Three for Thursday 09.17.2020
Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.
Do you count? Of course you do, but your great-great grandchildren might not know it. That's because nearly 17% of Georgians have not filled out their US census report. I know it's a pain in the neck, but I wouldn't know my Revolutionary war ancestor Robert Cardwell if his descendants had not done their part. It's hard to believe, but my family had lost all knowledge of our ancestors prior to my Great-Great Grandfather William J. Cardwell who - thanks to the census - I know he was born in 1848. Being an investigative journalist, I visited the Georgia Archives back in 1996 on a hunch that our family might have come from Georgia before winding up in Northeast Alabama sometime in the mid 1800's. Turns out - thanks to the census, I learned I was right, and that unlocked the door that took me all the way back to my Great Great Great Great Great Grandfather Robert. So fill out the census. You never know who might one day come looking for you!
Watch this Investigation
Internet hostage: When a family saw a yard sign advertising high speed connection at incredible price, they hopped on it, but then quickly discovered the catch.
Ask Dale
Today's Real Consumer Question is from Shelly: "Dale, the developer who built our neighborhood has recently built a high-rise apartment complex and parking garage next door. It's an eyesore and he never told us of this plan. Is there anything we can do about it?"
Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!
Today's seven-point lesson on: How to hire a roofer (because our TV Show Inside Investigations is currently investigating a heart-breaking story about a woman who didn't follow this advice).
Fast - Do they want your money NOW? Some reputable roofers require a down payment. Many don't, and I would try to work with a roofer that doesn't require any payment in advance.
Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? If not, it's likely too good to be true. Roofers who significantly undercut their competition are a) cutting corners in ways you can't see, or they are simply planning on stealing your money. Roofs come with real definable cost.
Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he can't be found after he gets your money. Your roofer MUST have a findable office. Hiring a roofing "broker" is too dangerous!
Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract and an Effective Guarantee. The consumer I referenced above hired a former student and she did no homework. To make matters worse, she has an undefined and virtually unenforceable written agreement, with no guarantee. The elements of "Ensure" are a must!
Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking Reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. Few areas of home improvement - if any - carry the same level of importance of demanding valid and positive references. Ask for 20 and call the 3 of your choosing.
Legitimize your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is Lawsuit and background checked. Many states don't require roofers to have a roofing license - and that is bad. Ask for a copy of your prospective roofer's liability insurance certificate as well as business license. This will ensure you can find the roofer in the event something goes wrong.
Of course the simplest way to hire a roofer or other service companies is to simply go to TrustDALE.com! We have done all the research for you and by using TrustDALE.com to find a vendor qualifies your purchase for our $10,000 Make It Right Guarantee.
SCAMMERS BEWARE: SEASONED CONSUMER INVESTIGATOR DALE CARDWELL GIVES READERS A GAME PLAN TO AVOID RIP-OFFS