Code of ethics, what to do?

[OTGBOSTON]

A community group approached me and asked if I would reccommend someone to do an invetory for them. I gave them the name of an ISA certified arborist who does inventory work.

Long story short. The inventory has not been turned over and the arborist won't return phone calls, e-mails, texts, etc.....and has been paid for the work which was supposed to be completed a year ago. Obviously the group should never have paid in full, but that ship has sailed.

I am not an ISA member but am wondering if this group has any recourse through the organization?

 

[TreeCo]

No recourse via the ISA.

This is a legal issue and the arborist needs to know he is going to court.

 

[Raven]

That's why I hate getting paid in advance, it opens the door for a major screw up like this one. Besides, why skip out on an inventory, it's the easiest cakework an Arborist can do -

LOOK at the trees, WRITE down the info in report form, DRAW a map, CASH the check - it's like Sesame Street treework.

Although I do put in alot of effort to make sure the client gets what they've paid for, I still find it to be easy - no saws, disposal, climbing, bidding (charge a flat rate), etc.

This guy should definitely come to terms with his client before he gives CAs a bad rap.

 

[NeTree]

I never get paid until a job is done.

Yup... it's now a court issue. The ISA has nothing to do with it.

 

[hl_tree]

Why didn't you just tell them to use Melissa? She does a LOT of that type of work.

Oh, and they should be taking the CA to court, ISA has nothing to do with it.

 

[GiantSlayer]

what to do? next time make sure the person who is recomended
has a good reputation more than concern that they are ISA certified. I bid against an ISA certified man in our city who from time to time (I am told by my customers) gets me jobs simpily by never even showing up for his bid appoiments.

 

[BostonBull]

[ QUOTE ]
Why didn't you just tell them to use Melissa? She does a LOT of that type of work.

Oh, and they should be taking the CA to court, ISA has nothing to do with it.

[/ QUOTE ]

What a great point! She does have one heckuva a reputation in this field!

Take them to court and dont look back. Send them a letter vie certified mail. That doesnt work have a lien placed on their property, leins are fairly cheap.

How much money is this poor organization out?

 

[Paul Biester]

That is brutal!what the heck is wrong with people.there must be consequences for actions!!

 

[treedimensional]

Tait your right, lets send this issue to Judge Judy! AT least she has REAL power, un-like the ISA!!!

 

[Winterbush]

Can't the ISA revoke his membership and yank his certification? Isn't that why there is a code of ethics to help with the identification of professionals and distance us from the shyster's?

 

[Crazy_Jimmy]

How much was paid?

 

[jeff_r]

This group should contact ISA and inform them of what's happening - if this CA signed the 'CA agreement', then the Cert.Board can decide what to do.

I don't fully understand the Code of Ethics or the CA Agreement, but this is a good example where the Cert.Board can shed some light. I think the shyster CA is supposed to rat on himself as soon as its suspected he's going to be sued. . .

 

[Blinky]

[ QUOTE ]
I never get paid until a job is done.

Yup... it's now a court issue. The ISA has nothing to do with it.

[/ QUOTE ]

Same here, even if they offer. I might take an interim check to pay contractors on bigger jobs, but I don't want my check until the site is squeaky clean.

The ISA has no way of knowing if the customer's claim is valid or not. That's up to a judge.

 

[OTGBOSTON]

[ QUOTE ]
How much was paid?

[/ QUOTE ]

40k they are waiting on about 10k worth of work.

 

[TreeCo]

If people offer to pay up front I take it. I've never had a problem. I use to turn them down and say 'I'd like payment when the job is done' but after a few years failed to see the logic in it. It's never happened but if they wanted their money back I'd just give it back.