Three for Thursday 07.15.2021
Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.
Crime. Shootings. Excessive speeding. Road rage. Unruly flight passengers. Vaccine avoidance. These are what I believe to be symptoms born from a central causal factor: Covid fatigue. We all spent more than one year sequestered and separated from our normal emotional outlets... movies, shopping, restaurants, bars. I'm no psychologist but I am a student of human nature, and I can find no other rational explanation for the uptick in departure for normal human behavior than the manifestation of expression after a long, cold period of isolation. I once heard we should always consider the fact, we don't know what's going on in the lives of people suddenly acting out of character - before we judge them for acting out of character. I believe there will be books written on this someday. In the meantime, try to exercise a little more kindness and empathy than offensiveness. This too shall pass.
Watch this Investigation
Shady Tree Service Part 2. Deidra Stevens paid a bundle up front to have dangerous trees removed from her yard.Why did the contractor blow her off and think they could get away with it?Watch, because This Could Happen to You!
Ask Dale
Today's Ask Dale question is from Jessica, who wants to know how to determine if an online Rolex dealer is legitimate. Jennifer's question is specific, but my answer applies to most any purchase.
Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!
Today's seven-point lesson is on determining how much you should spend before significantly increasing your pre-purchase due diligence.
Fast - Do they want your money NOW? I would never give anyone more than $100 for anything without taking them to a second level of due diligence.
Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? If the savings claim is more than 10% below an identified competitor's price? I want proof.
Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he can't be found after he gets your money. Again, I would never give anyone more than $100 without verifying a place of business and point of local contact.
Define - Your deal by comparing Product, Offer and Price. The more I'm asked to spend, the more I want to define these variables.
Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract, and an Effective Guarantee. If my spend is more than $1000, I will likely want an independent expert or an attorney to advise me as to whether the contract is fair and my guarantee is effective.
Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. Again, the $100 rule.
SCAMMERS BEWARE: SEASONED CONSUMER INVESTIGATOR DALE CARDWELL GIVES READERS A GAME PLAN TO AVOID RIP-OFFS