Three for Thursday 12.08.2022
Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.
Just when I thought it was safe to watch TV again (thanks to the cessation of political ads) the most absurd commercial of all time is back. It's the couple wandering in the middle of a snowbank, when the man whistles and suddenly a puppy bounds over the hill to the delight of the surprised woman. Not to be outdone, the woman whistles, and a giant truck bounds over the hill. I think it's an advertisement for the truck, but I hate it so much I refuse to acknowledge the brand. My point is this... As marketing guru Seth Godin has written, beyond food, water and shelter, everything we buy is because of a story. That story gives us a sense of protection, pride, status, whatever value it creates in our mind in an amount enough to prompt a purchase. As we enter the holiday season, keep this in mind. It might save you a lot of money if you see that commercial and feel the sudden urge to buy that truck!
Watch this Investigation
Today's investigation = Grease Trap. Another example of why should always have a contract. Watch because This Could Happen to You!
Ask Dale
Today's Ask Dale question comes from Brenda, who wants to know if taking cash from a company called MV Reality is a good or bad idea.
Click the video to your left to find out:
Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!
Today's seven-point lesson is on how to know when and when not to shop by comparison.
Fast - Do they want your money NOW? Demand for immediate payment for more than a gumball suggests you could get a better deal if you shopped.
Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? A person professing that you're getting a great deal in hopes that you won't comparison shop is a strong indicator that you should.
Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he can't be found after he gets your money. For nearly every purchase of substance, you should insist on seeing a business license and confirming the validity of a findable address.
Define - Your deal by comparing product, Offer and Price. These are the three essentials of comparison shopping. When followed, it almost always ensures a sound purchase.
Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract, and an Effective Guarantee. It's difficult to know you're being treated fairly if you haven't taken the time first to comparison shop.
Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. Reviews will help you determine the comparable value of competing products.
Legitimize - your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is Lawsuit and background checked. These are fundamentals of sound business, but do not protect you if you have failed to compare.
SCAMMERS BEWARE: SEASONED CONSUMER INVESTIGATOR DALE CARDWELL GIVES READERS A GAME PLAN TO AVOID RIP-OFFS