The Green Industry's Resource Center

nobagger · #1 04-10-2005, 08:10 PM

Was just posting a reply about free estimates and it got me thinking. Like I said in my reply was I would be glad to join a "union" or some type of association that leveled the playing field for everyone. With very simple and minor regulations like, a lawn between 7k to 12k sq ft. must be charged between say $20.00 to $27.00. etc. And we are just talking lawns, no landscaping, JUST MOWING. I really think something like this would have to make us more professional and weed out the scrubs and lowballers. I know this would be a long shot to say the least, but ya never know.

dkeisala · #2 04-10-2005, 08:12 PM

That's called price fixing and it's illegal. The FTC would be all over you.

packerbacker · #3 04-10-2005, 08:13 PM

That and the fact that who says the customers will agree to those prices? Unions suck anyway. I dont need some clown telling me what I need to charge people. Its none of their business.

DLCS · #4 04-10-2005, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkeisala

That's called price fixing and it's illegal. The FTC would be all over you.

I'm not saying it would work but body shops, most service garages here all have a set hourly rate that is the same. I know all the body shops here belong to a oraganization to keep hourly rates the same.

DLCS · #5 04-10-2005, 08:20 PM

I read somewhere that Illinois is going to start regulating the lawn and landscaping industry. Basically to make sure companies are licensed, insured, and paying taxes. The state of Illinois is now realizing this industry is getting out of hand and the government isn't getting their fair share of tax money from part-time companies. I'm all for it, i'll gladly pay for some extra licensing or what not.

packerbacker · #6 04-10-2005, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DLCS

I read somewhere that Illinois is going to start regulating the lawn and landscaping industry. Basically to make sure companies are licensed, insured, and paying taxes. The state of Illinois is now realizing this industry is getting out of hand and the government isn't getting their fair share of tax money from part-time companies. I'm all for it, i'll gladly pay for some extra licensing or what not.

Damn bears fans

Im all for it also. There needs to be some sort of control but the industry is so big I cant see the government wasting time.

Jeff@SGLC.ca · #7 04-10-2005, 08:22 PM

I'd go for regulation of the industry as long as they don't over regulate it.

packerbacker · #8 04-10-2005, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff@SGLC.ca

I'd go for regulation of the industry as long as they don't over regulate it.

Thats why the government should do it and NOT a union.

Jeff@SGLC.ca · #9 04-10-2005, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by packerbacker

Thats why the government should do it and NOT a union.

My vote is in lol. Unions honestly stifle the economy, productivity and I could go on. I think with mandatory licensing, insurance, taxes and a crack down on the guys that don't have it would weed out the scrubs and ppl who shouldn't be in the industry and probably raise the going rate as well.

nobagger · #10 04-10-2005, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkeisala

That's called price fixing and it's illegal. The FTC would be all over you.

Now this is just a question, not a smart a$$ remark. But if you gave a large enough margin then how can the price be fixed?
Body shops and mechanics all across the world use a Mitchell labor guide book and they quote you the hours it will take to repair your car. If thats not price fixing, I don't know what is. And the best/worst part is if they quote you 5hrs and they get it done in 3hrs, guess what? you still pay for 5hrs.