Josh-Wash (415) 346-2601
Page Three: Consumer Protection Guide to Hiring a Window Washer
(copyright 1998 Joshua O'Hara)
Way back in the late '80s when I started this business, things were more regulated. Pacific Bell didn't let you on the yellow pages unless you had a business certificate and a business phone line. Banks didn't let you open a business account until bankers came all the way to see your business location.
But now, because of the telecommunication deregulation and all the jumbo-mumbo, ANYONE, even a homeless person with a voicemail pager, can put an ad on the yellow pages. It's scary! I remember finding my former emplyee's name on the yellow pages... right after I fired him for his drug problem!!!
Oh, there's no end to this window washer horror story. I know a lady who had to pay the medical expenses for an uninsured window washer who fell from the ladder on her job. Another lady was sued by a window washer in the small claim court, just because she cancelled the appointment...
So, consumers: Please be aware! These are the things you should do to make sure that you are dealing with the people with integrity:
#1: Have their agency send you two insurance certificates: one for "liability (PL & PD)" and the other for "worker's compensation."
It's the law that an insured cannot send out his own certificate. He could easily make a fake one, you know.#2: Do not hire "Independent Contractors" or "Owner Operators."
They may tell you "Oh, I have insurance, blah, blah..." But PL (Personal Liability) and PD (Property Damage) insurance only covers you and your house. They are on their own to pay for their medical expenses. They can sue you if they hurt themselves while working for you! And if an OSHA inspector sees an owner operator doing something dangerous, you will be the one to pay a big fine! Please stay away from the little guys. All Josh-Wash employees are coverd by workers' compensation!#3: Ask for a couple of references... and call them!
I thank all of my customers who have given us such positive references. Actually, I could list up some companies we routinely do business with right here:Better Properties Management (Mr. Michael Crisp, Mr. Steve Brown)
2166 Market St., San Francisco, CA 94114, (415) 861-9980
San Francisco Restorations (Mr. Jim Mannix)
2416 Pine St., San Francisco, CA 94115, (415)567-8244
TRI Douglas (Ms. Ann Heller)
1699 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco, CA 94109, (415) 474-1845
San Francisco Ballet (Mr. Jason Blackwell)
455 Franklin St., San Francisco, CA 94102, (415) 553-4695
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (Mr. Joe Villatoro)
701 Mission St., San Francisco, CA 94103, (415) 978-2710 x158
101 Lombard Condominiums (Ms. Jan Goodwin)
101 Lombard St., San Francisco, CA 94111, (415) 956-8101
For a residential reference from some "real people," please call us at (415) 346-2601.