Three for Thursday 08.10.2023

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

I need to warn you about the latest trend quickly becoming the norm in customer "no service." When you realize you didn't get what you ordered or thought you had purchased, you must search - hard - for a customer service number or email form-fill. You discover the number rolls to a voicemail answered by a recording or unidentified person who never calls you back. Often your email is ignored, or your response is non-committal corporate-speak nonsense. Because no one told you "No" out of the gate, you're likely not as upset, and the company's intent is that you'll simply give up because the path to get satisfaction becomes too difficult. The key to recognizing you're being played is when you realize no identifiable person is taking responsibility to get you a valid response. Once again, the best protection against this form of customer no service is to choose your vendors carefully, and that's why TrustDALE exists!

Watch this Investigation

Today's investigation = "Costumed" Review. Watch because This Could Happen to You!

Ask Dale

Today's Ask Dale question comes from Katheryn, who wants to know more about this on-line loan company. Watch the video and learn how not get trapped with outrageous interest rates!

Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!

Today's seven-point lesson is on how to recognize you're getting played by customer "no service."

Fast - Do they want your money NOW! Demand for full upfront payment is often a precursor for customer no service.

Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? The feeling of getting something for nothing is usually followed up by the company mentality that you should have known better.

Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he cannot be found after he gets your money. The height of customer no service.

Define - Your deal by comparing product, Offer and Price. Ethical companies that study their competition are the most likely to retain your business by providing real customer service.

Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract, and an Effective Guarantee. Completing these safeguards also safeguards you against customer no service.

Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. This is perhaps the best destination to learn if customer no service is a problem.

Legitimize - your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is lawsuit and background checked. Finding a history of lawsuits serves as a flag for avoiding customer no service.