getting started

[git-r-done]

been told i will never make it in this business im here to prove them wrong. I have only a few acounts right now. I own a 33'' in troybilt mower, eb 7000 blower redmax, 4x6 trailer, string trimer how can i get more accounts.

[Ed Ryder]

Good for you! Don't listen to schmucks who predict your failure at something. It's all do-able. I think some of the guys here make a pretty good living with this work.

[BUCKEYE MOWING]

Good luck to you !! Do good work ....advertise as much as you can afford and DO NOT LOWBALL !! You work ...get paid for it ....accounts will come with time and good work.

[git-r-done]

my lawns rang from 35$ to 65$ do you guys charge by the hour when you do fall and spring. what is the going rate per hour .

[daveintoledo]

do a business plan, demographic study to see if your market will bear another lco...see a lawyer, an accountant, register with the state, get insurance, commercial plates and all, get commercial equipment, your mower wont last long with more then a few accounts....then advertise...simple...

[BUCKEYE MOWING]

I try to make a $1 a minute ....so $60 an hour....but again you need to look at what your market will pay and what is in each of the accounts your bidding on/ cutting ....is it wide open or lots of beds and trees to mow around ?? only you can judge those things and price accordingly.

[AlleganyLawnCare]

Good luck to you !! Do good work ....advertise as much as you can afford

Congrats as well! Keep plugging away!

Remember advertise smartly, not just anywhere. Be creative with your money.

[git-r-done]

all of my accounts are on the lake. most of them dont care about the cost they just want it done befor they come home for the weekend.most live out of state. but if keep getting thes type of people i dont want them to think im ripping them off either just want to make sure im bidding right. im a very productive when person who likes the job done right the first time.

[git-r-done]

all have been word of mouth so far no advertiseing so far. but I dont have a truck its a suv so i hae to use my friends truck to haul away leaves.

[LawnInOrder]

all have been word of mouth so far no advertiseing so far.

I have around 20 accounts and i have nevera advertised. I started mowing my neigbor's lawn over the summer 5 summer;s ago, and they referenced me to other people. Word of mouth is the best advertisement becasue it is free and it works great. I was thinking of handiong out flyers this coming spring. I might try it out and see if it works out. Good luck for the next season. Got any pic of your equipment. LawnInOrder

[git-r-done]

no pics yet not very good with computer

[Grass-Masters]

Good luck, don't listen to anyone. If you want to do it then you will.

[git-r-done]

looking into new mower this winter . do you suggest another walk behind or zero turn some lawns have long hills but not to steep. I heard the hustlers are good on hills. what do you recomend!

[git-r-done]

looking for a good hourly rate to charge for spring and fall cleanup can someone please give me a rough idea if im going in the price range

[daveintoledo]

looking for a good hourly rate to charge for spring and fall cleanup can someone please give me a rough idea if im going in the price range

what did the numbers say from your business plan, what are your total expenses plus profit margin, that is your price....

no one here can tell you what to charge, you have to do the homework.... make some bids, make some mistakes and learn from them..

this is why so many lawn care companies fail, many that are here now, will be gone from this sight next year, .... they dont know there cost of doing business...... they just throw out a number and think they are making money....

save yourself alot of trouble, either do this right, or not at all......

[git-r-done]

every thing that ive bought so far was bought long befor i started. all of my goals were met and now im adding on to them 75% of what ive made so far has been profit . I know that I need to upgrade soon if I want to grow this is just a one man (op) for the time being.

[bukeeper1]

Ahoy fellow New Englander!!!!
Either Move to florida like I did so you can do it year round or buy aplow and snow blower......
Go PATS, SOX, BRUINS, CELTS!!!!!

[daveintoledo]

every thing that ive bought so far was bought long befor i started. all of my goals were met and now im adding on to them 75% of what ive made so far has been profit . I know that I need to upgrade soon if I want to grow this is just a one man (op) for the time being.

that is not how it works,,,,,,,,,

part of your overhead is the cost of replacing that equipment, so anyone saying they can charge (XXXX) because there equipment is payed for already, is making a huge mistake

there is a very good thread here on THE COST of DOING BUSINESS, that includes most everything that should be considered overhead, including your phone, stamps for mailing bills and just about everything...i have tried to find it for you, but have not beein able to yet, its really pretty good....

[WALKER LANDSCAPE]

Git R Done I hope you can prove them wrong. Get legit asap like everyone is saying figure out your market. It sounds like you have a good idea. Do you have anyone helping you? Everything needs to get paid for espicallly you.
Good Luck.

[git-r-done]

just me myself and I until I start to overload myself

[Clear-Cut]

all i have to say is....."git-r-done" and lets go devils! haha!

[Mikesyardworks]

I'm in New York so we can only do lawns about 6 months and plow for 6 months.
I have set aside money from a failing investment for advertising. I have gotten signs, business cards, detailed logo on my truck and also direct mailings and door hangers. I'm a one man operation and have the DBA and insurance. anyone have any other ideas?