Door Knocking SCUM!

Jeff Darby · 31st October 2007, 10:32 PM

Last week I was talking to one of our clients about how she went with getting the permission for the removal of the tree we were removing. Well a long story short, once the Tree Preservation Officer left the street, along came the Islanders knocking on her door. They tried and begged, to get the job out from under us, even asking our business name and contact number - we had quoted it a month earlier. She told him to PISS OFF and slammed the door in his face.

Today I was speaking with an other client, he was telling me just hours after he rang the council for his removal application, the islanders came door knocking - One driving and three running down the street bashing on doors for tree work. They bashed on his door even offering to cut down his tree before he had permission - This is when the TPO was following THEM down the street (the islanders have been stalking the TPO to see what houses he goes into for tree work). The TPO then jumped out of the car, grabbed them and ORDERED them out of the area. One of the Islanders then raised his fist at the TPO, but the TPO stood strong and all the Islander was, was a dog barking at the fence. They all jumped back into their Van (Fob-mobile) and took off.

Another scenario I know of is, the egyptian tree workers... They sit down the end of the street before the hubby' goes to work, then when he leaves and the mrs is at home, they go and knock and pressure them into getting the tree cut down that instant.

Although this isn't directly affecting our work load, it is affecting mine and Johns patience, that our loyal customers have to put up with this bullshit (aswell now as the TPO's) and johnny howard doesnt give a rats ass aslong as the $$$ is coming through (from us honest business-men).

JayD

Eric Frei · 1st November 2007, 07:14 AM

Same here, there wouldn't be a house in Brisbane that hasn't been knocked, and that's over 1/2 million households.

They get organized through their church, there's hundreds of them!

Other threads with same interest.

The doorknockers have hit Melbourne.

"Isle of Man Tree Surgery Club"

Plus QLD law on it

Fair Trading Qld

osb_mail · 1st November 2007, 11:18 AM

It sounds like you guys have a major problem with these guys .I don t see it being that bad around here .I really don t see door knocking being such a bad thing . Please don t everybody jump on my back and beat the crap out of me . I remember a few years ago when we had a bad ice storm , me and my friend went and bought a few saws and went door pounding clean up yards . Made some money had fun made one customer that called back wanted another tree cleaned . So that kind of how I got started I am still not full time but am trying to get there . And since I have bought thousands of dollars of equipment , got certified ,got insurance . I drive around town and see very dead trees close to publics places that could be major hazards . 2 that I can think of very clear and think if I get a slow spot in my work I am going to knock on these people door and give them a price . So does that make me a bad guy I would say no but is does make me door knocker .

shaggs · 1st November 2007, 01:10 PM

I hear the same thing very very often jayd. Islanders knocking on doors, starting at $1200 for a coco's palm then eventually going down to 2-300. What shits you is the pressure they put on the residents and say the tree has to come out etc. They even come back to the same street and try again.
I know the TPO in the Sutherland Shire is after them, but there is so many of them, they rotate and come and go.
Have you seen them work?? All cut and drop, probably no insurance and a van pulls up wil about 10 men women and kids all to clean up whilst the "cutter" moves on down the street!!!

Eric Frei · 1st November 2007, 02:08 PM

Osb,

It's all about your technique and advice.

Do you say all trees are dangerous and need to go?

Do you pretend you work for the local council and happen to notice ...... ?

Do you start at a price 4x higher than reality?

Do you pressure people?

Do you provide written no obligation quotes and allow people time to make decisions?

Do you approve of uninsured, no PPE and no skill?

There's a lot more to this than meets the eye, but it stinks to compete with scum.

Roller · 5th November 2007, 09:27 PM

There is a big difference OSB, we have door knockers over here, they pull the same stunts the Islanders in Australia do, I have door knocked legitamatly, I have pointed out real dangerous trees, but I haven't used any high pressure sales tactics the scum use , there is a very big difference.

osb_mail · 6th November 2007, 01:17 PM

Hey the other day I drove by 1 of the at high risk trees I saw and somebody got it cut down . So good for the owners of the tree .

Roller · 6th November 2007, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by osb_mail

Hey the other day I drove by 1 of the at high risk trees I saw and somebody got it cut down . So good for the owners of the tree .

Shame they never gave you a chance to bid for it

shaggs · 13th November 2007, 09:36 PM

Did 3 quotes today. Islanders had been to all 3 people the weeks before. Quote and offered to remove ANY tree on their properties, no permit required. Luckily these people got sceptical when the price halved, then halved again all in the space of 10mins. And the fact they started to get shitty when the customer didn't want them to do the work.

shaggs · 13th November 2007, 09:39 PM

What also Sh1ts you is the coincidence of dumped trees and palms on our urban fringe increasing when these guys are doing trees for prices that wont even get you in the gate to the local tip!!!!!!
Give us a bad name.

treekiwi · 15th November 2007, 08:14 AM

we have the same problems in NZ, the main thing which is really disturbing is thte fact these prey on the elderly, several instances where the islanders have TOLD the owner the trees need pruning and they will do the job and it will cost this much, they have been scared into getting tree work done!! how is this moral...

Eric Frei · 27th November 2007, 04:04 PM

I'm subscribed to the weekly newsletter of OFT here. Here's this weeks compatible bust.

Quote:

Two men have been fined more than $36,000 for breaching door-to-door trading laws and leaving several Queensland consumers with crumbling bitumen driveways fit only to be ripped up.
Petrie Magistrates Court ordered Mathew Walter Kefford, 26, of Mount Macedon, Victoria, to pay $30,000 in fines and convicted him under the door-to-door trading provisions of the Fair Trading Act 1989 (the Act).
One of Kefford's workers, Zacharia Larkham, 20, of Orange, New South Wales, was also ordered to pay $6,500 in fines.
Commissioner for Fair Trading Brian Bauer said the penalties were the serious consequences not only of the poor work on the six driveways, but also of ignoring consumers' rights under the door-to-door provisions of the Act.
"These conmen used the usual ploy of approaching people at home, saying they had some leftover bitumen from a job and they could lay a cheap bitumen driveway.
"They used high-pressure tactics, rushing consumers into making on-the-spot decisions and demanding cash upfront."
Mr Bauer said door-to-door trading laws were an important protection for both consumers and reputable traders.
"These men completed the work without a contract and breached provisions of the Act which prohibit money changing hands or work commencing within a 10-day cooling-off period.
"Mr Kefford and Mr Larkham failed to provide their contact details, refusing even to give surnames to their customers.
"Mr Kefford has previously been fined $2,000 for refusing to provide information after complaints about his sub-standard work made by two Closeburn residents.
"The Act provides important protections for consumers' rights when traders come knocking with unsolicited offers.
"Door-to-door traders must comply with their responsibilities under the Act."
Traders in breach of the Act face fines of up to $40,500 for individuals and $202,500 for companies.
For more information about door-to-door trading, visit Office of Fair Trading Home Page or phone 13 13 04.

See, send the Mexicans back I say, they're only trouble!

But seriously, just seems to be the place for conmen.

Drouin Tree Service · 27th November 2007, 04:56 PM

Bitumen laying contractors are REAL sharks,Some got chased outta here recently..

Eric Frei · 3rd December 2007, 08:06 AM

And here's yet another from our OFT this week.

Quote:

Consumers warned about fake digital camera seller

Fake brand name digital cameras have recently been offered for sale by a dodgy itinerant trader in south-east Queensland, the Commissioner for Fair Trading, Brian Bauer, has warned.

A well-dressed man with a strong European accent tried to sell a collection of fake Sony and Panasonic cameras to a Brisbane business last week, Mr Bauer said.

"The man said he had been told to deliver the cameras to the Slacks Creek address but it appeared the person was no longer there.

"The man then offered the cameras to the current occupants, saying his boss wouldn't be happy if he had to take them back.

"He claimed the cameras were worth $2000 each but he would accept $500 in cash.

"Fortunately, the canny consumer identified the cameras packaged in silver and purple boxes as a cheap fakes and asked the salesman to leave.

"Rogue traders like this man want to get rid of their fake goods quickly and will use all types of hard luck stories to make people feel they are getting a good deal.

"Consumers should be careful if they are approached by itinerant traders in places like service stations, shopping centre car parks or places of business.

"Consumers who buy from itinerant sales people also run the risk of purchasing stolen goods. At best they could be buying products that have been misrepresented and have no warranty."

ropensaddle · 3rd December 2007, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ekka

I'm subscribed to the weekly newsletter of OFT here. Here's this weeks compatible bust.

See, send the Mexicans back I say, they're only trouble!

But seriously, just seems to be the place for conmen.

Yeah around here the door knockers are illegals that pay no tax,
insurance,and thanks to our gov get free health care stinks I am
with ya

shaggs · 3rd December 2007, 02:12 PM

Im keeping my camera handy to hopefully snap some in the act

Eric Frei · 3rd December 2007, 06:09 PM

Snap their rego numbers too!

I video them when I see them. It's best to do that when they hack a protected tree.

You can sit around waiting for some-one to care or make a law, or start gathering the evidence and exerting the pressure ... DOB THEM IN.

Eric Frei · 31st May 2008, 01:04 PM

USA media alerts their readers.

Take Care When Removing Tree Damage - Omaha News Story - KETV Omaha

Quote:

A warning has been released by the Nebraska Forest Service to be careful about whom you hire to help clean up tree damage. When looking for someone to clear limbs and trim damaged trees, do your homework first. The first red flag, state arborists said, is an individual who goes door to door soliciting business. Reputable companies typically won't use that tactic.

StrictlyPalms · 31st May 2008, 05:38 PM

Here's a link to some of the crap pulled, mostly on the elderly, in the US.

Outwitting Gypsy Home Repair And Home Improvement Hustlers

In Florida after we had 4 hurricanes in one summer come through the Gypsies came in and started here.... after the hurricane in Louisiana they moved there...

Con men are in every country with different names. Some get caught most do not, unfortunately.

vitex42 · 3rd June 2008, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by treekiwi

we have the same problems in NZ, the main thing which is really disturbing is thte fact these prey on the elderly, several instances where the islanders have TOLD the owner the trees need pruning and they will do the job and it will cost this much, they have been scared into getting tree work done!! how is this moral...

I've had some experience of trying to catch these blokes and prosecute them. Like chasing mercury around a dinner plate.

If prosecution looms, they disappear off overseas never to be seen again. The EMOs (TPOs to you) often couldn't be bothered to prosecute them.

I reckon the best way to get at these boys is to go to their church and point out that there are major inconsistencies between their professed faith and the brutal 'standover' tactics that they use on frail and elderly 'palangis' (the accepted word for forinners - i.e. you 'n me).

Auckland City Council has prosecuted at least one of these guys, so it can be done.

Eric Frei · 3rd June 2008, 07:54 PM

When I was over there I was getting called a Pakeha ... well it sounded like that "park eee haaa" WTF does that mean?

Then again I said I was going for a drive to Wang err eee everyone laughed coz it's pronounce "fong err aye" LOL

Eric Frei · 8th August 2008, 10:22 PM

Check this out.

From the police and even the bank staff help.

Scoop: Beware Tree Pruners And Others Who 'Cold Call'

Quote:

Beware Tree Pruners And Others Who 'Cold Call'

Thursday, 7 August 2008, 1:42 pm
Press Release: New Zealand Police

Tree Pruners And Others Who 'Cold Call' At Your Back Door

New Zealand Police Canterbury News Release
1:09pm 7 August 2008

Christchurch Police Community Police officer Deborah Smalley appeared on Fair Go this week on the perennial story of the tree pruners and others who 'cold call' at your back door offering gardening and hedge trimming.

"Many of these groups - and they often work in groups of five or more, come 'cold calling' at homes, knocking on doors and windows and walking around properties without consent," she says. "They are well known for overcharging, particularly the elderly, for basic jobs."

Customers are often persuaded to pay outrageous prices for what are really just small jobs however they are not done professionally and often ruin trees.

"They often take advantage of the elderly and vulnerable. I've been told of tree workers pretending to not understand language, and then try to push up prices they had early quoted," says Deborah Smalley.

The two worst recent incidents in Christchurch she knows of, both involved people in their 80's.

"One was seriously overcharged for poor and incomplete work. The trimmers then returned several times to be paid over and over for the same work. The second person was being charged $350 to have work done, however payment was collected twice weekly for the same job."

In both of these instances bank staff have become concerned and intervened by refusing to cash large cheques to protect their customers.

In the earlier years of operation the workers showed little knowledge or skill in their work. They tended to mostly use rudimentary tools such as machetes for trimming and very few chain saws. The quality of work was reported to be extremely poor and frequently brutal to vegetation. It is very unlikely that any of the operators had any formal training as an arborist despite claims to the contrary.

In more recent times the trimmers have become more confident and bold in their methods of operation. Outwardly they appear professional, wearing high visibility fluro vests and work with proper equipment and machinery. The skill involved or quality of work carried out is believed to have not greatly improved.

"One of the features about groups and individuals involved in these activities is suspicious or overbearing behaviour and failure to leave any contact details at properties visited," Senior Constable Smalley says. "They often claim to be raising money for community groups such as a choir or a church group."

Senior Constable Smalley says that there are problems in tracking these groups down later because groups have multiple business cards, different names, and are very hard to find because they have no business or street address.

Senior Constable Smalley has advice for dealing with the 'cold caller'.

„X Anyone who comes to your door offering goods or services uninvited should be treated with suspicion.

„X If a deal seems too good to be true it probably is.

„X If there is pressure to accept any offer on the day, steer clear of it.

„X Don't be afraid to ask for a quote.

„X Ask your friends, family and neighbours for support in making decisions.

„X If there is anyone on your property whom you don't want there, ask them to leave. If they do not do so promptly, call the police.

„X Family, friends and neighbours, please keep an eye on each other - be a good neighbour.

Steve Tipton · 9th August 2008, 09:35 AM

Bastards!

They haven't been around here for a while, as far as I know.

Eric Frei · 17th October 2008, 11:42 PM

Must see.

Notorious Door Knocker Juliamafina Bloom| Current Affair Footage

And the second video of it ....

Door Knocking Tree Loppers Current Affair Story 2

treekiwi · 19th October 2008, 05:34 PM

hey Ekka,
'Pakeha' is the maori word for european. I used to be 'Pakeha' on our electrol role but thats not pc anymore so its 'european' lol.

TrevMcRev · 8th November 2008, 10:43 PM

Here's a job we got called in to complete. Left unfinished by the doorknockers.

2 trees, both left like this, stumps high, branches scattered everywhere (including neighbours property), logwood left so big you had to be a samoan to move it

The unsuspecting customer was left with all this to get rid off in addition to what he paid the doorknockers.

They tried to get him to do 1 more due to 1 only borer hole, telling him it had termites, fortunately that tree still stands as he was suspect.

The whole street and area was full of similar looking front yards.

This are requires planning permits for tree removal. This process usually takes several weeks in this area, i'm sure every 2nd house didn't happen to just have one handy.

Eric Frei · 9th November 2008, 08:32 AM

We have covered extensively on the forum the requirement that people should post up their qualifications, you can get blogs for free these days, there's no excuse. Having some crappy chainsaw ticket with a first aid course is not qualified in my book, the industry expects a certain level of qualification before some-one makes recommendations for removing a tree or calling it dangerous. Yes, door knockers use that technique all the time, they even suggest deciduous trees are dead and need to be cut down.

We also have a pack of Indian's or Pakistanis, not sure which that do the same however they're not as prevalent as the islanders have been over the last few years. I'd say they have been "out knocked."

I dont see other nationalities doing it, never had complaints of Aussies door knocking and ripping people off, rarely see it, you might see it when they have a truck load of mulch to unload or working in the street and talk to neighbours ..... in cases like that I give a free written quote, no BSing around about cash or do now cheap etc. If a neighbour comes out and invites you then that's different and doesn't apply under the act because you were invited.

Maybe you can influence these people to change their ways and live by Australian law.

There's also a law for unconscionable conduct. It's there to protect the elderly, vulnerable etc. I would call it unconsionable to raise the price $300 after the job making a total of $900 to cut down (no stump grind) 1 small alexandra palm that took them 20minutes all up and the customer was 81 years old.

Every time I get some phone, electric account sales person or charity collector at the door they have photographic ID and when asked to leave they must.

Sure anyone can door knock, the rules are simple, with written fixed price quotes with cooling off periods.

Also watch the hours you door knock.

Current Queensland Law. Fair Trading Qld - Door to Door Sales - Door to door trading hours exemptions

Quote:

Under the Act, companies in Queensland can trade door-to-door only between the hours of 9.00am – 6.00pm Monday to Friday and 9.00am – 5.00pm on Saturdays.

No trading is permitted on Sundays or public holidays.

It is illegal for door-to-door salespeople to visit Queensland homes outside these hours unless their business has received a special exemption from the Office of Fair Trading, which allows them to trade until 8.00pm on weeknights.

From 1 November 2008, no exemptions from normal door-to-door trading hours have been granted.

Anyone found to have breached the Act faces fines of up to $40,500 for individuals and $202,500 for companies.

Victorian Consumer Affairs Door Knocker Warning

NSW Law: Door-to-door sales and telemarketing - NSW Office of Fair Trading

Quote:

5 day cooling-off period

There is a cooling-off period of 5 clear business days during which a consumer may cancel a direct commerce contract.

Consumers must be given written information about their cancellation rights before the contract is made. Telemarketers must give consumers the information over the phone and follow up with written information.

Consumers can cancel their contract by giving written notice to the dealer or supplier during the cooling-off period. They can give notice in person, by mail, fax or email and the following applies:

*
door-to-door sales – within 5 clear business days from the day the contract was made

A dealer or supplier must not collect any fees during the cooling-off period for services provided by the dealer or supplier during that period.

Example: A roof repairer who calls uninvited and charges more than $100 for a job cannot collect payment if the repair work is carried out during the cooling-off period.

TrevMcRev · 10th November 2008, 08:06 AM

Just to show we are not making this stuff up.

Eric Frei · 22nd December 2008, 08:47 PM

Seems over in Western Australia they have troubles too. Again note the mention of Islanders, I DO NOT MAKE THIS UP!

Rogue tree loppers - DOCEP

Quote:

Wednesday, 19 November 2008

Foreign sounding touts door-knocking

The Consumer watchdog is warning householders to be very wary of people who are knocking on doors touting for work lopping trees.

Reports are that people with distinct Pacific Island accents are currently in the marketplace and are denying customers their rights and protections under door-to-door trading laws.

Investigations are underway following a number of complaints from consumers about tree loppers making high pressure unsolicited sales visits to suburban households.

“There are numerous reasons not to deal with these people. They do not provide quotes or receipts for money paid, and they demand cash payment,” Consumer Protection Commissioner Anne Driscoll said.

“It is also likely that they do not carry insurance for any damage they may cause. These tree loppers call uninvited and, contrary to the Door to Door Trading Act, they call on Sundays, accept payment and carry out work during the ten day cooling off period,” she said.

Consumer warnings were issued in 2006 and 2007 about a similar operation which involved:

* providing misleading information about when council rubbish collections are to take place;
* having only a mobile phone number as a contact and not returning messages;
* failing to issue receipts for payments;
* undertaking unauthorised work;
* failing to complete work;
* damaging property; and
* requiring cash payments up front.

“We strongly urge people to be very vigilant and not to have anything to do with cold callers. Consumers should contact us for assistance if they have any doubts.

Telephone 1300 30 40 54 or email consumer@docep.wa.gov.au .

And this one was an old warning from 2007. Please note, they use business names that are similar, copies, or imply professionalism. Believe me, I have people around me with multiple websites with very similar URL's trying to cash in on my good honest hard work and name. Just scum!

Green Waste tree lopper menace strikes again - DOCEP

Quote:

Monday, 6 August 2007

Green Waste tree lopper menace strikes again - Sean Robert Weinthal – Palm and Tree Professionals

A rogue tree lopper is leaving many consumers with holes in their gardens, roofs and pockets. Sean Robert Weinthal of Wanneroo runs a tree lopping service under the apparent name Palm and Tree Professionals.

This unscrupulous tree lopper lures consumers with flyers left in letterboxes stating that local council verge-side collections of green waste are commencing in the next two weeks.

Consumer Protection Commissioner Patrick Walker said Mr. Weinthal ignores the council laws that state how long green waste is allowed to be on the verge before a collection and uses the flyer to mislead consumers into using his services.

“In some cases the green waste collection dates have been over three months away and he has left the consumer to face the clean up bill or possible fines by the council.

“Many consumers have complained that Mr. Weinthal’s work is substandard. He has left work unfinished and has done unauthorised work. In one case he has left a consumer with a dangerous hole in her roof without providing insurance or any form of support to repair it.

“Although he provides a mobile phone number he appears to use a message-bank to filter his calls. He rarely returns calls and leaves no address for people to contact him in the event of problems,” Mr. Walker said.

Beyond these serious allegations the Department has collected a detailed list of complaints including: failure to issue written quotes or receipts; demanding payment up front; and disputing prices.

“I am particularly concerned that Mr. Weinthal is misleading some consumers, does not use a registered business name on his flyers and it is almost impossible for consumers to contact him when problems occur.

“We recommend consumers get at least two quotes from reputable businesses and check with their council about collection dates, waste size and quantity,” advised Mr. Walker.

Consumer Protection publicly named Mr. Weinthal last year for distributing a similar flyer under the business names of Metropolitan Tree Services and Experienced Tree Service.

OutofMytree · 23rd December 2008, 02:48 PM

Whilst we chat about doorknocking in this thread, I still knock on doors myself. When we work in a street my crew will drop leaflets in neighbouring houses and if I see something that clearly needs immediate attention, like a powerline job, I will have a chat with the homeowner if they are present, or leave them a note if they are not.

This thread has been all about the negative aspects of doorknocking and whilst I agree with the cases presented thus far, I feel it is worth sharing my own positive experiences too. 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.

31st October 2007, 10:32 PM	#1
Jeff Darby Moderator - Previously known as JayD Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: TreeWorld, Sydney Australia Posts: 2,029	Door Knocking SCUM! Last week I was talking to one of our clients about how she went with getting the permission for the removal of the tree we were removing. Well a long story short, once the Tree Preservation Officer left the street, along came the Islanders knocking on her door. They tried and begged, to get the job out from under us, even asking our business name and contact number - we had quoted it a month earlier. She told him to PISS OFF and slammed the door in his face. Today I was speaking with an other client, he was telling me just hours after he rang the council for his removal application, the islanders came door knocking - One driving and three running down the street bashing on doors for tree work. They bashed on his door even offering to cut down his tree before he had permission - This is when the TPO was following THEM down the street (the islanders have been stalking the TPO to see what houses he goes into for tree work). The TPO then jumped out of the car, grabbed them and ORDERED them out of the area. One of the Islanders then raised his fist at the TPO, but the TPO stood strong and all the Islander was, was a dog barking at the fence. They all jumped back into their Van (Fob-mobile) and took off. Another scenario I know of is, the egyptian tree workers... They sit down the end of the street before the hubby' goes to work, then when he leaves and the mrs is at home, they go and knock and pressure them into getting the tree cut down that instant. Although this isn't directly affecting our work load, it is affecting mine and Johns patience, that our loyal customers have to put up with this bullshit (aswell now as the TPO's) and johnny howard doesnt give a rats ass aslong as the $$$ is coming through (from us honest business-men). JayD __________________ Member: Australian Tree Association Join the Australian Tree Association...Have your voice heard ! Arboriculture, A life long study for some, a passing phase for others © Jeffrey J Darby 2011

1st November 2007, 07:14 AM	#2
Eric Frei Admin - Razor sharp and independent 2 X Diploma Level 5 qualified arborist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,811	Re: Door Knocking SCUM! Same here, there wouldn't be a house in Brisbane that hasn't been knocked, and that's over 1/2 million households. They get organized through their church, there's hundreds of them! Other threads with same interest. The doorknockers have hit Melbourne. "Isle of Man Tree Surgery Club" Plus QLD law on it Fair Trading Qld __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

1st November 2007, 11:18 AM	#3
osb_mail Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: ohio Posts: 202	Re: Door Knocking SCUM! It sounds like you guys have a major problem with these guys .I don t see it being that bad around here .I really don t see door knocking being such a bad thing . Please don t everybody jump on my back and beat the crap out of me . I remember a few years ago when we had a bad ice storm , me and my friend went and bought a few saws and went door pounding clean up yards . Made some money had fun made one customer that called back wanted another tree cleaned . So that kind of how I got started I am still not full time but am trying to get there . And since I have bought thousands of dollars of equipment , got certified ,got insurance . I drive around town and see very dead trees close to publics places that could be major hazards . 2 that I can think of very clear and think if I get a slow spot in my work I am going to knock on these people door and give them a price . So does that make me a bad guy I would say no but is does make me door knocker .

1st November 2007, 01:10 PM	#4
shaggs Mature tree Join Date: May 2007 Location: sydney Posts: 422	Re: Door Knocking SCUM! I hear the same thing very very often jayd. Islanders knocking on doors, starting at $1200 for a coco's palm then eventually going down to 2-300. What shits you is the pressure they put on the residents and say the tree has to come out etc. They even come back to the same street and try again. I know the TPO in the Sutherland Shire is after them, but there is so many of them, they rotate and come and go. Have you seen them work?? All cut and drop, probably no insurance and a van pulls up wil about 10 men women and kids all to clean up whilst the "cutter" moves on down the street!!!

1st November 2007, 02:08 PM	#5
Eric Frei Admin - Razor sharp and independent 2 X Diploma Level 5 qualified arborist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,811	Re: Door Knocking SCUM! Osb, It's all about your technique and advice. Do you say all trees are dangerous and need to go? Do you pretend you work for the local council and happen to notice ...... ? Do you start at a price 4x higher than reality? Do you pressure people? Do you provide written no obligation quotes and allow people time to make decisions? Do you approve of uninsured, no PPE and no skill? There's a lot more to this than meets the eye, but it stinks to compete with scum. __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

5th November 2007, 09:27 PM	#6
Roller Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Suffolk UK Posts: 143	Re: Door Knocking SCUM! There is a big difference OSB, we have door knockers over here, they pull the same stunts the Islanders in Australia do, I have door knocked legitamatly, I have pointed out real dangerous trees, but I haven't used any high pressure sales tactics the scum use , there is a very big difference. __________________ www.arboraeration.co.uk Tree healthcare specialists covering the UK

6th November 2007, 01:17 PM	#7
osb_mail Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: ohio Posts: 202	Re: Door Knocking SCUM! Hey the other day I drove by 1 of the at high risk trees I saw and somebody got it cut down . So good for the owners of the tree .

13th November 2007, 09:36 PM	#9
shaggs Mature tree Join Date: May 2007 Location: sydney Posts: 422	Re: Door Knocking SCUM! Did 3 quotes today. Islanders had been to all 3 people the weeks before. Quote and offered to remove ANY tree on their properties, no permit required. Luckily these people got sceptical when the price halved, then halved again all in the space of 10mins. And the fact they started to get shitty when the customer didn't want them to do the work.

13th November 2007, 09:39 PM	#10
shaggs Mature tree Join Date: May 2007 Location: sydney Posts: 422	Re: Door Knocking SCUM! What also Sh1ts you is the coincidence of dumped trees and palms on our urban fringe increasing when these guys are doing trees for prices that wont even get you in the gate to the local tip!!!!!! Give us a bad name.

15th November 2007, 08:14 AM	#11
treekiwi Certificate in Horticulture (Level 4) + Diploma in Arboriculture (Level 6) Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: New Zealand Posts: 258	Re: Door Knocking SCUM! we have the same problems in NZ, the main thing which is really disturbing is thte fact these prey on the elderly, several instances where the islanders have TOLD the owner the trees need pruning and they will do the job and it will cost this much, they have been scared into getting tree work done!! how is this moral...

27th November 2007, 04:56 PM	#13
Drouin Tree Service Veteran Heritage Status Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Australia Posts: 1,696	Re: Door Knocking SCUM! Bitumen laying contractors are REAL sharks,Some got chased outta here recently.. __________________ Drouin Tree Services \| Excavator Hire - Drouin and SE Gippsland \| Landclearing Melbourne

3rd December 2007, 02:12 PM	#16
shaggs Mature tree Join Date: May 2007 Location: sydney Posts: 422	Re: Door Knocking SCUM! Im keeping my camera handy to hopefully snap some in the act

3rd December 2007, 06:09 PM	#17
Eric Frei Admin - Razor sharp and independent 2 X Diploma Level 5 qualified arborist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,811	Re: Door Knocking SCUM! Snap their rego numbers too! I video them when I see them. It's best to do that when they hack a protected tree. You can sit around waiting for some-one to care or make a law, or start gathering the evidence and exerting the pressure ... DOB THEM IN. __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

31st May 2008, 05:38 PM	#19
StrictlyPalms Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Orlando, Florida USA Posts: 177	Re: Door Knocking SCUM! Here's a link to some of the crap pulled, mostly on the elderly, in the US. Outwitting Gypsy Home Repair And Home Improvement Hustlers In Florida after we had 4 hurricanes in one summer come through the Gypsies came in and started here.... after the hurricane in Louisiana they moved there... Con men are in every country with different names. Some get caught most do not, unfortunately. __________________ Strictly Palms, Inc. Orlando, Florida USA

3rd June 2008, 07:54 PM	#21
Eric Frei Admin - Razor sharp and independent 2 X Diploma Level 5 qualified arborist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,811	Re: Door Knocking SCUM! When I was over there I was getting called a Pakeha ... well it sounded like that "park eee haaa" WTF does that mean? Then again I said I was going for a drive to Wang err eee everyone laughed coz it's pronounce "fong err aye" LOL __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

9th August 2008, 09:35 AM	#23
Steve Tipton Over mature heritage tree Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Sydney Posts: 823	Re: Door Knocking SCUM! Bastards! They haven't been around here for a while, as far as I know. __________________ Heightmaster

17th October 2008, 11:42 PM	#24
Eric Frei Admin - Razor sharp and independent 2 X Diploma Level 5 qualified arborist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,811	Re: Door Knocking SCUM! Must see. Notorious Door Knocker Juliamafina Bloom\| Current Affair Footage And the second video of it .... Door Knocking Tree Loppers Current Affair Story 2 __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

19th October 2008, 05:34 PM	#25
treekiwi Certificate in Horticulture (Level 4) + Diploma in Arboriculture (Level 6) Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: New Zealand Posts: 258	Re: Door Knocking SCUM! hey Ekka, 'Pakeha' is the maori word for european. I used to be 'Pakeha' on our electrol role but thats not pc anymore so its 'european' lol.

8th November 2008, 10:43 PM	#26
TrevMcRev Mature Tree Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Posts: 1,605	Re: The official Aussie dob in a door knocker thread Here's a job we got called in to complete. Left unfinished by the doorknockers. 2 trees, both left like this, stumps high, branches scattered everywhere (including neighbours property), logwood left so big you had to be a samoan to move it The unsuspecting customer was left with all this to get rid off in addition to what he paid the doorknockers. They tried to get him to do 1 more due to 1 only borer hole, telling him it had termites, fortunately that tree still stands as he was suspect. The whole street and area was full of similar looking front yards. This are requires planning permits for tree removal. This process usually takes several weeks in this area, i'm sure every 2nd house didn't happen to just have one handy. Attached Thumbnails

10th November 2008, 08:06 AM	#28
TrevMcRev Mature Tree Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Posts: 1,605	Re: The official Aussie dob in a door knocker thread Just to show we are not making this stuff up. Attached Thumbnails

23rd December 2008, 02:48 PM	#30
OutofMytree Former Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Perth Posts: 307	Re: The official Aussie dob in a door knocker thread Whilst we chat about doorknocking in this thread, I still knock on doors myself. When we work in a street my crew will drop leaflets in neighbouring houses and if I see something that clearly needs immediate attention, like a powerline job, I will have a chat with the homeowner if they are present, or leave them a note if they are not. This thread has been all about the negative aspects of doorknocking and whilst I agree with the cases presented thus far, I feel it is worth sharing my own positive experiences too. 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.

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