why are tree men always broke?

newguy18

I was at work a couple days a]o and asked stirman trees why is it tree men are always broke?I know why I'm always broke but I'm intrested to see you guys answer this question.

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old schooler

cte539

I'm filthy rich
Paul

second-gen_monkey

as a fledgeling company i my father and i have to compete with the likes of asplundh, Native Tree, and many other well established companys. as a result we tend to have no choice but to low-ball bids, generally the company makes between 3 and 5% profit but only if everything works out right.

working with either of the previously mentioned companies would not help me much as they still pay damn near slave wages considering the work. i might live more comfortably and make a little more working for them but i'd kill myself from the stress of work and dealing with the ground crews (i dont speak spanish or creol). i'm happy being fairly broke but making my living honestly and without wanting to throw a saw at someone for being stupid.

dov

In a lot of cases I think it comes down to poor costing. I've upped my prices a lot recently after reviewing everything. Still got more sawdust in the pockets than money, but the balance is changing. (Actually I must remember to take my wallet out of my pocket when climbing. The flurry of sawdust on shop counters when getting my lunch etc. is embarrassing!)

kel

Don't know what your talking about, we got heaps. There is the urge to spend after a big week in the trees because "you deserve it", but if I keep handing the $ over to the wife at the end of each day, and just keep a 20 in the wallet, I limit the damage. Great occupation and you get paid well for it.

newguy18

It must be a differnt ball game in fl then I think I need to move to oz and tackle some of the big gums in victoria.

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dov

Hmm. The wife. I've gotta get me one of those. I'm not so good at budgeting...

Eric Frei

LOL, and do you really think she'll help you save or spend?

And when she's done with you she'll take anything that's left ....

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Brent Ferris

Well said Ekka.

I agree with newguy and sgm. The job may pay well, but when all is said and done, my guys take home more than me.
If my bid is the only one, that's great, but if others are bidding - esp low ballers, it is real tough to compete.
And we are in a recession here, so the regular prices are already down 10-15% -- and you can't afford to turn work away, because there isn't that much. I am just finishing up a job - where to get it, had to drop the price another 20% . Hired another (contract) climber to do most of the tree work, to get the job done faster, and save some $$ -- and he did a great job. However, this job needed permits, and we started that process last October, and it took until June to get the permits. And that kind of timeline totally f***s you up.
I can understand the need for permits to limit tree removal, and I agree the city should have more trees, but there are some quirks that if remedied would get to the goal of 40% tree cover a whole lot faster, than taking 3-9 months to get permission.

Certainly if you look at all the costs, and what you can get (at least in Toronto) it is hardly worth being in business. BUt I certainly wouldn't want to work for someone else. And even being poor, at least I know I satisfy some people, and help some trees.
Just wish I could get out of debt...

Eric Frei

Re: why are tree men always broke?

because they are always buying gear and tinkering.

Some, not all, also lack business education or knowledge and work for themselves but charge like employees not businesses.

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sueann

I handle all our money..maybe that's why we run out sometimes. But that's ok, he just goes and earns more.

Brent Ferris

Seems to me I charge enough, but expenses keep eroding the profit. And if I charge more, I don't get the job.

sueann

That's odd, my inbox says there's a post here by someone called katie, but I can't find it..where is it?

Jeff Darby

Unfortunately Katie was a troll that posted information that could not be substantiated as a result that member was banned. personal attacks will not be tolerated on Treeworld.

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sueann

Oh right! I get it, nope it's rude to attack people.. unless they attack you first haha! then it's ok to pummel them to the dirt!

Nah, people bite back and next thing there's a big sh*tfight. A garden forum I used to go on folded because of ppl doing that, shame too, I used to like it, but it can take just one nasty person to start it.