The Danger of “Illegal Businesses”

What is an “Illegal Company?”

     When I talk “Illegal,” I’m ONLY referring to businesses, not those that may be employed by said businesses. An “illegal” business is one that will operate in a municipality, county and/or state bringing in revenue on a regular basis and not having the proper credentials to be able to operate. It’s as simple as that. To be honest, earning these credentials isn’t always the easiest, and that may be a reason for owners to avoid doing what they are supposed to, to operate properly. That though, is NO excuse.

What do companies need to operate LEGALLY?

    In New Jersey, there are essential requirements for a company to operate, including various types of insurance: Worker’s Compensation, Liability, Auto, Property, and Health Insurance. Each type may have specific requirements, like increased liability, depending on the business. Though costly, these insurances are crucial. Imagine facing property damage or a truck accident without coverage—what would you do? They are necessary to protect your business from unforeseen incidents.

 What else is needed?

     Speaking of the kind of business I operate, a business that applies Organic pesticides, fertilizers, and hand pruning of shrubs and ornamentals, we need certain licenses to operate a business legally. NJ DEP requires a Pesticide Applicator’s License, which in turn helps in getting a NJ DEP Business License. Also as the owner, I possess a Certified Arborist license which is needed to do pruning. As well, our company possesses a NJ Home Improvement license so that we can plant/transplant shrubs and trees. Do you have any idea how many companies that do this kind of work, for example, DO NOT have these licenses/certifications? And that’s not all that is needed, as I am just scratching the surface, but you get the idea, and all these things cost money and time to get and garner a higher fee from the customer. You pay for experience and education. By doing that, the responsibility is now on us.

So why is this important? What can YOU, the customer, do?

     I bring this up because you, the customer, need to be educated on these matters as companies like my own are legal. We pay a lot of money to be in business with all the insurance, certifications and licenses, and these fly-by-night, cash, day work “companies” are only in it for a quick payday. And YOU need to understand and truly consider this. I’m not saying they do shotty work, but I am saying that they are doing illegal work. If a tree accidentally falls on your house, what can you do? Typically, their insurance would pay, BUT THEY DON’T HAVE ANY, so you’re screwed. How about they kill your plants somehow, then what? They will just disappear, and you are left “holding the bag.” So please, with all respect, DON’T HIRE THEM. Hire a legal company, plain and simple, because using their services, thus supporting their illegal company is part of the problem.

 “But, why are they so much cheaper than you?”

     The answer is simple…they don’t have the overhead. They don’t have the proper amount of insurance, or any at all. They don’t have the licenses required. They in many cases, collect cash as payment, not paying the proper taxes. It’s a huge calamity and makes every LEGAL company look bad. It forces us to lower our fees, which in many cases are bare bones as it is. Again, what can YOU do? Hire LEGAL, INSURED, CERTIFIED, LICENSED companies, not the fly-by nighters, ever! Always ask for credentials. If the company is legal, all of that is readily available for you.

*** Plant Health Organics is a 100% Organic land care company serving Central NJ and Bucks County PA. We are PROUD of the work we do and know full well that what we do is BEST for you and our world. Contact us at 908-335-0553***                    

-Joe Gentile, Owner Plant Health Organics, LLC