Marketing Idea

[gravtyklz]

We'll every spring I get this burning desire to start my own lawn business. So far I havent gone through as I'm running another business and have a part time job. But with this economy those seem to both be part time jobs now.

So to my idea. I'll be starting out with 0 customers obviously. I was thinking about starting things out with charity in mind. I'de like to plan half a day to a day to mow some lawns at cost for elderly or disabled people with low income. Obviously this isnt a money making scheme, but I find charity important.

This is my question though. Would this get the word of mouth advertising going faster? And would this advertising be good or bad? Would I get some legitimate customers or would I only get people who want me to do it as cheap as the charity jobs?

Thanks in advance!

[YardKeeper08]

Why would anyone want to pay you once you were to mow their friends place for free. They will want the same deal. Maybe you need to value your time more. Think of it like this your working for cost while you could be making a profit. By the way I have a prop or two you can come do for me at cost.

[gravtyklz]

Why would anyone want to pay you once you were to mow their friends place for free. They will want the same deal. Maybe you need to value your time more. Think of it like this your working for cost while you could be making a profit. By the way I have a prop or two you can come do for me at cost.

We'll I should mention that this is something that I want to do as a charity profit or no profit. I was just wondering what the marketing results could be. I certainly don't plan on doing this as a promotional offer, or just as a means to keep busy. I can sit at home and watch TV for nothing.

[mngreenguy]

I understand the importance of charity however typically you give to charity when you've taken care of the home front first.

Are you doing this to offset profits or other income?

[gravtyklz]

I understand the importance of charity however typically you give to charity when you've taken care of the home front first.

Are you doing this to offset profits or other income?

I've heard proverbs that say give and much will be received too so who really knows in the end? :confused:

But yes, I'm already self employed so the extra write off would be nice.

[melanieb3]

sounds like a good concept, but maybe you should not do the grass cutting...because of the fact that all of their friends would want the same price.

I read another post where a guy did a car wash, sponsored by his landscape company...put an ad in the paper, talked with a restaurant to get them to supply the water and added them in the ad as well.... Then, do the charity for something like breast cancer, or whatever charity you'd like.

I actually think this is a good idea.

he said he also would give out fliers to each car that was washed saying the charity was hosted by his lawn care company, adding thanks to the restaurant and then the flier was worded somehow to ask them if they were interested in the lawn care service.

Might work...great publicity...it's for charity...again, it sounds like a good idea to me.

Or maybe you could think of something different to do for a charity..I just don't think cutting grass for free would be the way to go...

But you're on the right track and seem to have a good heart so I'm sure you'll come up with something...maybe there is a local shelter or something that could use some charity...check into what's in your town locally and do that...

Just some thoughts. Best of luck to you..I hope that your charity...whatever it may be, will benefit many ppl and also give your business great publicity!

[M&SLawnCare]

I'ld avoid just doing free work for the elderly or disabled "with low income". I don't see how you'ld gain any quality clients from that. Those that you are servicing obviously wouldn't be able to afford your services after the free time, and the people that they would likely tell would probably be in the same situation as them. You'll end up getting a lot of people that can't afford you, yet want you to kill yourself for next to nothing.

Two methods that i've heard has worked for others (i haven't tried these personally) is maintaining your church property at no cost and requesting an add placed in the bulletin about your service. The other is supporting a local kids sporting team in exchange for a banner at the field along the fence or on the scoreboard.

[bohiaa]

not only a very nobil offer, it can be very rewarding.

as most LCO's will tell you, some of the most profitable jobs I have ever done have been for free.

you would NOT belive the reconnishion you will recive, and it's a tax break too.

you can get with your local chamber of commerance and they can lead you in the right direction. there are many elderly and disabled people out there needing help.

BEST OF LUCK TO YOU

[familylawncare]

Charity or Business, you decide. While your effort is nobled and great...with this you do not have a business, but a one man charity. What are you referring to as a write-off? A charity is just that. Obviously you have no intent to own and operate a real business.And, yeah I do believe your "word of mouth" advertising will generate what you seem to be looking for....more non-paying customers. Better to stay with a "do you want fries with that" part time job for you!

[gravtyklz]

Obviously you have no intent to own and operate a real business.

I'm really not sure how to take your post honestly. Even if I tried my idea I would be doing half a day's work at cost leaving 4.5 days for profitable jobs. Even if I never got one decent referal out of the whole campaign, how in the world does that say I have no intent to own and operate a real business?

[gravtyklz]

Thanks for all the input and extra ideas everyone. I think I can fine tune this a bit, or change my angle some to make this a lot better.