Three for Thursday 10.08.2020
Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.
Hi everyone! Here's part three of my thoughts on community. "People end friendships over wolves man!" Those are the words of conservationist Steven Rinella. I heard him on a podcast referencing the battle between people who want to re-introduce wolves into habitats where they've disappeared. Sounds innocent enough, but many people who raise cattle are vehemently opposed to it. Before the podcast, it wasn't even on my radar. What's on your radar that would cause you to end a friendship? For decades, our country has been defined by the fact that what brings us together (WW II, 9-11) is stronger than what divides us. I can't wait for us to get back to being Americans. It's a pretty swell community!
Watch this Investigation
Consumer Investigation- Walker Stalker. What if you bought tickets to a party - only to discover the guest of honor has backed out? Watch, because This Could Happen to You!
Ask Dale
Today's Real Consumer Question is from Wendy, who's in a battle with her contractor. "What can I do to get out of this nightmare?"
Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!
Today's seven-point lesson on hiring a contractor:
Fast - Do they want your money NOW? I strongly recommend no advance payment unless it's earmarked for an item of significant upfront expense - like custom cabinetry, and even then I'm still leery.
Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? If not, it's likely too good to be true. A poorly written contract with low expense can quickly balloon with change orders.
Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he can't be found after he gets your money. If your contractor doesn't have a warehouse - get his home address - and prove that it's his real home address.
Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract and an Effective Guarantee.Insist on a line item contract with time deadlines. If possible, include penalties for failure to meet the deadlines.
Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking Reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. Few consumer purchases create a need for valid references. Ask for twenty then call the three of your choosing.
Legitimize your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is Lawsuit and background checked. It's so tempting to hire a contractor who is "moonlighting" on the side from his regular job. That's a fast path to an unresolvable dispute. People who secure a license and form a valid business entity are far more likely to perform.
SCAMMERS BEWARE: SEASONED CONSUMER INVESTIGATOR DALE CARDWELL GIVES READERS A GAME PLAN TO AVOID RIP-OFFS