Three for Thursday 10.20.2022
Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.
How much money are you willing to risk when making an important purchase? What you say might not be consistent with how you act. Personally, I won't risk more than $1000 without getting at least two if not three estimates. I never cease to be amazed by people who make $1,000, $5,000 even $10,000 decisions on the word of one semi-trusted reference, like a brother-in-law who has no expertise in the space but happened to have had a good experience. Take it from me, one good experience is NOT enough to risk $10,000! So many things remain as variables when you consider only one source. The company could have changed hands, management might have collapsed, covid might have decimated the crews. So many of the help requests we receive at TrustDALE are from folks who relied on a single reference. Don't do it! In fact, get at least three TrustDALE companies to compete for your business. Trust me, you'll be glad you did.
Watch this Investigation
Today's investigation - Lofty Water. How do you fight back against your water bill? Watch because this could happen to you!
Ask Dale
Today's Ask Dale question comes from Denise, who wants to know what recourse she has for a contractor's job gone bad. Watch the video to find out!
Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!
Today's seven-point lesson is on how to handle a pushy salesperson.
Fast - Do they want your money NOW? Never acquiesce to a pushy salesperson.
Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? Clarity is your friend. Don't proceed if the value isn't provable.
Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he can't be found after he gets your money. Pushy is often matched with too good to be true. The less believable, the more disappear -able.
Define - Your deal by comparing product, Offer and Price. Pushy is s style, but the proof is in the product offer price pudding.
Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract, and an Effective Guarantee. After the demand for money up front, this is the most treacherous territory with a pushy salesperson. Review your paperwork carefully and don't get rushed!
Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. A pushy salesperson will gloss over negative reports. Don't fall for it!
Legitimize - your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is Lawsuit and background checked. Pushiness often leads to small claims squabbles. Be sure to check!
SCAMMERS BEWARE: SEASONED CONSUMER INVESTIGATOR DALE CARDWELL GIVES READERS A GAME PLAN TO AVOID RIP-OFFS