There is so much misinformation on this thread now and the subject continues to be about the PWNA.
FACT: The PWNA asks for copies of insurance certificate and any liscenses that are required in that state. This adds a level of confidence to the org. and others when we are referring them. All paperwork is asked to be updated upon renewal. This also takes away that "anyone or alien" can simply send in a check and become a member. This is it, end of story. The PWNA is not, nor ever has practiced the following,
Quote:
but if a client contacts the pwna about hiring a contractor, who is the pwna to say whether they know what they're doing or not?
This is exactly how misinformation gets spread around. We simply refer members.
Back to the topic, when we hand out proposals and bids as was mentioned, we supply the potential customer with as much information as we possibly can to land the bid. In this information is many items that may include; company info or bio, insurance certificate, testimonials, certificates from other companies or organizations that represent education or membership, and so on. Many people will pay $300.00 plus for membership in the BBB and have no idea what benefits they have for members. They simply pay to be able to use the logo to add credibility. Is the PWNA any different? Aren't the dues worth being able to use the logo to help add credibilty? The fact is the PWNA offers more benefits to members in this industry than the BBB making the dues well worth membership. Along the lines of credibility I use my PWNA certificates to tell customers that I support the organization and the certification courses because it looks like I am more serious and knowledgable than my competition. Here is the difference; I am not saying that there are not others who are more knowledgable(there always is), I am simply "managing the perception" of the potential cutomer with all the tools available to me to market my company and land the job.
At the end of the day the PWNA is an organizatioin that is trying to represent the industry by providing education and communicating many areas of the industry to contractors and the general public. My question is that even if you do not want to be a member of the PWNA why condemn or pick apart an organization that is trying to represent the industry and make things better for all, members and non-members? You don't agree with something that is fine we all will not agree all the time, but to rip apart an organization that represents the industry you work in is, in my opinion, not a wise choice. I do not tear apart the United States even though I do not agree with everything that goes on here. I do not like all the laws and requirements in the Pest Control industry but I belong to the National Pest Management Association. It is because I support the efforts that are made, not all the actions.
We should really move this to another thread. I really think that some of this takes away from the topic.
