Three for Thursday 08.12.2021
Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.
Answer your phone, please! At TrustDALE, I work with hundreds of businesses whose lifeblood depends on human communication. I never cease to be amazed to discover companies that allow critical, time sensitive requests to roll to voicemail, or worse yet, go unanswered. I once parted ways with a company whose owner wouldn't add a $15 an hour employee to simply answer calls for service he was missing because he didn't want the additional expense! He couldn't see that the relatively small investment would likely increase his business by 25%, not to mention improve his customer service reputation. We've learned some tough lessons in the last year and a half, but one positive lesson is that much time-consuming travel can be reduced with virtual meetings. We should have also re-learned the importance of live communication. If you ever have a problem with a TrustDALE partner not answering your call, please let us know!
Watch this Investigation
Stolen Identity. When Jaquelyn's hometown bank played "judge and jury" with her money, she turned to TrustDALE. Watch, because this could happen to you!
Ask Dale
Today's Ask Dale question is from Shawn, who wants to know if I trust student loan "fixers."
Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!
Today's seven-point lesson is on determining how much time you should invest before "bailing" on a negotiation or consideration of purchase.
Fast - Do they want your money NOW? If they want money upfront and the asking price gives you pause, devote the consideration time required to become comfortable.
Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? It's easy to keep listening when the payoff sounds unequally higher than the investment. "Bail" when they can't answer important questions.
Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he can't be found after he gets your money. Always spend the time to determine valid permanent address before committing.If you can't get it - bail.
Define - Your deal by comparing Product, Offer and Price. Comparing these components takes time. Again, spend the time necessary to gain confidence in comparing your wants to the offers.
Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract, and an Effective Guarantee. Don't take shortcuts with these vital steps.
Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. This can be time consuming. It's worth it.
Legitimize - your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is Lawsuit and background checked. If you have trouble validating the seller within thirty minutes, bail.
SCAMMERS BEWARE: SEASONED CONSUMER INVESTIGATOR DALE CARDWELL GIVES READERS A GAME PLAN TO AVOID RIP-OFFS