OMG I fvckn love Craigslist, I made $800 last week..

[Bojangles69]

I'll be graduating in fall so I'm still broke and unestablished in a career.

I've been doing landscaping the whole summer and met an awesome new friend. We shared so many interests (lifting, dieting, girls, money lol) that we started doing random side jobs.

One day we made $500 for 4 hours work and I had an appiphany. If i could find 1 job like that every week, Id be making what I make in a week in 1 day.

It wasn't till last week I started posting ads in craigslist and OMG you would not believe how much friggn work there is out there (for home/yard work).

I had the benefit of working with my brother as a trainee in sales (for 1 year) so when I went to these houses it seemed so natural for me to sell at a decent price. But I've never done an estimate before that, just watched and learned a lot of the snaky techniques they used.
So this week I picked up 2 jobs already, made $800 and feel fvckn great. Its not hard work cause I'm use to busting my ass so its just another day and the 2 we did already were actually less work then I do in my landscaping job.

But now I have **6** more places to go out to do estimates and I've decided I like it so much I'm gonna quit my job now (was gonna quit for school anyway) and try to get serious with this.

Does anyone else get business like this off CL? I'm doing almost anything, putting in fences, interior/exterior painting/powerwashing/building mulch beds.

I just can't believe how much money is in this shit. (if you do a bit of cherry picking) I even made myself a name tag lol to hang around my neck when I do estimates. My dad works at a huge local construction company so I get free access to all the tools I need. I never was someone who liked physical labor lol but the money this summer has been incredible. Really am excited to see what I can make of this. PLus I got a motivated partner which makes it so much easier.

[romo6]

Way to hustle bro ,good luck.

[CHAP]

Seriously good work.

[Bojangles69]

Thanks guys, if anyone on this forum is in their own trade I def suggest advertising on CL if you're having problems finding leads/business. I'm just amazed at how many responses I've got over the week, amazing.

[lovbyts]

Ill stick to making $500 a day sitting on my butt surfing the web and responding to your post.

No really there is money to be made for anyone who is willing to look for it and not sit around feeling sorry for them self.

[ninesecz]

Craigs List where I live Sucks! It is such a small city that noone really uses it! I have tried several times to list about my A/V company on there and not 1 call ever! I actually hate craigs list. When I was in VEgas it was great! I could put something on there for sale and get calls within 5 minutes but not here in Upstate NY!! Good for you though!

[Hoggage_54]

[J-Dogg]

OKay, don't take this wrong but....

I'm an actual legitimate contractor. I have to carry liability insurance, workman comp, pay for company trucks, the works. It's actual over head. I give people jobs, pay taxes, on everything.

I don't mind people picking up a job here, and there. But you are working with not qualifications other than your dads tools, and a fake name tag.

What do you do when you cut your finger off on the job site? Put the bill onto the home owners insurance company? Shame on them for hiring someone with out the paper work in the estimate.

What do you do when they don't pay you? They are under no obligation to pay you, for operating unlicensed. Sink a few grand into a few jobs, and wait till someone stiffs you, and your $400 days turn into a loss real fast. Not to mention, it should be nice when you get a bundle of 1099 forms in the mail from your customers around tax time. Better put away 40% of what ever you make.

Craigslist is a crap hole for the lowest grade work in the world, from the most unqualified, unprofessional people in the world. 20 immigrants will do the work you do today, for 20% of what you do by next week.

Welcome to the trades.

[DOM6]

I'll be graduating in fall so I'm still broke and unestablished in a career.

I've been doing landscaping the whole summer and met an awesome new friend. We shared so many interests (lifting, dieting, girls, money lol) that we started doing random side jobs.

One day we made $500 for 4 hours work and I had an appiphany. If i could find 1 job like that every week, Id be making what I make in a week in 1 day.

It wasn't till last week I started posting ads in craigslist and OMG you would not believe how much friggn work there is out there (for home/yard work).

I had the benefit of working with my brother as a trainee in sales (for 1 year) so when I went to these houses it seemed so natural for me to sell at a decent price. But I've never done an estimate before that, just watched and learned a lot of the snaky techniques they used.
So this week I picked up 2 jobs already, made $800 and feel fvckn great. Its not hard work cause I'm use to busting my ass so its just another day and the 2 we did already were actually less work then I do in my landscaping job.

But now I have **6** more places to go out to do estimates and I've decided I like it so much I'm gonna quit my job now (was gonna quit for school anyway) and try to get serious with this.

Does anyone else get business like this off CL? I'm doing almost anything, putting in fences, interior/exterior painting/powerwashing/building mulch beds.

I just can't believe how much money is in this shit. (if you do a bit of cherry picking) I even made myself a name tag lol to hang around my neck when I do estimates. My dad works at a huge local construction company so I get free access to all the tools I need. I never was someone who liked physical labor lol but the money this summer has been incredible. Really am excited to see what I can make of this. PLus I got a motivated partner which makes it so much easier.

Im a GC down here in S FL. and craigslist suks imo, i mean dont get me wrong you you can make money, but my main thing is tile, stone and marble, mainly bathrooms but there so many handymen that will do it for half my price, and its free to post so all the lowballers are there, i have personally fixed 11 jobs that some of these guys on there have fuked up, im going to put there pics on my website on who not to hire, i bidded a bathroom for $3,000 the customer wanted to rip everything out then a new tub, new floor, mirror, light, durrock wall over tub, knockdown texture, toilet install and tile walls and floor, that would take my helper and i 7 solid days, but i got way underbidded, some guy from craigslist bidded it at $900
i was like WTF, so he started the job and i turned him in to the code for no lic no comp or insurance, lmao i dont ever do that but dont hack my bid by 70%

your best bet is get some shirts made and cards maybe even get a handyman lic if your state has one, i dont like the phrase handyman and will never refer to myself as one, cause a handyman is the jack of all trades and the master of none. i can built a house from scratch up to fl building code which is the hardest.

i advertise in the paper, i pay about $250 a month but get like a 6k to 8k return just from that add a month

[J-Dogg]

Im a GC down here in S FL. and craigslist suks imo, i mean dont get me wrong you you can make money, but my main thing is tile, stone and marble, mainly bathrooms but there so many handymen that will do it for half my price, and its free to post so all the lowballers are there, i have personally fixed 11 jobs that some of these guys on there have fuked up, im going to put there pics on my website on who not to hire, i bidded a bathroom for $3,000 the customer wanted to rip everything out then a new tub, new floor, mirror, light, durrock wall over tub, knockdown texture, toilet install and tile walls and floor, that would take my helper and i 7 solid days, but i got way underbidded, some guy from craigslist bidded it at $900
i was like WTF, so he started the job and i turned him in to the code for no lic no comp or insurance, lmao i dont ever do that but dont hack my bid by 70%

your best bet is get some shirts made and cards maybe even get a handyman lic if your state has one, i dont like the phrase handyman and will never refer to myself as one, cause a handyman is the jack of all trades and the master of none. i can built a house from scratch up to fl building code which is the hardest.

i advertise in the paper, i pay about $250 a month but get like a 6k to 8k return just from that add a month

I do the same thing, I don't really care either, I turn in everyone that does not have the qualifications, and takes money out of my pocket so they can do a hack job.

I've went on job sites and called right there, and waited for the inspector to show up. He showed up with 2 cops cause I told him I was not leaving until he came out and enforced the law.

[DOM6]

Thanks guys, if anyone on this forum is in their own trade I def suggest advertising on CL if you're having problems finding leads/business. I'm just amazed at how many responses I've got over the week, amazing.

Try advertising on the barter section also
had some lady tell me she would please me anyway i wanted if i fixed here toilet

[DOM6]

I do the same thing, I don't really care either, I turn in everyone that does not have the qualifications, and takes money out of my pocket so they can do a hack job.

I've went on job sites and called right there, and waited for the inspector to show up. He showed up with 2 cops cause I told him I was not leaving until he came out and enforced the law.

im debating on turning eveyrone in that outbids me
see in my local paper i know everyone else in my section and we all have our ducks in a row and most are bids come close to eachother so theres no really hacking each other, i also have adds in the yellowpages but thats not all out to what people make it to be either, breaks even really, i put 1liners in there this year, much happier

[CptAmericaX]

I bought a dog kennel for 50 bucks larg and am re-selling it for 100 lets see if my husling skills are as good as yours

[CBGB]

I bought a John Deere mower on there three weeks ago for $50. Put $30 and used it to mow my lawn. Sold it in two days for $325. Bravo CBGB!!!!

[Immortal Soldier]

Maybe I might do "escort" for some ladies. I am sure there are so 40-50 year old women who need some "spending time" with a young muscular man.

What do you guys think?

[CBGB]

Maybe I might do "escort" for some ladies. I am sure there are so 40-50 year old women who need some "spending time" with a young muscular man.

What do you guys think?

Do it!!!!

[J-Dogg]

im debating on turning eveyrone in that outbids me
see in my local paper i know everyone else in my section and we all have our ducks in a row and most are bids come close to eachother so theres no really hacking each other, i also have adds in the yellowpages but thats not all out to what people make it to be either, breaks even really, i put 1liners in there this year, much happier

Advertising relies heavily upon the area you are working.

Internet advertising is really top notch though these days, fewer people are using phone books, more are using google, yahoo and MSN to find legitimate contractors.

Canvasing helps, and works well. I don't use craigslist at all, because I'm not going to sell my work, based on price. I won't even give those people bids.

I'll give competitive bids, against legitimate, quality contractors, my customers sleep better at night, and i do too.

With advertising, you can't put all your eggs in one basket, you have put a few in each, and keep careful watch on each of them.

[T-MOS]

Bo, I didn't read all this yet, but what I read sounds like you are one of those guys selling his ass on Craig's List....

Please be careful, and use protection...no matter what they say, don't let them stick it in your ass without a condom......

[Bojangles69]

OKay, don't take this wrong but....

I'm an actual legitimate contractor. I have to carry liability insurance, workman comp, pay for company trucks, the works. It's actual over head. I give people jobs, pay taxes, on everything.

I don't mind people picking up a job here, and there. But you are working with not qualifications other than your dads tools, and a fake name tag.


What do you do when you cut your finger off on the job site? Put the bill onto the home owners insurance company? Shame on them for hiring someone with out the paper work in the estimate.

What do you do when they don't pay you? They are under no obligation to pay you, for operating unlicensed. Sink a few grand into a few jobs, and wait till someone stiffs you, and your $400 days turn into a loss real fast. Not to mention, it should be nice when you get a bundle of 1099 forms in the mail from your customers around tax time. Better put away 40% of what ever you make.

Craigslist is a crap hole for the lowest grade work in the world, from the most unqualified, unprofessional people in the world. 20 immigrants will do the work you do today, for 20% of what you do by next week.

Welcome to the trades.

So how do you really feel about CL?
ok your turn to not take this wrong...

The fact is these companies you speak about rape their customers so they can pay that overhead. Charge ridiculous fvckn prices, and NOONE is sleeping better at night then you (or the person who got paid for the job).

They are NOT paying for quality service thats bs. Theres a mass of established companies like this with horrific records on BBB. Customers aren't paying more money for more quality, all though thats what the overpaid salesmen you work with are trained to brainwash them into thinking. How many companies sub their work out to immigrants right now?

You make it sound like bigger businesses that are paying overhead have some more noble mode of operation.
All the care about is money. Companies like that will even sell jobs that they KNOW the customers dont need.
Mid Atlantic Waterproofing for instance. The largest basement waterproofing business in US. Their salesmen are taught to ALWAYS try selling the "mercedez benz approach" to waterproofing even when an approach that would cost $15 grand less would be more then enough to fix the problem.

Bigger business's obvious have certain capabilities smaller business's dont and even people in my situation. But the fact is your tricking people into thinking the money they're paying for THEIR home is actually for their home, then you take their money and use it to advertise to their neighbors.

Just dont try convincing me that cause you charge more that that means your business is better or does better quality work.
Theres tons of salesmen out there sick and tired of working for companies like that that go off and do their own thing on craigslist and could easily have more experience then the kids you're pulling fresh out of college.

[lovbyts]

Maybe I might do "escort" for some ladies. I am sure there are so 40-50 year old women who need some "spending time" with a young muscular man.

What do you guys think?

Now that's an idea, if you can stomach the though of some old lady....

Now there are some fine looking ladies that advertise for company on there in my area.

Ive made money on CL and eBay many times but never as a job.

Also you guys who are contractors have to remember that these guys need to start somewhere and it's usually small. If it turns out they can make money and do good work they will eventually be one of your competition because they also will get their license. Not everyone has enough money to go out and buy a license, ins, trucks to start out....

[DOM6]

So how do you really feel about CL?
ok your turn to not take this wrong...

The fact is these companies you speak about rape their customers so they can pay that overhead. Charge ridiculous fvckn prices, and NOONE is sleeping better at night then you (or the person who got paid for the job).

They are NOT paying for quality service thats bs. Theres a mass of established companies like this with horrific records on BBB. Customers aren't paying more money for more quality, all though thats what the overpaid salesmen you work with are trained to brainwash them into thinking. How many companies sub their work out to immigrants right now?

You make it sound like bigger businesses that are paying overhead have some more noble mode of operation.
All the care about is money. Companies like that will even sell jobs that they KNOW the customers dont need.
Mid Atlantic Waterproofing for instance. The largest basement waterproofing business in US. Their salesmen are taught to ALWAYS try selling the "mercedez benz approach" to waterproofing even when an approach that would cost $15 grand less would be more then enough to fix the problem.

Bigger business's obvious have certain capabilities smaller business's dont and even people in my situation. But the fact is your tricking people into thinking the money they're paying for THEIR home is actually for their home, then you take their money and use it to advertise to their neighbors.

Just dont try convincing me that cause you charge more that that means your business is better or does better quality work.
Theres tons of salesmen out there sick and tired of working for companies like that that go off and do their own thing on craigslist and could easily have more experience then the kids you're pulling fresh out of college.

its takes alot of money to run a business not just get paid and its allyours, none of these guys on cl pay there taxes or comp fees or li. insurance or even there lic. fees neither, thats the overhead, not my dually and shop, which here in state of fl. you got to jail for being unlic. and fined, these guys cant even pull permits, if you go with this line of work the sky is the limit, i just turned down a 8k marble job, the guy didnt want to wait 11 weeks to get it done, when you get in a higher position and make over 10k a month and have to pay out just to operate you will understand. If your a skilled tradesman get your ducks in a row, its not that hard. i just got called out to a job cause a unlic. plumber put in a valve on the 18th floor 3 days ago, closed the wall then turned the water on and didnt check it, well that little drip just caused 18 floors of damage, im fuking luving it, cause im the gc on site so insurance is going to pay up

just becareful bro
you also know if you do the job and you finish and they say fuk off, if you are not lic, you cant even lien them, so imo get your balls off the chopping block, get a lic. any lic. some you can just go pay a $20 fee to get a handyman lic. then workers comp exempt yourself, incorporate, liability insurance then your g2g

[DSM4Life]

Serious, i make like 1000 a weekend and sometimes even get a b/f out of the deal.

[J-Dogg]

So how do you really feel about CL?
ok your turn to not take this wrong...

The fact is these companies you speak about rape their customers so they can pay that overhead. Charge ridiculous fvckn prices, and NOONE is sleeping better at night then you (or the person who got paid for the job).

They are NOT paying for quality service thats bs. Theres a mass of established companies like this with horrific records on BBB. Customers aren't paying more money for more quality, all though thats what the overpaid salesmen you work with are trained to brainwash them into thinking. How many companies sub their work out to immigrants right now?

You make it sound like bigger businesses that are paying overhead have some more noble mode of operation.
All the care about is money. Companies like that will even sell jobs that they KNOW the customers dont need.
Mid Atlantic Waterproofing for instance. The largest basement waterproofing business in US. Their salesmen are taught to ALWAYS try selling the "mercedez benz approach" to waterproofing even when an approach that would cost $15 grand less would be more then enough to fix the problem.

Bigger business's obvious have certain capabilities smaller business's dont and even people in my situation. But the fact is your tricking people into thinking the money they're paying for THEIR home is actually for their home, then you take their money and use it to advertise to their neighbors.

Just dont try convincing me that cause you charge more that that means your business is better or does better quality work.
Theres tons of salesmen out there sick and tired of working for companies like that that go off and do their own thing on craigslist and could easily have more experience then the kids you're pulling fresh out of college.

I read half your bias inexperienced with business post.

Pay the bills to do things legit, and you'll see why my prices are higher than some kids with a fake name tag and no credentials.

When you get stiffed, which is more common than herpes is on craigslist, good luck, you have zero recourse and the law will back the homeowner. You can bid work only on a "per" hour basis with out a license.

When you start paying taxes, that right there just cut your profit margin (if you are a baller like you say) by 33%. Start paying some workman's comp for yourself then, and liability insurance, and you'll be taking about 20% of that for insurance. For a guy I pay $15 an hour, I have to pay out $33 an hour and get brings home about $11.

But I'm good, my customers know this, they don't shop on craigslist and I won't use it to compete with some low ballers and hacks. I'm booked for the season already with quality jobs.

And I'll be the first one to call ICE if some large company has a crap load of illegals out there working. I'm not saying every big company is doing top notch work, a lot cut corners, but they don't get repeat business, and can't stay in business for too long.

[spywizard]

Wow, Situational ethics..

most people can justify in their own mind almost any action.. no matter how distasteful or un acceptable it may be..

Business is business, If a person wants to take a job as a loss leader then so be it..

For someone to say "i'm call the gov because you aren't in compliance, or I don't think you are in compliance.."

well, don't be upset when your neighbor calls child protective services on you for "no reason" and you spend the next 6 months of your life in hell..

or someone calls the IRS saying you "Lied" on your taxes and you get audited every year for 10 yrs straight..

That sword cuts both ways..

[vpchill]

Imma advertise my sperm before the Test kills it all. I make some beautiful kids... How much does a liter of man juice go for these days?

[J-Dogg]

Wow, Situational ethics..

most people can justify in their own mind almost any action.. no matter how distasteful or un acceptable it may be..

Business is business, If a person wants to take a job as a loss leader then so be it..

For someone to say "i'm call the gov because you aren't in compliance, or I don't think you are in compliance.."

well, don't be upset when your neighbor calls child protective services on you for "no reason" and you spend the next 6 months of your life in hell..

or someone calls the IRS saying you "Lied" on your taxes and you get audited every year for 10 yrs straight..

That sword cuts both ways..

I think that's a really bad analogy.

If I loose out on a job, see a guy in a "Get Er Dun" construction truck out front, with 10 migrants on the roof, 4 migrants digging in the yard and 2 cargo vans with dingle berries in the windshield, that justify the call. It's worth the call, and it's safe to assume, that person, is not doing fair business, and is not qualified under the guidelines of the state, to do that work. It's bad for the home owner, bad for legitimate contractors too. The home owner is going to get a lesser quality job, and 2 years from now, when the plumbing leaks, drywall cracks, roof is leaking, that business will be in another town, or non-existent. I feel, the call at that point, is justified.

If a person has no reason to suspect, that I'm abusing the kids I don't have, why would they feel justified on calling protective services?

If they see me neglecting, or I give them a reason to believe, I'm abusing my kids, I'd encourage them to call on anyone who gives them that evidence.

If I loose out on a job, to a qualified contractor, big deal, I can't get them all, and good for him or her for getting the job. Maybe some day, we'll be working on a project together, on the same house.

Now in this case, it's not a big deal, if a college kid is installing a few fences, I don't care. It's not a big enough job for me to get too, or worth it for me to do anyway. Someone has to do the smaller jobs. I do them on occasion, through my company, for extra money for myself also. It's just I'm doing it qualified, and taxed, even though I hate it.

I don't think I'm trying to justify my actions to be write, if you need your tooth filled, you want a qualified dentist, if you want shit to flow down a drain, you call a qualified plumber, if you want good A.S. guidance, get it from a qualified source.

Just like everyone that does their first cycle thinks they have it all figured out when they start, every kid that installs a fence does too.

The difference is, I've been in his position, and worked my way out of it. He's never been in mine. IN this situation, I'm the one who has been both places.

But If I'm paying out to be qualified, and someone else is not, they are taking work from me, money from me, and are not meeting the bare minimum standards for doing that.

[energizer bunny]

I do the same thing, I don't really care either, I turn in everyone that does not have the qualifications, and takes money out of my pocket so they can do a hack job.

I've went on job sites and called right there, and waited for the inspector to show up. He showed up with 2 cops cause I told him I was not leaving until he came out and enforced the law.

im a qualified multi skilled technician and know how long it takes to get there... but i would never do anything like that.....snitching on people in any form is bad... but everyone to there own..

[spywizard]

I think that's a really bad analogy.

If I loose out on a job, see a guy in a "Get Er Dun" construction truck out front, with 10 migrants on the roof, 4 migrants digging in the yard and 2 cargo vans with dingle berries in the windshield, that justify the call. It's worth the call, and it's safe to assume, that person, is not doing fair business, and is not qualified under the guidelines of the state, to do that work. It's bad for the home owner, bad for legitimate contractors too. The home owner is going to get a lesser quality job, and 2 years from now, when the plumbing leaks, drywall cracks, roof is leaking, that business will be in another town, or non-existent. I feel, the call at that point, is justified.

If a person has no reason to suspect, that I'm abusing the kids I don't have, why would they feel justified on calling protective services?

If they see me neglecting, or I give them a reason to believe, I'm abusing my kids, I'd encourage them to call on anyone who gives them that evidence.

If I loose out on a job, to a qualified contractor, big deal, I can't get them all, and good for him or her for getting the job. Maybe some day, we'll be working on a project together, on the same house.

Now in this case, it's not a big deal, if a college kid is installing a few fences, I don't care. It's not a big enough job for me to get too, or worth it for me to do anyway. Someone has to do the smaller jobs. I do them on occasion, through my company, for extra money for myself also. It's just I'm doing it qualified, and taxed, even though I hate it.

I don't think I'm trying to justify my actions to be write, if you need your tooth filled, you want a qualified dentist, if you want shit to flow down a drain, you call a qualified plumber, if you want good A.S. guidance, get it from a qualified source.

Just like everyone that does their first cycle thinks they have it all figured out when they start, every kid that installs a fence does too.

The difference is, I've been in his position, and worked my way out of it. He's never been in mine. IN this situation, I'm the one who has been both places.

But If I'm paying out to be qualified, and someone else is not, they are taking work from me, money from me, and are not meeting the bare minimum standards for doing that.

You may feel it's a bad analogy, however it is a correct one.. and it's an observation as well, generational differences as it were..

You and your generation feel the Gov is there to protect you give you things, My and my generation feel they are there to do our bidding..

Social change isn't always good, but it is change..

Buyer beware, certifications and "education" and whatnot only ensure the bare minimum to get something done, a way to force continuity..

[SVTmuscle]

badass dude, I'm trying to give people an opportunity on Craigslist to promote my new training studio but all I'm getting is homeless people trying to make cash for crack

[J-Dogg]

im a qualified multi skilled technician and know how long it takes to get there... but i would never do anything like that.....snitching on people in any form is bad... but everyone to there own..

Snitching on someone that is undercutting you, your business and your family is bad is it? I suppose the right thing to do is take care of that shit street style ay homie? Pop a cap strait in their ass ay?

Sorry, life is different out side of the cell walls than it is in the professional field.

And Spy, I still strongly disagree with your points.

Your analogy is skewed, and way off.

I'm turning in guys that REALLY don't carry a license or insurance.....

If I'm REALLY beating my kids....please, turn me in.

There are procedures to do things, and operate a legitimate business doing contracting. This is not about people doing their own things, or own work. A Restaurant has to pass health code, and go through inspections, food had to be FDA approve. Building is no different, certain qualifications have to be met to protect the homeowners and builders/remodel as well. That's an analogy bro, not calling on your neighbor if you have no reason to suspect he's beating his kids.

Apples to apples

[J-Dogg]

As far as snitching being bad also wanted to say this.....

If my next door neighbor is selling narcotics, and I'm buying them, I get busted and roll over on the guy.....shame on me.

If I'm living next door, trying to raise a family, he has drugs and guns going in and out of the house all day, and I turn him in, good for me, I took care of my family and kept them safe.

I don't care if people want to get messed up on what ever, as long as it's on the other side of town. I don't want it around me, any company I have over, or my dog.

[vpchill]

I understand where your coming from J dogg but you have to look at it from both sides. If you tell on someone else, Arent you taking food off their plate? Sure they may not be as qualified but offer quality service at a lower price. Some people will rather use someone who is not full of paperwork yet will do the job efficiently and be cost effective.
Now if you tell on that person, Would they be wrong to be mad and want to "pop a cap at you?" Telling, snitching its all the same. As long as they dont personally undermine you and your business then to each is own.

[J-Dogg]

As far as snitching being bad also wanted to say this.....

If my next door neighbor is selling narcotics, and I'm buying them, I get busted and roll over on the guy.....shame on me.

If I'm living next door, trying to raise a family, he has drugs and guns going in and out of the house all day, and I turn him in, good for me, I took care of my family and kept them safe.

I don't care if people want to get messed up on what ever, as long as it's on the other side of town. I don't want it around me, any company I have over, or my dog.

[J-Dogg]

I understand where your coming from J dogg but you have to look at it from both sides. If you tell on someone else, Arent you taking food off their plate? Sure they may not be as qualified but offer quality service at a lower price. Some people will rather use someone who is not full of paperwork yet will do the job efficiently and be cost effective.
Now if you tell on that person, Would they be wrong to be mad and want to "pop a cap at you?" Telling, snitching its all the same. As long as they dont personally undermine you and your business then to each is own.

I hear ya, and understand your points.

If I bid a job though, and I have to meet the standard the state requires to do that work, it cost me money to do that.... All companies, have to have Workman's comp insurance, a license to operate, liability insurance, and if you are upselling your materials, a sales tax certificate.

I'm not a HUGE operation, guys don't have to have company trucks, trailers, 40k in tools and 200k in equipment. Guys like that, do have more over head, but don't depend on little jobs.

All companies do need to meet the MINIMUM requirements though. Am I taking food off their tables? Not at all, they are pulling it off themselves. They started doing things, with out meeting the requirments. I don't feel bad at all for doing it, get a license, some insurance and go at it bro.

I'm not saying you need to have 100k into it to get started. Just saying, you need liability insurance to do the work, you need the shit to drive man. you need workman's comp, in case you cut your dam finger off, fall off the roof, or die when a porch collapses on you.

I'm not saying you need to spend 4 years at a trade school to install a fence, or dig some holes, operate a saw, but if you are going to be contracting work, you need to meet the bare minimum requirements.

If someone slams into your car next week, and your back is messed up, and they are not carrying no liability insurance, you have no way to pay for your back operation.....go after him in civil court? he's a broke bum. Are you taking food off his table by asking him to have some liability insurance when he drives?

It's a little different when people cut corners and it affects your lively hood.

[energizer bunny]

[QUOTE=J-Dogg;4772187]Snitching on someone that is undercutting you, your business and your family is bad is it? I suppose the right thing to do is take care of that shit street style ay homie? Pop a cap strait in their ass ay?

Youve got to do what you think is best for your family.....

LOL homie, street style, pop a cap.... not at all.

By the sounds of it you seem to be doing well in whatever line of work you are doing...some people make a living by being a jack of all trades...sure there not qualified but they still need to earn.. by you reporting them, that will affect there families

as ive said each to there own.

[Hoggage_54]

J-Dogg's REAL company... We're onto you...

[J-Dogg]

J-Dogg's REAL company... We're onto you...

you only got 3 of them sucker!!!!

I got 12 more in the back of my van

[thegodfather]

The Constitution intended people to be free to enter into contracts with one another at their discretion. So long as the contract didn't violate the basic laws, like saying if you don't finish the job I can kill you.

Consumer protection laws, licensing, etc ,etc, is just a form of government intrusion into the private sector and free markets. The government exists to provide a framework for business to thrive in, like ensuring there is appropriate infrastructure, courts to enforce contracts, national defense, sound currency. The governments job was never intended to regulate free markets and decide who could and could not participate in a given profession.

So IMO, the OP is free to make contracts and deals with anyone he chooses. The onus is on him and the contracting party to have the deal follow through. The present system of laws made by bleeding heart liberal democrats trying to 'protect' everyone, however, does not agree with my opinion.

[lola1182]

OKay, don't take this wrong but....

I'm an actual legitimate contractor. I have to carry liability insurance, workman comp, pay for company trucks, the works. It's actual over head. I give people jobs, pay taxes, on everything.

I don't mind people picking up a job here, and there. But you are working with not qualifications other than your dads tools, and a fake name tag.

What do you do when you cut your finger off on the job site? Put the bill onto the home owners insurance company? Shame on them for hiring someone with out the paper work in the estimate.

What do you do when they don't pay you? They are under no obligation to pay you, for operating unlicensed. Sink a few grand into a few jobs, and wait till someone stiffs you, and your $400 days turn into a loss real fast. Not to mention, it should be nice when you get a bundle of 1099 forms in the mail from your customers around tax time. Better put away 40% of what ever you make.

Craigslist is a crap hole for the lowest grade work in the world, from the most unqualified, unprofessional people in the world. 20 immigrants will do the work you do today, for 20% of what you do by next week.

Welcome to the trades.

good point!! be careful when you put yourself out there. you can't trust a lot of people to keep their word. good luck!

[DSM4Life]