AA

[MattyF]

i tried to sell arboriculture in my first year in the yellow pages....didnt get a single call...now changed it to tree care and its definelty made a difference

 

yep tree care specialist works well evan the pikeys who stick the obligatory flyer with tick box for work then rip you off are doing it around my way now....... wich pisses me off.still found in my adverterts advatising as a tree care specialist and qualified arbrist helps i have got a few jobs becouse people want a arborist not a tree service ,any way steve you let the AA no the way forward now all us non approved contractors are doomed!as they will be advertising as tree care

[Tom D]

yep tree care specialist works well evan the pikeys who stick the obligatory flyer with tick box for work then rip you off are doing it around my way now....... wich pisses me off.still found in my adverterts advatising as a tree care specialist and qualified arbrist helps i have got a few jobs becouse people want a arborist not a tree service ,any way steve you let the AA no the way forward now all us non approved contractors are doomed!as they will be advertising as tree care

 

Just found this old thread, I seriously considered joining the AAAC scheme last year, it is suitable for small firms like mine and has many advantages.

 

The scheme only asks contractors to do what they should be doing anyway.

If all tree surgeons were members the bad pruning thread would have a lot less candidates.

The pikeys and cowboys drive prices down making it harder to make money as a reputable company, and therefore encoraging corner cutting (if you cant beat them join them).

There would be a lot fewer accidents if people had all the proper tickets.

 

There's just one problem NO ONE HAS HEARD OF THE SCHEME or in most cases even the AA.

 

I would love a CORGI type scheme and the AAAC could be that scheme if the AA gave it the backing it deserves. They could have a massive brand awareness drive and also get the insurance companies involved: House holders are liable for any dammage caused by poor tree work ie trees topped/tipped 10/20 years ago.

Local authorities could also help enforce the scheme: only AAAC's to work on TPO's and in conservation areas.

I have lost work after explaining to clients that they cannot top trees in conservation areas only to have cowboys come in and top them, all the council do is send a nasty letter to the owner.

 

The way i see it WE are the arborists WE are at the coal face If WE get organised and tell the AA what we want from the scheme they will listen. I did last year and they did respond but to make a difference we ALL need to pester them. If we want the scheme to be more open to smaller companies then lets tell the AA.

 

The guy to pester is Paul Smith [[email protected]]

 

I think all you business owners out there should ask for an application form and then contact the AA with recommendations as to how to make the scheme more small business friendly.

 

I hope this starts a fresh debate but its no good if our oppinions never leave this forum.

[benhudson treeworks]

Sounds like jobs for the boys to me, the "old boy" network is alive and kicking. Nowt wrong with any business promoting itself on a level playing field, but to insinuate that non-AA contractors arent fit to deal with is a kick in the teeth!! Most of the "big boys" started out with a battered old tranny van and knackered kit, and now they've made it big, they want to try and shut the door on future businesses. Does the AA make it possible for a small business, ie 1man band with a transit, chipper and a dog to meet its requirements for Approval?? If not do they not think it may be wise to include the grass roots businesses in some way, for the future of the industry? Even the mighty AA cannot survive solely on the backs of big business, they need to keep the little man on side too.

 

 

One other thing...the AA make out there a big organisation, its actually a little tin pot outfit working out of a couple of mobile homes !

[Steve Bullman]

One other thing...the AA make out there a big organisation, its actually a little tin pot outfit working out of a couple of mobile homes !

 

even if that were true, how is it relevant or for that matter, what difference does it make to a companies business

[benhudson treeworks]

even if that were true, how is it relevant or for that matter, what difference does it make to a companies business

 

The fact that theyre small isnt an issue but they dont have the capability to operate in a fully professional and efficient manner. It would be like you trying to do all your tree operations by yourself !

[Log-ologist]

We all suffer from a lack of public awareness. It would be fine if everyone was a member of the AA but what about other trade proficientcy schemes.

I get lots of calls because I am listed on several Neighbourhood Watch recomended tradesmen lists. That is more important than the AA to my customers because they know I can be trusted.

[Tom D]

Would'nt it be good if there was a mark, membership or certificate that we could have, like CORGI.

If so what form do you thinhk would be best?

Would you certify the company or the individual?

How would it be made useful to both small and large companies?

All we need is something which reduces the number of Pikeys and cowboys out there. They are seriously driving down prices. Because tree work is so expensive to get in to, ie equipment costs insurance etc our profits are low when compared with a plumber or sparky who only have to shell out a fraction on tools and equipment compared to what we do. Get rid of the pikeys and we'll all be minted!

[Dean Lofthouse]

Would'nt it be good if there was a mark, membership or certificate that we could have, like CORGI.

If so what form do you thinhk would be best?

Would you certify the company or the individual?

How would it be made useful to both small and large companies?

All we need is something which reduces the number of Pikeys and cowboys out there. They are seriously driving down prices. Because tree work is so expensive to get in to, ie equipment costs insurance etc our profits are low when compared with a plumber or sparky who only have to shell out a fraction on tools and equipment compared to what we do. Get rid of the pikeys and we'll all be minted!

 

You only have to look at the Federation of Master Builders to see the problems of controlling something like that, setting standards and enforcing them.

 

In an ideal world I would jump at the idea:icon14:

[benhudson treeworks]

Would'nt it be good if there was a mark, membership or certificate that we could have, like CORGI.

If so what form do you thinhk would be best?

Would you certify the company or the individual?

How would it be made useful to both small and large companies?

All we need is something which reduces the number of Pikeys and cowboys out there. They are seriously driving down prices. Because tree work is so expensive to get in to, ie equipment costs insurance etc our profits are low when compared with a plumber or sparky who only have to shell out a fraction on tools and equipment compared to what we do. Get rid of the pikeys and we'll all be minted!

 

Pikeys only do the work cos so much of it is unskilled and easy.

[Yorkshireman]

Pikeys only do the work cos so much of it is unskilled and easy.

 

& because to that customer cash is king,

Price always is a key factor & the more business set up & infrastructure you have, the more you need to charge ' its simple economics '

 

a lot depends on the asperation of the client & the value they put on their trees

 

Some do see the hidden costs !! however lots dont,