Has anyone out there been ripped off by a gardener?

Question

I know of several people who have been conned by this fraudster - he comes and designs a garden for you, takes money to buy materials and then fails to complete the work. I gave him money in April for plants and I'm still waiting for them. He claims to have links with the BBC and RHS. He doesn't seem to have a base and operates via a website on the net. I'd be happy to hear from anyone who has had a similar experience.

Answer 1

NEVER GIVE CASH UP FRONT FOR AND GARDEN JOB!
(or for any job for that matter)
A professional will always have the money on hand or credit at the greenhouses enough to get any job rolling. Any one asking for cash up front should be shown the gate!
A lot of landscape contractors are the horticultural equal to the used car salesman. they will tell you anything to get you to sign on the dotted line or get a cash deposit from you.
Gardeners are a different story. they don't need a licence to garden. However a professional would never ask for money up front. Some may ask for half AFTER HALF the job is done to your satisfaction. Every good pro gardener will have established credit at local nurserys to at least cover the cost of the plants. Never pay in advance. They want it up front, it's a sure sign you'll never see the job finished.
Remember, you always get what you pay for. You want cheep, you risk cheep.

When looking to hire a horticultural professional ask for a copy of their license and insurance. and check to make sure they are not expired. no license, they walk with your cash, you loose.
Next ask for references from other jobs they have done in the area. And CHECK THEM OUT too. go look at some jobs they have done in your area, talk to the homeowner and see how they feel the job came out?
Yes, you may pay a bit more for a licensed, insured contractor, but you will get a good professional job. if not, you have a way to collect. no contractor wants to loose their license over a few hundred bucks. and take my word for it the licensing boards will pull a license real quick if complaints start coming in on any licensed contractor.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

If he knows the BBC and RHS report his website to them and see if they can help. We had a gardener in about a year ago and I had given him loads of ideas that I really wanted. Like the planting of my lilies. None of this happened and to be honest we paid him to get rid of him! Good Luck

Answer 4

It happens but not necessarily by a gardener. Suggest you report the person to the police and to the local trading standards officer.

Answer 5

If I was ripped off by a gardener I would be happy. If you have a gardener on your payroll it means your doing well.

Answer 6

sign on to his website, tell him you need some work done,use a different address, get some guys to wait for him to turn up and use a spade to give him a digging.

Answer 7

You should contact him on the net again.Report his site to the BBB

Answer 8

got a link to the site?

Answer 9

hey, its me again I am still waiting on supplies to finish your garden

Answer 10

No but i been swung round by the fuzz!!!