Door Knocking SCUM!

Eric Frei · 23rd December 2008, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OutofMytree

I also offer discounts if the work is done immediately and let the homeowner know that the deal is on the table only because I am already there and do not have to stop, unload, reload and travel again. There is a subtle line between presenting a bargain on the spot and putting undue pressure on people which the act is designed to stop. Providing that you keep this in mind, doorknocking for extra work to fill a day is a legitimate business practise that offers benefits to all.

Cheers.

If that's the case then I believe if you approached the client you too are in violation of the law. I wonder if Jims approves of this conduct?

Door to door sales - Consumer Protection - DOCEP

Quote:

Door to door sales
Special laws protect people from door-to-door salespeople

The major benefit of the Door to Door Trading Act 1987 is that it gives you a 10-day cooling-off period on goods or services worth more than $50. This means you can cancel the contract during this time with no penalty.

The laws exist because it has been shown that consumers are more vulnerable to sales offers when they are in their own home.

The Act also applies in other circumstances where salespeople make unsolicited approaches to potential customers, such as in car parks or shopping centre malls.

You will not get this extra protection (the cooling-off period) if:

* You don't meet the seller face-to-face at any stage;
* You've answered a general advertisement (e.g. in a newspaper);
* You've invited the salesperson to your home (unless the salesperson sought your invitation); or
* You are in business and buy goods and services for your own company.

When can they call on you?

Unless they have an appointment, door-to-door sellers may call only:

* Mondays to Fridays from 9am to 8pm.
* Saturdays from 9am to 5pm.

They may not call on Sundays or public holidays.
Your rights when a salesperson knocks at your door

* You don't have to let them into your home.
* They must tell you the reason for their call.
* They must show you identification, with their name, address and employer (if they have one).
* You can ask them to leave at any time.
* You are under no obligation to buy.
* They must not coerce you to enter a contract or not to cancel one if you have signed.

What happens if you buy?

You must be given a copy of the contract immediately you have signed it.

The salesperson must also give you two notices in these situations:

* When you sign a contract for goods or services worth more than $50; and/or
* If the total amount of the contract is unknown at the time of entering the contract (e.g. you sign up for a course of lessons and at that time don't know how many lessons you may take).

One notice explains your right to cancel the contract if you wish; the other notice is the one you can use to actually cancel the contract (within the 10 days) if you wish.

The contract must include:

* The full name and address of the salesperson if they are the supplier, otherwise the name and address of the supplier of the goods or services;
* The signature of the salesperson or supplier;
* Details of how the total cost will be calculated;
* The details of any goods to be sold or the service to be performed;
* All the terms of the contract; and
* A statement immediately above your signature which says:

"This contract is subject to a cooling-off period of ten days."

Note: While a cooling-off period and written contract are not required for goods or services valued at less than $50, a supplier must not try to avoid the Act by splitting the contract to make part of it under $50.

There is also no cooling-off period for insurance contracts or contracts which deal solely with credit, or for contracts with charitable organisations.
How the cooling-off period works

The salesperson cannot accept any money or provide services during the 10-day period. The goods can be left with you during this time and this does not remove your right to cancel the contract.

To cancel your agreement, you must deliver the notice of cancellation to the supplier either by post or in person (not by fax or e-mail). Add your name, address and reference number to your notice to help the supplier process the cancellation quickly.

You must also return any goods left with you or let the supplier know where to collect them. If the supplier does not collect them within 28 days they become your property.

If you have lost the notice, or didn't receive one, you can still cancel the contract. Simply write to the supplier informing them that you are cancelling the contract. Keep a copy of this letter and make a note of when you posted it. You don't need to give a reason for cancelling the contract.
Cancelling a contract after the 10-day period has expired

Generally you can't cancel a contract after the cooling-off period, but there are some instances when this is possible up to six months after signing.

For example, if the salesperson has acted improperly by calling outside the permitted hours, or by harassing you into signing the contract, or by accepting money or providing the service before the cooling-off period has expired.

In these cases, you must state the reason(s) for cancelling. You may need to pay for any services provided after the 10-day cooling off period and for any goods damaged beyond normal wear and tear. Also, if the goods can't be returned, you will have to pay the value. (There are some limited exceptions.)
Things to remember before buying door-to-door

* Ask yourself if you really need it.
* Buying door-to-door doesn't give you a chance to shop around.
* Be wary of claims of low prices due to no overheads (e.g. no rent or advertising).
* Be cautious about claims about your property (e.g. "Your vacuum cleaner clearly isn't working properly" or "Your tiled roof needs painting"). Get independent advice about such claims – they can be just a sales pitch.
* Ask for identification from people who say they are doing a survey or market research. This is a common ploy by salespeople who then try to make an appointment to call.

OutofMytree · 24th December 2008, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ekka

If that's the case then I believe if you approached the client you too are in violation of the law. I wonder if Jims approves of this conduct?

Door to door sales - Consumer Protection - DOCEP

I have read the act carefully and believe you are right. It appears that in formulating this act to protect homeowners from unscrupulous operators they have unwittingly forced prices up where opportunity presents itself.

I will now only offer an on-the-spot deal for homeowners who approach me whilst I work.

In answer to your apparent question, Jim Penman would not approve of unethical or illegal business practices. More importantly however, I do not approve of such things. Thank you for pointing out this error on my part.

rangitata · 9th January 2009, 01:34 PM

A group of door knockers were operating in Plucks Rd, Arana Hills, Brisbane on Wed 4th Jan 09.
Heres the story I was told by one of our long term clients who owns the neighbouring property. He is an ex union offical, WH & S officer and his story has gone along way up the ladder with the state government.

The "door knockers" where tasked to remove 3 trees in the rear of an elderly ladies (80 years plus) property. After removing one tree they asked if the neighbour had a rope? when told to "bugger off you are the professionals" they left and returned about a hour later.
He went out the front and asked for the boss and a card from one of the blokes on the footpath and was told that he didn't have a card and the boss was in the truck up the road. At this stage the bloke pointed out another tree company (reputable) that was working in the same street

At this stage the neighbour looked out and there was three blokes in his yard (without permisson) pulling on a rope. They then dropped a tree over 7m into his yard braking graden edging and plants. When he went down to find out what was going on he was told by four large blokes to "f... off". Not wanting a confrontation he retreated and got on the phone. The local council told him they couldn't do anything but could offer mediation between him and the door knockers

WH & S where also rang, but they responded they were to busy and the door knockers would be gone when they could get there.
After a few phone calls he looked out and the door knockers had left leaving the fallen section of tree in his yard and the other fallen trees in a creek. The whole job lasted about 20minutes and the elderly neighbour paid $400.

Later that same day the owner of our companys house was door knocked

and a card was left under the name "Mattys Tree Services"

I have done a few laps of this area in the last couple of days and havn't been able to find them about so I guess they have moved on for now to find some fresh victims.

Greenie :) · 19th October 2009, 10:36 PM

My names Sarah and I'm a studying journalist (don't judge me

im not the scum of the earth or a bloodsucker)

and atm I'm thinking about doing a story on dodgy doorknockers in Perth and was trying to get an idea on how big the problem is or isn't.

The idea sparked after my sister gave a few dollars to a man who was doorknocking for 'the dissabled' - he took the donation, put it in his pocket with no mention of tax deductions or a receipt and turned on his way with a simple 'thanks'.

hrmm thats not very professional.

He may have just been rude or in a rush but I think thats a little wrong.
Anywho, just looking for someone to talk to on dodgy doorknockers and their experiences. If anyone think they could help me out, please let me know - u can just reply or email me at sarah_my_elise@yahoo.com

Cheers!

and

Eric Frei · 20th October 2009, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greenie :)

Hello Reble9 and Co,

My names Sarah and I'm a studying journalist (don't judge me

im not the scum of the earth or a bloodsucker)

and atm I'm thinking about doing a story on dodgy doorknockers in Perth and was trying to get an idea on how big the problem is or isn't.

The idea sparked after my sister gave a few dollars to a man who was doorknocking for 'the dissabled' - he took the donation, put it in his pocket with no mention of tax deductions or a receipt and turned on his way with a simple 'thanks'.

hrmm thats not very professional.

He may have just been rude or in a rush but I think thats a little wrong.
Anywho, just looking for someone to talk to on dodgy doorknockers and their experiences. If anyone think they could help me out, please let me know - u can just reply or email me at sarah_my_elise@yahoo.com

Cheers!

and

Also see these 2 threads, have ACA video via Youtube in them.

Notorious Door Knocker Juliamafina Bloom| Current Affair Footage

Door Knocking Tree Loppers Current Affair Story 2

Some councils do put out warnings

Council puts out warning for rogue tree loppers

Eric Frei · 2nd March 2010, 03:33 PM

Get rego numbers and details next time, perhaps a picture.

New rule too for these people, they MUST give people the attached forms for services over $75.

Also note:-

Source: Rules for selling products door-to-door : Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation

Quote:

Rules for selling products door-to-door : Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation

If your business involves calling on customers at their home or making telephone appointments to visit the customer’s home to sell goods or services, you sell door to door. Because door-to-door selling is unsolicited, the law offers consumers added protection.

Your obligations

When you call on customers, explain your purpose and produce an identity card. You must also leave the premises when asked to do so.

You can not conduct door-to-door sales:

* before 9 am or after 6 pm Monday to Friday
* before 9 am or after 5 pm Saturday
* on Sunday or public holidays.

If a customer decides to buy a good or service worth more than $75, you must give them a:

* written contract setting out the total price, including GST
* notice explaining their right to cancel the contract and the mandatory 10-day cooling-off period, which enables them to change their minds without penalty within 10 days
* form they can use if they cancel the contract in the cooling-off period.

Download the forms for door-to-door sales below.
Cooling-off period

During the mandatory 10-day cooling-off period, you:

* must not ask for or accept any payment, including deposits
* must not supply any services or commence work
* can leave goods with the customer but at your own risk.

Breaches

If you breach the door-to-door trading laws, the customer may be able to cancel the contract within a six-month period, even after the cooling-off period has expired. It is also illegal to sell credit to consumers door to door.

Eric Frei · 5th May 2010, 09:39 PM

We keep telling but are people listening?

Beware of dodgy fellers - Local News - News - General - Camden Advertiser

Quote:

Beware of dodgy fellers
BY MICHELLE FENECH
05 May, 2010 09:40 AM

It's lucky Zana Lopez's children weren't playing in their backyard on Tuesday, April 6 - they could have been killed.

This mess (pictured) was left behind by a group of local tree pruners who cut down her neighbour's tree without permission. The tree landed in Mrs Lopez's yard and the adjoining fence was smashed.

She said the group was in the area door-knocking homes offering to cut down dangerous trees.

``They were just supposed to give my neighbour a quote but they went right ahead and cut the tree down,'' Mrs Lopez said.

``They didn't have right equipment and just chopped from the bottom and hoped it landed in the right direction but it didn't.

``My neighbour didn't know anything about it until someone rang my husband and said there's a tree down at your house and we called her.''

Camden police are investigating a spate of unauthorised tree pruning and removal work within the Camden local government area.

The unauthorised work has led to significant damage to a number of homes since Easter this year.

Police believe a small group of people have been soliciting tree pruning and removal works by door-knocking residents, suggesting a range of tree maintenance services and then advising that they have all the required permits and approvals to conduct those works.

Recently, unauthorised tree removal works in the Camden area were dealt with in court and fines totalling $41,250 were imposed upon the land owner and contractor.

Mrs Lopez said she wanted to warn people before someone got hurt.

``I've got two little girls who play outside all the time and have a swing set and trampoline out there,'' she said.

``Thank God we weren't home.''

After her neighbour complained the tree service sent someone back to cut the tree but has left the wood, broken fence and destroyed clothesline for Mrs Lopez to clean up.

All vegetation within Camden is protected and approvals are required from the council before anyone undertakes any tree pruning or removal.

Details: 4645 7777.

Astronacho · 14th August 2010, 02:00 AM

if u want to stop annoying door knockers, check these guys out

http://tinyurl.com/35489o5

Eric Frei · 14th August 2010, 08:29 AM

That's a good idea, I wonder if the govt would expand it like the do not call register ... thing is this is a private outfit and not a govt enforced one like the DO NOT CALL REGISTER

Astronacho · 14th August 2010, 02:32 PM

Yeah I guess that would be inevitable at some stage. I thought that Knockstoppers is a pretty funny name though

Eric Frei · 14th November 2010, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Frei

That's a good idea, I wonder if the govt would expand it like the do not call register ... thing is this is a private outfit and not a govt enforced one like the DO NOT CALL REGISTER

Seems Queensland is considering it.

Do Not Knock register push to deter door-to-door salespeople | Courier Mail

Quote:

A "DO Not Knock register" to stop door-to-door salespeople pestering householders will be considered by the Queensland Government.

The scheme would work in a similar way to the "Do Not Call register", which lets people list their phone numbers to stop unsolicited telemarketing calls. Businesses that break the law can be penalised.

Fair Trading Minister Peter Lawlor said he would raise the idea with his Cabinet colleagues. If they back it, the proposal will be taken up at a national level through the Council of Australian Governments.

Queensland Consumers' Association spokesman Ian Jarratt said people were sick of being bothered by often pushy marketing workers.

"Too many consumers in southeast Queensland are being pressured by commission-based, door-to-door marketers into signing up for energy contracts, which can make them worse off, are not suitable for their needs or are not the best available," he said.

Start of sidebar. Skip to end of sidebar.

End of sidebar. Return to start of sidebar.

"As a minimum, a national Do Not Knock register should be set up to apply to door-to-door marketing."

Energy Ombudsman Queensland Barry Adams said there had been an increase in complaints about marketing since March, with his office receiving an average of 27 complaints a week.

"People have simply been fed lies in some cases," he said. "Anyone who has been misled – or believes an attempt was made to do so – should contact the energy company involved first.

"Energy retailers need to know what is happening with the sales staff and customers can ask for contracts to be terminated without penalty."

If the company does not resolve the problem, consumers should complain to Mr Adams' office.

Fair Trading Queensland earlier this year produced "No door-to-door traders" stickers, which homeowners can place on doors, windows or letter-boxes to deter salespeople. They are free – go here, click on Search Catalogue and enter the code SSQCON76.

Fair Trading Minister Peter Lawlor said elderly people were often targeted and pressured into paying on the spot for goods or services – despite a legal 10-day cooling off period for anything worth more than $75.

The Energy Retailers Association of Australia plans to introduce self-regulation for door-to-door sales, including standardised training and recruitment, tracking and registering all door-knockers, an independent complaints process, auditing and possible sanctions for transgressions.

ERAA executive director Cameron O'Reilly said the industry preferred self-regulation over outside controls.

Rockdr · 22nd March 2011, 04:02 PM

G'day, new here.

Today I was painting the front room of the house. At 12pm someone was knocking on the door and an islander with a tradies orange shirt (and a gold front tooth) was standing there. Claims he was from Matty's Tree Services and was just door knocking to see if anybody needed some work done. I had already had a card from these guys left in my letterbox some time last year.

I have 5 trees (4 tall palms and a massive frangipani tree) that I want to get rid of. I decided to see what he says regarding the cost of getting rid of them.

He quoted $1000 for the 5 trees which he reckons included removal of all rubbish, and he could do it that day for cash only.

Karana Downs / Mt Crosby area.

Scam or legit?

Eric Frei · 22nd March 2011, 07:27 PM

Did he give it to you in writing along with other Dept Fair Trading paperwork about 10 day cooling off period etc?

And cash only smells scam don't you think?

Garry Brockley · 22nd March 2011, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rockdr

G'day, new here.

Today I was painting the front room of the house. At 12pm someone was knocking on the door and an islander with a tradies orange shirt (and a gold front tooth) was standing there. Claims he was from Matty's Tree Services and was just door knocking to see if anybody needed some work done. I had already had a card from these guys left in my letterbox some time last year.

I have 5 trees (4 tall palms and a massive frangipani tree) that I want to get rid of. I decided to see what he says regarding the cost of getting rid of them.

He quoted $1000 for the 5 trees which he reckons included removal of all rubbish, and he could do it that day for cash only.

Karana Downs / Mt Crosby area.

Scam or legit?

as they always say if it sounds to good to be true it usually is beware of door knockers

treeshaveneeds · 23rd March 2011, 04:21 AM

Cash that day only, and no contract, and probably includes brush removal - stay well away. You might find he wants his money up front, drops the trees, and walks away. With no contract, there's no liability.

CHOPPERLOT · 23rd March 2011, 08:28 AM

Did thay give u a card? If so can u post it up. Get more quotes.

Rockdr · 23rd March 2011, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Frei

Did he give it to you in writing along with other Dept Fair Trading paperwork about 10 day cooling off period etc?

And cash only smells scam don't you think?

Yep, I smelt it straight away since most of my mates have had trees removed for significantly more. I was just putting this up in case it is a legitimate dodgy operator.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garry Brockley

as they always say if it sounds to good to be true it usually is beware of door knockers

True, I decided to humour him and see what he would come out with, considering the bloke behind me had a large tree removed for $900. I was figuring at least a couple of grand minimum for what I need done.

Quote:

Originally Posted by treeshaveneeds

Cash that day only, and no contract, and probably includes brush removal - stay well away. You might find he wants his money up front, drops the trees, and walks away. With no contract, there's no liability.

Yeah he dropped the 'cash only today' thing at the end. When I made it clear I had no intentions of getting trees cut today, he lost interest really quickly.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CHOPPERLOT

Did thay give u a card? If so can u post it up. Get more quotes.

With pleasure.

The dude reckons they are from Wynnum. I did a search of the ABN and its registered in postcode 4132 which is Southside (Crestmead, Marsden etc).

Concerned local · 30th July 2011, 03:40 PM

Hey guys,

I'm new to this thread. I had a couple of dodgy Samoan's trying to scam me into felling some palm trees.

Thought I'd do some research on them and found a couple of mentions on this thread.

The business name is called Matty's Tree Services. (I have a scan of the business card if anyone is interested.)

After finding a business card in the letter box, I gave them a call to get a quote. They turned up on the day of the quote with a minivan (7 or 8) full of Samoans.

I showed them what I wanted done and was quoted a price of $2800 for the work.

They then started to be quite pushy to do the job there and then, I explained that I needed to go to work however they continued to be pushy.

They wanted to cut one tree down to show me how good they were and said I could pay them later. I again refused and told them that we could organise another time to do it.

We organised to have the work done a week later. They made me sign a receipt with nothing written on but the price (it was a $2 receipt book from a news agency.) Something didn't sit right with me so I started doing some research. I had another two quotes around the $1000 mark.

When I called them up to cancel the job, they started getting heavy, threatening me saying that I had "Signed the book" and I couldn't get out of it. Having a bit of knowledge about the Trade Practises Act, I told them to get stuffed and again cancelled the job.

They then threatened to get the lawyers onto me which I thought was quite amusing. We'll see what happens from here.

Does anyone know who you can call to have these clowns removed from the neighbourhood?

Eric Frei · 26th August 2011, 09:55 AM

Rotten timber cons - Crime - News - Free Press Leader

Quote:

Rotten timber cons
24 Aug 11

SCAMMERS are conning hills residents by seeking money over the phone and trying to convince people to have their trees chopped down without permits.

Yarra Ranges Council is investigating complaints about operators offering a “quick tree service” in the Upwey area, where trees are being removed without the appropriate permits.

And Consumer Affairs Victoria has received at least 10 complaints about dodgy tree operators - including one from Upwey - with some including complaints of damage caused to a house when a tree was felled.

The body warns residents that legitimate tradespeople rarely doorknock to tout for business.

Qualified arborist Adam Tozer alerted the Leader after several of his clients called him and said they had been doorknocked by operators who told them they had “dangerous” trees that needed to be removed.

Mr Tozer said he found nothing wrong with the trees on checking them, and urged residents to seek a qualified opinion in writing.

Council spokeswoman Tracey Varley said anyone who had been doorknocked by a contractor offering to remove trees without permits should contact the council immediately.

Meanwhile Olinda police are urging residents to beware of a phone scam in the Hills district. Police took several calls from locals early last week who received calls from people claiming to be from the Australian Government, who told them they were in line for a one-off “overpaid taxes” payment of between $5000 and $7000.

Sgt Andrew Herdman said the scammers asked for a $200 deposit, which if paid was never returned.

Eric Frei · 16th October 2011, 06:39 PM

This guy has been called out and busted by Dept of Fair Trading.

http://www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au/Ab...aStatement.pdf

ACA sting on over pricing - YouTube

Hard-as-Stihl · 21st October 2011, 03:37 PM

i wonder why they dont do it legally? do they make more then us doing it under the table? why do they need to door knock? just advertise your company in the phone book. (insured, bonded, certified, OSHA/ANSI compliant) stuff like, we go the extra mile because we care for your trees, sets you apart in advertising.

9th January 2009, 01:34 PM	#33
rangitata Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Brisbane, Queensland Posts: 56	Re: The official Aussie dob in a door knocker thread A group of door knockers were operating in Plucks Rd, Arana Hills, Brisbane on Wed 4th Jan 09. Heres the story I was told by one of our long term clients who owns the neighbouring property. He is an ex union offical, WH & S officer and his story has gone along way up the ladder with the state government. The "door knockers" where tasked to remove 3 trees in the rear of an elderly ladies (80 years plus) property. After removing one tree they asked if the neighbour had a rope? when told to "bugger off you are the professionals" they left and returned about a hour later. He went out the front and asked for the boss and a card from one of the blokes on the footpath and was told that he didn't have a card and the boss was in the truck up the road. At this stage the bloke pointed out another tree company (reputable) that was working in the same street At this stage the neighbour looked out and there was three blokes in his yard (without permisson) pulling on a rope. They then dropped a tree over 7m into his yard braking graden edging and plants. When he went down to find out what was going on he was told by four large blokes to "f... off". Not wanting a confrontation he retreated and got on the phone. The local council told him they couldn't do anything but could offer mediation between him and the door knockers WH & S where also rang, but they responded they were to busy and the door knockers would be gone when they could get there. After a few phone calls he looked out and the door knockers had left leaving the fallen section of tree in his yard and the other fallen trees in a creek. The whole job lasted about 20minutes and the elderly neighbour paid $400. Later that same day the owner of our companys house was door knocked and a card was left under the name "Mattys Tree Services" I have done a few laps of this area in the last couple of days and havn't been able to find them about so I guess they have moved on for now to find some fresh victims.

19th October 2009, 10:36 PM	#34
Greenie :) I'm new here so be nice Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Perth Posts: 1	Re: The official Aussie dob in a door knocker thread My names Sarah and I'm a studying journalist (don't judge me im not the scum of the earth or a bloodsucker) and atm I'm thinking about doing a story on dodgy doorknockers in Perth and was trying to get an idea on how big the problem is or isn't. The idea sparked after my sister gave a few dollars to a man who was doorknocking for 'the dissabled' - he took the donation, put it in his pocket with no mention of tax deductions or a receipt and turned on his way with a simple 'thanks'. hrmm thats not very professional. He may have just been rude or in a rush but I think thats a little wrong. Anywho, just looking for someone to talk to on dodgy doorknockers and their experiences. If anyone think they could help me out, please let me know - u can just reply or email me at sarah_my_elise@yahoo.com Cheers! and

14th August 2010, 02:00 AM	#38
Astronacho I'm new here so be nice Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Melbourne Posts: 2	Re: The official Aussie dob in a door knocker thread if u want to stop annoying door knockers, check these guys out http://tinyurl.com/35489o5 Last edited by Eric Frei; 14th August 2010 at 08:27 AM. Reason: changed link

14th August 2010, 08:29 AM	#39
Eric Frei Admin - Razor sharp and independent 2 X Diploma Level 5 qualified arborist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,811	Re: The official Aussie dob in a door knocker thread That's a good idea, I wonder if the govt would expand it like the do not call register ... thing is this is a private outfit and not a govt enforced one like the DO NOT CALL REGISTER __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

14th August 2010, 02:32 PM	#40
Astronacho I'm new here so be nice Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Melbourne Posts: 2	Re: The official Aussie dob in a door knocker thread Yeah I guess that would be inevitable at some stage. I thought that Knockstoppers is a pretty funny name though

22nd March 2011, 04:02 PM	#42
Rockdr I'm new here so be nice Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Brisbane Posts: 2	Re: The official Aussie dob in a door knocker thread G'day, new here. Today I was painting the front room of the house. At 12pm someone was knocking on the door and an islander with a tradies orange shirt (and a gold front tooth) was standing there. Claims he was from Matty's Tree Services and was just door knocking to see if anybody needed some work done. I had already had a card from these guys left in my letterbox some time last year. I have 5 trees (4 tall palms and a massive frangipani tree) that I want to get rid of. I decided to see what he says regarding the cost of getting rid of them. He quoted $1000 for the 5 trees which he reckons included removal of all rubbish, and he could do it that day for cash only. Karana Downs / Mt Crosby area. Scam or legit?

22nd March 2011, 07:27 PM	#43
Eric Frei Admin - Razor sharp and independent 2 X Diploma Level 5 qualified arborist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,811	Re: The official Aussie dob in a door knocker thread Did he give it to you in writing along with other Dept Fair Trading paperwork about 10 day cooling off period etc? And cash only smells scam don't you think? __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

23rd March 2011, 04:21 AM	#45
treeshaveneeds Veteran Heritage Status Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,399	Re: The official Aussie dob in a door knocker thread Cash that day only, and no contract, and probably includes brush removal - stay well away. You might find he wants his money up front, drops the trees, and walks away. With no contract, there's no liability. __________________ My business: Tree Pruning and Removals -- Strump Removals -- Advice -- Consulting -- Arborist Reports Consulting Forester If you want an honest opinion, call Brent Ferris...because, Trees want to Live Too ! We do great jobs, even in small yards. Free Estimates Oakville to Oshawa - North to Bradford (Will travel further if cost of travelling covered) Email -- treeshaveneeds@3web.com Cell 416-460-5704

23rd March 2011, 08:28 AM	#46
CHOPPERLOT Sappling Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: JIMBOOMBA QLD Posts: 12	Re: The official Aussie dob in a door knocker thread Did thay give u a card? If so can u post it up. Get more quotes.

30th July 2011, 03:40 PM	#48
Concerned local I'm new here so be nice Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Brisbane Posts: 1	Re: The official Aussie dob in a door knocker thread Hey guys, I'm new to this thread. I had a couple of dodgy Samoan's trying to scam me into felling some palm trees. Thought I'd do some research on them and found a couple of mentions on this thread. The business name is called Matty's Tree Services. (I have a scan of the business card if anyone is interested.) After finding a business card in the letter box, I gave them a call to get a quote. They turned up on the day of the quote with a minivan (7 or 8) full of Samoans. I showed them what I wanted done and was quoted a price of $2800 for the work. They then started to be quite pushy to do the job there and then, I explained that I needed to go to work however they continued to be pushy. They wanted to cut one tree down to show me how good they were and said I could pay them later. I again refused and told them that we could organise another time to do it. We organised to have the work done a week later. They made me sign a receipt with nothing written on but the price (it was a $2 receipt book from a news agency.) Something didn't sit right with me so I started doing some research. I had another two quotes around the $1000 mark. When I called them up to cancel the job, they started getting heavy, threatening me saying that I had "Signed the book" and I couldn't get out of it. Having a bit of knowledge about the Trade Practises Act, I told them to get stuffed and again cancelled the job. They then threatened to get the lawyers onto me which I thought was quite amusing. We'll see what happens from here. Does anyone know who you can call to have these clowns removed from the neighbourhood?

21st October 2011, 03:37 PM	#51
Hard-as-Stihl Mature tree Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: maui, hawaii Posts: 267	Re: Door Knocking SCUM! i wonder why they dont do it legally? do they make more then us doing it under the table? why do they need to door knock? just advertise your company in the phone book. (insured, bonded, certified, OSHA/ANSI compliant) stuff like, we go the extra mile because we care for your trees, sets you apart in advertising. __________________ Stihl MS192T 14" MS200T 16" MS261 16" MS440 25" Husqvarna 359 20" 394XP 32" Poulan P3314 14" ( new hire/groundy saw)

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