Lanscaping Contractor
 

Swiley and sons did a great job for us. 352-286-0610

So we had a similar problem with our front porch. We contracted through Lowe’s but they used an outside contractor. They didn’t finish and the gate was actually falling over. When I couldn’t get any action, I stated posting pictures to Facebook and tagging Lowe’s. Thankfully we also used American Express and I threatened a charge back. Those two things got action. If the guy has a Facebook account, start posting publicly. He’ll want to get it done just to shut you up.

you didn't pay him, right?

Hmmm
 

Licensed and insured?? Or did you bother to check? Go cheap, go broke.

[QUOTE=Pairadocs;2251059] many refuse if the customer won't pay up front. We've had that happen, and just said no, and they said, "ok, we pass, we don't work on that basis".

OK, so in that case you ask the contractor for his drivers license and phone #, make a copy of his D/L, look up his address on the internet, and tell him, in no uncertain terms, "NOW I KNOW WHERE YOU LIVE, JUST IN CASE OF A PROBLEM".
If he refuses to give that information, tell him not to let the door hit him in the a$$ on his way out. BECAUSE IN THAT CASE HE IS OUT TO RIP YOU OFF!!! nuff' said....

Sounds like you paid in advance then you have learned a lesson

[QUOTE=jswirs;2251212]Note that even if you take precautions like that, if the company files for bankruptcy, you are out of luck.

First, you should always check for references. Second never pay upfront. Third be careful of legal advice on social media.

Sounds like Arrondondo
 

We used Arrondondo. They did a nice job but some things needed attention after the job was “completed” (mostly dead trees and plants).

I’m still getting no help with these items covered by warranty.

They do not respond to texts or phone calls. I have gotten no relies from one of them since January. His own brother told me “he does that. He doesn’t get back to people.”

I’m reading this thread with interest because I want to take the next steps.

Did we scare off the OP?

RIGHT ! Make him a deal he can't refuse.

[QUOTE=jparsoneau@aol.com;2251260]First, you should always check for references. Second never pay upfront. Third be careful of legal advice on social media.[/

All great suggestions. Also, I've found very few people know they can access the state website and check licenses and insurance status of contractors, and that people at the state department office seem to welcome inquires and are helpful and polite. Here's a tip for what it is worth: when we first began to hire various services, we would not consider anyone without checking the numbers we were given (on business cards). What totally shocked us (should not have, but did) was the number of contractors who do have legitimate state numbers printed on their cards and vehicles.

When we checked with state, THREE different times (tree service, landscape company, and one drive way contractor), all of whom seemed very "upfront", proper state numbers for insurance and vehicles, but we were stunned when we checked with state and found out the numbers are legitimate state issued numbers.... but since the year of issue, the business had NEVER renewed either one ! Just printed them on all paper work and on vehicles, paid ONE year only. The state told us that is common, but "unfortunately we have no way of going out and tracking down every vehicle and business card with numbers that were legitimate at one time, but never again renewed." They went on to say " we send out warning letters that failure to renew could result in being denied a future license, and we keep a record of those who default after getting the initial license, but we just don't have the man power to track down every misleading business card and every vehicle displaying non current insurance numbers." They continue to urge residents to CHECK with the state, not just make the assumption that if it's on a card, or painted on a vehicle, it is current ! Hope this will help convince a few people to go the extra step and actually check with the state to see if all is CURRENT. Those who are having problems (such as this landscape contractor example ?) might want to look into IF the numbers on their contract are even currently in force... or if they expired long ago ? Worth a toll free phone call and a few minutes !

[QUOTE=retiredguy123;2251244]True ! And frankly, when they tell us that's not the way they work, it's fine with us also. Don't even want to work with someone that has to be threatened ! ? Too many do seem to be in that category around here. Too bad, paints all with the same shameful brush ! One little tip we follow, no sure thing, but if the bid is significantly lower, just like in auto and home insurance when you begin to realize your better inspect every element of the policy, it motivates us to do a little more "sniffing" ... for rotten fish.. maybe, not always, but a sign to pay attention to.

[QUOTE=jswirs;2251212]Nope, if they say that, we're done. Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice shame on ME. Did that once with City furniture, "we need FULL payment only on special orders". Gave in as it was the only way to get two rooms of furniture to match previously purchased items from the display floor. NEVER did get all the furniture we paid for, 7 months after still a "fight". We refused to "sign off" when they only delivered part of the order after all that time, we were actually "cussed" by one delivery person who threatened us because he said if we did not sign he would loose his job. We refused. Learned a lesson, do NOT pay in advance, even on "special orders", they don't need to have 100% or you might end up empty handed. Thankfully a neighbor was in his yard, heard the driver cussing us loudly right out in the open, then threaten us, saying if we did not sign we received ALL of the order, he would loose his job ! The neighbor called the police. The driver took off like a race car driver when the neighbor came over on his cell phone. The police did take the report, the neighbor did GET picture of license plate on the delivery truck.. but none of that ever got us the rest of the pieces we paid for and were never delivered. Expensive lessons are good lessons...so if they want to "walk" if we refuse 100% payment upfront, that's fine.

Woulda, coulda, shoulda, - great: WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE GUY WHO DID THIS TO YOU???