Scams
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They are numerous landscape and lawn care companies operating in the Treasure Valley but of all these only a portion are doing it in accordance with all the city, county, and federal laws involving contracting, liabillity, and immigration and employment laws. And even fewer have been properly trained or certified. Here are a few examples:
1. Kid’s, Student, or Mom & Pop startup business: Many think all you need is a lawn mower, trimmer, and blower and an ad in Craig’s List and you are ready to go but what they don’t realize is what the law says about contractor’s licenses or liability insurances. Therefore, they ignore these requirements (and costs) and offer services cheaper than those of us who are law abiding and legitimate.
2. Employment: Some business employ temporary workers, illegals, or “contract” workers to avoid paying workman’s compensation and state, local, or federal taxes. Why? Again so they can offer cheaper rates or quote cheaper so again they rob the legitimate business of bids. But wait, shouldn’t those who take the lowest bid also check to ensure that the lowest bidder is abiding the law? Aren’t the just as liable.
3. Contract Workers: Some local business are so crooked that they want to employ the illegal immigrants and avoid having to pay taxes and the paperwork involved to prove that their “employees” have been granted a work visa or are permanent residents. How do they do this? By going by each day to the local illegal employment office (designated street corners) and picking up the number they need to do the jobs for the day. At the end of the day they pay them wages below minimum wage with no paperwork involved as it is the “contractor’s” problem to report their wages to the government.
So to all those who want Landscaping and Lawn Care services whether you be a commercial or residencial customer, check out the business first and ask a few questions?
1. Are you an accredited member of the BBB?
2. Do you have a contractor license and what is it?
3. Do you carry liability insurance and are you bonded?
4. Do you use “contract” labor or do your employees have the right to work in the US?
5. Do you pay into workman’s compensation?
I know this is a lot to ask but if you don’t you are punishing the rest of us who follow the rules but taking away business.