TPO applications

[RexPayne]

Does anyone charge for doing TPO applications? I only ask as my boss doesn't, but recently he has done all the paperwork/got relevant permissions for tree owners only for them to use someone else to do the job cheaper. Needless to say he's hacked off and has decided he might have to start charging. Anyone had similar experience?

[PC Treescapes]

I do them for free once the customer has agreed for us to do the work (accepted our price), yes they could still pull out and use another contracter at the last minute, but this has not happened yet

[Hodge]

I put in the quote that I will apply as part of the price of the job but I state that if once I have applied they get someone else to do the work there is a fee of £100. I have heard of tree surgeons looking at the applications on line and then contacting the customer and poaching work. I find this very low indeed!

[10 Bears]

I use the same approach as PC Treescapes - but your proviso Hodge, is a good idea. I may have to start using that myself, but to be fair, Ive not had any jobs poached.

[leswold]

Poaching like that stinks. We do the checks online or by phone & if a TPO/CA applies, won't tell the council until a quote is accepted. Been ok so far.

[Darrin Turnbull]

I would charge something , which would be deducted once the job is excepted

[benedmonds]

I charge for ones that I think are going to get rejected... Those that I am pretty sure will go through are included in the works.

[Gray git]

I'm the same as hodge with the fee for gaining permission but then not doing the work and this also includes if the client changes there mind and not proceed with the work at all.

Only had to do this once as client decided to do the work themselves, once they payed me I accidentally told the tree officer who payed them a visit and explain a few things to them, trees never got done.

[AA Teccie (Paul)]

I'm aware of several contractors who charge a nominal fee (£25-£40) and then refund it, effectively, by deducting it from the final invoice.

 

But the majority seem not to charge particularly for regular clients.

 

Cheers,

Paul

[TIMON]

I put in the quote that I will apply as part of the price of the job but I state that if once I have applied they get someone else to do the work there is a fee of £100. I have heard of tree surgeons looking at the applications on line and then contacting the customer and poaching work. I find this very low indeed!

 

 

I always remind the customer that there is a possibility that there is a possibility that another "contractor"may call having scoured the applications section. It's good to let them know that "firms" who have to resort to these kinds of methods are generally not worth bothering with and worse still, you really don't know who you are opening your door to.

You hear such terrible stories after all..... Usually does the trick