Replies

1. 
   InMyOpinion | Mar 21, 2007 03:04am | #1

   Sorry, but I haven't used Craigslist in that way. Perhaps you have noticed, though, that license numbers are not uncommon in Yellow Page ads and on trade truck signage.

   Maybe a compulsory license posting will ultimate help your craigslist business.

   IMO, Paranoia Police

2. 
   jeanlou | Mar 21, 2007 04:59am | #2

   Dave

   I can understand your being a little (a lot) careful in this trickster society we live in, but, if you have the license number, then it is probably already public information, and including it will give some of your potential customers the comfort zone they require to contact you and get on with business.

   As far as junk mail is concerned, live with it  and learn how to deal with it as best you can. There are, unfortunately, some mentally very under-endowed individuals that enjoy bombarding others with nonsense.

   I can only hope that the idea behind the expression "what goes around comes around" will one day have profound meaning for them all.  Good luck, JL

1. 
   Dave45 | Mar 21, 2007 04:26pm | #3

   I don't have a problem giving someone either of my license numbers (GC or PE).  If I used the Yellow Pages or had a sign on my truck, I would include the GC number as required by CA law.

   My objection to posting the number(s) on Craigslist is based on how easy it becomes for someone to get into my personal info.  The "bad guys" probably won't take the time to copy a license number from a truck then go dig me up on the internet.  When the number(s) are in a venue like Craigslist, however, it just takes a few seconds and a few mouse clicks.

   I completely support the idea of screening the licensed contractors from the unlicensed hacks and applaud Craigslist for their attempt.  I would, however, prefer to have a little control over who gets my info.

   I think that I'll wait a while before posting another Craigslist ad and watch how other contractors handle this. - lol

   Update:

   After I made this post, I checked several Craigslist ads and found that most of the licensed folks were including their numbers.  Counting on safety in numbers, I posted my ad. 

   This whole thing may become a lot of fun to watch.  CA law requires a license for jobs over $600.  There were several ads from unlicensed contractors offering major remodeling work - and the ads included phone numbers.  I gotta wonder if the CSLB (Contractor State Licensing Board) will be giving them a call. - lol

   Edited 3/21/2007 9:54 am by Dave45

1. 
   nikkiwood | Mar 21, 2007 04:44pm | #4

   What about giving a false number? Then if any legitimate person questions it, you could give them the correct number with an explanation.********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

2. 
   jeanlou | Mar 21, 2007 06:12pm | #5

   Dave

   You seem to have more faith in government bureaucrats than I do, but it would be nice if some of the non-conforming contractors were investigated.  JL

1. 
   Ron01960 | Mar 21, 2007 07:06pm | #6

   Some states require you business lisc. # to be posted on all ad's, signs, invoices etc.Ron

1. 
   GaryW | Mar 21, 2007 07:47pm | #7

   Ron is correct, and that's the law in CA. A point to consider is that such requirements might prevent non-licensed workers from taking work away from us licensed ones.

   Unless you work from your home, there's nothing really personal listed when you look up a license number. That being a good reason to have another business address. My number is 670188 and can be looked up here:  http://www2.cslb.ca.gov/CSLB_LIBRARY/License+Detail.asp. As you can see, there isn't any personal info listed.Gary W

   gwwoodworking.com