Three for Thursday 11.19.2020
Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.
Hi everyone! I have a question for you: How much should a plumber earn? For that matter, how much should an electrician earn, or an HVAC tech? I ask, because I sometime receive complaints from consumers who are furious - after being told by a neighbor or family member - they'd been "taken" on a service call. The proof? The friend looked up the part on Amazon and discovered it cost only $39.99 while the tech charged $399 to replace it. Highway robbery, right? WRONG! The consumer is paying for a licensed, insured professional to evaluate your problem, produce the correct solution, and guarantee the result. At TrustDALE, we only recommend companies that follow honest verifiable pricing standards, yet still listen to consumers who want more explanation. By the way, plumbers - just like all hard-working people, deserve to make a good living. How do you know for certain you're in the fair range of payment? Do what I always recommend: Get three estimates.
Watch this Investigation
Consumer Investigation - Rustic Flag part two: When a veteran uses his stripes to persuade other veterans' families to give to his cause - you still have to verify, because This Could Happen to You!
Ask Dale
Today's Real Consumer Question is from Romentha, who asks: "Dale, I see famous celebrities endorsing the car repair warranty company Car Shield. Should I get one?
Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!
Today's seven-point lesson on being asked to "give to a good cause" on the spot.
Fast - Do they want your money NOW? My advice? Never give money on the spot, unless the "cause" can produce documents on the spot proving its worthiness with a well-known verification organization like Charity Navigator.
Funds - - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? If not, it's likely too good to be true. In today's investigation, the price of the flags dropped to a level that was not consistent with the quality promised. "Cheap price" is a red flag.
Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he can't be found after he gets your money. So - called charities that collect online are almost impossible to hold accountable. Check them out thoroughly before giving! Chances are your money will be gone for good if you don't.
Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract and an Effective Guarantee. True charitable giving comes with the expectation you're giving more than the monetary value of what you receive. Still, in events like silent auctions, ask to see proof of validity before you bid those big bucks.
Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking Reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. This is an absolute must when giving on the spot. Many fake charities play on the names of established causes. Check references, reviews and reports using the actual name of the organization.
Legitimize your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is Lawsuit and background checked. There are differences between a non-profit, a charity and a good cause. Your secretary of state will not only have records of each but can help you decide if those organizations are worthy of your money.
SCAMMERS BEWARE: SEASONED CONSUMER INVESTIGATOR DALE CARDWELL GIVES READERS A GAME PLAN TO AVOID RIP-OFFS