16 starting soon. help being legit

[bigexpo]

hey im 16 and want to try somthing new so im going to try landscaping/grass cutting. i have read other posts that say you have to have insurance pay taxes ect. im 16 so what do i have to do to become legit? i just want to make some extra money to help out with bills and money for extra stuff. anone tell me what i need or need to do to start off right

[zak406]

Well first you need insurance on your truck and trailer. Then you need some type of liability insurance. You also need to be liscensed with the state and pay taxes. In some states its diffrent but that is just a basic overview. And search you will find more info in 5 minutes than many can provide you with in 1 day.

[yzwannab]

i am 16 aswell, and in michigan i don't think i can get insurance? But like if he cant do get insurance what should he do????? not trying to hijack.....

[Lynden-Jeff]

Parents cosigning maybe. However be prepared im 19 (20 in a week) and I get raked through the coals for insurance.

Cheers
Jeff

[bigexpo]

well im going to look at some trailers for next year. and might do leaf removal here when the trees sneeze. lol well just really any help on a newbie is much appreciated.. can i get started on 1000 bucks and how long did it take you to get your first account?

[PMLAWN]

First account --First day,
$1000 bucks yes and no, can you buy a $299.00 mower and a broom for that --Yes. add another 200 for a trimmer, so for 500 you can cut grass.
1/2 mile from you house --you need wheels-- $500 for those-- maybe but do you want to drive that.
Are you a business?? do you have insurance?? That will cost some money-- you need gas-- trimmer line- what about paper to print fliers on (and the printing)
Can you cut grass for less than $1000.00 --Yes thousands of homeowners do it every day.
Can you create a business for less than $1000.00 Not really-- but you can create a job for yourself.

For $1000.00 you can start to cut grass and than put every dollar for the next few years into creating a business so that when you are 18 you will be able to start to live off what you sow.
One part of you question has me worried though-- "I want to try something new"---"so im going to try landscaping/grass cutting" It does not sound like you really want to do this -- just test it a little- Just so you know, It is very hard work in HOT temps, very dirty, needing a lot of investment in equipment to make it!

Good luck in whatever you decide

[bigexpo]

One part of you question has me worried though-- "I want to try something new"---"so im going to try landscaping/grass cutting" It does not sound like you really want to do this
not trying to be rude but i ment that i want to do somthing besides work in doors and work for someone else when i can make my own money in the great outdoors. when i do things i put 100% into it so i guess i shouldnt have said ill try it. lol.
also i have a suv so i can tote the mower, blower, weed wacker ect. around for a while until i can get a trailer. i have a car for sale right now but all that is going towards the new truck on payments im making.

[mcwlandscaping]

try working for someone else for awhile to make sure you like it, at your age you should be able to get a job working for someone else, maybe not mowing or running equipment but doing the landscape aspect of it. Don't spend the money before you are sure that this is what you want to do.

[lawnmaniac883]

Whatever you decide to do be very careful working outside in these 100 degree days we are having.

It is very easy to get dehydrated and start to suffer from heat exhaustion. Just take it slow until you gain a tolerance for severe heat. Cuttin grass is a helluva lot tuffer than most people think.

[bigexpo]

is anyone 16 or did anyone start when they were 16. like what do i do to start out i realy have no idea on what to do flyers equiptent. and yes i am sure i want to do it. i like being outside and when i sweat it means im doing the job

[no1knosme12203]

im 16 and I just started the business side of this in february. start off handing out flyers. I now have 21 lawns through word of mouth. as long as you do a good job, they will recommend you. slowly start buying nice equipment. you will get more lawns as long as you keep handing out flyers and you do a good job.

[N&CLandscaping]

Im 16 too and have owned my own company for about 2 years. I am also going to school for Landscaping. I love it and couldnt immagine doing anything else! One big importent thing with my company is to look profesional. You will gain more buissness that way. by this I mean you and your whole crew wearing mathching shirts,and not spitting or doing other stupid things like that. Also try to get a good client base. For me word of mouth works best. Doing Lawn Maintenance is great but if you really want to make some good money try to get into a little bit of Landscape Construction. I do walkways and Patios. Also try installing new lawns in sod or seed. Start off with good equipment. Try Craftsman. They were good to me. Also try to lean more about the trade. If you have anymore questions PM me or post back.
Landscapes Unlimited

[bigexpo]

Im 16 too and have owned my own company for about 2 years. I am also going to school for Landscaping. I love it and couldnt immagine doing anything else! One big importent thing with my company is to look profesional. You will gain more buissness that way. by this I mean you and your whole crew wearing mathching shirts,and not spitting or doing other stupid things like that. Also try to get a good client base. For me word of mouth works best. Doing Lawn Maintenance is great but if you really want to make some good money try to get into a little bit of Landscape Construction. I do walkways and Patios. Also try installing new lawns in sod or seed. Start off with good equipment. Try Craftsman. They were good to me. Also try to lean more about the trade. If you have anymore questions PM me or post back.
Landscapes Unlimited i have alot of questions actually. it wont let me send u a pm for some reason but u can email me at thecrunkla1@earthlink.net
well first question isa what do i do i mean i have no idea what do do first should i go shop for equiptment if so what do i need to buy i want a trailer and i have an expedition i have 1000 somthing dollars to spend and want to buy some good stuff thanks for you input, nick

[GardnerLandscaping]

jfyi, this forum is indexed by search engines. putting your email address straight up in your post is a good way to have it harvested for endless spam.

[Sandgropher]

Bigexpo i think one on the rules for PMs is that you have to be posting for one month to get and recieve them i beleive, its a terrible rule i know when you are trying to get all the information you require from every available source but thats the very strange rule.:confused:

[bigexpo]

Bigexpo i think one on the rules for PMs is that you have to be posting for one month to get and recieve them i beleive, its a terrible rule i know when you are trying to get all the information you require from every available source but thats the very strange rule.:confused:
thanks for that, it was making me mad not being able to pm anyone:realmad:

[N&CLandscaping]

If you only have 1000.00 for power/hand equipment, I would suggest getting an Echo 210 String trimmer ($199.00) A Homelite 30cc Backpack Blower ($169.00) Craftsman 6.75 hp 22 in. Deck Rear Bag Mower Complete Start™ System ($279.00). Those are the 3 basic pieces of equipment you should get. The Homelite Blower is good, but once you start making money upgrade to something like an Echo PB751 Backpack Blower. Once you have those, get all the hand tools you will need. Spring Rakes,Leaf Rakes,Shovels,Pitch Fork,Wheelbarrow,etc... If you plan on doing snow, Think about getting a small snowblower to give you something to do in the winter. Durring the winter you can also hand prune. Hand pruning is good if you know what you are doing. Visit my Website to get my Email address and ill tell you more. http://www.freewebs.com/landscapeunlimited/. For simple addvertising get some nice buisness cards made up. Vistaprint.com lets you make free buisness cards, just pay shipping. With the free though, you can only use it once to your address. Also start going around and telling people what you do. Get your parents to tell their friends.Also get some flyers out. Make them nice and simple!

[Pavel]

OT but I just wanted to say that I like the way you are approaching this - wanting to go legit - the right way.

Nice to see the American work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit alive and well here. Good luck to you! :)

[maxkicker]

if i was in your shoes id try and find a landscape company that will work you on weekends that way you could keep your current job if your dont like the work. <<thats what i would do

but if your dead set on going out on your own with minimal experience id start off by cutting and skip the landscape untill youve atleast browsed these forums a few months< give yah something to do the winter

many wont agree with me but in his shoes just to cut grass i wouldnt pay taxes or get insurance....hes starting out very late in the year
hell have to pay personal property,insurance,"comp? not sure"
by time he pays that much then finds out his tax return is hardly nothing
and winter came all to fast hell probly feel discouraged and quit
jmo

[PMLAWN]

many wont agree with me but in his shoes just to cut grass i wouldnt pay taxes or get insurance....hes starting out very late in the year
hell have to pay personal property,insurance,"comp? not sure"
by time he pays that much then finds out his tax return is hardly nothing
and winter came all to fast hell probly feel discouraged and quit
jmo
So what you are saying is that because I run a business all year- and have paid my dues of entry into the business world, that I should have to pay the proper fees and taxes, but because he does not have the proper start-up funds he does not have too.
I guess that really answers the question of can he start for 1K and be legit

[maxkicker]

So what you are saying is that because I run a business all year- and have paid my dues of entry into the business world, that I should have to pay the proper fees and taxes, but because he does not have the proper start-up funds he does not have too.
I guess that really answers the question of can he start for 1K and be legit
not exactly what i was sayin
the difference is hes part time, hopefully still in school,and hes already got a job....if he sticks with when he graduates and wants to "go pro" then he can spend the money on going legit
if it makes your feel better though PM tell him just to put the extra cash he earned on his parents return.

[bigexpo]

thanks for exeryones input, i really appreciate the help from you all and might plan on going onto landscaping outdoor lighting ect. in a few years if i really decide to go this route and i know from the short time ive been on here you all will help me get through it, thanks again nick grass masta lol...thats got a ring to it does anyone have that name?

[bigexpo]

Just Another Question. Do You Think It Would Be Smart For Me To Start Mowing Next Year Instead Of Starting Late This Year? And If So Should I Buy My Lawn Supplies. Mower, Trimmer, Blower In Teh Middle Of Winter To Get A Better Deal? This Would Give Me Time To Lean Adn Save Up Money So I Can Have Semi Nice Commercial Grade Equiptment

[GardnerLandscaping]

At 16, I think his parents might get fined, not him. At 16 cutting a few yards, I think he would be overlooked as a hobby especially if he is taking the steps to be a legitimate business. Business license and monthly liability for a small operation is not that much. He should receive school credits for that. Telling a kid he can't run a lemonade stand without meeting restaurant code is so unamerican especially if he has every intention to meet the code and make a profit. He probably does need more than 1K but should be able to start on 1K if his parents are supporting him and if he puts everything he earns back into the business for awhile.

I do understand why I have PMLAWN on ignore after reading his quote to put down a kid with more determination than most adults.

[GardnerLandscaping]

I'm trying to figure what is more pathetic. Someone scared of the competition so bad that he is brow beating a 16 year old or someone like me posting 20 times on something I have incomplete knowledge about.

[GardnerLandscaping]

http://www.freewebs.com/landscapeunlimited/

Nice Web site. Seems you have put together a nice service as well. For any age, I would be impressed. At 16, I'm thoroughly impressed. I like the job you did with the sliding graphic across the header. Transparency overlay, consistent interface, and design were all nicely done. And that is from someone who has earned a lot building Web sites, including for companies and organizations you would recognize. And I thought our education system was in danger. Seems us irresponsible and spoiled parents are raising responsible kids.

[N&CLandscaping]

Its up to you Bigexpo. You could wait until next season and save up some more money to get better stuff. Thats what I would do. I would learn as much as possible. There is so much to learn,you will find alot of help on this website, but look everyware around you. Do you have any agricultural schools around you?

[PMLAWN]

I'm trying to figure what is more pathetic. Someone scared of the competition so bad that he is brow beating a 16 year old or someone like me posting 20 times on something I have incomplete knowledge about.
Please answer this - where did you see any put down or brow beating of a 16 year old.
I answered his question and than asked someone else why a start-up would be allowed to break tax laws.
Please let me know where I am wrong?

[maxkicker]

i didnt think you were beating on anyone. just had a different opinion
thats what were all here for learn new things and share opinions

[PMLAWN]

i didnt think you were beating on anyone. just had a different opinion
thats what were all here for learn new things and share opinionsI agree with your assessment of it.

I am still wondering if Mr. Gardner can explain his post or if it is more of his meaning less jabbering. And it is funny how he reads all this stuff if he has 1/2 of the members on ignore