Unsuccessful Businesses

[Brian B]

I have an assignment for school that i have to find 5 unsuccessful lawn care/landscaping businesses or any business in that field. if you know any please tell me because i cant find any on the internet. if you dont want to say the name of the business on here you can PM me. If so, please name a few from Ohio.



Thanks,
Brian

[Mr Priceless]

pssshhh, i dunno any...why would anyone give you that assignment?

well, on second thought....hydroseeding could be a potential failure if you don't know what you're doing

[Brian B]

its for an entrepreneurship class and she wants us to look at why they failed.

[BSDeality]

poor management skills
failure to understand all costs of business
poor planning
poor people skills
poor salesmanship

There could be a list a mile long for that task. You're not going to find many "out of businesses" on here. You will find plenty of start-ups on here. if time was on your side you could follow up with them again in august or about this time again next year when they're out of cash and selling everything off.

[Mr Priceless]

its for an entrepreneurship class and she wants us to look at why they failed.

Call every business in the book and hope to get a few saying they don't provide the service anymore and why, do some strenuous research through these old threads, etc.

I hope that helped, but surely she is more interested in why anyone would fail?

Lawsuits
Poor Employment
Equipment Breakdown
Uncle Sam's wrath
Clientel Fallout
Needing the cash so they sell the business (i don't really think that's failing tho):confused:

[KS_Grasscutter]

Pro Cut Lawn Care, of Hutchinson, Kansas. The IDIOT that runs it is a total moron that spends way too much on equipment to the point the business will JUST BARELY make it through the winter. Not quite a total failure, but as close as you can come and still be afloat. Poor planning and very poor management. At least I....errr...he gets to start fresh in 07 with a real good equipment setup, and learning from 06 what NOT to do.

[Big Bad Bob]

I have an assignment for school that i have to find 5 unsuccessful lawn care/landscaping businesses or any business in that field. if you know any please tell me because i cant find any on the internet. if you dont want to say the name of the business on here you can PM me. If so, please name a few from Ohio.



Thanks,
Brian

lordy lordy. the only one i can think of that may have some info and i don't remember where the thread is, is the one, recently that said he had been in business for 8 years but got out because people wouldn't pay. you guys know. the one with the gangsters for the crew. the owner is now a dj and has that on his site. can anyone give the link to that thread?

[Team-Green L&L]

I have an assignment for school that i have to find 5 unsuccessful lawn care/landscaping businesses or any business in that field. if you know any please tell me because i cant find any on the internet. if you dont want to say the name of the business on here you can PM me. If so, please name a few from Ohio.

Thanks,
Brian

Here's one for you: http://www.nliveris.com/lawn.html

[HOOLIE]

Here's one for you: http://www.nliveris.com/lawn.html

Hey he changed his reason for going out of business :laugh: Well one down, 4 more to go...

[LindblomRJ]

Here's one for you: http://www.nliveris.com/lawn.html

Boy those photos instilled confidence in their abilities. Put a shirt on try to look professional. Find something other than an Intrepid to pull around your trailer. The car was not intended to do that.

[J&R Landscaping]

Looks like hey were all members of a chain gang doing community service. 9 years is not to bad I guess. If it's not for you, then its not for you!

[PROCUT1]

I love the cigarette hanging out of his mouth....Real nice touch...haha

[PROCUT1]

I just browsed that whole site.....Everyone should check it out.....I cant stop laughing

[Jason Rose]

I just browsed that whole site.....Everyone should check it out.....I cant stop laughing

Me too... Some of the pics of just the grass looked decent. I especially liked the one of the guy plowing thru water and mud with the viper. "getting the jobdone in all conditions" and totally wrecking your property... The cigs. and lack of shirts... That must have really appealed to the 16 year old girls. Any property owner would ahve FAST steered clear of that bunch.

[LindblomRJ]

Me too... Some of the pics of just the grass looked decent. I especially liked the one of the guy plowing thru water and mud with the viper. "getting the jobdone in all conditions" and totally wrecking your property... The cigs. and lack of shirts... That must have really appealed to the 16 year old girls. Any property owner would ahve FAST steered clear of that bunch.

Guessing that is why they are doing video production now. Or whatever the announcement was. Wonder if they update on a regular basis?

[topsites]

While I can't give you the names because I flat out don't know, I can give you several reasons why...

On that note, it usually isn't just one reason that does it, but more likely a combination that proves fatal. To underline this point, I dress much like those guys on Nick's Lawn Care do, and while looks may drive some business away, it's nothing some extra advertising can't fix (as one example).
Besides, while we laugh at Nick and his crew's appearance, there might've been a lady or two who had little problem with it.
They've all got short hair, and they are all in good shape from the look of things.

Thou from Nick's picture, here is what I gain did it:
- All of his friends work for him, and a crew of 8 for 1 truck driving his labor through the roof.
- The rider and the Z (one is wrong, the other isn't needed), and the pistol grips tell me he spent too much and not all on the right stuff.

So, but anyway:
- Failure to save up / have enough initial capital funding (and taking out loans if as a result or otherwise).
- Buying too much equipment / spending too much AND/OR buying the wrong stuff.
- Not enough initial advertisement.
- Pricing too low (guilty).
- Working for and with friends, family, and / or neighbors.
- Lack of experience / kowledge (thou this is way general and kinda bs, but still).
- Lack of an external support system (such as lawnsite, for example).
- Lack of a plan, and failure to follow it properly if it exists (flying by the seat of your pants).
- Failure to predict and be prepared for unforeseen circumstances (such as equipment down time).
- Lack of DRIVE (mojo) AND stamina > Because you need a whole LOT of this, then it has to last more than a few years.
- Failure to properly and effectively divide the work load (ex.: 2 or 3 workers per truck max.)

well idk, I'm sure there's more.

[mountianview]

look for people selling all there equipment, i remember the one guy selling his scag tiger cub as he was going hungry through the winter also look for cheap equipment owners /sellers .

[nocutting]

I have an assignment for school that i have to find 5 unsuccessful lawn care/landscaping businesses or any business in that field. if you know any please tell me because i cant find any on the internet. if you dont want to say the name of the business on here you can PM me. If so, please name a few from Ohio.



Thanks,
Brian

Hello Brian, is your teacher thinkin about goin into buisness on the side?.......Now on to "Reasons of failure" 1st you need a unique niche to attract clients on the higher end or a service thats provides something "Everybody" needs............2ndly you need an honest assesment of what things cost? [ most guys figure that if they've covered their materials and paid their help or themselves everything is going Great?], the sad reality is , buisness done this way has a few flaws........How are essential "Day to Day" operations costs paid? [ gas, insurance of all kinds, advertising,equipment, repairs, and that 14-day trip to Figi in the winter?].........another key area people make a "Hugh Mistake" is with the labour pool........often they will hire people for cash [ off the books] which over time creates a downward spirl effect......."Think about this", if you hired a "Competent guy and paid him $15-25 per hour".........he could speak the "National languge", be given a written work order,tend to the equipment under his charge, drive the truck and have a good lic., have an open repore w/ the clients, attend educational seminars to further his understanding and appreciation of the work he is doing for you,.......in effect he would promote You and Your Company on a daily basis............Now back to the "Cash Company", by saving some upfront cash, the owner now has to spend more time w/ his crew, repair / maintain the equipment, drive the truck, be the main communication between the clients, [ is he really saving any money?].........[ is he / or his company projecting an image that attracts better clients?]..........[ does he ever get Peace of Mind knowing his crew is doing a good job? or does he worry about what next $1000.00 dollar piece of equipment will bite the dust at the end of the day from lack of attension?].................Brian,. I'm gonna leave you with these two possibilities why some buisness's fail?- Good Luck- Saxon:usflag: :usflag: :usflag: :usflag: :usflag: :usflag: :usflag: :usflag: :usflag:

[LindblomRJ]

On that note, it usually isn't just one reason that does it, but more likely a combination that proves fatal. To underline this point, I dress much like those guys on Nick's Lawn Care do, and while looks may drive some business away, it's nothing some extra advertising can't fix (as one example).
Besides, while we laugh at Nick and his crew's appearance, there might've been a lady or two who had little problem with it.
They've all got short hair, and they are all in good shape from the look of things.


Its company image. This was part of his advertising... No amount of advertising will mitigate the image he is projecting for his company. If your going to advertise then clean up. You, your equipment and all involved. Its not just little old ladies that balk at the image nick projects. I would be not let someone looking like that crew near my house.

Don't show picks of running a mower thought water and creating ruts.


Thou from Nick's picture, here is what I gain did it:
- All of his friends work for him, and a crew of 8 for 1 truck driving his labor through the roof.
- The rider and the Z (one is wrong, the other isn't needed), and the pistol grips tell me he spent too much and not all on the right stuff.

Again, if implemented correctly the crews could be fast and good on a property, are able to service more accounts in a day. I would do things differently. A crew or 2 would seem to be about right.


So, but anyway:
- Failure to save up / have enough initial capital funding (and taking out loans if as a result or otherwise).
- Buying too much equipment / spending too much AND/OR buying the wrong stuff.
- Not enough initial advertisement.
- Pricing too low (guilty).
- Working for and with friends, family, and / or neighbors.
- Lack of experience / kowledge (thou this is way general and kinda bs, but still).
- Lack of an external support system (such as lawnsite, for example).
- Lack of a plan, and failure to follow it properly if it exists (flying by the seat of your pants).
- Failure to predict and be prepared for unforeseen circumstances (such as equipment down time).
- Lack of DRIVE (mojo) AND stamina > Because you need a whole LOT of this, then it has to last more than a few years.
- Failure to properly and effectively divide the work load (ex.: 2 or 3 workers per truck max.)

well idk, I'm sure there's more.

How are you able to tell all that from a few pictures?

[Brian B]

i know why businesses fail but i cant find any that did. lol. i got a pretty good laugh out of the "Nick's Lawn Care". Wangsters

[RedMax Man]

Here's one for you: http://www.nliveris.com/lawn.html

What a gang a bafoons:hammerhead: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: Every picture made me laugh. UNBELIEVABLE:dizzy:

[topsites]

Its company image. This was part of his advertising... No amount of advertising will mitigate the image he is projecting for his company. If your going to advertise then clean up. You, your equipment and all involved. Its not just little old ladies that balk at the image nick projects. I would be not let someone looking like that crew near my house.
Don't show picks of running a mower thought water and creating ruts.

Ok, I get it... Yeah, I don't suppose I would be putting up pictures of those times I flew over the handlebars on my Web site (with some caption to the effect of 'when I mow your grass, I mean it...')

I am thinking of putting up a gallery thou, and unfortunately some of the pictures are of equipment torn to pieces as it's being rebuilt...
Still, it's being fixed, not destroyed.

Makes sense.

How are you able to tell all that from a few pictures?

Those were general things, nothing to do with that company.
......

I did miss their gallery the first time, thou.
I can kinda see why all the rest of the guys were laughing ...
The bit with the edging snakes, that was too much.

[LindblomRJ]

Ok, I get it... Yeah, I don't suppose I would be putting up pictures of those times I flew over the handlebars on my Web site (with some caption to the effect of 'when I mow your grass, I mean it...')

Makes sense.



ROFLMAO! :laugh: :laugh:

[PROCUT1]

Not for nothing, but we all have times on the job when it gets goofy and fun. You have to when youre working in the heat all day.

Those pics would be funny to have back at the shop but not on a website.

Think about a condo manager looking at that site. The first thing he would be able to think are the calls he would be getting from owners with those guys on the property.

[Krehling's Prop. Maint.]

i know of a business in my area that is going through some rough times, they bought too much new equipment and over exteneded themselves and they ended up with all kinds of problems like not being able to pay their crew supervisors. they cant even make it through the winter without a credit line. i dont know if they are going to go under soon or if thy're going to try to hang on to it as long as they can

[Krehling's Prop. Maint.]

oops posted the same thing twice

[R & R Yard Designs]

LOL just a joke. i know of one that is falling apart by me would be clean cuts

[RedMax Man]

How about that flag on the trailer... really patriotic.:laugh: :usflag: :usflag:

[LindblomRJ]

i know of a business in my area that is going through some rough times, they bought too much new equipment and over exteneded themselves and they ended up with all kinds of problems like not being able to pay their crew supervisors. they cant even make it through the winter without a credit line. i dont know if they are going to go under soon or if thy're going to try to hang on to it as long as they can

Excellent point!

This is a business folks. You need to think like a business owner. Doesn't matter if you are a 1 person operation or have several crews.

[YardPro]

too bad bobby gedd is not here anymore, you could ask him... he's a good example of how NOT to run a business....

[JJLandscapes]

Most the time its because people think just cause you can cut grass or lay some brick you know how to run a profitable business

[LindblomRJ]

too bad bobby gedd is not here anymore, you could ask him... he's a good example of how NOT to run a business....

He is an expert. As well a legend in his own mind.

[Waterscapes By Design]

I dont know WHUT you guys are complaining about, that is a damn fine company, I actually want to get a hold of him and tell him to start up again, I'll even pay to move him and his pimps...errr crew to come down here, they are just so cool.....:hammerhead:


That has to be a joke website, that cant be for real, shirts off, smoking, plowing through wet grass (you actually see the turf coming up under his front right wheel lmao). At least they were all wearing shoes in the photos...

[firefightergw]

Did you guys see this picture? How would you like to look out your window and see this? :laugh:

http://www.nliveris.com/edge.html

[JKOOPERS]

thats the best damn website i have ever seen in my life .lol

[DiyDave]

What a joke! With a bunch of drunken bozos like that, makes me wonder what his workman's copm bill would be like? Glad to be a one man show if that's what the work force looks like.

[PatriotLandscape]

from that website
"What is core aerating?

Core aerating is a simple process that removes a small portion of your grass, soil and roots. This small portion of the grass is a plug about one half inch in diameter and up to two and a half inches in length. The aerator pulls 6 plugs per square foot. Once the lawn has been aerated, the soil will begin to revitalize. Because there is a hole in the ground, rain water will reach the soil quicker. Fertilizers and mulched grass clippings will also reach the soil and roots quicker. This all means that your lawn will be more healthy. This is especially important in the spring and fall because your grass is under more climatic changes."

Not to hi-jack the thread but that is just too funny and horrible description of aerating

[Big Bad Bob]

from that website
"What is core aerating?

Core aerating is a simple process that removes a small portion of your grass, soil and roots. This small portion of the grass is a plug about one half inch in diameter and up to two and a half inches in length. The aerator pulls 6 plugs per square foot. Once the lawn has been aerated, the soil will begin to revitalize. Because there is a hole in the ground, rain water will reach the soil quicker. Fertilizers and mulched grass clippings will also reach the soil and roots quicker. This all means that your lawn will be more healthy. This is especially important in the spring and fall because your grass is under more climatic changes."

Not to hi-jack the thread but that is just too funny and horrible description of aerating

maybe it was easier, for the kind of clients he attracted, to understand. you don't have to be very articulate when you are dealing with people whom the price is the deciding factor.