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Take this for how it is offered. One of the reasons people read these message boards is to help them avoid mistakes other people have made so they don't make the same ones.
Does this situation sound familiar, anyone?
Be careful.
Maybe this is not the case, but it has a familiar ring to it. There are glaring red flags to both of these offers.
First you mentioned that you do not have a portfolio and you are just getting started in business. That means that these potential clients who never met you, or anyone to recommmend you, are selecting you for a reason other than your proven abilities. Does it make sense that a developer of hotels or an owner of an outdoor living accessory store would not know any established and reputable landscape companies? You have to ask yourself why they would they select a new company unknown to them. Do you think they like going around and helping out people who are getting started, or that they meet people one time and and go on instinct?
Second, you are being offered a future benefit which hinges on you getting the job and making the client happy in both cases. This is a very common ploy by developers who target new companies to exploit. The reason is that they want the contractor to value getting the job more than getting paid for the job. Can you think of another reason why they would do that?
Newer companies, especially landscape companies, also tend not to have their ducks in a row when it comes to contract writing. The developer knows that more than anyone. Newer companies also don't have cash and credit which can empower someone who can control your cash flow. That combination can get them a lot of extras by holding back money until you do things that are not clearly defined in the contract. You can't afford wait them out, so you'll do it. ... unless they are just nice guys looking to help out a new company instead of hiring one that is refered or well known to them.
Think with your head and not with your heart as you move forward with these guys. No one ever became a big developer by helping people out in my neighborhood.
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