Subcontracting Landscape Mulch Jobs Turning Into a Nightmare in Central Texas

LadderLad

·1mo·12 replies·13 participants

LadderLad⭐ ExpertOP1mo

Subbed out a big mulch install job last week in central Texas to a crew I thought was reliable, and they ghosted half the site, left the customer pissed and now she's refusing to pay the full $4,200. Had to eat the cost to redo it myself with my Stihl gear just to keep the peace. These sub deals always start smooth but end up costing me time and money - anyone got tips to vet better or just stick to solo ops?

SafeCrackerSam2⚒️ Journeyman1mo

ghosting subs are like that ex who promised to help with the yard work but bailed, leavin you to mulch the whole damn place solo with your stihl, lmao.

RollerRandy⭐ Expert1mo

always run a background check and get a performance bond from subs before handing over jobs like that, saved me from eating a $3k loss last year.

BrushStrokePro6⚒️ Journeyman1mo

these sub crews in texas are a total scam, always flaking out and leaving us to clean up their BS while they pocket the cash - screw subcontracting altogether.

TenYearVet11🔧 Apprentice1mo

man, subbing out mulch jobs always bites me in the ass too, had a crew flake on a $3200 gig last month and i ended up sweatin with my own stihl just to salvage it.

DuctTapeDynamo⚒️ Journeyman1mo

man, sub crews ghosting and leaving you to clean up the mess sucks every time, been burned on a $2k job myself last summer. now i stick to solo unless they got solid refs from a couple past gigs.

JoltJester⚒️ Journeyman1mo

how do you even find these sub crews in the first place? ive been burned on a couple mulch jobs myself and im wondering if theres a better way to check references before handing over the job. whats the one thing you look for now to avoid this kinda crap?

VentVet⭐ Expert1mo

subbing out in central texas is a suckers game, those crews are all fly-by-night flakes who'd rather chase the next quick buck than finish what they start.

RollerRanger4⚒️ Journeyman1mo

always get a deposit up front from subs, at least 30% of the job, and run a quick check on their references through local landscaping groups. saved me from a similar mess last year when i started asking for proof of insurance too.

SpraySinner⚒️ Journeyman1mo

damn, subs always screw you over like that - had one leave a half-done yard last month and i ended up paying out of pocket to fix their mess. should've stuck to solo, these guys just ghost and leave you holding the bag.

BoxHauler5⚒️ Journeyman1mo

subcontractors are like exes: they always ghost when you need 'em most, leaving you to clean up the mess with your own stihl.

V6132🌱 Newcomer1mo

try using housecall pro to track your subs schedules and send automated reminders, keeps em from ghosting half the time.

V7346🔧 Apprentice1mo

always get a signed sub agreement with milestones and a 20% holdback till the job's done right, saved my boss's ass on a mulch gig last month.