I had Mike out to my property and explained the work that needed doing. We talked about what he would and wouldnt do, and he provided a quote for the job.
The first red flag was when the scheduled day had to be delayed because of rain. Thats understandable, but what wasnt ok was texting me an hour AFTER he was supposed to show up, to tell me to reschedule a second time. Like I have nothing better to do?
On the day of work, he his partner showed up and got to work. The first hour went well, much to my expectations and to what Mike had promised. I think he and his partner then realized how much time the job would REALLY take, and started rushing, and then skipping, jobs. They completely ignored 5 of the plants wed agreed upon, which was a full quarter of the job. Several of the ones he did do were also not done properly.
He definitely talked a good talk, but there was no follow through He told me about cutting all the suckers off 3 inches below the ground, to make sure they wouldnt grow back, as well as taking off ALL the dead branches. He didnt do either.
I only noticed all of this after theyd left, as they appeared to be in a rush to leave. I emailed Mike to ask him to come back and finish the job. He argued the quote was for three hours work, which was not the case. His written quote was a set fee for the overall job. He approximated the time because I asked, but that was it.
The word approximate disappeared from the invoice lol
I think he underestimated the amount of time my job would take. This can happen, and ideally the company recognizes their mistake, understands they have to take a hit, and learns for next time. The good companies generally dont expect the client to pay for their estimating mistake.
Mike ended up sending me a series of antagonistic and threatening emails, and setting arbitrary deadlines for payment. I think he watches too many courtroom dramas.
In the end I paid him so as to make him go away, and did the plants myself.
I suspect KGS would be better off charging by the hour. I guess they dont want to do this because charging $65 an hour to prune bushes, cut down dead grass and leaf blow walkways would make most people think theyre crazy. Based on other companies in the area, they charge a premium of 50%, and arent worth it.
Charging that much means youre fast and efficient, and you provide an above-average service. They do neither.
Dont hire them, youll regret it.
Addendum: Mike just threatened to sue me for my negative review. Like I said, too many courtroom dramas. Do you really want to hire someone like that?
- Approximate cost of services:
- $400.00