Questions & Answers For

www.We Care On A Mission.com

Question 1 - What is the purpose of www.We Care On A Mission.com?

Answer 1 - This purpose of this website is to substantiate my 25 year history of providing information on the back of my contract for consumer evaluation called disclosure. And my personal mission of having this marketing strategy first become a local licensing requirement for residential contractors and all shop at home companies that local municipalities would enforce, and then to have this new licensing regulation evolve into a Federal Trade Commission rule (FTC) that would then make it mandatory in all communities throughout the United States.

Question 2 - When did you first start providing disclosure information on the back of your contract as a marketing strategy?

Answer 2 - I started in 1983 disclosing information in a printed format on the back of my contract with photo ID and signature, which brought accountability to my marketing strategy of the words “We Do Our Own Work”. Examples of my contracts dated 1983 through 2006 on the We Care On A Mission.com website.

Question 3 - What propelled you into disclosure? There had to be one thing you can remember that caused you to go in this direction.

Answer 3 - Yes there was. In the early 80’s I started battling with the Philadelphia Yellow Pages and/or the Donnelly Directory over the words “We Do Our Own Work”.

Question 4 - Why were the words “We do our own work” so important to your company to advertise in the Yellow Pages?

Answer 4 - I started my print marketing in 1975 with brochures and ads in the Philadelphia Daily News and the TV magazine of the Philadelphia Inquirer. My marketing strategy was to promote the words “We Do Our Own Work” rather than low ball price bait and switch advertising. In the 1970’s through the 1980’s it was prevalent for this disingenuous low ball bait and switch sales tactics in most of the print media with the exception of the Donnelly Directory and/or the Philadelphia Yellow Pages. They still to this day do not allow any price comparison or pricing to be advertised in their publication. My print marketing would offer consumer tips and information on how to shop for home improvements. Our company would promote the faces of my co-workers and myself to show integrity. We offered productivity, ingenuity and honesty, and we truly did our own work. That means they were co-workers with workmen’s compensation, all insurance, and medical coverage. We provided trucks and all equipment. We paid attention to detail and made sure our customers received a quality job and great service after the sale. So the words “We Do Our Own Work” stood out in the Yellow Pages. The companies that were doing the low ball price advertising were at a disadvantage in the Yellow Pages. It was the one print media where I had the advantage. (Examples of advertising from the 1970’s and 1980’s on this website)

Question 5 - You mean the Yellow Pages would not let you advertise the words “We Do Our Own Work”?

Answer 5 - They would allow me to advertise those words but they allowed anybody to advertise those words whether they were true or not. The Donnelly Directory would not investigate and they would not enforce the truth whether a company subcontracted or really did their own work. There was a competitor who dishonestly advertised those words in the same size ad right above me year after year in the phone book. I went on a campaign thinking that the directory cared about truth in advertising. Being young and naïve I soon learned what they truly cared about was advertising in their directory and getting the check.

Question 6 - So what was the name of this other contractor that was advertising in the Yellow Pages dishonestly with the words “We Do Our Own Work”, who was actually subcontracting or outsourcing his installations?

Answer 6 - That’s really not important. It was 2 decades ago, and since then that company has been bought and sold twice. The name of the corporation has stayed the same. This is why there’s a Question in our disclosure statement that would reveal not only how long the corporation has been around but continuity of ownership, has there been new owners, has there been a change in procedures and service? Consumers should not be misled because of corporate identity as a long time line. I believe consumers will be looking and listening for length of time in business along with continuity of ownership, and they will be attracted to those companies that have a high percentage of recommendation and referral business along with repeat business vs traditional advertising and marketing. Disclosure will bring clarity to the consumer on whether the customers that have previously been serviced were satisfied. Because it should be common sense that if you’re not treated with respect the first time you deal with a corporation or business, that you will not come back a second time, and you truly won’t recommend them to your family and friends. So the percentage of business that comes from recommendation and referral far outweighs the words “We do our own work” as valued information for consumer evaluation.

Question 7 - Couldn’t a licensed contractor that discloses information misrepresent or lie or say whatever they wish in their marketing and on their disclosure statement on the back of their contract to get consumers to contact them and to purchase?

Answer 7 - Only if they are extremely foolish and or stupid. Again, disclosure has marketplace enforcement. This means that if a contractor misrepresents and or lies on his competency Questionnaire or disclosure statement on the back of his contract, and they have their photograph and signature which shows accountability. This contractor risks not being paid by the consumer. And if this happens, that dishonest contractor will not take the consumer to court for his money. This is the true strength of disclosure because the way you hurt an incompetent contractor is in his wallet. You also curtail, not totally eliminate, misleading advertising as a bait for consumers to call disingenuous businesses, and that contractor must keep in mind that with accountability for misleading information on the competency Questionnaire is clear with signature and photo ID, and this will give the DA or the Attorney General the necessary tools to enforce the laws that are already on the books, with the possibility of bringing criminal charges for intentional fraud.

Question 8 - Do you believe unlicensed contractors who do not provide disclosure should be allowed to advertise?

Answer 8 - No, and I believe it should be strictly enforced and bring penalties to the marketing companies that allow unlicensed contractors to market on a large scale.

Question 9 - Doesn’t this restrict trade and curtail a lot of good competent contractors who are not licensed, persons who do work on the side, like firemen, policemen, and just persons who have a following that are competent?

Answer 9 - No it does not restrict trade. I’ve said before, and I’ll say it again, there will always be a market for the small entrepreneur who does quality work to continue to do so on a small scale. All of their business is word of mouth, if they do good work, for family and friends. The consumers get what they want what they expect in an unlicensed contractor, and they generally do it at a substantial savings. And this works for a lot of people, but not all people, so it does not restrict trade or stop any person who does quality work to continue their business. They just can’t advertise it unless they want to become licensed.

Question 10 - It’s been said Mr. Weigold by many of your friends and people that know you, that you are obsessed with disclosure to become a licensing procedure. Is that why you’ve named this website We Care On A Mission.com?

Answer 10 - Yes, and I don’t know if obsessed is the proper word, but for over 25 years in every sales presentation I have given in the home I have explained the benefits of disclosure to the consumer and have advocated this to become a rule. I truly believe in my heart that disclosure as a licensing requirement for residential contractors will have so many positive changes in the marketplace for years to come. People have heard the phrase the information revolution, but without disclosure productivity ingenuity and honesty cannot compete with the inefficient complacent and dishonest people in business, and consumers will be still be subject to fraud by deceptive and dishonest advertisers.

Question 11 - Are you a consumer advocate or a businessman looking to capitalize on this new legislation called disclosure?

Answer 11 - I am not a consumer advocate. I am a businessman recognizing that disclosure will increase consumer confidence, expand the market, as well as curtail fraud and deception at the same time.

Question 12 - Is it true that you are hoping that disclosure will be a Federal Trade Commission rule rather than a local licensing requirement?

Answer 12 - Yes, but in the early 80’s for over 20 years I pursued that goal only of having this become a Federal Trade Commission rule. But I now realize that local municipalities can more readily adopt this regulation, and it will spread to other municipalities in the United States and hopefully have it evolve into a FTC regulation. So there can be consistency throughout the country on disclosure for all shop-in-home companies.

Question 13 - What is your plan to have the federal government adopt a new FTC trade rule? Why do you feel so strongly that this should and can be done?

Answer 13 - After municipalities throughout the country truly show that disclosure has so many positive and so few negatives for consumers, and our campaign for this new FTC rule will be central to a rule that was passed in retail selling under door-to-door known as the right to cancel, part 429, # 16 clearly shows a lack of consideration for disabled and physically challenged people in our country. THIS RULE CLEARLY IS DISCRIMINATORY DUE TO THE ONE EXCEPTION THAT WHEN A CONSUMER PHYSICALLY VISITS THE COMPANY ESTABLISHMENT AND REQUESTS AN IN- HOME SALES PRESENTATION THAT THEY RELINQUISH THEIR RIGHT TO CANCEL UNDER THIS OLD FTC RULE. THOSE WHO DID NOT PHYSICALLY VISIT WERE GIVEN TIME TO GO AND EVALUATE THE COMPANY THEY WERE BUYING FROM, TO VERIFY THE VALIDITY OF THE BUSINESS. ONE DAY WAS NOT ENOUGH TIME TO CANCEL, TEN DAYS WAS TOO LONG, AND THREE BUSINESS DAYS WAS ASSESSED TO BE FAIR TO EVERYONE EXCEPT HANDICAPPED, SHUT-INS, AND THE ELDERLY WHO ARE MUST SUSCEPTIBLE TO FRAUD. For most people, 72 hours is a sufficient period of time to physically investigate the business establishment, company history, etc., and cancel the contract if so desired. However, elderly, homebound and shut-in consumers may not be able to adequately investigate a shop-at-home company within the specified period of time. Therefore, this rule does not protect those that are physically challenged. Non-compliance of the right to cancel rule #16 came with a $10,000 fine for both the sales representative and the company for not giving the consumer the right to cancel within 3 business days on a shop-in-home transaction. My contention is in the 3 decades that this rule has been on the records, there have been millions upon millions of transactions done in homes. I’m sure with many, many, many non-compliance. No matter how noble the intent of this rule to protect consumers, if dishonest and disreputable businessmen do not fear enforcement, the rule is worthless. Please email us at wecareusa@hotmail.com any information that you believe would be helpful in disclosing information pertaining to the enforcement of this trade regulation. Get involved! Take a stand for change, your help is appreciated. Thank you. Keep in mind in the late 60’s when this trade commission rule was being debated and enacted. There was a lack of consideration for a lot of people in our country. Times have changed, and it’s time to change this Federal Trade rule the right to cancel to be inclusive that all local municipalities enforce disclosure as a licensing requirement for all shop-at- home transactions of $25 or more, along with the right to cancel. Discrimination is no longer tolerated. The physically challenged are given the right of easy access and entrance to buildings, bathrooms, and curbs and many of quality of life issues, and when spending their money at home on shop-in-home transactions the discrimination in this early FTC rule needs to be corrected as soon as possible, and it will also benefit all the citizens in our country. In the year 2007 it would be political suicide for any elected official to oppose a quality of life issue than would benefit physically challenged people, and it would surely help any candidate to show that he cares about this issue of helping the physically challenged and senior citizens with the decision making needed to improve their homes. This is a very large group of people that are extremely politically active, they vote. If anything fits the criteria of politically correct, changing the right to cancel rule #16, part 429 does, to include disclosure for all shop at home companies.

Question 14 - When and how did you discover that there was a lack of consideration for physically challenged people in the Federal Trade Commission rule #16, part 429?

Answer 14 - To my best recollection 1974, I was in my early 20’s, a sales representative for a company in Philadelphia called the Prime-O-Sash Window Company on Cottman Ave. when this Federal Trade regulation was adopted, and was then being strictly enforced. I was new in sales, the ramifications of the right to cancel did not concern me, but the old timers who were in this business for years, thought it was going to be the end of their selling careers. Once they would high-pressure someone into a sale, that person would not be able to cancel. It was quite a stir in the company. On any lead that was generated on either TV or newsprint advertising with one exception, a walk-in. That means when a consumer would open the door on Cottman Ave. and walk in the door, and request an estimate, those salesmen would fight for that customer, because there was an exception to this new regulation, and that is if a consumer would physically request an estimate, by entering the place of business, that the consumer did not have a right to cancel on a cash transaction. Over the years I thought about this. The conclusion is that the 3 day rescission seemed to be a fair amount of time where the average consumer who would purchase a shop-at-home transaction to go and physically investigate the company, and to make a decision on viability and credibility of that company to perform the contract. Where one day wasn’t enough, ten days was too many, three seemed to be the right amount of time for the average person to physically make sure there was a company of validity. My contention then and now is that back in the 70’s there was absolutely no consideration for physically challenged people with this FTC regulation, leaving this exception for a physical visit as such importance that the consumer could not cancel. I was informed that an FTC regulation cannot be amended, therefore I believe a new rule should be adopted, making it mandatory that local municipalities enforce disclosure as a licensing requirement for all shop-at-home selling. This will allow productivity, ingenuity, and honesty to compete fairly in the marketplace, with the inefficient, complacent, dishonest people in business, and will make the consumer responsible for evaluating honest information about the company before entering a contract. And the key is photo accountability and signature from a principal in the company who will be held accountable for the information disclosed to the public. We can take enforcement out of the hands of the government and leave it in the marketplace where it belongs. For capitalism to work fairly for both consumers and honest businessmen, disclosure is inevitable, and should be in every state across the country as a new FTC regulation.

Question 15 - On your website We Care On A Mission you mentioned briefly about disclosure labeling for product identification. Can you bring clarity to this subject?

Answer 15 - We also need a Federal Trade Commission regulation rule for product identification and labeling to the sale and delivery of shop at home products, where manufacturers of doors, windows, kitchen cabinets would apply an inexpensive ingredient disclosure label identifying the make-up of the product being delivered for consumer evaluation. This label would have to be in a prominent position with a rule that only the consumer would have the right to remove. Similar to what was enacted in the bedding industry with mattresses pillows and all furniture. Consumers would then have the ability to evaluate the differences in quality products, and dishonest and incompetent contractors would not be able to deliver a lesser quality than promised. This would enable the manufacturers of quality building products also to compete fairly in the marketplace for the consumer’s dollar. The consumer would be assured that what the sales representative promised would be delivered and installed.

Question 16 - Why do you believe that organizations can help with disclosure?

Answer 16 - Many organizations have at their base their objective of improving the image of their industry, such as the National Remodeler’s Association and the Better Business Bureau. These organizations, if they care, wield a lot of political power to make the mission happen sooner.

Question 17 - Do you also mean religious organizations should support this?

Answer 17 - I think churches and all religious organizations care about their members in the community. Many politicians recognize the support they can get from the religious community. It is my hope in the upcoming election that more than one candidate will recognize the real political value of bringing disclosure to the political process.

Question 18 - Does disclosure have anything to do with the ongoing federal investigations in the city of Philadelphia? Would it not also apply to the political process?

Answer 18 - I did not originally get involved with disclosure for this purpose. But the theme of disclosure for the public will resonate with many voters, and I believe it would not be politically correct for any elected official to say “I’m against disclosure for the public.” The Question that needs to be addressed by all the candidates is What is their position on Disclosure for the Public.com. Hopefully the main stream media will press for an Answer to this important quality of life issue that will have a positive effect on every block and every neighborhood for years to come. City council has been on a mission to ban smoking. City council has been on a mission to ban trans fats. City council should adopt the mission protecting homeowners from dishonest residential contractors. City Council could make our community first and show the rest of the country that the Philadelphia, the city of Brotherly Love, is more than a slogan. But it also defines caring about the way our citizens improve their homes and neighborhoods. For most of us the number one quality of life issue that allows our families to be good productive citizens is having a well maintained home and neighborhood that we feel secure living in.

Question 19 - Are there other examples giving consumers disclosure on job performance that also brings fairness to business people who believe in integrity, quality in job performance, and service after the sale?

Answer 19 - Yes. The Better Business Bureau provides a matrix, a computer printout. Some call this a report card. Quite detailed, offering the consumer information about the business member’s service record. See example of the Better Business Bureau matrix. Angies List.com is nationwide and allows consumers to post letters specifically how they’ve been treated. These letters reflect honest information directed at consumers who are looking for quality services. These letters also reflect the bad, the companies that are inefficient and complacent. Those businesses that don’t understand integrity, after information is accumulated, the service companies are given a report card rated “A” to “F” in many categories. See example.

Disclosure information sends a clear message that there is not a bright future for the inefficient, complacent, and dishonest people in business. This is fair to the consumer and to businesses with integrity

Example of Better Business Bureau matrix which some call a report card, that discloses the company’s job performance and service

This is the current format which is changing in the near future to an A-F system similar to Angie’s List

Question 20 - If you Google “Contractor referral in the United States” on the Internet, what is the approximate number of websites that come up?

Answer 20 - 155,000, which certainly demonstrates the need consumers have to obtain information about contractors. Mandatory disclosure for residential contractors will help consumers with their selection process.

Question 21 - Is it true that We Care’s mission for disclosure includes a contractor referral organization?

Answer 21 - Yes, www.Open Marketing.us
Wanted: Companies With Integrity
Join the Revolution – Take the Integrity Test
JOIN THE OPEN DISCLOSURE ORGANIZATION
A group of like-minded business people who are focused on promoting the concept that consumers are entitled to honest information and that “Sales Talk” must be backed with verifiable documentation that is provided to consumers for their evaluation in the form of disclosure. While this organization was originally created for contractors the concept of disclosure works for all businesses that believe in productivity, ingenuity and honesty.
Disclosure = Honesty and….. Fairness…….Businesses with INTEGRITY need to be financially rewarded. Consumers will always look for value along with quality, and most are willing to pay the increased cost as long as expectations are met, these companies will receive repeat business and recommendations. With disclosure consumers will have the information about the contactor’s past performance. This will send a clear message to those businesses who provide in-home services to pay attention to detail to deliver what you promise and to service what you sell. Disclosure brings fairness to the marketplace.
Take advantage of your company’s good reputation
The OPEN DISCLOSURE ORGANIZATION can help your sales people close more sales at an increased profit margin, minimize your cancellations, prompt more call-backs and recommendations. For the nominal fee of $75.00 the first year, the Open Disclosure Organization will provide you with a stat on Open Disclosure for use on the back of your contract, or to use as an addendum to your contract. The organization will also provide access to sales formulas and ongoing lead generation to guarantee future sales.
Increased Consumer Response
Because consumers value Open Disclosure information when getting estimates, they call companies who include Open Disclosure information in their Marketing Plan. Competition not willing to disclose company history and operating procedure could be perceived as deceptive.
Increased Call-Backs and Recommendations
The lowest price quote does not assure you of a call back. Smart shoppers evaluate company history and operating procedure along with a fair price.
Reduced Cancellations
“After the sale” jitters may not occur as often when a consumer signs a contract after evaluating written company information.

www.Open Marketing Inc.com James K. Weigold / Joseph Bucher
-Lead Generation 4533 N Front St Phila Pa 19140
-Increasing Closing Ratios 215-455-1400 1-800-568-6989
-Minimizing Cancellations FAX 215-457-5523
-Prompting Call-Backs & referrals Email info@OpenMarketing.us

Question 22 - Why separate domain names, why not just one Internet domain name?...Why www.Mandate To The Mayor.com,… www.Disclosure For The Public.com,… www.Americans Who Care.com,… and www.Open Marketing.us?

Answer 22 - Separate domain names allow labeling of specific goals and flexibility for disclosure as it evolves. When the licensing procedure for residential contractors is changed to include disclosure and the mission is accomplished, the use of each domain name can be expanded to bring disclosure to the political process. My hope is that in the near future the Internet will be user-friendly for all people that vote and spend money. We, the people, will just be able to verbally ask questions. From powerful search engines that have a reputation for integrity, like Google, and disclosure will then truly bring power to the people, before we cast our vote and spend our money. Disclosure cannot be stopped. Take a stand! We must all accept responsibility for our own actions and inactions. Positive changes only come when we make it happen. Get involved, your help with the pushing to have disclosure become a licensing requirement for residential contractors will make disclosure a reality. Disclosure needs broad base support. Support it with your dollars and support it with your vote. Tell all that you wish to be treated fairly in the marketplace and the voting booth. The most powerful things that we have as consumers is the way we spend our money and elect officials, honest, accurate information will soon allow the voting public to have full disclosure, and eliminate the incompetent, inefficient politicians that make the wrong decisions that affect our lives. Disclosure will bring clarity to the consumer in the process of shopping at home from a salesperson, enabling businesses that believe in productivity, ingenuity and honesty, to compete fairly in the marketplace. It’s hard enough dealing with the intentionally dishonest in business, but also the incompetent that just do not pay attention to detail, and are in it for the quick buck. They go out of business, change their name, and come back again and again under new names. This must be stopped, and stopped now! Hopefully, Philadelphia will be the first community in the nation to do so.

www.Americans Who Care.com

There is a simple solution for contractor fraud….

It’s a 1 (one), 2 (two), 3 (three)!!

www.Disclosure For The Public.com

AN INTEGRITY TEST FOR SHOP-IN-HOME COMPANIES

The Integrity Test The time has come for all shop-at-home companies and contractors to take a test for the privilege of being licensed. We must all TAKE A STAND, action = results, GET INVOLVED, help make this pocketbook issue for homeowners a political issue. Spread the word through the new media, Internet, talk radio.

Log-On…SEE…Who Cares…

www.Americans Who Care.com

Are You A Proud American Who Cares?

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