Three for Thursday 08.18.2022
Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.
Remember when companies were honest enough to write on their package "batteries not included?" It delivered a brief pang of disappointment, but we appreciated the honesty. Well, watch out for modern style of sticker shock. On a recent trip to an amusement park, we were required to show our entry pass at the gate, which came with our admission fee, but guess what? The plastic pouch and lanyard to carry it was $15! And just last weekend, I purchased some rubber edging to go around a garden bed. When I got home, I discovered it came with just a dozen spikes to hold it in place. When I went back to the store, discovered a bag of "extra" spikes were $24! Worse yet, I needed two bags! Here's my point: It's really easy not to notice you're being set up for extra fees, especially when doing business online. Look for boxes you must uncheck before you press buy, otherwise, this could happen to you too!
Watch this Investigation
Today's investigation - Oversold Mold Part II. Virginia paid way too much for a subpar basement remodel. Today, our experts size up the fix-up. Watch, because this could happen to you!
Ask Dale
Today's Ask Dale question comes from Daryl, who wants to know if it's legal for a company to charge a convenience fee if you pay them with a credit card.
Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!
Today's seven-point lesson is on how to avoid paying hidden or continuous fees:
Fast - Do they want your money NOW? Any time you feel pressured to pay in full up front, it's highly likely you could be taken in other ways as well.
Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? Paying what appears to be too little for a product can also be a sign there are hidden fees coming when you sign on the dotted line.
Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he can't be found after he gets your money. It's also more difficult to cancel a contract with a person you can't find or talk with.
Define - Your deal by comparing product, Offer and Price. If these three variables lead to consistency, you're decreasing the chances of getting on the hook for something you didn't expect.
Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract, and an Effective Guarantee. This due diligence is the most crucial step in reducing risk. Read the fine print!
Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. Bad actors get called out. Read reviews and check references!
Legitimize - your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is Lawsuit and background checked. Just because their legit doesn't mean they're fair.
SCAMMERS BEWARE: SEASONED CONSUMER INVESTIGATOR DALE CARDWELL GIVES READERS A GAME PLAN TO AVOID RIP-OFFS