Starting a lawncare service.

[DSTR]

Am interested in starting and growing a lawncare business. Realizing there is plenty of experience "out there", I am seeking advice as to what questions I should be asking myself about (some of which are about; equipment, labor, maintenance, bidding/estimates, developing client base, etc.). I also realize I could have misconception about what it will take, and am interested in advice.

[walker-talker]

Welcome to lawnsite.com. There is an abundance of information here just finger tips away. Use the search feature and you will find what you are looking for...I am sure. Your question is very broad, but the specifics can be found. If I was you I would start off getting some doorhangers (nebs.com) or make some flyers. They are both relitively cheap. If you are serious about this, buy commercial equipment. I could recommend some brands, but so could about 8000 other members here. It comes down to that Ford/Chevy argument. Go to your local dealers and demo different mowers. If you don't know yet, buy whatever and do a good job. Your quality will speak for itself. Get general liability insurance. It doesn't cost much. One other thing, use the search feature.

Good luck
MATT

[DSTR]

Thanks Matt. I will use the "search".

[Arjo]

One thing I learned in buying equipment is to have an equal amount in savings to cover maintenance. It's too easy to get in debt using credit cards to cover maintenance costs. Secondly, do your own maintenance--you'll save money. Third, if possible have one person to help you--it's faster and safer. My wife helps when she can. Next, I'd get as many twelve-month contracts as I could handle....the pay-as-they-go customers aren't there for you in the winter time. If possible, team up with another lawn care man on the big contracts---customers feel more secure dealing with a group, better chance of getting the work done.

[Barkleymut]

Run run run. Do not do this!

Unless you are very serious about this endeavor. I see so many ads in the local papers about very new equipment for sale. I know why. It is very difficult to start a new business and be profitable. You will be lucky to make $10 your first year. You will be lucky to make $20,000 your second year. And all of this is if you are buying the right equipment for later. I guess you could buy homeowners stuff and make $15,000 /year and be happy with that. But that is all you will ever make. Buying commercial equipment with commercial insurance will cost a pretty penny and will require that you have plenty of good profitable work for years to come. Good Luck.

[Gravely_Man]

This is definitely not something to just rush into. I would talk with local companies to get some feedback from them on your specific area. You might even consider working for someone else to a while to get some additional insight and see if this is really for you.


Gravely_Man

[grassdaddy]

Ease into it.theres no glamour in 100degree HEAT.make sure you really want to make a go of it,before you jump in.Talk to some lcos out in Texas,theres some good ones they can help ya.:)

[gogetter]

Couldn't Lawnsite.com do just fine without Lawn Scrubique?

[Turf Dancer]

You know what I am really getting sick of these people who don't have clue ( lawn choupique ). My neighbor used to say " its better to be thought a fool then to open your mouth and remove all doubt " Think about it lawn choupique, We as Fire and Police typically spend more time in our careers spend far more time training than any other fields!

I guess you must be an arsonist or ex conn or both since you think we are not so smart ! I hope someday you need help and the Fire Department and Police are just too busy to help you ! Maybe you will think twice about assuming that we are not " top shelf material" !

[bob]

Originally posted by DSTR
I also realize I could have misconception about what it will take, and am interested in advice.

This tells me that you have an open mind. A lot of people don't relize how much effert goes into a business. I'd guess that for every hour I acually cut grass, I spend 10 minutes on, billing or maintenence.

[voglernut]

i too am a newcomer. i had planned on doing this part time while working full time at my current job. unfortunately i was informed i'm being laid off in two weeks. when laid off before, i couldn't find a job that paid over 8 or 9 dollars an hour (much less than i was making) fortunately i was called back. this layoff is for good. now i feel this is my chance to give it my best shot. fortunately my wife has a pretty stable job, not high paying, but stable. i don't think this type of work is easy money and i know you have to work very hard, but i think if you keep focused, determined, and especially have the LORD in your life , you'll have a much better shot of succeeding. and hopefully you'll make more than $10 the first year. LOL.
i've got almost everything bought and paid for except probably the most important thing. the mower. i worked for a lco last year while laid off for several months and i loved every minute of it, even in the 95 degree weather (most of the time, anyway)

lawn choupique
hopefully you just worded your statement wrong. two of my best friends are highway patrolmen and two other friends are firefighters and i have tremendous respect for every one of them. they are definitely top shelf material in my opinion.

[SLS]

Maybe The Lawn Choupique read the thread (linked below) and feels that his 'job security' may be threatened. :D

http://lawnsite.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=38885


I'm sure that there are plenty of public servants working as part-time LCO's in my area...but it's the mailmen that you really gotta look out for. Even the UPS guys are starting to catch on. One UPS driver told me he likes the 'cash money' aspect of "cutting grass" (he mows 'em real cheap too) while UPS covers his health insurance and his a** with the IRS! I asked him about liability insurance and he just laughed and said "yeah, right". Oh well......... what can ya do? :laugh:

[turfman33]

The only thing I don't really like about it is when the heat get's up in the 90's. It's great working for yourself though. I started out working out the back of my Van. I have an F250 now though. I had a Ryobi edger/weedwhacker, a 21"craftman mower, a cheap blower and away I went. I was able to save some money from this to then get the trailer, 36" etc. A good book to read as well is "lawn Care and Gardening a down to earth guide to the business" By Mickey Willis. I got mine from Amazon.

Good luck

Steve

[rodfather]

Originally posted by The Lawn Choupique
Go for it, you will do just fine. There are even firemen and policemen who can cut grass. If they can do it so can you. Do not get discouraged. If the policeman and fireman, who is not excatly top shelf material can make money at this anyone can.


And this is from someone who once replied you don't need insurance cause you can just go and sue the homeowner if you get hurt on their property. Amazing...simply amazing.

[SIG]

HEY LAWN CHOUPIQUE.......I DON'T RESPOND TO YOUR MORONIC POST'S, BUT IT'S HARD FOR ME TO BELIEVE THAT A GROWN MAN, WOULD BE SUCH AN INFINTILE, IDIOT. YOU COULDN'T HOLD THE JOCK OF MOST OF THE FIREFIGHTERS I HAVE KNOWN IN MY LIFE. I HOPE YOUR HOUSE NEVER CATCHES FIRE, OR YOU NEVER HAVE A MI. I GUESS IT'S EASY TO HIDE BEHIND A KEY BOARD AND INSULT EVERYBODY, AND GIGGLE YOUR A** OFF. IF YOU ARE SERIOUS ABOUT THIS CRAP, YOUR A SAD INDIVIDUAL AND I FEEL SORRY FOR YOU!! GUESS YOU DIDN'T SEE THE DOCUMENTARY ON THE WORLD TRADE CENTER BOMBINGS AND THE FEAR AND TERROR IN THE FACES OF THE FIREFIGHTERS AND POLICE OFFICERS THAT WERE THERE, BUT STILL DID THIER JOB, UNSELFISHLY, TO SAVE COMPLETELY UNGRATEFUL, PEOPLE LIKE YOURSELF. I, FOR ONE HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF PEOPLE LIKE YOU.

[Fireman D]

It is just awful how people don't respect the fire and police officials the have protecting them while they are away or asleep at night. I too am a Fireman who does lawn care and landscaping on the side. I enjoy the work and always meeting new people (the people you serve anyways). It really helps out, because the fire and police departments are probably some of the most underpaid people in the world. We always have to keep updated on the latest training, ect. The Lawn Choupique is just like some of the people in the world that don't care about fire and police until they really need them. This is just my .02 worth!
My advice to anyone who is starting a lawn care service is to just go for it but don't start lowballing everyone just so you too can have some business.

[Casey]

Once again the lawn chopique recieved his desired response, to see his name mentioned in many posts, allows him to know we are all thinking about him. I wonder, if we ALL refused to respond to his posts or even aknowledge he exists. Would he just fade away? I for one am going to click the button to ignore all of his posts. I have yet to see any useful information connected with any of his rantings.

[Casey]

Ahhh much nicer:blob4:

[Mykster]

He's an idiot.

[Rhett]

Yes, but he is our idiot. No matter how bad things are at least I will never be the lawn chopper.:D

[precisionlawn]

Originally posted by Barkleymut
Run run run. Do not do this!

Unless you are very serious about this endeavor. I see so many ads in the local papers about very new equipment for sale. I know why. It is very difficult to start a new business and be profitable. You will be lucky to make $10 your first year.

First of all "run, run run" what the hell is your problem? If that how you feel about this business, then maybe you should run.
And $10 your first year? C'mon now, lets be reasonable!!!


I say if this is what you want to do and, most of all, LIKE to do,
GO FOR IT!!!
Do not listen to this garbage by barkelymut. I can believe that post!! it pisses me off.

[precisionlawn]

What does everyone else think off that quote by barkelymut. so you think he should run run run, and will only make $10/year? Just curious as to what others think?

[bubble boy]

judging from his post, and his profile, i think DSTR should keep all the warnings, including barkley's, in mind.

pisses you off maybe, but realize people here have been thru the growth stages and know how hard it is. one must be prepared. maybe he is, but we have seen no evidence of that.

no offence, but you also came here telling us about expense ratio's of 25% . and marketing response rates that indicate a pricing prob. IMHO (very humble here) maybe you should heed the warning too.

[matitude]

I agree with Fireman D, if you decide that this is the business for you than go for it. Just remember to remain a professional, and try to stay away from people like lawn choupique they can offer you no worthwhile advice.

[precisionlawn]

Originally posted by bubble boy
no offence, but you also came here telling us about expense ratio's of 25% . and marketing response rates that indicate a pricing prob. IMHO (very humble here) maybe you should heed the warning too.

25%expense ratio plus whatever uncle sam takes. what is wrong with that? Also, so i put out 1000 flyers and got about 60 -70 calls on it, from them i took 34 accounts. i dont see the problem in that either. Underbidding, i dont think so, the yards are about 1/4 acre! Also I shoud heed the warning? There are people on here that say they cant get 34 acounts after 12000 fliers. well i guess that is where salesman-ship comes to play. And also somesay they have been in business 5+ years and are still bringing in less than $30,000? If you are a go-getter, and also motivated by money, and on top of that you enjoy this business. There should be NO reason after 5 years that you cannot make over $100,000 in this biz. The guy i worked for the last two seasons (a close friend) was in business for 3 years and i wont even say what he is making! Yes, it is possible i got lucky, with the 34 accounts, but I doubt it. The reason I say is last week actually 6 days ago, I put out another 1000. I've recieved roughly 20-25 calls already, and gained.....wait let me check....... 13 of them. Now you tell me where I went wrong.

P.S. I dont wanna hear, "oh, you'll see you havent even been in business, wait until you start" I've been there, like i said my close friend runs a VERY successful business!

[bubble boy]

all of what you said could happen, and could be true. but i think it's a bit optimistic, but i won't say you won't achieve what you want. you very well might...

as for DSTR realize he is 48 (not that that's over the hill, guys-no offence) but this is a phisically demanding biz. and he is coming from the corporate world, with no experience that he is revealing.

some guys come here wanting to start, who did this before, have savings and are 30. with no kids and a wife who does well.

other come here having only cut their 1/10 acre yard, and couldn't tell a mulch pile from a poop pile. they have $5000, 6 kids, 2 wives and a bum knee. and they want us to tell them how to make the big lawn $.


the details determine the proper advice...

[precisionlawn]

Originally posted by bubble boy

as for DSTR realize he is 48 ...

Did not know that. I guess starting at 48 is kinda out of the ordinary, and yes it is definetly a physically demanding job!

[Arc Burn]

Glad to see you guys have your own jack offs over here,Plowsite has a couple more you can borrow if ya need them:D ,or maybe they are the same people:confused: ,every post they share is negative and rude,some people are new at this and really need the advice,they are a big help:rolleyes:

[rodfather]

Originally posted by precisionlawn
Did not know that. I guess starting at 48 is kinda out of the ordinary, and yes it is definetly a physically demanding job!


I'm 48, starting our 9th year, and can keep up with anyone.

[precisionlawn]

Originally posted by rodfather
I'm 48, starting our 9th year, and can keep up with anyone.

Yeah, but did you start when you were 48, you are lamost at 10 years. But other than that i was the one telling him to start the biz as others told him to run, and he'd only make $10

[1grnlwn]

Well I am in 3rd year full time. Might have made $20000. Probably didn't make $1000 first year. It depends on what size you want to be and how tired you want to be when you get home. We do almost everything and I have tool fetish. So I buy what I want because its a write off. Guess the point is there are a lot of people out there that want your money and it's worse when you have business. It also has a lot to do with location. For every 1 guy that does good there is 4 that didn't. If my wife did not have a Good job and Insurance, no way in hell would I be doing this.

[bubble boy]

Originally posted by rodfather
I'm 48, starting our 9th year, and can keep up with anyone.

i don't doubt many can keep up.

heck i don't doubt there is someone who is 60 here who could kick my ***.

but in general, it would be a tough go for most at 48 coming from a corporate job.

just like many at 21 likely could outlast me. geez, all i know is every monday night hockey game some 18 yr old makes me look like it's my first time seeing a puck, and i'm only 27.

it's not a rule, and i didn't mean to lump an age bracket together in a negative way.

really it would be best if DSTR could give us some details, so we can look at his situation and advise from there.

[lawnworker]

Dstr, If you have a good area with not alot of competition, you should grow well. In some areas of the country, what Barkleymut stated would be right on track. only you can judge your market area.

Good luck with whatever you do.

[DSTR]

Appreciate all the input and I will probably be coming back with more questions / advice. I am serious about pursuing this and yes I am up to the physical challenge. "Grew up" working on the drilling rigs and eventually got lucky as to going into managment. And even after a day at the office, I still enjoyed getting in my yard to cut grass... it's like therapy!!!

I certainly respect those of you who have busted you butt and took some knock along the way. And I also don't believe it's beneficial to ANY business or individual to lo-ball just to get the work. Dealt with this in my 'old career'!

I'm fortunate in that my wife has a decent job (w/ insurance) and have a little money in the bank. However, my personality dictates that I try to understand and gain knowledge prior to jumping in with both feet (it won't be half a**). I'm working on additional questions and will be getting back to all.

[Lawn277]

Dont quit your full time job and jump into lawncare all out. The banks will loan you money faster if you have a real job. Not that this isnt. Take the advise of some of these posts. Buy the good equiptment and take care of it. When I started in 1997, I tried to use the home owner stuff, now that I got smart, I invested most of my earnings and now have nice commercial equiptment. Let me tell you from experience that the time and aggravation you save makes it all worth it. I remember always being behind because it would take 4 times the time it takes now. And the repairs neve ended. If you fail you still have the equiptment to sell off. You will probably lose some money but you can tell yourself that you tried something that you thought you wanted to do.
Remember to do a good job for your customer because they tell their friends. Buy your insurance, and permits,keep good books and pay your taxes. It might take time but it could be worth it for you.
Good luck
Thanks
Rick


PS, I would like to comment about the Cop/Fireman thing, Its too bad they dont have a "DO NOT RESPOND LIST"

[Arjo]

It seems what we have here is a failure to communicate....accurately. I'm NOT a startup. I've been in the lawn care business since 1991. I went full-time in 1996 after I was "downsized" from the factory job I had. I used the money in my IRA to finance my equipment. My "regular job" was a big help and nice while it lasted, but that's in the past. I've tried to get another "regular job" (it would be especially nice in the winter time) without success...'seems when you're 58 years old they don't want you anymore. I like the one bit of advice about advertising for help with your lawn mower dealer as most of his customers are serious about succeeding in the lawn business and are not just looking for a fast buck. I've tried advertising in small newspapers stating that I wanted folks with experience....EVERYBODY has "experience". 'Got a lot of calls from the wrong crowd. If your customers are patient and willing to wait for you to get to them, then it's best to work alone. If not...better get some help, or give the job to a friend.

[Tim Canavan]

Hey DSTR, I am in the Houston area. Where are you located?
I could definitely help you get started in the right direction. Most guys on this site are from the north. It's different in Houston. Longer cutting season, different grasses, and way hotter. Anyway, let me know where you are at. :cool:

[DSTR]

Tim,

I'm located on NW side of Houston. I was hoping to see someone from the Houston area respond. It would be great to talk with someone (you) from this area. I'm not looking to take business from anyone as the way I see it with all the residential and commercial construction, there is plenty of new work out there.

[Barkleymut]

DSTR and Precision Lawn- I was not attempting to do anything but give all newcomers a reality check. Ever wonder what the failure rate is for new businesses? I don't know the exact number on LCO's but I'll bet it's way over 50% in the first 5 years. I would love to join the crowd and say "yeah go for it, you'll do fine!" But from my perspective I wish I would have started another type of business.
For the record I think I earned right around $10 my first year. Why? I put down a chunk of change on a new truck, got all the necessary licensing, paid for insurance, paid an accountant, got a new trailer, spent quite a bit on equipment, and didn't have any really great accounts.
Anyone who has done this for more than 2 or 3 years will tell you that the key to making money in this business is acquiring and then retaining very profitable accounts. I have a couple that are perfect and then I have some that I make money on but not as much as I'd like. If I lost my 2 biggest accounts I would be up that creek without a paddle.
So, I just wanted to shed some light on the other side of optimism and provide a voice of reason. Anyone have an "official failure rate" for LCO's?

[coonman]

DSTR, I just have to chime in here. It is not as hard to get going as some are making it out to be. You can get you a Toro Proline 21 inch 2 cycle(goes along way on a tank of gas) 900 dollars. Get a 200 dollar trimmer, a 200 dollar edger and a 200-300 dollar blower.Get 500 business cards made for around 20 dollars. Get 1000 door hangers made up(we pay 90 dollars for that). Target some areas you would like to work. We have been getting about 5 calls per hundred hangers. Put all your equipment in your pickup and before long you will be making 200 plus a day and growing. Next year as you are growing look into a bigger mower and a trailer. Don't forget to get several insurance quotes.

good luck

[Tim Canavan]

David,

what's you're e-mail address?

[DSTR]

Appreciate all the comments. Bubbleboy suggested additional detail. Well here we go!

As to being up to the task (hard work & long days), I'm confident in my being up to the challenge(s). As said earlier, prior to moving into the office, I worked on the drilling rigs (12 - 14 hr days) in all kinds of weather.

Here is what I'm thinking.

First:
Print up and distribute fliers in residential areas and also try and get a come commercial accounts. (Have an apartment complex just started construction close to my house that may be a possibility.) The fliers would indicate I'm soliciting work to commence end of February. There are several residential developments under construction within 5 miles of where I live. Lot of potential for commercial also.

Second:
The number of responses would have a bearing on the equipment I would start with. Right now I'm thinking some type of walk behind, line trimmer, and blower. However, if commercial prospects come in I believe I'd have to consider an additional (and bigger) mower.

Third:
Labor - Until I have a better idea of how much business I can secure, I'm thinking I'll start up by myself. Realize I will need to have at least one helper, but thinking I should wait until I have a better feel for amount of business.

Comments? and Advice would be appreciated.

[DSTR]

Tim,

Email address is stromain@earthlink.net.

[Brickman]

Originally posted by The Lawn Choupique
Go for it, you will do just fine. There are even firemen and policemen who can cut grass. If they can do it so can you. Do not get discouraged. If the policeman and fireman, who is not excatly top shelf material can make money at this anyone can.


I was going to make a scathing remark to this loser and then contact the mods to see if he could be banned when low and behold he was already gone. I say thanks to the mods for this. LS does not need such pure BS from the peanut gallery!

[PaulJ]

I think you have a good idea in waiting to see what types of accounts you land before choosing your equipment. I Started part time with a 52" walk. Worked five until I took over about 30 lawns from another LCO. The 36" WB I got in the deal was a much better fit to most of those yard. Now I want a 48 WB, but am waiting for a few more accounts. I Have the bottom end Echo Commercial trimmer and hand-blower and both work fine. You will find it's the little ticks and tools that can make a big difference in the ease, speed and quality of your work. Things like a Sulky on a WB and an EDGIT on a trimmer have been Godsends for me.
Try "tips and tricks " in the search and you should get tons of info. Sound like your on the right track.

Good Luck

[Popsicle]

Originally posted by DSTR
First:
Print up and distribute fliers in residential areas and also try and get a come commercial accounts. (Have an apartment complex just started construction close to my house that may be a possibility.) The fliers would indicate I'm soliciting work to commence end of February. There are several residential developments under construction within 5 miles of where I live. Lot of potential for commercial also.

Check with the local law enforcement regarding flyer dispersement. Where I live, it's illegal to distribute flyers in any way or to go door-to-door to make cold calls. There is a "no soliciting" law in effect for homes. I keep flyers in my truck (with the tear-off phone numbers) and continually hang new ones on the local corkboards downtown. I also have resorted to newspaper ads and other advertisements in local publications.

My best success, so far, is calling on the local property management companies. Here, they manage both commercial and high-end residential rentals.