I am starting my own lawn care company this year, whats some good 1st year advice.

[lawnman79]

I am starting my own lawn care company this year, whats some good 1st year advice.

I have been in lawn care for many years and Im finally ready to do it on my own.
What are some of things you would have done diffrent your 1st year, and what have you founfd worked best as well.

Like used vs. new equiptment ?
used vs. new truck ?
what size trailer? I don't want too big, and I don't want to upgrade too soon
do you you jobs for your friends, or are they only headaches?

[befnme]

i a word " insurance "

[milo]

:cry: :cool2: DON'T :laugh: headphones :drinkup: :sleeping:

[lawnman79]

:cry: :cool2: DON'T :laugh: headphones :drinkup: :sleeping:

gee......thanks :angry: :angry: :angry: :angry: :angry: :angry: :angry:

[The landscaper]

get some good books on starting up a business. That way you are familiar with everything you will need.
Taxes, insurance, workmans comp, ect...

Also read up on here. You will find just about anything you need.
Personally I would go with used equipment first. That way you aren't in over your head out of the gate. Also, don't try and grow too fast. Grow in spirts and then look back and make sure everything is good. If you just keeping plowing ahead picking up more and more jobs, quality will become and issue along with your reputation. Do a lot of networking and get your name out their, and then do good work and your name will spread quickly.

Good luck

[Envy Lawn Service]

The best I can think of right now is a simple term...

WHO AIN'T?

[EDEN77]

First of all, believe in yourself and don't take jokes and criticism on this website seriously. You already have experience and that is crucial. Now, find what works for you personally. It's good advice not to try to grow too fast.

Learn all you can from books, websites, other professionals, and most of all from your own experiences. Get business insurance. Buy the study materials and take the test for a pesticide applicator's license. Don't go heavily into debt. Buy what you need only as you need it. Find a good equipment dealer not too far away and stay loyal to him. He'll take care of you in return. If not, find another dealer. Don't work too cheap. You're in business. Make sure you are making a profit.

[Flex-Deck]

Keep it Simple - Bid and or try to locate jobs as to the equipment you own, and or maybe slightly larger, then if you actually get them, worry about investing in equipment.

[LwnmwrMan22]

I am starting my own lawn care company this year, whats some good 1st year advice.

I have been in lawn care for many years and Im finally ready to do it on my own.
What are some of things you would have done diffrent your 1st year, and what have you founfd worked best as well.

Like used vs. new equiptment ?
used vs. new truck ?
what size trailer? I don't want too big, and I don't want to upgrade too soon
do you you jobs for your friends, or are they only headaches?

Your first 3 questions are completely your own thoughts.

Personally, I've always run equipment that's 3 years old or newer. I'm a solo op that runs 6.5 days / week, so I don't want downtime. I know a new mower can break just as much as an old one, but obviously as something gets older, you're going to have to fix more.

Same thing with trucks.

As for trailer, what are you going to run for equipment. That should tell you what size trailer you're going to need. Being in NE, you're going to have more room than the guys out east, so you can get a little bigger trailer, probably something like a 8' x 16'. They're pretty easy to get around, and you can run a 52" up, and park your 21" push mower next to it.

As for anything else, try to think of a niche. It took me about 10 years to figure out, what my niche is. It's gas station / smaller sized commercial properties that will pay me for mowing / plowing on yearly fees. This way I can do 30 mowing accounts, with 1/2 as plowing accounts and I have a set budget the entire year.

I don't have to worry about if it's dry. If the account isn't irrigated, I still get paid. If it doesn't snow, I still get paid. If I have to mow 26 weeks out of the year, I've already budgeted the bid for 24, so they get 2 freebies. If it gets dry and I only mow 18 times, I get paid for 6 extra cuts.

Try to get it this way. If you're going into debt to start this business, it's going to be hard to pay for the equipment, your house, have a family, etc., if you're going to do it all per time. As soon as you lose your work load, then you've got to get another job. If you get another job, it's going to be hard to get your work load done when the weather picks up again.

[mow king]

1. Don't lowball to get jobs, you'll regret it.
2. Get insurance, it'll save your a$$.

[Guthrie&Co]

dont undercut the competition. not only will it come back to you the client will only be with you because you are cheaper and not because you do good work

[nobagger]

Take as much work as you possibly can, big jobs (not so likely) and small jobs (more likely). Get a business plan together so you have somewhat of an idea what you need to make. Don't bring down the market by lowballing. Do a good job from start to finish. I would research every angle before I made a big commitment like this.

[milo]

no i love the job and work... its just not that good of business. i dont care what people in here tell you of by you tell you. every year so many new guys try this and do it for a few months and make guys doing it look bad. meaning they dont show up, do a bad job whatever and then people dont trust in anyone in this field....
also do a search on here what a business is worth. why work at something for 5, 10, 20 years of your life and at the end no payoff... every year, buying new equipment and things break and boy things do go wrong.. get a job at wendys you will have a retirement plan, work all season, have benefits and get free food.. take my work for it. this is not a good business to go into now..
i do love my work but when you look at the hard numbers wendys would be a upgrade. and i am not joking:nono:

[MDLawnman]

Sit down with a pen paper and calculator and figure out your bottom line. There are some excellent posts here to help you with that. The hardest part of business is to keep a good grasp on how you are doing.

Do not under bid yourself. Once you know what you need to charge, do it and stick to it. If the client says "No" thank them very much and head for the truck. If you want to work for free I have a job for you working for me.

Equipment is your call. With used equipment you have less overhead but then you are responsible for all repairs. Shiny new trucks are nice but try not to start off with a handicap such as a $600 truck payment, $600 mower payment, etc.

You MUST have insurance. Check with your local authorities about licenses that you may need.

ADVERTISE. Name recognition helps a lot.

I ask friends for referrals, but don't ask for work. If they need help I try to do it gratis. Good friends are hard to find and they are excellent resources.

As posted earlier there is excellent advice here on this site if you can cut through the kidders. After reading a few posts you'll find out who knows what they are doing and who doesn't. Don't get mad at the kidders, once you've been here a while you'll be guilty of kidding with someone too!

Good luck!

[Jpocket]

Make sure you charge enough to make money after all your expenses are paid. It's real easy to bring in a TON of money all to pay it ALL back out at the end of the month. DON't consider your cash flow as Profit.

[greengiant9963]

The best I can think of right now is a simple term...

WHO AIN'T?

I agree with this statement 100%.

[palawnman]

I think that one of the main things you have to understand going in is "how to run a business". Its not just cutting grass, understand the bottom line, know that when you cut a $50 lawn, not that whole $50 is profit. I think that so many people that start dont realize how important this is. Run it like any other business, be professional and remember that quality counts! Always remember quality over quantity. And do not lowball, know that good work should get good pay.

Ron

[meets1]

move 3 hours north and I'll just hire ya!

[The Ranger]

Look in your phone book for SCORE (service corps of retired executives). They will assist you in understanding all the start up costs. Business plan and what profit is all about. The best yet, it is FREE!! In fact, all small companies without business knowledge should check them out.

Fact: 50% of all new businesses go out of business in 1 yr. and 70% in 5 years. Don't be one of them.

[PMLAWN]

There are some good answers here. I believe the best and the most valuable to you is to do a business plan.

Keep in mind that cutting grass is just a small part of this.

[PrecisionLawncareArkansas]

I really hate reading all the negative people that say do not start a business. They just don't want you stealing there business. HA! Must be insecure. If everyone is starting one up that must mean that no one is doing it right. If so then you would not be able to start one up. You don't see any stores opening up to compete with walmart do you? There is a reason.

I say open your business and work hard, be professional, and keep your business objective in sight. I have run many businesses and owned some too, its easy to loose sight of the ball. If you give 100% you will get it back. And don't listen to all these negative guys in here, they would rather see you fail than be successful.

[PMLAWN]

If everyone is starting one up that must mean that no one is doing it right. If so then you would not be able to start one up. You don't see any stores opening up to compete with walmart do you? There is a reason.

.
Very true, Few do it right! This is not an easy thing to do and even harder to make good money at it.

Start a LCO-- A 70's pickup and a $50 mower
Start a Walmart type operation---10 Billion+

Maybe thats the reason:laugh:

[daveintoledo]

I really hate reading all the negative people that say do not start a business. They just don't want you stealing there business. HA! Must be insecure. If everyone is starting one up that must mean that no one is doing it right. If so then you would not be able to start one up. You don't see any stores opening up to compete with walmart do you? There is a reason.

I say open your business and work hard, be professional, and keep your business objective in sight. I have run many businesses and owned some too, its easy to loose sight of the ball. If you give 100% you will get it back. And don't listen to all these negative guys in here, they would rather see you fail than be successful.

people telling there experience and opinion is not being negative, sorry if its not what you want to hear, you think this job is different from anything else, everthing has its good and bad, just alot of new people just starting out know nothing of the bad...

now think about it, if you have run many business and owned some too, how many did you own, or fail at, if your here starting a lawn care business you may have failed at your other endevors......so listen to what these guys have to say, and take away what you want , and ignore the rest....
:)

[Tim Wright]

1. Be Committed to succeeding.
2. Get the word out there RIGHT NOW. More than advertising - Tell every body what you are doing different this year. Tell them to tell friends, etc,.
3. If you can swing new gear, do it, you will need the warranty for the first two years. That is the (commercial warranties, not personal, consumer).
4. Don't let the inlaws tell you, you cannot do it, nor your wife for that matter. Just find a way to do it, and work it, and be successful.
5. Be sure your wife is behind you now, not when the going gets rough.
6. What are you going to do if it is too dry for 2 months to mow?
7. What are you going to do if it is too wet to mow for 4-6 weeks?
Prepare yourself for other opportunities.
8. Get accidental and non ability to pay, and life insurance with your equipment loans. That way if you cut off your leg, or lose an eye (God forbid) your debts are cleared up. Its cheap to write this into loans.
9. Have an accountant that will learn your business, and give you advice for success.
having said all of that, don't go into debt unless you cannot afford not to do so.
10. Think business, as much as mowing, etc.

Read Robert Kyosoki's books and any others on successful business, as well as lawn care related materials.

Keep us in the loop and go make millions.
Tim

[PrecisionLawncareArkansas]

people telling there experience and opinion is not being negative, sorry if its not what you want to hear, you think this job is different from anything else, everthing has its good and bad, just alot of new people just starting out know nothing of the bad...

now think about it, if you have run many business and owned some too, how many did you own, or fail at, if your here starting a lawn care business you may have failed at your other endevors......so listen to what these guys have to say, and take away what you want , and ignore the rest....
:)

I am here to learn. Success and failure is measured differently by different people. As for me I have been successful with my ventures and sold them for a profit. There is a lot of luck in being successful. There is also a lot of hard work and doing it right the first time.

This business has always been interesting to me and I see that there is need for improvement in this industry. No offense to anyone, but I think that there are few professionally run lawn care businesses.

What I do not like is all the guys telling you not to get into this business. That is the negative part. We all should be aware of the risks involved in starting a business and true a lawn care business is easier to start than other businesses, but the risk is all the same. If we constantly protray ourselves as negative people and keep the good useful information to ourselves it seems that we are selling everyone short. Hey, mowing lawns is not trademarked or patented so why do some guys act like it is? They are worried sick you might take one of there customers and do a better job than he could and make more money than him. Just my 2 cents.

[PMLAWN]

. We all should be aware of the risks involved in starting a business and true a lawn care business is easier to start than other businesses, but the risk is all the same. .

That is the point-- the risk is not the same. No long term study or education, No commitment to anybody or any other commercial body. No big financial investment. Wheres the risk. Maybe have to drink 6 beers this weekend instead of 12 but what else. There are 12 year olds on this site. Where is the risk. The main risk is the damage done to the industy by all the new start-ups and 6 month and out guys.
Yes there are a few that say don't do it, but most are just saying be very careful.

[PrecisionLawncareArkansas]

That is the point-- the risk is not the same. No long term study or education, No commitment to anybody or any other commercial body. No big financial investment. Wheres the risk. Maybe have to drink 6 beers this weekend instead of 12 but what else. There are 12 year olds on this site. Where is the risk. The main risk is the damage done to the industy by all the new start-ups and 6 month and out guys.
Yes there are a few that say don't do it, but most are just saying be very careful.

How can they be the same. I am referring to the full time start ups. Yeah, there is no risk if you do this part time. Throw your mower in the back of your truck and mow a few lawns. I am talking about the start up full timers. They think its going to be easy and buy them a ZTR and quit there job and before they know it they are broke. There is risk involved that if they are easily sidetracked it will kill them. They need management, marketing, fleet, P&L Tracking, Turf Knowledge skills just to name a few to become successful. There is a lot of risk for the ones that want to go big.

On the other hand I do see what you are saying. And that is sound advise, but we always need to step outside that box and look at it from all angles. Its the beer guzzling, undercutting, small timers that I will put out of business because at the end of the day I can do it better and cheaper.

But again with regards to the lawn care. This is all a guess, I am only getting started. I just want to use past experiences to lead to success.

[Envy Lawn Service]

IIf everyone is starting one up that must mean that no one is doing it right. If so then you would not be able to start one up.

My point is, you said it, even typed it your own self, yet you still don't get it.
That IS the point.

Every spring it seems like everybody with a lawnmower and some time decides to start a lawn business. But extremely few of them do it right. So it's gotten to the point where it is a problem.

[daveintoledo]

im glad you can do it better, thats great, but WHY WOULD YOU DO IT CHEAPER.... that is exactly what alot of people are trying to prevent..... the price of lawn care goes down with each now crop of companies in the spring, and the customer get accustomed to paying less and then will never pay what it is really worth....

dont do it cheaper , be one of the people trying to help this industry and keep your prices up to the area you are in, dont do it CHEAPER...?????/

maybe you should rethink this and start with a solid business plan, afer expenses, see where doing it cheaper will get you.....

good luck:)

[PrecisionLawncareArkansas]

im glad you can do it better, thats great, but WHY WOULD YOU DO IT CHEAPER.... that is exactly what alot of people are trying to prevent..... the price of lawn care goes down with each now crop of companies in the spring, and the customer get accustomed to paying less and then will never pay what it is really worth....

dont do it cheaper , be one of the people trying to help this industry and keep your prices up to the area you are in, dont do it CHEAPER...?????/

maybe you should rethink this and start with a solid business plan, afer expenses, see where doing it cheaper will get you.....

good luck:)

I should have said do it smarter. I am not one to undercut and price everyone out of business. Anyone can do that. It about the service and quality of work. But sorry about the misunderstanding. I do not want to do it cheaper.

But again with the start ups you say it is a problem and I say its an opportunity. With solid planning its easy to beat the startups. Let them try it out. Its not as easy as they think.

[BufalinoLand]

Oh yeah,

i was just 26 when I got fed up with not making anywhere in life, partly because I usually wear my heart on my sleave sometimes

anyway, I just financed some money I didnt have and made it work

I did have like 20 little crap lawns to atleast make some payments before I started

It took me 7 seasons to get where Im at now, this season Im making the jump to hyper space, new dump, some other new stuff

If you dont take risks, you will always be someones B&%#&

Heck they are not even risks as I see it, more like calculations

Im now 33 and am going to be a full full time lawn guy, i was kidding myself when i went back and got my teaching degree a few years ago

go new as you can in equipment, down time sucks

get a bigger trailer than you think you need, youll out grow it quick

trust your gut, work long hours and know that when you walk into a saloon,

YOU ARE SOMEBODY!!!!!!!!!!

[Howard Roark]

Focus on generating income on as low as a cost to you as possible.

You don't need uniforms, logos, or fancy slogans right now. You need customers. Yes, get insurance as soon as you can afford it. But almost everyone on this website started with none, nor did they start legal.

Best wishes.

[Tim Wright]

"Legal" is kind of a twisted idea. Or another way to say it is, you can skin this cat a couple of ways.

You can start legal, but not be a business. ei. go out and get as many customers as you can, not as a business, but as an individual, and claim the income as "other" income.

Do not charge sales tax, if necessary in your state, just charge your rate.

Then, when you know it is time to grow, Get your license, charge sales tax if necessary, and all of the other stuff to make you "legal" and put your "Business" out there as a "Business."

But claiming the income under "other" will keep the state and IRS off of your back. Just keep track of everything.

Now if you have the money to skip the "under the radar" startup, then get a good accountant, take the options that you have heard here and find out what the best plan is for you, and go full tilt.

I am always more partial to the guy/gal with the ambition to do something more than be employeed. YOU CAN DO THIS, and BE SUCCESSFUL!

GO GET IT.

[daveintoledo]

"Legal" is kind of a twisted idea. Or another way to say it is, you can skin this cat a couple of ways.

You can start legal, but not be a business. ei. go out and get as many customers as you can, not as a business, but as an individual, and claim the income as "other" income.

Do not charge sales tax, if necessary in your state, just charge your rate.

Then, when you know it is time to grow, Get your license, charge sales tax if necessary, and all of the other stuff to make you "legal" and put your "Business" out there as a "Business."

But claiming the income under "other" will keep the state and IRS off of your back. Just keep track of everything.

Now if you have the money to skip the "under the radar" startup, then get a good accountant, take the options that you have heard here and find out what the best plan is for you, and go full tilt.

I am always more partial to the guy/gal with the ambition to do something more than be employeed. YOU CAN DO THIS, and BE SUCCESSFUL!

GO GET IT.

sorry, no offence, but it isnt very responsible to come on here and tell people they dont need to conform to there state sales tax laws.....
there are fines and penelties involved, back taxes can kill you a couple of years down the road.... with penalties and interest it could turn into thousands... and you better have. it....

just do things legal... its no more expensive in the long run, and not a bad way to live life in general, by the rules...and yes i started out completly legal from day one.....
:)

[LwnmwrMan22]

sorry, no offence, but it isnt very responsible to come on here and tell people they dont need to conform to there state sales tax laws.....
there are fines and penelties involved, back taxes can kill you a couple of years down the road.... with penalties and interest it could turn into thousands... and you better have. it....

just do things legal... its no more expensive in the long run, and not a bad way to live life in general, by the rules...and yes i started out completly legal from day one.....
:)


Correct. I ran into this about 6-7 years ago, after not collecting sales tax for 3 years, when a law had been changed that I was not aware of.

Ended up being about $2,500 in sales tax, with about $750 in penalties.

The state revenue department was very easy to deal with though, since I went in right away, the day after I got a letter saying I wasn't in compliance, with all my records.

They set me up on a 15 month payment plan.

The biggest mistake I've EVER made in this business though, was that they put a lien on me. Never EVER have a tax lien if you can at all get around it. I would have been 10,000,000% better off if I would have just went to the bank and borrowed the money to pay off the tax debt.

I did it because I was young and nieve. The interest rate that the state was charging was like 1.5% / year. The bank at the time was 9%.

Plus, they put you on "tax probation", meaning you've got to file monthly after that, and each day it's late, it's a fine. This goes on for 25 months of filing your returns on time.

Anyways, to everyone out there that isn't in compliance with whatever taxes, get your records together now and go to them, they're much easier to deal with that way.

[lawnjockey51]

WENDY'S ??? ... There's a great idea. If you go work for a fast food joint you never have to worry about starting a Lawn Bus. for several reasons.

YOU WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO AFFORD THE FOLLOWING:

1. Commercial lawn equipment
2. a trailer to haul it in
3. a truck to pull that trailer
4. a house (can't park that trailer at your apartment complex)
5. a computer so you can get on lawnsite to learn about the business

Then you won't have the time because you have to work 80 hours a week at Wendy's to pay the rent on that apartment. Then there's all that time searching the grocery stores for the sales on generic mac n' cheese so you can have dinner.

It's not all bad, you will have health insurance that you will have to pay dearly for ... (almost all companies are requiring employees to pay a good portion of their own premiums). AND ... paid vacations so you can go to exotic places ... well OK ... the mall because they won't let you on the interstate with your VESPA Scooter.

MILO ... If Wendy's is such a deal ... why arn't you running down there to get your cool little uniform and your schedule that includes working three nights a week until midnight? Could it be that you are actually doing better than the $5.75 an hour that you'll get there?

[Tim Wright]

sorry, no offence, but it isnt very responsible to come on here and tell people they dont need to conform to there state sales tax laws.....
there are fines and penelties involved, back taxes can kill you a couple of years down the road.... with penalties and interest it could turn into thousands... and you better have. it....

just do things legal... its no more expensive in the long run, and not a bad way to live life in general, by the rules...and yes i started out completly legal from day one.....
:)

I think if you look at my post again, I say "Depending you your state." In no way am I saying avoid the law. That would be stupid. What I am saying is, avoid the expense of starting a business. You can accure other income and pay income tax on it without it being a business.

I do not have the form in front of me right now, but it is there. You are suppose to claim yard sale money, the sale of a used car, etc on this line. Mowing lawns on the side fit there.

So re-read the post again.

You may very well be right about it not being more expensive in the long run, but Cash flow is important in the beginning.

Also I guess one must ask, if I don't have the client base from the start to go full tilt in business, then I really don't have a business. So we are back to were I first posted. Basically, mow on the side until you get the client base, file the income with both state and feds, and then after things get rolling, go with dba, EI'N, etc etc.

Tim

[Tim Wright]

Actuallly I miss-worded my original post as -if necessary in your state, which would lead you to think that I was directly stating to avoid the law.

My mistake. I should have typed, "unless necessary in your state."

I sincerely appologies for misleading in that regard.

Thanks for catching that.

Tim

[Full throttle lawn care]

I think some people get to serious there first year out. I went about it in a fun way,starting out with a fun name and logo. Then I hit the dealer and bought a new 737 60in and ehco backpack blower,trimmer,hedge trimmer,edger it all came to a little over 11,000 with no payments for 6months. Even it being slow I have paid half of it off already before the first payment was do. After april the payment will be 120 a month with the apr at 13.9%,but I think by june it should be paid for. I also bought a 16ft inclosed trailer and had that all done up with name and logo for under 6,000. I pay my self 500.00 a week and all the profit goes towards the biz and paying chunks of my start up cost. I have charge a min rate of 70.00 a yard no matter how small it is. I have lost some clients that are price shoping but for the ones that are looking for a true full service they are more then happy to fork over the cash. The most inportant part for a good looking lawn is proper watering. My first visit I start to set up there sprinkler system and adjust zones to maintain 3/4 of in of watering per zone,this sometimes takes several visits. I also check after each visit that theres no problems with system. I could go on and on but the bottom line is I

[Full throttle lawn care]

Take care of my client's lawn like it's my own.
Opps I posted before proof reading and a speel check on accident.hammer

[Full throttle lawn care]

Also I don't do weekends because thats family time! dancing

[Full throttle lawn care]

Also I only were polos with company name on them. headphones

[Tim Wright]

Take care of my client's lawn like it's my own.
Opps I posted before proof reading and a speel check on accident.hammer

I got ya Fiull Throttle:laugh:

Tim

[PMLAWN]

. I have charge a min rate of 70.00 a yard no matter how small it is. I have lost some clients that are price shoping but for the ones that are looking for a true full service they are more then happy to fork over the cash. I
That is awesome. $70 no matter the size. I wish I could do that

[Full throttle lawn care]

What really helps me get the money that makes it worth my time is spending the time with the client and build a friendship and let them get to know me so theres a trust between each other. And most inportant be a good listner. This also gives me a chance to see if I even want them for a client. I only pick nice and friendly clients that I feel will be hassel free. After a couple visits I start to do my upselling from a list of things I feel should be done whether it's pressure washing the house,pool inclosers,fences you name it. Gutter cleanout,repair screens, etc. I offer everthing that my own house needs done on atleast a yearly basis. I feel this seals the relationship because they feel I really care that there house looks great. I do these exstras at a flat rate of 55hr. Only because there already a client. I try to book these exstras with other exstras with other clients. One thing I don't do is nickel and dime my clients if it's a 15min job then I just do it. Keep in mine I'm a one man opperation. If you offer a great service the clients will come from word of mouth.

[lawnprosteveo]

Dont get yourself in a bunch of debt trying to buy the biggest best equipment.

Buy only what you need to take care of what you have. My first year I bought a good commercial 21, a good commercial trimmer, and a good commercial blower.

Used is fine as long as it isnt used up...down time in the shop is money out of your pocket.

This equipment should carry you through your first season.

Also, advertise for new biz....some guys use the newspaper, others use flyers...whatever works best, stick with it and do good work...the biz will come.
:drinkup: :drinkup: