http://www.interiorscape.com Interiorscape Forum http://www.interiorscape.com/Scaper-Talk-Discussion-Forum/General-Scaper-Talk/OSHA-Courses-and-Benefits Clem: I'm aware of that, but it's a good teaching moment for a lot of business owners and managers who think that OSHA doesn't apply to them. I've heard some real horror stories about hefty fines and other sanctions imposed by OSHA and state labor authorities on small businesses that didn't take seriously their responsibilities to properly train and supervise the use of potentially dangerous equipment in the workplace...forklifts being operated by untrained, uncertified personnel, things of that nature. Compliance is cheaper in the long run than damage control when something bad happens. Ignorance is bad enough, but it can be remedied with education...but you can't fix stupid. Wed, 12 Jun 2013 19:33:45 -0700 General Scaper Talk http://www.interiorscape.com/Scaper-Talk-Discussion-Forum/Legal-and-Contracts/Simple-contracts Clem: Good point. It's more a practical matter than a legal one. Sure, you agree mutually to certain terms and conditions of a service contract, including a 30-day out in many cases, but what's to stop a client from cancelling anytime they like? What do you hope to recover by taking that client to court? Can you prove that your business is somehow damaged by their action? You may lose a few hundred bucks and spend a few thousand trying to recover it. Even small claims court, where it's fairly easy to win a judgment, is not often a win for the winner, because of the difficulty in collecting the judgment. Good will and relationships trump contracts in almost every case. That's why we prefer to do small office accounts instead of big corporate ones...done both, like smaller better. Thu, 06 Jun 2013 06:31:48 -0700 Legal and Contracts http://www.interiorscape.com/Scaper-Talk-Discussion-Forum/Plants/Ficus-trees Clem: What is the nature of the planters? Are they direct-planted in beds, and if so, what depth and are the drainage systems working? If in individual planters sitting on the floor, what diameter/depth and what's at the bottom? Is there a drainage layer, soil separator and sight tube through which you can monitor levels of drainage water in the bottom of the planter and, if necessary, siphon it out before you get "sour" soil (i.e., anaerobic conditions)? Have they recently gone through an infestation of scale insects or other pests, such as mites? Have they been treated with pesticides? What is your fertilization schedule and what are you feeding them? Do you prune the trees regularly, and if so, do you simply tip-prune to control height, or do you do rigorous renewal pruning regularly to open up the canopy and allow light to penetrate into the center of the foliage? Most importantly, what are the measured light levels the trees receive, measured in footcandles with a meter? Give an average reading for winter/summer, early/late day vs. midday. Any skylights or transparent/translucent roof? How close to the ceiling are the tops of the trees? You say you added soil...how much? Ficus can tolerate some topping with soil, but large trees in general do not appreciate any significant change in grade (that is, adding several inches of soil above their roots, which interferes with gas exchange and can damage or kill roots). What is the condition of the existing soil in the beds or containers? If the soil has not been significantly improved/changed in 15 years, chances are soil compaction is adversely affecting the soil aeration and that will damage the root system. Older trees also tend not to be as vigorous and quick to recover from stress as younger ones, so yes, you are correct to imply that they may have a definite useful life span limit in an interiorscape. There...you have your homework assignment. Get back to us with your info and we'll brainstorm some strategies to solve your problem. Mon, 03 Jun 2013 14:34:19 -0700 Plants http://www.interiorscape.com/Scaper-Talk-Discussion-Forum/Plants/Leaf-Shine Clem: I think this was discussed elsewhere earlier. The MSDS sheet claims Foliglo is non-toxic to people, but fish can be another matter, as you know. It's easy enough to construct a poly-sheeting "tent" around the spray area to keep the product out of the water features. Fri, 31 May 2013 18:19:15 -0700 Plants http://www.interiorscape.com/Scaper-Talk-Discussion-Forum/Sales-and-Marketing/unfair-business-practices Melanie: Hi Bill, Thank you for expressing your concern. I am the Director of Marketing at NewPro Containers and would like the opportunity to look into the situation you described. If you could please send an email to: marketing(at)newprocontainers.com with additional information, I would be happy to do some research for you. We value our customers and it is not our practice to undercut them. I look forward to hearing from you. Melanie Fri, 31 May 2013 07:17:42 -0700 Sales and Marketing http://www.interiorscape.com/Scaper-Talk-Discussion-Forum/Introductions/Hello-I-am-new Clem: Yvonne, welcome back from The Dark Side! :D Seriously, it's never too late too start, and passion and dedication will go a long way toward guiding your path to success. That said, you also need some operating capital and a business plan. What do you have in mind regarding facilities, vehicles, employees, marketing, etc.? Thu, 30 May 2013 13:24:25 -0700 Introductions http://www.interiorscape.com/Scaper-Talk-Discussion-Forum/Sales-and-Marketing/How-Do-I-Get-New-Clients Clem: When did Borat become an interiorscaper? I guess the job market in Kazakhstan is as soft as it is here... Tue, 28 May 2013 16:55:50 -0700 Sales and Marketing http://www.interiorscape.com/Scaper-Talk-Discussion-Forum/Sales-and-Marketing/We-want-your-expert-opinion... Artex1: Hello Every One !!! I've got in addition found that the actual green marble which Clem referenced has a pattern to be a new color along with design together with each and every service provider. I liked the actual Pebble Gray Landscape finish off... it had been a orange-peel bumpy finish off which hid chafes along with scuffs very effectively and also the gray traveled together with every thing. Tue, 28 May 2013 02:18:15 -0700 Sales and Marketing http://www.interiorscape.com/Scaper-Talk-Discussion-Forum/Sales-and-Marketing/Marketing-and-branding-2011-style Artex1: I'd point out in which IFMA as well as BOMA membership rights in a regional part can be your best option. Timing is usually mid morning as well as too soon inside eve to go to. Some of us WORK! I have found friends, any AFFILIATE group, and also am going to provide that a shot. Tue, 28 May 2013 02:16:27 -0700 Sales and Marketing http://www.interiorscape.com/Scaper-Talk-Discussion-Forum/Introductions/hello-from-serviceproz serviceproz: Hello everyone, I was exploring this forum from a long time, I found this forum interesting so I join this community to get and share knowledge. I hope I will enjoy my stay here. Waiting to see warm welcome from fellow members. Thanks and Regards Serviceproz Tue, 21 May 2013 21:53:45 -0700 Introductions