As if a down economy weren’t enough, there’s something else to worry about when the country is going through a recession: scams and dishonest small businesses. We don’t want to go through the world every day assuming everyone is out to get us, but we don’t want to play the role of “sucker,” either. So how exactly can you protect yourself when you’re paying a small business these days, without becoming paranoid? Here are some quick tips.
Reputation, Reputation, Reputation.
Reputation is probably the most powerful indicator you have as to the quality and honesty of a small business. If you’re buying a lamp on eBay, you can easily peruse a seller’s feedback ratings to see how honest they are. As for today’s small businesses, it’s nearly impossible to get away with being a cheat or a scammer over a long period of time.
A quick Google search will help you better understand the reputation of the small business you’re working with. Check around and see if you can contact anyone who’s worked with the business before to see what their experience was. A little prevention can save you a lot of pain when it comes to your money.
Beware the Free Lunch.
Everyone knows there’s “no such thing as a free lunch,” but is that true? When you’re working with small businesses, it can be. Although you don’t want to turn away businesses because they offer free consultations or samples, you also don’t want to be taken in by the prospect of paying too little for what you’re getting. Remember that when it comes to quality, you often get what you pay for.
You should especially be on the watch for small businesses that solicit you with a free offer. It’s better if you notice an advertisement or a Web site that advertises a free offer and you come to that business yourself.
Avoiding Paranoia
Avoiding paranoia means having a healthy outlook on life: you prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Paranoia means you prepare for the worst and expect the worst. Be willing to trust people with your money, even if it’s not always comfortable. Ultimately, you’ll need other people to do something for you one day anyway.
Of course, not everyone’s out to get you. Eventually, you’ll have to trust your own intuition and gut-level instincts. If everything checks out, pay a small business and don’t look over their shoulder every fifteen minutes. It’s not a pleasant experience to be a sucker, but it’s not fun to be a nervous nellie, either.