I got approached by a garden designer today and asked to work for them as the main landscaper on some of their projects. However they wanted my company to work wearing their uniform and as if we were part of their company and no reference made to my company on any of the work we did. (they are a small garden designer)
I've used some sub-contractors myself for specialist roles we cant produce, such as electrical work and as is the norm in the construction industry the client knows they are a sub-contractor and they get full credit for what they do etc.
I put my foot down and told them ive worked hard to build my company's name and reputation and i wasn't in anyway prepared to have my company's work passed off as that of a designer, who then claims on their website that they have a landscaping team, that they have as part of their company. Also as the main contractor i would expect to be running the site and co-coordinating with any other sub-contractors, not the other way round.
Is it me or does this seem like they are almost pulling the wool over the eyes of clients?
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If the designer doesnt have a works team and says it does then thats being dishonest to their customer. Not sure id want to work for that designer under those circumstances.
i said a flat no. i have no problem with working with a designer. they get the credit for the design, we get the credit for the work. Not prepared to work for someone else making out they have a landscaping team employed by them. its misleading and im the same with you andy. ive built up a great team over 12 years and a great reputation. no one else is skimming off the credit for my company good name and ability.
Good response to them. It's wrong to pass of subbies as staff.
If you like the designer, perhaps put it to them that you work in partnership? Could be a mutually beneficial relationship.
Steer clear of misleading companies keep your integrity
Jonny
This doen't sound right on many levels. As a designer I see myself working for the client and in some ways acting on their behalf and with the successful contractor, hired by the client.
Presumably the designer is adding a premium on to your cost too?
I'd wear a tutu on a clients site if that's what they wanted so long as the money was right.
If their customer asks you if your employed by the main contractor then you can just say "no, I'm a sub contractor". If the conversation goes any further then you can explain to them that Its a requirement of the main contractor that you wear their uniform whilst working on their site.
I understand your concerns and agree with them but you shouldn't let it stop you taking on work that you would like do.
I would not accept sub-contract work in this way. You can loose quality, control, image and your bottom line can suffer.
Hi Thermo, it sounds like this garden designer may have been looking to tip toe around getting the correct employers' liability insurance in place.
If you had gone along with his proposal, he would have needed to insure you as an employee (which it sounds like he may not have intended to do).
So in that sense, it does sound like they're pulling the wool over the eyes of both their clients and workers like yourself!
funnily enough that was the first question i was asked about my pubic liability cover.
i think ive been in business long enough to know when someones taking the p. i dont like it and i dont think its fair to the client
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