Back in February, this company was in our neighborhood and Cesar gave us a card. We got a notice about fire clearance, so called Cesar along with a few other tree specialists to get a couple of free estimates, which is normal behavior. I had one contractor scheduled for 12:30 and Cesar was originally scheduled to come between 1:30 and 4:30, the time we agreed I'd be available. The doorbell rings at 12:30, and a guy standing at the end of the driveway smoking a cigarette says "Are you ready for your tree service!!!??" I assumed he was the 12:30 appointment, so asked if he was (name here for 12:30 guy), and he said, "No, I'm Caesar!," to which I replied, oh, I thought we'd agreed on 1:30-4:30, his response was "I'm here early!" Ok, fine, no big deal.
He and his colleague Mark come to the backyard. They proceed to use my name in every sentence and comment on my garden. Yes, ok, I get it, the sales pitch, fine, pleasant enough (although the continued constant use of my name is a little irritating).
So, we talk about what needs to be done and although there isn't much detail on Cesar's part, it's clear he at least knows what he's talking about, so that's cool. Quote: $3800. Just fyi, I'd already gotten two quotes - 1 for $2400 and one for $1300 (and the $1300 person was very professional knowledgable and fully licensed - probably going with him). So, I told Cesar I'd have to consult my husband and think about it. He says, "oh, where's your husband?" and I said, "he's busy" (which he was by the way, because Cesar showed up an hour early). Cesar then says "if you do it today I can do it for $3000," and I said, well, I have to talk to my husband. Then he actually says, "oh, so I drove an hour from the valley and I'm not going to do any work." Normally, I like to stay polite, but my response was, "well you didn't seem to mind driving an hour to hand us a card in February for a free estimate." I don't remember the exact exchange that followed, but I do remember that the next words I said were, "well, we had a guy here earlier with an estimate for $1300, to which Cesar said, "I'll do it for $1300!!" I responded with that I didn't appreciate the hard sell and we both turned and walked away.
$3800 to $1300 within 3 minutes, while trying to pressure and make me feel guilty about him driving in Los Angeles for the free estimate he solicited us for. Unprofessional and obnoxious. AVOID. read more