just starting out at 49 yrs old

[rrr]

Hi

Some back ground I worked for 26 years in the private sector .

The company I worked for down sized and I found myself out of a job I did
get a decent severance package. A number of years ago I did some mowing
part time for extra cash. So I have some experiance.

I'm looking at getting back into Lawn Business full time now. I want to work for myself I am attending seminars on starting and marketing a small business . I was wondering if there were others who started there bussiness
under the same circumstances and how things were going ?

In ways of equipment to start with a I have 2002 GMC , a 16 horse Lawn Tractor . A couple of cheap push mowers. I want to invest in a used commercial mower , a couple blowers , and trimmers and trailer.

Also has anybody here used the forms from Lawncaresuccess .com ?

Lawnsite.com has been a great to read and learn from.

Any feed back would be welcomed .

Many thanks .

[grass_cuttin_fool]

I worked for a company 20 years then they moved the operations to China. The founders of the company had an assistance program to help start a buisness or for schooling to teach you a new job. I had been mowing part time in the evenings for 8 years and decided to go full time. I havent used any of the forms from Lawncaresuccess .com

wayne

[daveintoledo]

i started out last year at 42.... get the used commercial mower, the lawn tractor will break down alot during the season trust us on this.... i still use mine on some yards the old ladies are afraid of the z... but thats about it...

it can be done, it just isnt easy, like anything else right....... and welcome

[grass_cuttin_fool]

And yes you seem to have a good plan for your equipment purchases also. The biggest hurdle I had was paper work. I had no idea how much paper work was involved in keeping good records. Also I didnt see you mention Insurance, dont forget to include that in your buisness plan, 1 accident could wipe out everything you own.

wayne

[paulge]

I am 47 and just started my business about a month ago. I too worked for the man and have owned a few businesses throughout the years. Before I made the decision I spent a great deal of time reading the posts on this site and ordered a small business package from http://www.lawncarebusiness.com. Before I bought the first piece of equipment I went out and did some pre-selling. My background is sales and marketing so I went after it. Again, I am new here and I'm sure some of the vets here will give you good advice but here is my 2 cents:

1.) Create an identity, ie, logo, signs, business cards. Be unique and memorable. Be ultra-professional. People are hungry for quality service, at least around here they are.
2.) Pre-sell before you spend a great deal of money on equipment. *( I take delivery of my 48" Cub Cadet Tank next week and I have already secured 59 accounts.)
3.) Print fliers and put in the newspaper slots of mailboxes. ( I have placed 1400 fliers.) Place a small ad in the service directory of the local paper. Put a small display with business cards at the local full service car wash. Anywhwere you see an opportunity to leave your business cards, leave 'em.
4.) When you are ready purchase the best quality equipment you can afford. Without good, reliable equipment you are out of business.
5.) Get licensed, insured and bonded. Again, separate yourself from those that aren't.
6.) I have a 3'x6' sign on the back of my trailer with a humorous logo. I watch my mirrors at red lights and you would be surprised how many people are writing down my number.

My best advice is think outside the box when marketing. Do some things that no one else in your area is doing. The word will get out and you will be busy before you know it.


Best of luck to you,


Paul

[jtkplc]

I bought the info from lawncaresuccess.com. I found the information to be somewhat helpful, but nothing groundbreaking. Most of the info was common sense kind of stuff. You can learn much more about this business on here an hour each night than you can from that info. This site is the ultimate tool for this business. I think if you already have some experience, the lawncare success info will be somewhat obsolete.

Your lawn tractor will break down, probably nothing major. I had a lawn tractor when I was first starting out and just little things would break because it just wasn't made for the pounding of commerical use. Definetly get a commerical mower to be your main mower.

Starting out will be tough, but good luck. I know I wouldn't want to try and start out fresh at 19, I can't imagine doing it after you have a family or a house with all the lovely expenses of living on your own.

[PMLAWN]

Your biggest investment will need to be a mower. The lawn tractor will just not last.
Overhead Overhead Overhead---- hang out in the business section of lawnsite and read about the cost of doing business, Know what you have to pay for (overhead) so that you price right from the start.
I believe that 70 -80% of the people doing this work are making about the same as if they went to work at Wal Mart. And the main reason is not knowing their costs. The lure of this business is the low cost of entry. But that is also the reason to realize the cost of staying in it. Many will think that because they have a truck that they don't need to buy one (read pay for one) yet what you use in this business must always be payed for by the business. This business is very labor intensive and equipment intensive. Make sure those things are paid for.
I see you are from Ottawa, What is you cutting season like. What will you do in the winter. Plan for all of this in your business plan.

Sorry about the job loss and good luck . You have come to a place with many answers.

[lawnjockey51]

49? I hope it's not a problem, I am starting this spring and will turn 53 in April. I bought a Ford F-250 crew cab 6.0 Diesel and a 52 inch Hustler Mini-Z with the BAC-VAC, I have a STHIL 4-mix trimmer and will be buying some brand of commercial edger and a back-pack blower.

I still have my job and will be part time for a while, so I have not gone out to pre-sell. I figure, "Build it and they will come," which is easy for me because I can afford it now.

Good Luck to you.

[qualitylawnmanagement]

i started out last year at 42.... get the used commercial mower, the lawn tractor will break down alot during the season trust us on this.... i still use mine on some yards the old ladies are afraid of the z... but thats about it...

it can be done, it just isnt easy, like anything else right....... and welcome

Hey dave did you use to live in Lima, Ohio?

[Roger]

I started at 56, and now have nine seasons behind me. I will be 65 next Summer. I work about 60-70 hours during the heavy times, and a bit less at other times of the year. My aim is about 1,100 - 1,200 cuttings, average about 25K sq ft of mowing each (two at 10K, most at 30-35K, five over 1.5 acres). I work with a 36" Exmark hydro, 21" LawnBoy, 21" ToroProline, and Stihl handhelds (4 of them).

[rrr]

Thanks for advice guys.

I plan to use some of the severance money to purchase the equipment I need. So I should be starting out debt free.

In the way of commercial mowers would you purchase used or new? There's a
huge difference in price from the mowers I've researched.

PMLAWN the cutting season in the Ottawa area May - October. In the winter months I'm hopping to work for Snow Removal contractor I know.

I see your in Mooresville I'm hopping to visit your town some day I have a
addiction to racing and would love to check out the NASCAR shops sometime.

[Team Gopher]

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Hi rrr,

Welcome and congratulations on getting started :) I hope this is a great year for you.

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[Royalslover]

Thanks for advice guys.

I plan to use some of the severance money to purchase the equipment I need. So I should be starting out debt free.

In the way of commercial mowers would you purchase used or new? There's a
huge difference in price from the mowers I've researched.

PMLAWN the cutting season in the Ottawa area May - October. In the winter months I'm hopping to work for Snow Removal contractor I know.

I see your in Mooresville I'm hopping to visit your town some day I have a
addiction to racing and would love to check out the NASCAR shops sometime.

From my experince of bieng a solo for 18 years, I would definitely say buy new. Used will break down a lot sooner. I have had good luck with demos also.

[kirk brown]

hey rrr
i`m fairly new to the biz. and i`m only 1/2 hour west of you.
if you have any questions let me know.
i`ve never used lawncaresuccess

[800wildcat]

I hope it's not a problem; I'm 49 and just starting out also. I'm starting with a '97 Hustler 4600 range wing (2500 hours), been told it cuts 8-9 acres per hour, (haven't picked it up yet, but have committed to buy) and a Chevy K2500 HD 7.4L to tow my trailer. I'm located in central WI, anyone have approximate suggestions on how much to figure my charge per hour when estimating so I don't under or over bid? Obviously, I'm focusing on large lawns and am also talking to my town about doing the schools and the parks. Since my equipment is used, I want to ensure I charge enough to be able to replace it soon. Should no contracts transpire, the price will be worth it to take care of my own 4 acres nicely, so I won't be hurting there. But I certainly hope I can get something to happen so I can make some money with this thing. Any suggestions are appreciated.

[Lefty's Lawns]

I'm 47 now. Started 3 years ago. Only a PT LCO, maintaing 12 per week. I work 4/10's at the full time job, letting me have all day on Fridays to complete my work. I get a little tired toward the end of the day but it's worth it to be outside, not cooped up in front of a computer terminal all day. This grosses me $1,400.00/month. Wintertime, I do snow removal for 2 commercial accounts and 15 residentials making around 1000.00 per/snow.

I look for other revenue streams such as Aeration & Fertilization to those who mow their own yards. One thing I offer is Garage door opener maintenance. I don't repair them but I will grease the screw drive and chain driven doors, tighten the screws on the henges and lubricate the springs and hinges. Takes 10 minutes tops and brings $20.00. Customer's are amazed at how quiet their garage doors sound after I'm done. Hit them at least twice a year. Visit any Garage door installer and they can hook you up with a tube of grease and the lube spray. $20.00 investment will last you 2 months, depending on how often you perform the service.

A common theme I've heard is quality equipment and I agree. I run an 03' Silverado 2500HD w/a 7.5 Boss Superduty blade during snow. I have an older 48" Skag WB, Newer 36" Exmark WB (My workhorse) 33" Troybuilt and a 22" Honda. Above avg Stihl blower and trimmer, 4 Gal backpack sprayer, Spyker Spreader (you can't beat those big tires on bumpy ground) and a 22" Ryan Aerator (Looking to get a newer bigger aerator to cut time and improve quality) It's all good stuff and it pays off in the longrun. Reducing time and effort.

Not much advice to give you except to leave the property like you'd leave your own yard. My work doesn't have to meet my customer's expectations. It has to meet mine. You'll get more business just based on referrals from your current customers.

Good luck

Stop and consider God's wonders. Job 37:14

[Lefty's Lawns]

I'm 47 now. Started 3 years ago. Only a PT LCO, maintaing 12 per week. I work 4/10's at the full time job, letting me have all day on Fridays to complete my work. I get a little tired toward the end of the day but it's worth it to be outside, not cooped up in front of a computer terminal all day. This grosses me $1,400.00/month. Wintertime, I do snow removal for 2 commercial accounts and 15 residentials making around 1000.00 per/snow.

I look for other revenue streams such as Aeration & Fertilization to those who mow their own yards. One thing I offer is Garage door opener maintenance. I don't repair them but I will grease the screw drive and chain driven doors, tighten the screws on the henges and lubricate the springs and hinges. Takes 10 minutes tops and brings $20.00. Customer's are amazed at how quiet their garage doors sound after I'm done. Hit them at least twice a year. Visit any Garage door installer and they can hook you up with a tube of grease and the lube spray. $20.00 investment will last you 2 months, depending on how often you perform the service.

A common theme I've heard is quality equipment and I agree. I run an 03' Silverado 2500HD w/a 7.5 Boss Superduty blade during snow. I have an older 48" Skag WB, Newer 36" Exmark WB (My workhorse) 33" Troybuilt and a 22" Honda. Above avg Stihl blower and trimmer, 4 Gal backpack sprayer, Spyker Spreader (you can't beat those big tires on bumpy ground) and a 22" Ryan Aerator (Looking to get a newer bigger aerator to cut time and improve quality) It's all good stuff and it pays off in the longrun. Reducing time and effort.

Not much advice to give you except to leave the property like you'd leave your own yard. My work doesn't have to meet my customer's expectations. It has to meet mine. You'll get more business just based on referrals from your current customers.

Good luck

Stop and consider God's wonders. Job 37:14

[officeguy]

47 is just a number, jsut like any other, do what is best for you and your family.

[Lefty's Lawns]

OOPS !!! Sorry for the duplicate post.

[Trinity Lawn Care, LLC]

rrr, Welcome to ls and good luck with your new venture.
lawncaresuccess is a good starting point. I think that you are on the right track with the seminars. Education is very important.

[GStover]

In the area you're interseted in working, find the mail carrier for the neighborhood. They know the people on their route like the back of their hand...if they're worth their salt. They can't, and will not, put fliers in mail boxes (against federal law), but taking them to lunch, or something of that nature, plus a business card or two of yours will score you some lawns.

If they have a good re pore' with customers on their route, then they're sure to hear all the gripes about their current LCO's, and that's when they suggest you. Mail carriers DO NOT like walking in a yard with tall grass, and will recommend those yards to you if done right. Remember, however, that most that let their lawns go bad are PITA's...just one way to maybe pick-up a lawn or two from a newbie's standpoint...:rolleyes:

Good luck, and one's never too old to start anew...

[GStover]

I forgot to mention something very important to me, and I know to my customers as well...treat them well, talk to them if they want...I don't charge for talking, and you'll be surprised when your cell rings with a referral...:)

[TPnTX]

Seems to be a common occurrence at our age. It's not as if we can't get another job. It's that we don't want another 9-5, indoor, petty political, back stabbing, germ spreading, belly bulging, heart stopping, stressed out phuQing job.

Last Spring at 43 I was laid off, I mean fired. I was planning starting my own business this Spring '06. The wife and I sat down and come up with plan which would allow me to quit and figure out another way to make money.
Our plan got implemented a little earlier than we had scheduled. So I had to punt.

My punt turned out to be a good one. I have a a lot of tools and some equipment. Not mowing equip though.

Using my talent, compact fel tractor and welding equipment I have survived this firing through last summer and so far this winter. (if you can call it winter in Tx. this year)

My welding business consists mainly or ornamental fence jobs and I'm doing well. I continue to find more jobs or they find me actually.

Im not bitching, Im blessed but welding is not necessarily want I had in mind when I dreamed of self employment. Its some hard ass work.

The problem is I don't LOVE it. I like it. Im proud of my work. But I don't get real excited about it.

Now I'm not suggesting that Landscape/Lawn Care is easy or that anyone will jump out of bed in excited ready for work. I know it's as hard or harder than anything else.

What it does, and what is my plan, is allow for growth. You can conceivably hire someone else to do the job while you do another or something else like landscape.

Welding on the other hand doesn't allow for this. I can't have two jobs going at once.

So I'm in a bitter sweet struggle. I'm working on my Mowing plans right now. I do not want this season to pass without implementing my plan.

Instead of getting bogged down with scenarios I'm just going to roll with it. Go ahead and advertise mowing and landscape.

I'm not so naive to think it will be easy or simple. I can say that in NE Texas if you want it to, it will happen.

Anyway if nothing else it helps to write down what's bouncing around in my head.

Oh one last thing. I will not go in debt to start off. Plenty of people in the business all tell me:
get a 36" WB, 21" WB, trimmer, blower and hit the bricks.

TP

[newmanfan]

I just started in July of 2005-

Here was my plan:

1) Invest in the equipment up front. Most people might say I went overboard but I bought a new truck, ez-dumper truck insert, 37" wb, 2 21" wb, trimmer, blower, stick edger, multi-tool with attachments, trailer, etc. By doing this, I put myself in a position to immediately be productive, and say yes to customers. Yes, I have debt to manage. But, I also am not a mechanic, and would rather spend my time making money, than working on equipment.

2) Get a good CPA, and Attorney. These people were invaluable in helping me set up my business, and getting started with a good foundation.

3) Know your market- who do you want to serve, where, what type of work do you want to do- this will dictate the type of equipment you buy.

4) Know how you will estimate- come up with a way that works for you.

5) Know what your overhead is, and if it is in line with others across the industry.

6) Get all appropriate licenses and insurance- builds credibility and offers peace of mind to consumer and you.

7) Have a selling plan, and sell, sell, sell.

8) Join landscape association(s), local chamber of commerce, etc. This one thing has gotten me much more business than any amount of advertising.

9) Give your customers good value, high quality. You can dictate the price from there.

10) Have fun and work hard.

[out4now]

I think the guys are hitting some good points here. Forget the lawn tractor unless its a commercail quality Deere or something like that. Pick up a good walk behind. The Quick 36 is getting an lot of good reviews for back yards. Also invest in good commercail equipment. If you use your 21's for light trim mowing hang on to those and throw new engines on as needed( note that is only if you don't use them much) I'd look at this book http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1551806053/ref=sr_11_1/002-6560069-6228024?%5Fencoding=UTF8 its got pretty good coverage for what you will need as a beginer. You may even be beyond it already but it does explain many aspects of the business. This is a great place to learn most of what you need to though. Welcome and good luck to you.

[KC Hartman]

Wow!

Sure was great finding THIS thread. I have been wondering if I was a fool for thinking I could start a Business at 46. Having read everyone's post here I see I can do it also. I like the outdoors, love mowing and have been having some fun learning landscaping here at home.

With a major employer shutting down in my area and jobs getting more and more competition, my wife suggested I look at starting a mowing business. Her idea of starting wa just go mow, but I am an "information gatherer" and found this site pretty readily.

Hey, Newmanfan! I would LOVE to get together with you and give a day or two of free labor to watch how you work, since I am only 45 miles west of you in Aberdeen. I haven't seen many from Washington state on the forums, and seeing you so close is advantageous. Send me a PM or email me at kc@clozbiz.com if I can get together with you some time soon.

I desire to get commercial equipment, but unlike most of you here, I am relatively poor, so I'll be starting with my Honda Mower till I get enough saved to get a Quick 36 or whatever. I live in a coastal area and I am thinking because of all the hills, a WB will be the best choice for a longer period.

Anyway, nice meeting you all! What and awesome resource this site is for a noob like myself.

[gabfer]

Good luck to everyone! There is a great expo in Louisville,KY Oct. 6-8. Check out the link http://expo.mow.org You can talk to the factory reps, demo all the new equipment, attend training seminars.

[Davido]

Wow... 49? I thought I was starting late at 39... The service industry is the only way to go, it seems. Sorry, but they can't outsource the lawn even if the equipment manufacturer has been. I'm wondering what to charge... I'm guessing about 40 for a cut and edge, trim and clean-up. whatever. Still work full time but want to be my own boss.