the hate because that's where consumers see prices going up. What's actually happening, is that petroleum companies raise prices when they see signs of chaos, before the shortages, and make a fortune off the difference before a shortage occurs. The retailer raises prices because they know the next delivery is going to cost them more. Meanwhile the retailers' margins are pinched because fewer people are pulling in to buy gas and the more profitable items (candy, soda, snacks) inside the store. When prices begin to fall, retails make more money on the margin, because the prices at the pump are inflated related to the price they paid for their last delivery and next delivery. Years of watching this cycle inform me that the giant petroleum companies, that - get this - don't have national allegiances, even the US based companies, are the true beneficiaries.
Watch this Investigation
Today's investigation - Missing Rings. How would you feel if your jewelry store lost your wedding bands?Watch, because this can even happen to you!
Ask Dale
Today's Ask Dale question comes from well, many of you, who want my take on home or auto warranties.
Click the video for the answer.
Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!
Today's seven-point lesson is on judging the efficacy of a warranty.
Fast - Do they want your money NOW? Be suspicious of a warranty you pay full price for at the time of purchase. Read it thoroughly, and if you don't understand it, get an industry expert to advise you.
Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? Warranties promising too much often carry buried exclusions.
Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he can't be found after he gets your money. Warranties from a door-to-door salesperson are only as good as your ability to verify them.
Define - Your deal by comparing product, Offer and Price. Warranties that promise far more than competitors deserve scrutiny.
Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract, and an Effective Guarantee. Effective guarantees are those that protect your purchase based on the advice under Authenticate.
Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. Companies with leaky warranties are exposed through online reviews.
Legitimize - your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is Lawsuit and background checked. These three standards have little to do with effective warranties.
SCAMMERS BEWARE: SEASONED CONSUMER INVESTIGATOR DALE CARDWELL GIVES READERS A GAME PLAN TO AVOID RIP-OFFS