Low prices are often quoted, but as the work starts the price often rises.
The work will normally be done immediately, before the householder changes their mind, and very often any information provided by the workmen, names, addresses, and telephone numbers are false, making them very hard to trace. In most cases the work is done to a very poor standard, leaving the owner facing a second bill to have the work done properly.
Very often green waste is either left or 'disposed of' in a neighbours garden.
Don't be caught out like these consumers were:
A Nuneaton resident was intimidated in to paying almost £500 for gardening work. The resident was approached by three men who offered to trim his hedges for £20.00. He agreed, but the men then proceeded to cut his lawn, and prune a rose bush and a tree and then demanded £500.
An elderly Stratford upon Avon resident was visit by a door to door trader who quoted the householder £60.00 to prune a tree. However, by the time the ‘gardener’ had finished, half the garden had been ‘pruned’ and the cost had risen to over £300. The householder paid after the trader used the ‘hard sell’, but later found that he had left all the cuttings behind a green house and in neighbours gardens.
A householder from a South Warwickshire village received a leaflet through the door before Christmas, and was then approached by the trader several weeks later when he came to collect it. The householder agreed a price of £60.00 to trim a tree, but the price rose as the trader, who describing the householders garden as a ‘real mess’, began to point out other ‘problems’ and employ the ‘hard sell’. The householder ended up paying over £200.
If you need work doing to your garden remember:
- don’t be forced in to making a quick decision on the doorstep.
- if you want work doing, get at least three quotes from local reputable companies who have reputations to maintain, and if possible seek recommendations.
- Only deal with local firms with genuine verifiable telephone numbers and addresses. Beware of companies that only use mobile phone numbers, and accommodation addresses.
- fix a price and be specific about what you want done.
- make sure you have everything written down – don’t rely on spoken agreements.
- if you are at all unsure say no.
- anyone who signs a contract on the door step following a visit that was not arranged (unsolicited) does have 7 days in which to cancel it. All cancellation rights must be provided in writing to the customer at the time the contract is agreed, (usually on the doorstep). It is an offence not to do so and any contract that is not accompanied by cancellation rights cannot be enforced (penalty on summary conviction, maximum fine £2,500).
- Finally, our best advice would be that if you don't want to speak to the person, don't open your door to them. It can be hard to distinguish the good traders from the cowboys; it might be easier to keep the door closed. Do not allow uninvited callers into your home.
In relation to tree work specifically
- If you are concerned that a tree in your garden is dangerous, have an expert examine it and provide a written report.
- If trees are to be removed, ensure they are not covered by a Tree Preservation Order or within a conservation area. If so consent for any work must be obtained from the local planning authority.
- Ensure that the trader you eventually employ is properly trained and has adequate insurance cover.
Contact Warwickshire Trading Standards Adviceline if you require further help or advice.
Whatever you do, don't agree to be taken down to the bank by these conmen to get money out.
If you ever feel intimidated by them, close the door and call the Police. Warn elderly neighbours and relatives about these traders and notify your local Trading Standards Service and Neighbourhood Watch if you see them operating in your street. |