The difference between someone who clearly does the work themselves and approaches the situation asking if any tree work needs to be done, and the dude that clearly doesn't have a chainsaw and starts the conversation with the sales pitch of I'll cut that tree for $$$ tomorrow when my guys are in the neighborhood.

I installed garage doors for 12 years and after 6 years of working for a company went out on my own. I know how hard it is to get started but in those 6 years I had developed some contacts and clients. Word of mouth was a powerful tool for me. I could offer cheaper prices and make more money for myself because I had less overhead. I clearly did the work myself, dressed clean and professional for a blue collar worker, was honest with pricing and scope of work, carried my proof of insurance (from a reputable company), and had a good record of solid work.

Putting on the consumer to know the value is kind of my point. If you have already gotten pricing for tree work or any other project then it's unlikely you'll be using the Dorr to door guy, but not impossible.

Yeah that sucks. Finding a good tree guy isn't always easy. I learned the hard (if not obvious in hindsight) way to look for someone myself not do the impulse thing and take the "great" deal. Sorry that happened to her, having healthy old growth trees is a real joy for me.

In my experience and other people I know that have had a similar experience, that has never been the case. This latest experience showed me that at the very least, the door to door guy was trying to rip me off at more than twice the price.

Hiring a professional local means they are always in the area. Just about anyone else that is competent and honest, isn't going door to door.

Good point. I haven't come across any of those besides the lawn care guy and I have zero interest in that anyway.