Three for Thursday 08.20.2020
Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.
Saving time and saving money are not equal enterprises. I once found myself rinsing out rollers after a do-it-yourself paint job. About 15 minutes in, I realized I had spent 1\4 of an hour rinsing two rollers that cost $4.99 a three pack. Not worth my time. Today I applied the remnant of a soap bar onto a new soap bar. I've been doing it since I was a kid. It took me five seconds. I've probably extended the use of several dozen bars of soap in my lifetime. Worth it! (Don't believe me? Just ask Clark Howard).
Watch this Investigation
We continue our investigation into wholesale real estate. Top cash for your home - is it too good to be true? Watch, because this could happen to you!
Ask Dale
Today's Real Consumer Question is from Jason:
" Dale, I did my homework and bought a car from a reputable dealer, but they never gave me my title and now they're out of business. What can I do? "
Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!
Today's seven-point lesson on: Purchasing products from ads on Facebook. (Note: I've had a lot of friends recently tell me they were disappointed with the quality and/or customer service they received from FB advertisers).
Fast - Do they want your money NOW? It appears most FB advertisers want you to commit your funds before you can inspect the product. I would never spend more than $50 on something sight unseen.
Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? If not, it's likely too good to be true. Lower than expected prices for products with impressive social media pictures are a red flag. Price a similar product from well known online provider. If the FB product is significantly cheaper, something's fishy.
Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he can't be found after he gets your money. Of course, it's really difficult to hold an online vendor responsible - especially when the product is coming from China. Remember my $50 rule from above.
Define - Products, Offers and Prices. If you can't see it in person and feel it, it makes it much harder to define it. In this situation reviews become very important.
Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract and an Effective Guarantee. I've found substandard products sold on Facebook to carry burdensome return policies. If you can't thoroughly review the policy before offering your credit card, don't buy it!
Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking Reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. Leave Facebook and do an internet search of the product and company. You should get a very good picture of how this company and its product performs before you buy.
Legitimize your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is Lawsuit and background checked.Facebook makes me think of comic books when I was a kid. I really wanted to believe Sea Monkeys looked like monkeys and I could purchase a do it yourself submarine. Remember, the more outlandish the claim, the more likely you'll be disappointed.
SCAMMERS BEWARE: SEASONED CONSUMER INVESTIGATOR DALE CARDWELL GIVES READERS A GAME PLAN TO AVOID RIP-OFFS