Three for Thursday 07.28.2022
Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.
If you think you can get a better deal from a non-TrustDALE certified company, you might be surprised to hear me say I believe you. Now as Paul Harvey used to say, let me tell you the rest of the story. I've been approached a few times from people who challenged the estimates of TrustDALE companies, and my response? If your bidder can pass my seven-point investigation, I will pay you the difference between your bid and the lowest of three TrustDALE company bids. How many times have I had to pay? Zero. If your bid is more than three or four percent lower, I can pretty much guarantee your contractor is cutting a corner in a place you can't see. Or you're not going to get timely service, professional work, or an effective guarantee. Members of the TrustDALE community have learned not to take chances. It usually only takes getting burned one time, to learn that lesson. I have a safe place to live, work and play. Welcome to TrustDALE.
Watch this Investigation
Today's investigation -Red Roof Refund. Keep an eye on your debit card, even a year later, because this can even happen to you!
Ask Dale
Today's Ask Dale question comes from Nancy, who wants to know if she should answer a letter from a person claiming to have recovered her deceased loved one's cash.
Click the video for the answer.
Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!
Today's seven-point lesson is on validating an unsolicited offer:
Fast - Do they want your money NOW? Never pay money up front for something you didn't solicit unless it's a gumball.
Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? If you're not given adequate time to analyze the offer, it's probably too good to be true.
Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he can't be found after he gets your money. Never buy something off a truck parked in front of your house, not meat, not roofing shingles, not cement.
Define - Your deal by comparing product, Offer and Price. This is the best way to ensure you're receiving value.
Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract, and an Effective Guarantee. The more concern you have for losing money or creating an obligation, the more due diligence you should spend on these three steps.
Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. The combination of these three steps will give you a good perspective on the credibility of the company. If you can't find information, there's probably a nefarious reason.
Legitimize - your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is Lawsuit and background checked. This means they're "real," but it doesn't necessarily mean they're honest.
SCAMMERS BEWARE: SEASONED CONSUMER INVESTIGATOR DALE CARDWELL GIVES READERS A GAME PLAN TO AVOID RIP-OFFS