Parents won't listen!

[Scag48]

Well, I'm in a bit of a jam now. I'm need equipment badly 'cuz I just wrapped up three jobs this week! My borrowed Toro is running and hope to make it till next year. I'll probably buy a mower then. I need a backpack blower though. The only problem is my parents won't listen to me when I tell them I need certain things to run my biz properly. My dad's all "save for college, put all your hard earned money in the bank and never see it again...that is until college rolls around." How am I supposed to run a biz without the right stuff? How do I convince them? Heck, I don't even have a mower-how bad is that! Anyway, I think I've got my mom thinkin' right. She helps with most of my jobs, drives me around, and moves stuff out of my way when I'm mowing so we can load up and get out quick (so as not to get with those Chatty Kathy customers). So, here is my dilema. I can't choose between Echo and Stihl. I don't have a Redmax dealer (wish I did) but I do have a Stihl and Echo dealer. Which do you recommend? Why doesn't Honda make a blower? Love the idea of not having to mix gas/oil. P.S.-any ideas how to convince my parents that saving all your money isn't that great are appreciated.

[lawrence stone]

Buy a $150 hand blower.

[AGG Lawn Maintenance]

Scag,<br>Check the news paper in your area they might have a listing of used equiptment in your area. I know in New Jersey you can pick up a used back pack blower for about $75-$150.<br>New ones run about $400 on up. It will be easier to talk them into $150. After a bit you can buy a new one on your own.<br>Just a thought!!! Good luck Travis AG&G Lawn Maintenance

[northeast]

Scag48,<br> If you are just starting out and only have a few accounts,Ask pop to take you to home depot or sears to charge you a mower and blower,make the small monthly payment to him.<br>just an idea.sounds like you could get by now with the non commercial toyz,upgrade when business picks up. Nick<br>P.S. I wish my mom would move all the chairs and picknik tables for me,you are lucky!!

[Barkleymut]

Buy a pushblower. Not only do you not have to mix oil but it is much much more powerful than a backpack blower. In a newspaper classified you should be able to pick one up for 200-250 bucks. And come leaf removal time backpack blowers are virtually useless, whereas push blowers 5HP and up are perfect. Let me know if you have any questions.

[snow]

scag48-do you keep all the money you make or do you only get a part of it? Here is how my money is split up, 1/3-me, 1/3-truck mutual fund, 1/3-checking(equipment fund). If you don't have enough do go new, get used. i got a stihl br400 used for $200. it was almost new. the previous owner used it once, but forgot to add oil to the mix. the dealer reconditioned it, and sold it to me. Don't expect your parents to buy you a leaf blower. Pay them over time. anyways, why don't you have your own mower? why do you have to borrow one?<p>Bryan<p>----------<br>&lt;a href=&quot;http://content.communities.msn.com/BryansEquipmentPicts&quot;&gt;Bryan's Equipment Pictures&lt;/a&gt;<br>&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.snowplow.web.com&quot;&gt;The Snowplow Homepage&lt;/a&gt;

[Dennis]

SCAG<br>Show mom and dad some of these posts on equip. and what it takes to run a buss.<br>My guess is they aren't taking you serious enough.<br>Parents may be like banker, show them some future for there (your) investment.

[Scag48]

Snow- I haven't got very much of the money I've made so far. Most of it has been going to the bank. I don't have enough money to buy a mower otherwise I would. Barkley,AGG- I live in a tiny town, there are only 5 lawn care companies out there, including myself. If any of the companies were to sell one, it would be completely worn out, knowing the guys that run them. I don't think there would be any homeowners with a blower that I wanted. Northeast-Hate to tell you but I am anti-cheap mowers. Sorry, just too many bad experiences with Sears and others. I'm growing now, with 2 months left to go in the season, I just picked up a couple jobs this week so I need something that is gonna give me the best bang for the buck, something that will last a long time-don't want to have to buy another mower after buying one at HD or something-not worth it. Thanks for all responses everyone, greatly appreciated.

[John DiMartino]

My first blower,and still only backpack is a craftsman.My wife bought it at sears,it was returned and sold for 159 dollars,it is a rebadged Solo,which is sold in Northen tool for 379 and at sears for 379.It is only 18lbs,54 cc and 4.7hp.My friend ahs a 62 cc redmax and his isnt a whole lot stronger than mine.Look at sears,I check all the time and at home dept too,they get returns and sell them cheap sometimes,good luck .<p>----------<br>John D<br>

[slingshot]

tell your mom and dad without a mower there is no colege money

[Toroguy]

Scag48,<br>Have your parents read &quot;Direct from DELL&quot;. When a high school student, the young soon to be billionare Michael Dell, made more money than his teachers...selling newspaper subscriptions. His parents sent him off to college, which he soon dropped out of when he was getting $50,000/mo.in computer orders.<p>This is a different industry but the entrepreneur in you is to be applauded, and encouraged. Dell didnt listen to his parents, and his parents are probably proud he didnt.<p>Stay in school, buy cheap equipment that allows you to achieve the financal goals to grow your biz-attend college or both.

[yardsmith]

My first blower was an Echo PB-1000 & it cost $35 at an auction in 1994. I still have it for a backup. I used it for the 1st 2 yrs. I had it, then moved up to a stihl.<br>I also got a $160 Stihl blower (bg72) at an auction last summer for $90. Still had the shipping tags & instructions on it (used once) & it even had a vac bag & suction tube with it! $90 for a $215 value. Love them auctions; I also make sure everything that I speculate on at an auction is tried out before I buy it.<p>----------<br>Smitty ô¿ô<br>

[cantoo]

I might be a redneck...but, Let's see, you said you only have two months left in the season, so buy a blower from Home Depot then take it back after the two months saying you're not satisfied. Been there done that..Pay cash, they won't have your name on file for next time.

[plymouthvaliant73]

It seems to me that your parents ARE listening to you. They're not agreeing with you. Mom is busting her butt to help you out. Dad just does not want to finance you. So? It's his money. He earned it. Now you earn your own. Are you going to be a business MAN or just some kid cutting grass? Here's an idea: ask your customers to finance you. They pay you up front. You buy the equipment you need and pay off the loan doing the work.

[Scag48]

plymouth-you hit the nail right on the head. My mom wants to help me she just doesn't want me to buy anything. Dad doesn't want to finanace me. Thats fine, but if I have all the money I just put into the bank, I'd have a blower right now. Dad is screwing me both ways. No finance and no money.

[Scraper]

So...do what I did when I was younger...don't tell them how much or what you're making...and stuff it under your mattress! :) Now before others bash me....it's just a thought. I guess I am condoning bad familial relations, but &quot;what thou shalt not know shalt not hurt thee&quot; is my motto.

[Charles]

Run away from home and join the circus. Hey just an idea. Get you another parttime job that doesn't require so much of an investment and be sure to go to college. Or you will be spelling like most of us.

[thelawnguy]

Thats what I did when I was your age-ran away and joined the circus. Got a job there circumcising the elephants. Pay was lousy but the tips were big ;)<p>Bill

[jeffyr]

Scag48,<p>This may help. At a home cheapo near me, they have a rack with reconditioned power equipment on it. It is stuff that people bought, had a problem with, returned and repaired by a mechanic certified in that brand. The equipment is sold for about 50% off new and carries the same warranty. Last year i bought an Echo 2100 trimmer for $125 (200+ new) and Echo 30&quot; gas hedge trimmers for $150 (I think they are around 300) and they are both working fine. My only regret is that I didn't buy the 16&quot; Echo chainsaw. I was back this week and they had an echo 4600 backpack. Most of the equipment is homeowner brand, but I always check. They have more toward the end of the summer.....so get lookin. And good luck to you.

[Charles]

Oh ya, forgot to mention. Try to stop your ma from helping you. Not a healthy thing going on there. Next thing you know she will be coming along on your hunnymoon. Telling your wife how to take care of her baby etc.

[Scag48]

Charles-Why would I do that? It helps me out and I don't have to pay her so it's not that bad. The only reason she helps me is because she would be pretty bored just sitting in the truck.

[Charles]

Scag, this deal with your mother is too weird. One day you may want to be independent from your mother. And she will be hurt when you dump her. &quot;it helps you&quot; Well does the world revolve around you? You mother waste her day ridng you around for no pay? She needs a life of her own. I have never seen a mother around here doing this for any lawn care person ever. Don't you think of anyone beside yourself? Oh ya I forgot you being so courteous for letting her get out of the truck lol

[Greenkeepers]

Scag-<p>Had the same problem when I was younger. And even though I'm 23 now and moved out of the house mom still has her OPINION!! They try to control you when your younger and they can. Why? Because &quot;we provide the roof over your head.&quot; <p>My point: Tell mom that you no longer need her help although you really appreciate it. This will allow you to make the collections from your customers without her and pop knowing how much your making. Take some of the $ and stash it and only put a smaller portion in the bank.. <p>I went along with their ideas when I was at home and went to college and got a degree and the whole nine yards. Now that I'm on my own I buy what I want, when I want and Tell them everything that I buy.. Just to turn the tables a little..<p>Good luck, although it sometimes seems like pushing a zero-turn up a 100ft hill..<p>Mike<br>Greenkeepers

[Scag48]

Charles-She doesn't drive me around all day, just for a couple of hours. The only reason she helps is because she is bored. I don't just think of myself. You can ume that but until I've told you that, you'll never know. I think if I told her not to, that would probably hurt her alot more than telling her no in 2 years. My mom does have a life of her own and that life can be pretty hectic so when she gets the chance to help me with 2 or 3 jobs, she takes the chance. It's not like she is doing a whole bunch of stuff anyway. She just moves a couple of s out of my way. I don't know why you think this is &quot;too weird&quot;. It's not that weird at all. Just my opinion but I don't think you should say that the world revolves around me. I don't think that at all about anyone. I don't think you should jump to conclusions about people. Unless you know me as well as my friends do, you can't ume anything.

[Charles]

I am just raggin you Scag. I don't care whether your mama helps you or not. Big mistake to tell a bunch of guys your ma is helping u at all.:)

[cutting edge]

There is nothing wrong with having a family member help out. Only in your case I don't think that it helps your argument. You are trying to convince your parents to let you run your business your way. To prove to them that you are serious you need to do one of two things 1) leave your mother at home or 2) pay her a salary.

[cutting edge]

<p><font size="1">Edited by: cutting edge

[Grasscape Inc]

You're 23. 1)Buy a redmax hand blower from www.alamia.com for $200. It will last 10 years, and has lots of power. AS far as mixing oil, as you get busier, you will like that more than having to change oil. I wish every motor I had was 2 stroke. 2)Tell your mother Thankyou for the help. 3) When this mowing season is over, take a trip to utah for a month. It is time to make decisions with your life. If you wan't to start a legit lawn business, when you get back, go all out, and be the best. My advice would be college, but that is not for everyone.<br>I am on my second lawn business now. Sold the whole 9 yard 2 years ago, being fed up with BS. Am back in it again going strong, at 3 times what it was before. It is possible to sell if you want out. But, if you want to do this....DO THIS .. no in between. Best of luck. Enjoy the growing.<br><p><font size="1">Edited by: Grasscape Inc

[Cutter1]

Scag. THere is always a way to get teh things you need. Pops obviously is not to behind your little business venture. Look else where. When I first started out I asked dear old Gramps. He co signed my truck and gave me money for equipment and I pay it off little by little. Now I have so much stuff I don't have room to keep it. I agree with some of the others and saying that you should by cheap equipment now and get the good stuff later. So what if a craftsman last one year, it pays for itselfin a day!! Save your money, because as we all know equipment isn't cheap. I just got a Shindaiwa back pack it was over $500. Save your money!! Between echo and stihl I would go with shindaiwa!!!

[Potchkins]

just thought i'de stir the pot a little

what's mom and dad think about all of it now?

[DJ Contracting]

In your profile it says your 20 and been in the business for six years
1. If your 20 than why is your mom driving you around?
2. If you been in the business for six years where did your money go.
3. I think you need to come clean.

[huh]

In your profile it says your 20 and been in the business for six years
1. If your 20 than why is your mom driving you around?
2. If you been in the business for six years where did your money go.
3. I think you need to come clean.

this thread was from 2000....six years ago....so he was probably 14 when it started :laugh: :laugh: :confused: :dizzy: :waving: :walking: :laugh: :dancing: :usflag:

[Idealtim]

Gotta love the old threads...

[DJ Contracting]

My Bad sorry guys, gees I feel stupid. :hammerhead:

[topsites]

It would be a different story if you had earned the money and your parents took it away from you and now you needed help... I would gladly assist you in convincing your parents to let you decide what to do with it, if after all, it being your money we were speaking of.

However, I suspect the problem here is that you need your parents to fork over the investment, and I am not about to meddle in a third parties financial affairs, not to mention that the older we get, the more 'beggars immunity' we develop.

So go earn the cash, save it, and when you have enough, buy whatever you want.
I can almost guarantee they won't stop you, and if they try, you know as well as I do that they can't.

[topsites]

plymouth-you hit the nail right on the head. My mom wants to help me she just doesn't want me to buy anything. Dad doesn't want to finanace me. Thats fine, but if I have all the money I just put into the bank, I'd have a blower right now. Dad is screwing me both ways. No finance and no money.

Ohhh, well in that case you need to stop putting money in someone else's account, that much is a lesson to be remembered as I have learned that even parents can and will do it to you. Now if the account is in your name and your name only, nobody can say or do squat to you.

[stumper1620]

just thought i'de stir the pot a little

what's mom and dad think about all of it now?
Ya, I'd like to know that too. You've come a long way since then.

[Runner]

Ah,...I think he has a truck now....don't think he's really cuttin' grass anymore, though. I think he went more toward the landscaping end of things if I remember correctly.

[Sandgropher]

Am i reading this correctly ?? has top sites fallen hook line and sinker for a six year old thread ??:rolleyes: :hammerhead:

[Runner]

LOL Now that I read back on it, it does look like it, doesn't it?? :)

[stumper1620]

Am i reading this correctly ?? has top sites fallen hook line and sinker for a six year old thread ??:rolleyes: :hammerhead:
Yup! you are correct. he has.
I just want to know what Scag48s parents think of where he is now, the grass cutter with the borrowed mower and mom driving him around is a real success story today as I see it.