Dallas-Fort Worth Area LCO's

[TurfGuyTX]

Just starting a thread for us here in North Texas. Maybe we can refer some work to others and such.

[longjohn]

This sounds like a good idea. I'm located in North Richland Hills and cover Haltom City, Watagua, Richland Hills, North Richland Hills, Hurst, Euless, and Bedford. I'm trying to add customers on the same blocks as my current ones to I can schedule better as well as grow my buis. I would like to hear from others in North Texas to compare jobs, pricing, customers etc.

[Hodge]

There was another post for TX that I responded to, but that was more west of us. I run in Frisco, Little Elm, The Colony, Oak Point area. Just received my TDA license and working on insurance and equipment... any suggestions would be great...

Other than maintenance what else do you guy work on... needing somebody with expertise in deck building and natural stone work...

[Mowingman]

I am up in Denton. We only mow in Denton, Argyle, and Corinth. Just too much traffic to try and go farther south.
Hodge,
If you need liability ins. or workmens comp., go to and independent agent and see if they handle American Mercury/ LLoyds insurance. My agent handles this company and their rates are very good compared to others I have looked at.:)

[greenflag]

I'm down south of Fort Worth in Burleson. I am part time, so I keep all my accounts in Burleson.

I did have a request for some work in Fort Worth just north of 20 near the Hallmark area. If anyone works that area email me & I will try to get you hooked up.

Garry

[adrianvbarrera]

I am just starting and looking to do the Tropy club area.

Anyone doing that area?

Sure would like to hear from anyone else in the DFW area.


ALSO:
I am looking for a used 36" WB....anyone have some info where I can get some used equipment.


Adrian :blob4:

[curry]

Hey guys, Im just outside of Waco so Im to far from yall. I thought you might like to know(if you dont already) that one of the best dealers in your area is Crockett Service Center on Harry Hines. Hes 60 miles from me but Ive bought a Toro 36" and Toro 44" Z from him. You cant beet is customer satisfaction. Go check him out.

[Hodge]

TurfGuyTX

Do you know of any company that hands out flyers/hangers. The time to put out 2k - 3k hangers takes away from other work. I have had good success before just looking for a more effective way...

Mowingman,

I finaly went with Hoskiss in dallas, price was right.. thanks for the recommendation.

well the season is starting and I have my liquid and granular items... now just working on a 6, 8, 12 month applicaiton program. Was going to work with Lesco, but now will be working with GreenSmiths in Frisco. Product is good and prices are right... Anybody else doing apps yet?
:)

[TurfGuyTX]

Hodge,

I'll try and get the number for you tomorrow. It's at the office and depends on if I have time to be there. If not tomorrow, I'll get it to you before week's end.


Greenflag,

Let's try and hook up. We get calls for Burleson and usually just pass on them. They are just a little out of our area. Maybe they'd be right for you.

[greenflag]

TurfGuy,

That sounds good to me. I try to keep it small, but I have a few I need to weed out if you know what I mean.

Drop me an email

Garry

AdrianBarrera,

I Know a guy that has a Toro Proline 33" if you are intrested.

Email me

Garry

[adrianvbarrera]

Yeah give me his number so that I can call him.
My email is
Adrianvbarrera@hotmail.com


Thanks for the tip.


Adrian

[greenflag]

Adrian,

I called him just now to make sure he still had the mower. He sold it this morning. I'm sorry, I just checked my email, & then called him. I will watch for something for you. I did see a 44" at a pawn shop in Burleson last week. I didn't stop to look at it though. The shop is Julie's pawn the number is 817-447-8831. If that would work, you may call & see if they still have it.

Garry

[adrianvbarrera]

Thanks Garry,

I appreciate the tip.


Adrian

[Holloway Lawns]

Hey guys Wichita Falls, TX here. Farther North near OK.

[outrunjason]

About time we get a local area on here.

My name is Jason. Jason's lawn Service. I work in Far North Dallas, Richardson and just a little of Garland.

Jason

[adrianvbarrera]

This is great.


DFW LCO helping each other.



Adrian

[outrunjason]

All Pro sounds Familiar. Do you have like some chevy trucks and they say All Pro on the windshields?

Jason

[Hodge]

I have a customer that was requesting a French drain place in her back yard, but there are other problems with drainage.. more than what a French drain can solve. The yard is uneven and as she has told me alot of th neighbors water fill up her yard when it rains.

Since I do not have the knowledge of what to do would anybody be interested in this "project" or can you provide information on what to do. :rolleyes:

[outrunjason]

I sure don't know anything about it. All I do is Mow lawns. I hate it if I loose a customer because of something I can't do.

Jason

[adrianvbarrera]

Take a look at this. It might help.

http://varicore.com/





Just a thought.
Adrian

[adrianvbarrera]

Outrun jason,

No I don't have any trucks displaying our name on them....yet..:)

TO other LCOs:

Do any of you advertise in the Dallas morning news?...and what has been your response.

Also who drops of your flyers, at what rate per thousand and what is their number.


Keep this thread going....the longer it grows the more we help each other.


Adrian

[outrunjason]

I have never used the Dallas Morning News but I can tell you that I have used some neighborhood stuff. Like some homeowners associations have like a small book that they print up and distrubute to there memebers. I placed an add in the book but didn't have one call. So I would tell you to shy away from something like that. The cost was like $100.

As far as distributing flyers I just pay my guy $7.00 an hour and we go out together. I had called some companies about distributing flyers but I tossed there numbers. I think some wanted like .15 cents per flyer to put them out. I think they also created the flyers. But that is just to much for me for now.

Jason

Jason's Lawn Service

[adrianvbarrera]

Hmmm,


I appreciate the input on the homeowners Association paper....sounded like such a good idea. I will stay away from that, guess its something less to try.

I talked to someone that had place an as in the Dallas morning news and said that you do get calls but that they are scattered all over the place even if you state the area you are working they will call you from other areas. Also he said that the jobs were not that great.

Thought this would help.
Adrian

[outrunjason]

That is true about being scatterd. I did advertise I think in the greensheet or something a couple of years ago and I didn't like it. Most ppl dont go to the news paper for a lawn service. For one they shouldn't have to they should have enough flyers on there door if they need a lawn service.

Jason

[Meier]

I'm concentrating on a 3 mile radius around my home in Lewisville. The 3 mile radius includes southern Lewisville, eastern Flower Mound and northern Coppell.

Just started out this January. Right now, I have 15 customers. 11 weekly mowing customers and another 4 who only take fertilization/weed control. Hoping to finish up next November with a lot more than that.

I see a ton of competition in my area. When I see another LCO with a name on the side of the truck, I write down the name. So far, I've counted 33 LCO's in my area that compete with me. There must be another 33 LCO's who don't even have a name for their business. Not even a magnetic sign on the side of the truck or a simple sign on the trailer.

Right now (April 6th) when I'm passing out flyers, I am noticing a ton of business cards from guys with no real business name, just their personal name. All are hispanic. I have a feeling these guys are pricing their mowing services really low.

Anyone have a feel for how cheap these guys are? I've thought about calling them out to my home to see how broken their english is or how cheap they are. I'm sure the presentation to the customer is terrible. I'm just curious to see how they price and present themselves.

Does anyone get the feeling that there may be too many folks in this business right now?

Later,
DFW, TX

[outrunjason]

I agree with you that there are a lot of lawn companies. I don't know how there are so many. Sometimes I wonder how I am even hanging in there with all these other lawn companies.

As far as how cheap they are? In my area I see flyers for about $20 - $25 and some in the $30's. I don't think they are any cheaper than anyone else.

Jason

[longjohn]

I have advertised in a local neighborhood paper that is distributed to about 5k households every Sunday and Monday for a bout a year now. The ad cost me $10 per week and has more than paid for itself. I have thought about running an ad in the FW Star-Telegram for the NE area and specify my service areas but have yet to make up my mind. The Star-Telegram has about 1 1/2 columns of ads for yard work. I have also put out flyer's with little return.
As far as the low ballers they are taking their toll on all of us but what can you do but continue giving the best service for the fairest prices. I have yet to advertise on my truck or trailer but have been taking bids for both.

[adrianvbarrera]

Meier,

I passed out flyers this weekend. I too saw alot of advertising from the hispanic community.

Unlike you, I did call to get an estimate. There is a house that belongs to a buddy of mine that was in the same area. I asked them to go look at it and give me a bid. I called 6 of these guys and 4 went to look at it and so far I have 3 bids. They were all in the same range as what we charge. No low ballers....at least not the ones I called.
Actually one guy was really high...


But there is alot of competition in this field.....that is the nature of the beast.

Just thought you guys might want to know that.


Adrian

[outrunjason]

I got a question about flyers and calls. March, April, May. Which month do you recieve the most calls in?

Jason

Jason's Lawn Service

[outrunjason]

How much? I just lost my guy that I have had for a long time. He just couldn't stay out of trouble. I went to a labor camp today and talk to someone but wandering what advice yall can give me.

Thanks, Jason

[Meier]

++++I got a question about flyers and calls. March, April, May. Which month do you recieve the most calls in++++

I was having the best responce the last two weeks of March, just as the Bermuda was coming out of dormancy.

I've been doing flyers since early February. If I'm not working, I'm out passing out flyers. I plan to do this til my third page yellow pages ad comes out in September.

Today and last week, both neighborhoods I advertised in already had two LCOs' flyers on the door. Mine was the third.

My gut feeling is that once the 100 degree temperatures start up, no one will be spending their free time passing out flyers & door hangers. Until I hit my goal, I'll continue passing out flyers, heat or no heat. I've got a family to feed.

Later,
DFW, TX

[outrunjason]

If you don't mind me asking what goal have you set?

Jason

[Meier]

++++If you don't mind me asking what goal have you set?++++

My goal is to eventually have 80 weekly mowing customers and 200 weed control/fertilization customers.

I plan to mow 20 per day, Monday through Thursday, with Friday as my make up day. On Friday, if I'm not using it for make-up, I'll use it as weed control/fertilization day.

Annual revenue around $110k to $130K.

Long term, I plan to eventually exit the lawn mowing business and do only weed control fertilization. Not as dusty and can be more profitable per man hour.

Later,
DFW, TX

[outrunjason]

Sounds like an excellent goal to me. I would be happy just to get 80 customers period.

Good luck on your Goal ! ! !

Jason

[TurfGuyTX]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Hodge
[B]TurfGuyTX

Do you know of any company that hands out flyers/hangers. The time to put out 2k - 3k hangers takes away from other work. I have had good success before just looking for a more effective way...

Hodge,

Sorry I was late getting back to you. We used Reed Distributing for our flyers. You can call them @ 817-577-8836. I'm not sure of what their delivery boundaries are, if any. Good luck.

[Mowingman]

I know a landscape contractor who wants to sub out some mowing in the Plano- Allen area. They install the landscaping, but do not do mowing. It consists of some model homes and unsold spec houses adjacent to the model homes. If anyone is interested, e-mail me and I can give you their phone number.:)

[Hodge]

Mowingman, Yes I would be interested in the number. I have a lot of customers who request more on landscape than I am interested in (mostly mowing and chemicals), so the trade of might be good for us both....:cool:

[Hodge]

Bryan, Thanks for the response I will give them a call.

Jason, Handing out flyers is (for me) a great response rate. Have handed out about 1500 so far and have 24 new customers. I break up the day, when I am not busy by handing out flyers and by choosing the areas. That way when I do receive call backs I know what area they were handed out in. I do have a few people hold on to the flyer for a few months and they will call when I do my second delivery in that sub division. Attempt to hand out 3 - 4 times in a subdivision. Start in Feb. Business pickups during the hot weather, and I give a flyer to anybody I see mowing their yards in the summer themselves. My goal is also 80 customers, with minimum drop off from season to season....

[Meier]

Just a quick question about labor (though I'm miles from needing to hire labor at this time)....

We all know that it is really easy here in Dallas to pull into a labor camp and get labor. Most of these people can't speak english, so you wonder if they're really legal. From what I've been told, most can come up with a social security number. And my accountant tells me that if they have a social security number, I have to trust that it's valid...there is no way to call the IRS and verify that it's a valid ss#.

How many folks pay labor cash at the end of the day and 1099 it with the IRS?

How many folks pay labor with a check at the end of the week and W2 it with the IRS?

For those that are using 1099 for labor, what will you tell the IRS if/when they come asking you about the relationship?

Thanks,
DFW, TX

[adrianvbarrera]

In this field of work...I find it very hard to pass someone as CONTRACT LABOR. There are certian criteria that they must meet to be classified as Contrac Labor. Such as the following:
1) They must have their own tools and machinery.
2) paying by hour/salary is an employee, contract labor is usually paid a flat fee for an amount of work.
3) Contract labor work for other people not just you. He is free to work for other LCOs.

Go to a government site and research it a lot more. If you treat someone as Contract labor and they are not....you will be penalized.

One more thing.

Are you sure your accountant told you that. My other companies check employees SSN all the time.

You are responsible for the tax and penalties if the number is not a valid SSN. If there was no checking, businesses would just make up a number and claim that you paid them cash and ring up a loss. Secondly you file a 1099 only if the amount is over $600 I think.

Go here for more info:


http://www.ssa.gov/employer/ssnv.htm



Hope that helps.


Adrian

[Meier]

Wow. Thanks for the link. I book marked it.

Later,
DFW, TX

[outrunjason]

I just started using the labor camp in Plano. I have had the same guy for a week now he is great and I pay him cash.


Jason

[Meier]

Outrunjason,

++++I just started using the labor camp in Plano. I have had the same guy for a week now he is great and I pay him cash.++++

Do you plan to list the cash as an expense when you do your taxes? Do you plan to 1099 the expense?

I was considering this, but this scares the S--- out of me:

++++Despite the advantages, many businesses are wary of using ICs because they have heard about or experienced the consequences of misclassifying as ICs workers who are, legally, employees. And it's true that the consequences can be economically devastating. A business must pay the IRS all back taxes owed, with interest, plus a penalty of 12% to 35% of the tax bill.++++

http://www.nolo.com/lawcenter/ency/article.cfm/objectid/4E3C9751-CE3F-40E2-869381320F438820/catID/561FF7A5-12CD-4059-8EA7DE4254733BE3

Later,
DFW, TX

[outrunjason]

Honestly I don't know what I am going to do. Most likely I am not going to let the IRS know anything. There is know way they would know wether I have an employee or not. I pay that guy cash. No Records except for what I put in my computer.

Jason

[adrianvbarrera]

The problem is not just not letting the IRS know that you paid cash. They won't care because you will pay the taxes if you do not show it as an expense. YOU want to report that you paid someone that money so that you don't pay taxes on it.


Look into it.....you can pay up to $600 in contract labor and are not required to call them your employee.




Adrian

[outrunjason]

I will have to look into that I had no Idea. I know I spend a lot more than $600 but I guess I could just show that much.

Jason

[Lonestar]

Hello everyone--

As many of you know the aviation market has hit the bottom. I'm going to consider starting a lawn care and maintenance company. Can anyone give me pointers on what to do and not to do. I'm going after residential and some commercial accounts (have a few friends that own their own business). What is the standard rate per acre or better yet, how do you determine what to charge a customer? Also, what sort of license do you need to perform commercial work in the state of Texas? I already understand the business start-up requirements i.e.. Sales Tax ID.

Would you recommend I go to an irrigation class?


HELP!!!!!


Thank you,
Lonestar

[actionpike]

I am looking for any mowing jobs in the Mesquite, parts of Garland, Sunnyvale, Forney, Talty, and Combine area.

I also have to drive to McKinssey once a week and am looking for jobs along the route to McKinney.

Thanks,

I will pass on any landscaping and irrigation jobs that I receive.

Thanks,

Brian Kinsworthy

[TurfGuyTX]

Originally posted by Lonestar
Hello everyone--

Also, what sort of license do you need to perform commercial work in the state of Texas? I already understand the business start-up requirements i.e.. Sales Tax ID.

Would you recommend I go to an irrigation class?


HELP!!!!!

Thank you,
Lonestar

You won't need a license to perform commercial work. You'd need a license if you want to legally do fert. and weed control. Also, a separate license for irrigation work. Commercial work usually require different amounts of insurance coverage. The more you can afford, the more commercial work you'll qualify to bid on. As far as a irrigation class goes, if you have the time and money, I say go for it. It always helps to learn. Good luck

[Texas Cutter]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new to the site but have been in the business for the past nine years. Looking to grow it big this year. Add new equipment and aiming to have 50+ customers. Currently have 13 weekly or Bi-weekly customers. Live in Bedford and my area is pretty much here in Bedford but also do one in S. Keller. Looking to get more there around Davis and N. Tarrant in S. Keller and N. N.R.H. Also picked up two in Roanoke off an ad, don't know if they will go permanent or just an occasional basis but wouldn't mind having more in that area. Nice yards, not too big, nice neighborhood, can usually charge more in those areas. Also have a few duplexes, anyone else have some of those or know how much to charge for them. Concerned that I may be charging too much for them. Don't want to lose them but don't want to cheat myself either. Also looking to get a trailer. Found a brand new 6.5 x 12 landscapers trailer. Tandem 3500 lb. axles, 2 x 2 mesh lock box one weed eater rack, 4' mesh sides and ramp. New dealer trying to start up in the area selling it for $1525, made by stagecoach and has a one year warranty. Anyone know about stagecoach and how good they are? Checked prices and an equivalent trailer from Big Tex is $2449. Thanks in advance. Happy Mowing!

Brandon Moore
Just A.S.K. Lawn Service :blob3:

[Threeponys]

Hello to my fellow LCO in the DFW area. Working out of the N.R.H. area (Longjohn - back off!!!!). Started a couple years ago and became "official" last year. Have grown to the point of purchasing a trailer, and better equipment this year. Now looking into hiring. What a scary road to venture. Had equipment stolen off trailer yesterday. Stopped into Foreman's (Hurst area) and they said several LCO's had reported losses. So be on the lookout. Hope to learn from all of you. No low-ball bidding here either. I see it as they take my price or find a high school kid to do it when he has time.
Longjohn, I cruised by your area and see you have an enclosed trailer. Nice. What about signage?

[outrunjason]

Speaking of equipment getting stolen... I could do my lawns much faster if I didn't have to keep an eye on my equipment. Some weeks I work alone and I will have to take all my equipment to the back yard just so I can watch it. Even if I am only going to be back there 15 min. I don't want to loose any stuff.

Sorry about your stuff getting stolen Threeponys hope you find the guys who did it but we both know that is unlikely.

Take care, Jason

[Threeponys]

It's very unlikely that I'll ever see or catch the punk thief but I believe in Karma. Hope it's strong on this incident! I was also leary last year as I was your typical "SCRUB" working out of his pickup truck. This year we have a trailer, 36" Scag WB and all Stihl accessories along with the Toro push mower. As much as it pained me to write the check, I did and bought a new Stihl BR420 Magnum BP blower. After using this blower for 5 minutes the thought crossed my mind that the loss of the Echo 410 was a blessing. The 420 feels lighter, very comfortable to wear, and has more power.
I still watch over my shoulder when in the backyard but with a trailer and everything locked up there is somewhat of a comfort zone.

To longjohn - just kidding with you on the back-off comment. Heck there's more than enough of that grass out there for all of us. Besides, I do this part-time ( 8a.m. - noon) and with 18 accounts, 4 of which are year round. I stay busy enough. Next year shooting for 30 accounts.

Happy cutting to all of you in the DFW area.

[Meier]

Today, I had to Cowboy Up and face my WORST nightmare. I started coming down with a fever Friday and I laid in bed drinking Gatorade from 7:00pm Friday til this morning. 3-1/2 days of relaxing, sleeping and drinking lots of fluids and I'm still running a friggin' fever.

On Tuesday I have 10 residentials to mow and on Wednesdays I have 5.

Still had a fever this morning and I nearly passed out when I got out of the shower.

When I started in this business someone told me "Just show up when you say you're going to and you'll do fine."

I believed the guy. But I felt there was no way I could mow 10 lawns today.

I went to the labor camp and hired the first two guys I found. BIG MISTAKE. These guys spoke ZERO english. I figured I'd put the (seemigly) more intelligent of the two on line trimmer/blade edger/blower duty and put the other guy on lawn mower duty.

One guy took the 21" and couldn't figure out how to get it through the gate by himself. The other guy kept running the blade edger 1-1/2" from the edge of the concrete curb/sidewalk. Looked like ****. The first guy comes to get me...he's patting the ground. He had been mowing this 500 sq ft back lawn for about 5 to 10 minutes without engaging the blade. I showed him how to do it and I go back to check on the other idiot. He's using the line trimmer now and he just kept going down the fence line into the neighbors lawn and when I finally caught this fool, he was in the neighbors back yard. It was a total circus. The other guy couldn't figure out how to disengage the self propel feature on the Honda 21".

A routine 35 minute stop for me by myself took over an hour with those two idiots and I did most of the work myself. The communication barrier was just too great. I figured if I tried to train them to do the work properly and efficiently, they couldn't learn the job by sundown. So I swung by Wells Fargo, got some cash and took them back to the labor camp. We had agreed on $7/hr. I paid them each $11 for the hour and half I had them.

Just as I was pulling off, another guy comes up and asks if I want experienced help. (Hell yes I do. I've wasted nearly 2 hours to get a 35 minute lawn mowed on the hottest Tuesday of the year and I'm running a fever? HELL YES!) Anyway, I told him if he could get the line trimmer off my trailer, start it and demonstrate it's use, I'd take him. He did exactly that. I took him at $8/hr and he was an outstanding hand. He ran the line trimmer, 21", blade edger & back pack blower with zero training and zero standing around waiting for my instruction.

He literally cut my work time in half. Best hand I could dream of. On my more lucrative accounts I was grossing well over $100/hr while paying him $8/hr...Mowing lawns.

Anyway, I'm going back tomorrow to pick him up in the morning again. I still feel like total **** and I pray this guy shows. He could be a friggin' crew leader tomorrow if I just had enough work to justify it.

My question for the DFW board is: How hard is it to find a good hand with experience at these labor camps? How long does it take to train one of these ZERO english guys like I was dealing with this morning? (Surely they'd get it after a day or so, wouldn't they?)

Later,
DFW, TX

[outrunjason]

Man I know how you feel. I have bronchitis and have not been feeling well since Sunday. I have a guy that I have been useing from Labor camp and Tuesday night he calls me and tells me that he can't work. But that his cousin could work with me.

It worked out ok but this guy spoke no English and at times I started to get frustrated. Like trying to ask him if the dog was still in the back yard and did he shut the gate. That took forever. But he still Knew what he was doing.

I now have used 2 different ppl from Labor Camp and I have to say they both knew what they were doing and I didn't have to tell them anything. They even know how to change the line in the trimmer without me doing anything.


How hard is it to find a good hand with experience at these labor camps? I use the labor camp in Plano and when I first went there I told her I wanted someone who Knew how to mow and who could speak some English. She went right to a guy out of about 200 ppl. So I would ask the lady or whoever runs the place.

Don't even bother trying to train a guy that knows nothing about it. There are tons of guys at the camps that know how to do it.

My Question what is the name of the guy you are useing now and what camp did you pick him up at?

Jason

[Meier]

++++My Question: what is the name of the guy you are useing now and what camp did you pick him up at?++++

The camp by Huffines Dodge in Lewisville. The guy's name is Jose.

I never thought anyone was ever actually in charge of these labor camps. Just looks like a bunch of people standing around loitering to me.

Later,
DFW, TX

[landcruiser]

I live in the Rockwall area, I'm a mechanical engineer out of work and need some advice on starting a mowing service. I have zero (0) accounts now but I have a good Toro Groundsmaster 325D w/72" deck and a Ford 1710 4wd tractor with a 5' rotary cutter. I want to hire no help - just me supervising me. My idea is to steer clear of the residences but just pursue "commercial" accounts in the form of vacant lots, etc. I say this because I feel it would be easier to do since I want no employees. Since I have the 2 VERY good pieces of equipment I wouldn't turn down acreage no matter how big it got. I am trying to avoid competing with you residential lawn care guys. Any of you know how best to pursue such accounts? I feel with the tractor I can do rougher "bush-hog" type work and also take on large area to be more finely groomed with the Toro 325D. These 2 pieces of equipment are mine and paid for, in great shape and I need to put them to work. You think driving around and calling real estate agents with their signs in vacant lots is the best route to go or what? Or will this work in your opinion at all? Please help, I am good with equipment, keep it running myself, etc. but have no idea how to get the type accounts I described or what to charge. Thanks.

[outrunjason]

My Parents live In Rockwall County. In my opinion based on what I have seen out there I would just try getting a few nice signs made. Then place them on certain roads and see what kind of calls you get. I have great luck using sings in the city.

Jason

[landcruiser]

Thanks for the sign idea here locally but I am thinking I can do Rockwall and the DFW area since what I will be trying to obtain is larger lots virtually any size. I mean I won't be chasing the weekly residential yard. In reality, I might only get to mow the type places I am aiming for 2-3 times a growing season. Say, for instance, an investment firm that owns lots of vacant land that are for sale around the DFW area. They will want it mowed to be presentable for sale and besides, city ordinances will mandate it be maintained to a certain height or less so they will be forced to have it mowed somewhat regularly. This is the kind of properties I want. Even if some are so large it takes me more than a day to mow them I can bid them by the acre. Say, so much $ per acre with a 1 acre minimum. Do you think I'm all wet or is this possible to keep me and my 2 mowers working? If you think it's reasonable, what is a "fair" price to charge per acre. Maybe $75 for 1st acre then $60 after that with a 1 acre minimum? Thanks for your help. I just need some pointers and maybe a reality check.

[TurfGuyTX]

You might want to pursue homebuilders. They usually have lots that have to maintained until the building begins. Go to those construction trailers and introduce yourself. The bigger builders have larger sub-divisions. Good luck.

[Hodge]

I have a customer who has an outstanding balance of 450, I have "requested" payment 2 times and to which she responds "I will get to paying you when I can".

Do any of you use a collection agency or place a lean on their home.. and is it work the hassel and how would I go about it. The only other option is to remove the plants and landscape...:confused:

[Meier]

As for the $450, I'd say get an attorney if your contract stipulated that the customer would pay the collection costs. Or just learn from the mistake. How much did you get down?

I am having the same problem too. I've got one customer I sent a bill to back on the 25th of April. It's due on Saturday, May 25th. (I know...30 days is too long.) Most of my customers are paying on time, but I've got 2 that aren't paying.

I earlier posted a question on Lawn Site asking about credit card billing, just to ensure I get paid on all the work I do. The response I got from the Lawn Site users was that they collected way over 97% and it would be foolish to give up 3% of all revenues over credit cards.

Well, now I'm starting to think they're crazy. Perhaps if I stick with the 'do the work and just hope they pay the bill' approach eventually I'll weed out the bad customers and be left with nothing but good paying customers. The problem with that theory is I'm losing several customers who are paying on time because they're selling their homes. I think you'll always have a certain level of churn in the business for whatever reason. And everytime I take on a new customer I don't want to be asking myself "I wonder if this guy will pay?"

Long and short of all this, I think I'm going to start asking for a credit card number I can keep on file and bill my charges to once a month. If they balk at that, then I won't work for them. The credit cards provide them with fraud protection. If they intend to pay, this shouldn't be an issue. If they don't have a visa check card or a credit card, then why the hell would I want to extend credit to them?

My two cents.
DFW, TX

[TurfGuyTX]

Hey guys, I want all of us to do well. Though maintenance is what most of you offer, we could help you with landscape(hard and soft), irrigation and drainage. We service parts of Fort Worth, Benbrook, Arlington, HEB, Grapevine, Colleyville, Southlake and Keller. Let me know if we can help you and maybe make you a little money too.

[Hodge]

How about anybody interested in doing some hardscape in South Dallas Area... way too far for me esp due to only one job and nobody inbetween point A and point B....

9951 Mountain Bend Circle... contact me for a phone number as this is a rental property....:cool:

[actionpike]

Does anyone know if there is a labor camp anywhere close to Mesquite??? I just got rid of the guy that was helping me and I need someone by next week. What are the pros and cons with using a guy from a labor camp. I am just looking for a good worker that can handle the equipment. What do ya pay the helpers that you have?

I appreciate any help.

Thanks,

Brian K

[Redwagon]

I live in the Tomball/Spring area, have about 4 customers and looking to expand to about 20 customers. If anyone has any leads/extra jobs, please let me know....... have handed out about 1500 flyers with little success, had a spanish crew take mine down as I was leaving the subdivision. go figure......


M.T.D.'s Lawns and More
(American owned and Operated)

[outrunjason]

There is a labor camp in Garland at Kingsley and Garland rd. I am not sure if mesquite has one or not. Just go up there and usually those guys know how to run the equipment. I pay my guy about 8 or 9 an hour. Sometimes I pay him for 8 hours wether we worked that long or not just so I know he will work next time.

Good Luck, Jason

[Meier]

Outrunjason,

I have been interviewing those guys in the labor camps. I have them at least show me that they can start and run the line trimmer before they go with me. Some don't know how to do anything.

In terms of a percentage of revenue, what percentage are you paying to a laboror of gross receipts?

I paid about 17% yesterday. We originally agreed on $9/hr, though he was pressing for $10. The guy was very fast with the trimmer/edger/blower and did good work. After the fourth lawn, I told him that if we were finished by 4:00pm, I'd pay him $90. He was really motivated. We were done by 3:45. By comparison, a similar work load the week prior took 10 hours with a guy I was paying $8/hr.

I think that if you offer them a flat rate they'll work faster. Just a theory. I'll see how it goes.

By the way, he did mention that he worked for Trugreen/Chemlawn for three years at $5.50/hr. I was really surprised they were paying people that little. He wasn't a crew leader, though.

Later,
DFW, TX

[outrunjason]

Meier,

I am really not sure on the gross reciepts part. But basicly if we have about 16 to 18 lawns I pay my guy 8 an hour and we work about 8 to 9 hours. So for that day he would make about 75 to 80. Oh yeah, lets say he worked 8 hours and that would be $64 I would give him $70. If I kinda give him a few dollars extra.

Ok so now we had 18 lawns. Totaling $600 - 85 for employee leaves me 515 for the day.

There are other days that don't pay anything like that. Like today. We worked 9 hours and only $390 worth of work. I only made like $300.

I think that is kinda what you were asking for. I guess you could figure up the percentages on that. I don't even know how to do percentages :p

Jason

[blafleur]

If you interested in doing percentages, just divide your net by the total gross, or as simpletons like me remember it, divide the big number by the small number.

I think paying a percentage is a fair and win-win for owner and employee, once you figure out a fair percentage. It is incentive for you to get them more work, and incentive for them to do more faster. The only drawback is you have to really watch for quality drop if they get too fast and sloppy.

Bryan

[outrunjason]

OH yeah I have certainly seen the quaility drop. My guy flys through lawns like I have never seen. He does not miss spots but the mower can't even give the grass a good cut.

Jason

[blafleur]

When I was doing maintenance, I noticed there are a lot of customers who notice it too.

Good luck,
Bryan

[blafleur]

Does anyone here buy from Southwest Landscapes in Coppell. If so, how do you like their service and plant quality?

I used to use them several years ago, but at least at that time, if you werent a large company, they acted like you were bothering them. But they have an awesome selection and I was wondering if they have gotten better.

Thanks,
Bryan

[TurfGuyTX]

We haven't used them in several years. I always liked the plants thay offered, but we only used them when we were doing lots of work in Flower Mound.

[Texas Landscaper]

If there are any Dallas Ft-Worth Landscapers out there looking for a good chemical applicator to take care of their properties, please E-mail me. I have a licensed chemical applicator working for me who also has a degree in Horticulture from N.C. State. He is very personable and will make you look good. We use only Lesco products and do not cut corners. You can make money on our services...Let me know if we can help you EWynn0262@aol.com

[TurfGuyTX]

I hope all you you are staying busy and making $. Later.

[Buena Vista]

blafleur..

regarding Southwest Landscape.. I understand the 'attitude' you encountered but I have been using them for several years and have found their staff to be outstanding and plants the same.. I have used them on large projects as far away as west texas and they have assisted in design work as they have more plant knowledge than I ... and many times I get only a few bags of mulch, with no problem.. they simple don't want people off the street buying...

speaking of nursery's.. has anyone used the Home Depot Landscape shops that have been set up in the area?? I understand they offer a year warranty?? and how is their pricing??

[Meier]

I tried using the Home Depot for mulch once. They just opened a new Landscape store about 3 miles from my home. The prices seem to be identicle to the regular Home Depot.

I've been using the Earth brand mulch at Lowe's. It comes in Tan, Black & Red. The Tan looks the best in my opinion.

Wish they sold the Earth brand at HD. The new HD Landscape store in Lewisville is a lot closer for me. I tried doing one job with the Cypress mulch, but I don't like it as well as the Earth brand. To purchase a similar quality mulch at HD is about 50% more than what I pay for Earth brand at Lowe's.

Later.

[blafleur]

Thanks Buena Vista, its been a long time since I went there, I was hoping maybe they changed. They cant be beat for selection in the out of the ordinary. I usually use JD landscapes in Lewisville, but their selection can be limited.

Meier, if you like the cypress, have you tried the cedar from Living Earth? I buy in bulk from them, good prices compared to bags, and I really like the quality.

Bryan

[DowntoEarth]

Like to expand my lawn business to include Fertilizing & Weed Control. A few questions for the more experienced.

What kind of certification do you need in Texas? How much does it cost?

Does the state or city regulate Lawn Service companies?

Where do you get Liability Insurance? How much do you need? What's it cost?

Thanks!

[Hodge]

So how is everybody doing... enjoying the weather... hey they are reporting a cool front on Wed.. it will only be 94... starting to feel like fall..

Need some assistance on labor camps in Frisco, Plano area...

[outrunjason]

What would you like to know about labor camps. I have used the plano one a few times as I live in Richardson.

Jason

[artisanhg]

Where is there one in Plano? How was the help?

[outrunjason]

The one in Plano is located behind best buy on central just before the parker road. So if you are going north on 75 you would exit parker road and behind best buy is the camp.

You get what you are willing to pay. If you want to pay them 6 or 7 an hour and not buy them lunch you wont see them again.

Pay 8 or more and buy there lunch they may want to work with you again.

I know of some companies that I talk to that pay there guys about 12 an hour + lunch. That is awesome. He has a good crew and has to pay for it.

Jason

[Hodge]

Ok so how does it work. You pull up and talk to the guys waiting or is there somebody in charge of the camp. Now by "camp" is this just where ___ legal or illegal ____ people come for work. So paying them 10 per hour and lunch would get you a good worker for that day, but how about finding the same guy the next day. Do they speak english or what..... any more details on how this works.

now for the IRS how do you claim this. Is it just the cost of business and you do not claim the per hour charge. Fill out your profit minus what you payed the works and pay tax on that.:confused:

[outrunjason]

The first time I ever went to the labor camp I spoke with the lady in charge there. I went in the morning and there were over 250 ppl waiting inside the fenced area for work. I told her what I was looking for. Someone who could do lawn care and new a little english. She went in the crowd and picked out someone for me.

He worked great but he didn't like what he was getting payed. He stayed with me for 2 weeks and then told me that his cousin would like to work with me. I am now useing his cousin and I no longer see the camp. I just pick my guy up at his house at 6:00 and he is up and ready to go.

I have no idea what to do about the irs. I have never talked to a cpa about it. That is something me and you both need to find out. As far as if the guys are legal or not to work in America who is going to know is what I say.

Jason

[Hodge]

would it every get to a point that you trust them to run without you leaving time for you to get more business, and eventually another team??? I guess everything would have to be provided for them... mowers, trailer, blowers, truck. What is to stop them from just taking the full trailer and now your screwed...??

[outrunjason]

I think you are asking if I would ever let a guy run my crew and work alone without me ?

[Hodge]

yep

[Hodge]

Have a customer if somebody is willing in Mesquite... to far for me to make a profit, but would be good for somebody in that area.:D

[Longstar]

That was very helpful info on the labor camps. I have been using college guys this summer to mow for me. But I think I might start using the Plano labor camp.

[Hodge]

Revision that customer is in McKinney on the west side of 75. Email or PM me for the number.

[Shawn's Lawn]

Hello guys,

my name is Shawn, I just found this site a week ago and love it... I have been on ----------.com but its so dead there... I found this place from http://mowproducts.itcstore.com/default.aspx?p=8312

They have great prices on edging blades:D

Anyways I have been working with a buddy for a few years and decided I wanted to do this on my own... unfortunatley I have to work out of the beater car until the end of next yr... however i am very professional :angel:

Well I will try to establish residential accounts in denton county, I live in the colony, so if you ever see me honk or stop to talk... ok it sounds like im trying to get a date or filling out a resume here so im looking forward to having y'all as friends...

thanks shawn

[Shawn's Lawn]

Also my wife is an staff accountant, so if you guys need taxes, book keeping, or what ever you can email her @ ejolly@martinwcohen.com she will give you a great discount... just let her know your from the lawn site..

thanks shawn

[Longstar]

Hodge... what is the address for that McKinney customer? I live pretty close and could take a look at it.
You can email me at lawnstar@sprintpcs.com

[Longstar]

Anyone use Lesco products in the DFW area? I was wondering who your sales associate was if you do.

[TurfGuyTX]

Hey Guys,

Everyone making the big bucks??:D I hope so.

Shawn, welcome to lawnsite. I wish you well and think you'll find some valuable insight here.

We use Lesco quite often. Gary Johnson is who I deal with mainly.

Is there anyone who does work in the Lake Worth area?? We get calls every once and a while and would be happy to refer them. I lost the card of the guys we used to refer.

Remember, Fall is just around the corner. lol

[Shawn's Lawn]

Originally posted by TurfGuyTX
Hey Guys,

Everyone making the big bucks??:D I hope so.

Shawn, welcome to lawnsite. I wish you well and think you'll find some valuable insight here.



Thanks and hello... well I have only found 2 people to mow edge and trim for so far..... I passed out flyers down the street I live on last tuesday and received a call thursday for a yard.. then the neighbor came outside and asked if I would do his... Im hoping they will want me to come back this week.. I have to go to denton county to get my assume name certificate so I can get my business account going... compass has a special right now just like the free chcking... since I bank personally with compass im going to do the business acount there as well...

after doing all this monday I hope to pass out some more flyers a few blocks over... im just trying to get a customer base right now sine the season is almost over...

well stay safe and hydrated!!

[Shawn's Lawn]

well I finished all my paper work for my assumed name, business checing acount and tax id number today...


I passed out 50 flyers last tuesday and mowed edged and trimmed 2 yards... one may become regular... well hope everyone is doing good...

Im going to look into insurance this week.... im gonna try farmers first......

[TurfGuyTX]

Well it sounds like your getting everything together. Don't get discouraged yet, this time of year usually gets us some additional work due to others quitting due to the heat and such. Do you have any t-shirts w/ your name and # on them? Try bartering with a local shop, it can help both of you. Good luck.

[Shawn's Lawn]

Yeah im trying to get some shirts together... right now im focused on selling a car that i have just sitting around... from the sell of it, I will purchase a trailor... im looking at a 4x8.. nothing to big <overkill> and nothing to small...

I am mainly looking for residentials... well thanks for replying... hope everything is working great for you!!!

[TRex]

I am in the market for 36" belt drive unit. If any of you can help me out. I dont care what condiyion if used as long as the price is right I can take of any repairs and maintance problems. Or if you guys know of a dealer that can bargain with me or has a demo unit that would work to.
Thanks:D

[Meier]

I know a guy with a 36" Ferris Hydro that he's trying to find a home for.

[TRex]

Meier,

Please inform of more details email me or have him email me. Als where is located around here so maybe I can take a look or a test drive. I thank you for looking out for me.

[Meier]

Shoot me an e-mail. My wife can get his contact info through work. mace@bigballsincowtown.net

[TRex]

I am not if my e-mail is working right ornot so please try to e-

mail me at taabee@ev1.net. hopefully it is if not leave me a

private message on thi page.Thank You,

TRex

[Shawn's Lawn]

anyone know anbody that has a 21" toro 3 spd walk behind? Also looking for a small trailer... not looking to spen more than 240 on a trailer tho..

thanks shawn

[TRex]

I have a toro proline, its 2 cycle. It is an older one but the

engine starts on the fist pull and will run with no problms. I have

the bagger for it also. The main problem with is that the front

wheels woble so itit probably just needs new ones. Please feel

free to go into my profile and e-mail me through there.

[Shawn's Lawn]

Originally posted by TRex
I have a toro proline, its 2 cycle. It is an older one but the

engine starts on the fist pull and will run with no problms. I have

the bagger for it also. The main problem with is that the front

wheels woble so itit probably just needs new ones. Please feel

free to go into my profile and e-mail me through there.

For some reason the email link in your profile isnt working, but I see you left your email address a few posts up... I will email you right now..

thanks shawn

[JR Lawns]

Hello All!

Just thought I would chime in. I run a LCO in the Allen, Plano area.. I am just a one men operation now. But looking to grow. Hope to have about 15-20 customers for next season..

Joel - JR Lawns

[Burrrmuda]

Hey, I am totally new to the business and this site. Basically I am sick of working in an office 9-5 and want to start my own business. I live in the Keller/Watauga area and would appreciate any feedback, ideas and help that you can offer me. If anyone is looking to partner up let me know.

Thanks!

[Shawn's Lawn]

Anyone also have a back pack blower? Im in need of oune bad.. I love the stihl br 420. but any echo or stuihl will do.... let me know thanks

[Shawn's Lawn]

Originally posted by JR Lawns
Hello All!

Just thought I would chime in. I run a LCO in the Allen, Plano area.. I am just a one men operation now. But looking to grow. Hope to have about 15-20 customers for next season..

Joel - JR Lawns

Hello, ive been mowing for 2 yrs with another fella... but recently decided to go on my own and local.... I am in the colony... just received a frisco job for the end of the season..

i have had a few jobs but nothing weekly just yet... except htis new one in frisco... but I have passed out alot of flyer's.. good luck to you..

[Shawn's Lawn]

Originally posted by Burrrmuda
Hey, I am totally new to the business and this site. Basically I am sick of working in an office 9-5 and want to start my own business. I live in the Keller/Watauga area and would appreciate any feedback, ideas and help that you can offer me. If anyone is looking to partner up let me know.

Thanks!

hello.. and read previous post...

[JR Lawns]

Originally posted by Shawn's Lawn
Hello, ive been mowing for 2 yrs with another fella... but recently decided to go on my own and local.... I am in the colony... just received a frisco job for the end of the season..

i have had a few jobs but nothing weekly just yet... except htis new one in frisco... but I have passed out alot of flyer's.. good luck to you..

Cool! I jave not gotten anything weekly yet either, just one mowing here and there.. My goal for the 2004 season is to get about 10 weekely customers.

Good luck to you!

[TurfGuyTX]

Sounds like alot of new guys. Welcome. This time of year can get you some work. Alot of guys bail out when it gets hot. Look for some taller grass and maybe you'll find someone who needs you. Good luck. Fliers are always good to pass out when you have time in the areas that you're focusing.

[Shawn's Lawn]

If you guys are searching for a bank may I suggest compass business free checking... I personally bank there and now my business does to... just a thought... they wave all the minimum balances, fees under a certain balance... it is 100.00 to start tho....

I cant wait to get some volume going thruogh mine hehe.... but atleast I have found one weekly customer... It doesnt look like im going to have time to pass out flyers this week... unfortunately.. but I have bought a self propelled craftsman for 20 bucks last night... im gonna switch over my 6.0 horse briggs to it and make that my back up.. having a pusher as a back up sucks!!!!!!!!

Well anyone know where to get used blowers and mowers and stuff from? any pawn shops or used shops in dfw that are decsently priced????

thanks shawn

[Whatdefunk]

Hey burrr just curious if you got started yet. Im in the same area as you and it has been a little slow this year but Im steadily growing. Ive only got about 20 customers right now but hopefully I can get twice that at the beginning of the season. Well good luck to you!

[Meier]

How late can we expect to mow here in Dallas?

My contract with all my residential customers says that I'll mow every week from late March through mid-November. No one has questined that so far.

My wife started bitching at me again this evening and she says that my customers will start to cancel if I mow their grass around Halloween and it doesn't need it.

On the flip side, if I can't get at least 34 cuts per year, I just don't see any way to make money at this. We get zero opportunity for snow removal here in DFW. It's hard enough to make it from Mid November to late March without any work. If we have to stop cutting weekly earlier in the year, how do we make it without starving?

Thanks,
DFW, TX

[artisanhg]

You need to convince your customers to have a green lawn all year long. Plant winter rye grass in the fall and you can keep cutting the grass during the winter.

You always have the Christmas lights...

[Longstar]

We started doing the winter rye last year and it was a big help in revenues. Just a litte cold and wet mowing out there sometimes.

[Shawn's Lawn]

The wife just bought me a stihl420 magnum..... I cant wait to get this baby rolling as soon as I find some work!!!

I have used a stihl 400 wihen working with my budy and really liked the way it worked...

[Shawn's Lawn]

Just to let everyone know Joel of JR Lawn's is a great person.. very friendly so if you ever see him make sure to say hello..

hope everyone is doing good..

shawn

[PhrankW]

Hi everybody. My name is Frank and I work for a fertilizer blend plant in Frisco, TX. We do custom blends for golf courses, nurseries, cities, school districts, and landscapers. One of my landscaper customers told me about this web site and I was excited to find it.

I always try to keep up with what’s going on so we can improve our customer service. I’d be happy to give you all a link to our site but it’s against the rules of this board. It’s probably a good thing because I am currently doing some work on my site.

[Buena Vista]

bill annually... that's what I do...

cut when needed..

budget accordingly...

[JR Lawns]

Originally posted by Shawn's Lawn
Just to let everyone know Joel of JR Lawn's is a great person.. very friendly so if you ever see him make sure to say hello..

hope everyone is doing good..

shawn

Shawn, Thanks for the kind words! Thanks for the great deal on the blower, It is wokring great!

[Shawn's Lawn]

So how long are you guys going to keep mowing? End of October or sooner?

[Hodge]

Is that Frank from Greensmiths???? Excellent product and service... Welcome

TJ's Landscape Care LLC

[Meier]

++++So how long are you guys going to keep mowing? End of October or sooner?++++

My contract with all my residential customers says I mow every week from late March to mid-November.

If it stays cool, I may have to stop earlier than anticipated. The high yesterday, Sept 3rd, was 84. It's not unusual to see the high on August 3rd in the 100's.

Later,
osu2winbig12

[PhrankW]

Hey TJ,
You win. I'll have to book that trip to Hawaii for you. LOL Thanks for the kind words. I wasn't sure if I could say the name of our company or not so to be safe I didn't. This is a great board. I'm amazed at how friendly people are in our line of work.

[z_clark]

Hi all!
How many customers have y'all been able to pick up in y'all's first year of doing lawn care full time? What is your main method of picking up new customers? I plan to put out 5K fliers next season in hopes of getting a 1 to 2 % success rate...is this possible in our market??? Thanks!

[henker]

Hello folks. Another new guy. Been reading site for months but first posting. Sons wanted to start business mid-summer and they are too young to do it by themselves so I am helping. We only have a couple of regular customers. Their first commercial job was given to them by their grandfather, but is too big to use 21 " mowers. Trying to find at least a 31" but would go bigger if price is right. Will also need a trailor when we make this purchase. We are having no luck finding stuff in paper. Anyone have any ideas or know where we can find some cheaper used equipment? Thks in advance for any help.

[J&J Lawn Care]

Hello henker
You didnt say how much you wanted to spend but there is a half way good deal that i saw on this guys site its
www.ztrxchange.com
he has a 52" hydro drive floating deck Exmark Turf Tracer with abt 285 hrs he is asking $3000 its electric start with 19hp Kawasaki. I also know of a firefiter that has a like new lesco 36"gear drive that was talking about selling it he lost his big account that he bought it for i'll check into that one for ya but im sure it's over $2000.

[Longstar]

J&J - If your friend is interested in selling that 36" Lesco, tell him to call or email me. I would be interested in talking to him.

email: lawnstar@sprintpcs.com
phone: 214-417-7156

[J&J Lawn Care]

Lonstar I'll get in touch with him in the next few days.

[Hodge]

J&J I would also be interested in the mower.... if it is still available

TJ's Landscape Care LLC
469 233 3585

:cool:

[henker]

J&J

Thanks for the information. I know it is probably a good deal, but still a little more than I was wanting to pay. Think I will wait and see if we can find anything else. Appreciate your help

[J&J Lawn Care]

TJ/ Lonestar/ Henker

Ok guys sorry it took so long to get back to ya the friend decided to wait and see if he could get a job so he can use his new 36" so he is going to see. But my dealer said there is this other guy getting out of the busness and has a 32" and a 36" i'll send you the info.

[J&J Lawn Care]

Hey guys

I was going to e-mail ya but cant get it to work so this guy with the 2 lawnmowers his name is Ron Hicks (817)478-4842
the 32" is about 2 yrs old and a little over 200 hrs $1300.00 and the 36" is about 2 yrs old and a little over 400 hrs $1500.00 the dealer I know said they were in good shape but I have not seen them hope this may turn into something some of you can use. good luck and let me know.

[Longstar]

J&J, thanks for following up on that.

[J&J Lawn Care]

Hello again just wondering has anyone in the DFW area tried the meg-mow blades. I have a 36" lesco hydrodrive 15hp kaw and was thinking of trying them but $89.00 is steep im running +doubles now hilifts on bottom and gators on top and they work great but always looking for something better. I know what they say on the other pages about them but I haven't heard anything from anyone down here.
Thanks

[ladylawncare]

Anybody working up in this area? Some new building going on mostly res. Planning on hanging paper this spring. Looking for a 32 toro wbwith v. may break down and buy new hydro would be nice trying to convince myself on $$$ Anyway any advice on the mowwer would be nice. Turf field day at A&M had only a few distributors to look at.

[Hodge]

Looking for information on cyclamens. What sp do well here and where can I purchase about 150 at a good wholesale price. I have broken down and will buy the pansies from Home Depot, even though I do not really like HD. They are priced at 6.99 for an 18 pack

[Hodge]

End of season??? Too busy with winter color???? No information??? Any response would be good... Hopefully.

[blafleur]

You dont say where you are closed to, I buy a lot of my annuals a Strongs nursery at Sandy Lake/I35, and at John Deere in Lewisville. I always use 4" for other installs. Open an account at one or both of these places, or others like them depending where you are and plants are quite a bit cheaper and usually much better than the big chains.

Bryan

[Hodge]

Running out of Frisco. Have an account with Bruce Miller and Texas Seasons, but their wholesale price is higher than I can buy them for at home depot. They are not going to carry cyclamens but if the price of the pansies is any indication then no worry. Have you used any cyclamens for outside planting and if so how much were they at JD or Strongs?

[blafleur]

Never used cyclamens, isnt that house plants?

How much were wholesale price at Bruce Miller? I have bought there and thought they had good prices. I cant imagine anyone having wholesale prices higher than HD.

Bryan

[blafleur]

Never used cyclamens, isnt that house plants?

How much were wholesale price at Bruce Miller? I have bought there and thought they had good prices. I cant imagine anyone having wholesale prices higher than HD.

Bryan

[I am Me]

Hey guys-

I am looking for an older used Toro Proline 21". Any ideas where to find one and how much the run?

Thanks.

[Hodge]

Never used cyclamens, isnt that house plants?

There are different sp of cyclamens and I think they are ones for outside also.

Their prices were 3.95 per 4" plant, still cheaper then Shades of Green at 4.99 per 4" pot. The pansies were 9.99 for a flat of 16, where as HD was 6.99 per flat of 18. Yes your correct that is a big difference and not really "wholesale" prices. Any recommendations on other Nurseries in this are for true wholesale prices??

[blafleur]

Hodge, 9.99/flat of 4" is not bad if they look good. I pay 10.00 at Strongs in Carrollton, but they always have plenty, and they are in good shape.

Isnt the HD 18 ct flats the small 6 pack? If so, I really dont recommend using these for commercial work. Another problem with HD is you never know if they will have enough of the ones you want.

Look in the yellow pages under nurseries, there should be a section for wholesale, and call around. You can get them for 7 or 8 from some places, especially if you have a grower near by. Though I pay the top end of wholesale price, I know I can go there in one stop, and get all I need of good healthy plants. I pretty much only buy annuals there though.

Bryan

[Hodge]

blafleur

True about HD went to get 45 flats yesterday and they did not have enough. I will start calling around for other nurseries today. I have been with Bruce Miller for about 3 years now and so far they have been good, but the price was quite a bit higher than I wanted for annuals. BTW what is up with this weather.. today is going to be 92..... where is our fall...

Later:dizzy:

[Longstar]

I use Country Colors in Allen for my annuals. I pay $7.56 a flat and they have 8 greenhouses that they grow their own flats in. They supply a lot of major retail stores and others out of state places as well. I have never seen an operation like it before.

[Hodge]

Longstar,

Is that wholesale prices? And do you have the number?

[z_clark]

Don't want to interrupt this great conversation on nurseries, but what about equipment dealers in our area? Which one(s) do you use, what are your experiences w/ them? Wish I could add in my own experiences, but I have not started up yet. Thanks all! Love our DFW section here! :)

[Hodge]

For the majority of my purchase I use Mower Medic in carrollton. Excellent service, they remember you name and the info you told them about your business and its issues, and actually talk with you when you are asking questions. I have also used Frisco Lawn and Power, but their knowledge base is limited to basically one person. So I they are busy then you have to just wait. Now for equipment rental HD or for larger equipment Hertz Rental on 121 have all been good to me:alien:

[Longstar]

Hodge, those are wholesale prices. Retail is $10.xx a flat I believe. I don't have their number. Sorry. They should be in the phone book.

[Buena Vista]

are these pansie flats 18 ct or 20 ct???

[Longstar]

The pansy flats are 18 count.

[Hodge]

Due to HD not having enough at one time and one location, went with Bruce Miller in Celina. Ended up being wholesale at 9.50 for a 18 ct of panies grand flora (sp), much better then the junk at HD. The winter cabbage was only 1.75 good size plant. Ended up buying 35 cabbage and mixed with pansies.

[ladylawncare]

purchased a 36 toro walk behind toro 21w/honda engine
stihl stick edger-blower and trimmer from Mckinney lawn and lumber
I thought I got very good service they spent some time with me helping me decide what I wanted. gave me some advice on what I did not want. Being a women I am very concerned with ease of start and my hands are alot smaller than a mans so I gotta have something I can use. Of course I hope their service will continue to be as good when I have a problem
A1 LADYBUG MOWING ETC....:p

[Lance L]

wow, just found this thread been readin it forever lol

im in south dallas, i service desoto, duncanville, cedar hill, midlothian, lancaster, red oak, and oak cliff...

been fairly busy this weather sux and i hate the cold haha... i think im going to move to fla for the winter... but i have some rye yards to keep mowing... blah..

[Thumper0504]

Anyone notice the paper this week? It looks like Brinkman may be moving into the north Texas area. Had an ad in the DMN for 45+/- (?)workers.

:gunsfirin

[Longstar]

I have seen Brinkman crews around Allen, Plano and Frisco for a few years now. They have some pretty nice vehicles and trailers. I wonder what their yearly revenues are?

[Hodge]

5 million per year according to Lawn and Landscape Mag...

BTW Brinkman have been here for about 8 years. They are always hiring and start advertising in the winter for summer work. Training for a new season....

[TurfGuyTX]

I've seen them in Tarrant County for several years too. By the way, Happy Thanksgiving to all of you.

[A.V.]

"HI" anbody from s.a. texas? trying to find out what lco are charging for lawn service in s.a. Regular cut, trim and blow, 1/4acr lots.THANKS.

[Appealing Gardens]

Hello Everyone:

My name is Keith. I own a Design & Build Company called Appealing Gardens Landscape. I'm a new member and would be glad to help any of yall with questions and learn from you all as well. I find that the hardest part of this business is selling the jobs...installation is the easy part...Do you agree?

Keith
AG Landscapes

[outrunjason]

Thats why I like lawn maintenance. You just sell it once and then keep on mowing. I don't like having to sell other services though like winter rye etc.

Jason

[Appealing Gardens]

Jason,

whats up? Your right ... Sell it once and then upgrade now and then your services...less actual hard sales and more schmoozing the client for more work.

I've thought about starting up a maintenance company but mowing just doesn't do it for me. I like the design and creativity of landscaping.

Keith

[Buena Vista]

needing some help with irrigation installs.. I am needing to sub some commercial projects next year, Plano area.... I need someone who can be price competitive (dont we all??), pull the permits, get it installed, etc.. I don't want a big outfit, looking for a little guy who wants to partner for future projects past this.. if you know of a good recommendation. please let me know.. thanks!

[TurfGuyTX]

Happy New Year!!! Best wishes for your success in '04!

[z_clark]

Hello fellow Texans!

When is your first cut of the year (date)...I am chomping at the bit for my first season!

Also, at the begining of the growing season, do you cut weekly, and do your customers complain that "the grass did not need it"?

Thanks for the help!

[outrunjason]

I don't know when my first cut is going to be but most likely I am guessing sometime in March.

Jason :gunsfirin

[Hodge]

Mowing season is from march 15 - Nov 15 for me. Not working on contracts, but will work on "if yard does not need it i will not mow". I type up a schedule for all established customers, give them a copy and mow on those days no matter what. Now if the gate (back gate) is locked I will mow the front and charge for the whole yard, noting the locked gate on the invoice and next time (based upon schedule) will mow front and back, if the gate is open this time. New customer for the season will be worked into the established schedule as we see fit.

[johnslawncare]

I' m south of Cleburne serving Fort Worth, Benbrook, Grandbury, Burleson, Crowley, Keller, Corinth and just about any where in between. Anyone here of any jobs they don't want let me know if you would. Thank you.

[Buena Vista]

still looking for a irrigation guy for a couple of jobs on the north side of Dallas....

also .. where do you guys get your liability insurance?? I need to renew and might want to shop around... not sure where to shop..

[outrunjason]

Buena Vista what areas are you in?

Jason

[Buena Vista]

anywhere where there is work..

most jobs primarily in the DFW area but also west Texas and the Houston area.. right now I am looking at two small landscape installs in the N Dallas area...

[outrunjason]

When do you guys around here start putting out flyers?

Jason in Richardson

[Hodge]

Jason, Will start this weekend. Going to hire a couple of kid to help out so there well be four people handing them out ... hopefully this will go faster.:D

[pushmower]

Hi everybody,

Working in Rockwall county. Started late last season grabbed about six accounts, not bad. Looking to do a bulk mailing out here, any suggestions on when to send out the first mailing. I plan on mailing to the same addresses three times prior to April. I'm also plannig on running an ad in the local paper. I'm also in the market for a 32-inch w/b belt drive (hydro is out of the budget for now). Looking for a dealership in Dallas metroplex to demo and buy from.Any suggestions on both topics?

[outrunjason]

My parents live in Royse city. What kind of bulk mailing are you looking at doing?

Jason

[pushmower]

I plan on sending out postcards in the Rockwall and Heath area.

[outrunjason]

This might be an early spring this year so maybe send them out in February.

Jason

[DowntoEarth]

I'm starting a new Lawn Service in Frisco/Prosper. Anyone have some idea what I should charge for 65x120 size lawns ? How much for fertilizing & weed control?

Thanks

[Longstar]

Down to Earth... you shouldn't be charging anything less than $25 per lawn. You make any money if you try any lower.

Do you have a license for pesticide and fert applications?

[Longstar]

Sorry for the left out word in the previous post. I meant, you won't make money if you charge less than $25 per lawn.

[DowntoEarth]

No license, how do I get one? Is it a hassle?

[outrunjason]

Anybody going to start advertising in the next couple of weeks?


Jason

[Longstar]

Here is a link to the State of Texas Agricultural Dept. You can find info on licenses here.
http://www.texasonline.state.tx.us/category.jsp?language=eng&categoryId=5.5

[outrunjason]

I didn't have a good subject for this one. I found this while browsing the internet. If you scroll down on this pdf link you will see for Richardson, Plano, and Garland pay for certain things. One of them on there is lawn services. I am guessing this is for the year or something.

Jason

[outrunjason]

http://sbcsmartyellowpages.com/pages/documents/10453.pdf

[Longstar]

That's some nice info. Thanks for posting that.

[DowntoEarth]

I'm new to the biz, already go some great advice on equipment THANKS!

Question, do ya'll charge extra to bag vs mulch?

[Longstar]

That depends on if you are scalping or just bagging a regualr mowing service.
We charge $2.50 per bag for scalping plus the regular charge for mowing. (ex. $30 regular service charge with 10 bags from scalping would make it a $55 total charge).
If the customer just wants their lawn bagged during the year on a regualr basis, we cahrge an extra $5-$10. You usually don't get too many bags if you do it on a weekly basis it just takes a few more minutes of service.

[DowntoEarth]

Thanks Longstar, that was exactly what I need to know.

[DowntoEarth]

I'm a part time LCO and looking to hire 1 employee to help with my business. I've heard WC is expensive and I can't afford with my small operation to get burdened down with too many expenses, but I also cannot afford to be personnaly Liable for damage to Customer's Property and Employee's Injury.

Any advice or examples of Insurance (name, Ph#, aprox $) ??

Thanks!

[dfd25]

outrunjason, i have been told by some big lawn guys, that february is the best time to advertise. if you have scouted the area you want to advertise in. you should be able to pass out 750 -1000 doorhangers/flyers per day. i' m going to hire 2-3 people for a 3-4 days. i should be able to get 10k door hangers out. good luck.

[dfd25]

i just took the state test for basic irrigators license. i do not have any irrigator experience. i'm looking for someone in the area to work for a little while, so i can gain experience before i get my license. please e-mail me at majesticgreens1@netzero.com

[CoultersDFW]

I'm in Dallas. I cover a few neighborhoods in the northwest quadrant of the I635 loop. I'm preparing to send out a few thousand mailers, I hear that thats a good way to round up a few more customers? I only have about 25 right now and seriously need to beef up that number! :) Whatever I do this year needs to give better results than just the 3 clients I gained from 4000 fliers last season....

[cwjordan]

Anyone interestd in some used (two and three year old) toro 21" commerical Mowers, they run great. I have 6 of them and wanted to sell them, give me some offers if you are interested.

[Hodge]

What type of engine do they have? How come you are getting rid of? Can I get your phone #?

[cwjordan]

two stoke and we just needed some new ones and we found a great deal...so we bought 8 new ones

[grassperson]

CW - how much are you wanting for the toros? Do do they look? Beat up or clean?:blob2:

[cwjordan]

they got some wear on them but they still mow good ....id like to see them pull $275 a piece....... ill go to the shop to and today and take some pictures and let you see them.

[grassperson]

Post the pictures and send me yor contact info.

[cwjordan]

i emailed the pics to you let me know what you think...like i said they are a little worn but they arent bad for someone that is starting out or they are great for a spare...we got such a great deal on the new ones we bought three extra so i dont need a spare

thanks
cw

[outrunjason]

Hey CWJ I sent you a private message but I guess you didin't get it. I am also intrested in the mowers. I might like to buy 2 or 3 of them.

Jason 214-680-1615

[cwjordan]

if anyone is interested in the mowers email me and ill reply back to you with the pics

Cjbiggin@aol.com

[BULLGRAZER]

Just sending out a howdy to all you Texas LCO's - count me in!

-=KC=-

[Hodge]

Just post the pic on the site and we can decide from there

[z_clark]

Nice website! Tons of words...maybe too many...I was overwhelmed. Like your logo and catch phrase too. I sent you P.M. w/ some questions.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL IN 2004!

[BULLGRAZER]

z_clark,

Again, as I mentioned in my PM back to you, thank you for the nice remarks. In my reply PM, I addressed the website logic etc. but I failed to ask you to be more specific about the logo and catch phrase comments. I've been sitting here struggling to understand your comments because I do appreciate feedback such as yours. So please be more specific as to why you feel my logo and catch phrase are 'wordy' - Thanks Z_clark!

-=KC=-

[Hodge]

Jason, Did you get a respose from cwjordan


are they worth anything?:)

[outrunjason]

He was going to send me some pics but they were to large. I have not heard anything since then.

Jason

[cwjordan]

im fixing that prblem ill have by the end of the day

[outrunjason]

lol, Yeah I am in know hurry not like the grass will be green this week.

[cwjordan]

jason i re-sent them let me know if you got it or not.....

[DowntoEarth]

I've got a Toro 22040 for sale. It's been used 1 season and I've got to sell to pay for my 32" Scag I just bought. It's just been tuned up, has a new starter cord, debris guard and a atomic mulching blade. Asking $600, let me know if anyone is interested.

FYI - Richardson Saw & Lawn are selling used 22040's for $750

[dfd25]

I'm looking to buy some yards in the midlothian, mansfield,cedar hill, duncanville area. If anybody has some yards they might want to sell in these areas please me know. I also have some yards in garland/ mesquite I'll be willing to trade or sell if I can gain equal yards in my new area. I'm also looking for a used ztr 42 - 48 inch. I don't have enough big yards to spend 6 or 7k on a new ztr. right now. please e-mail @ majesticgreens1@netzero.com

[pushmower]

First day of March. Has anybody noticed an increase on calls for Lawn Maintenace yet?

[outrunjason]

I put out about 1,500 flyers the last 2 weeks and had 6 calls. It was better than I expected. I don't know how march is going to go. But I can say it looks like rain is going to get in the way.

Jason

[Hodge]

I have been handing out for about a month now, and have been able to pickup about 8 mowing and 5 fertlization contracts.... so far so good.;)

[z_clark]

my first year as a lco. I have put out 1500 door hangers and have set up 15 bids so far, and calls keep coming! I received 5 calls just today. Of the bids I have already done, I am getting 60 percent sign up rate with them. I think when the growing season starts things will pick up even more! I still have 3500 door hangers to pass out.

How many door hangers/fliers can y'all put out in an hour? Who cuts across lawns instead of walking on the side walks??? I can put out about 70 in an hour in an average neighborhood with .3 acre lawns. Yes, I do cut across lawns when I think no one is looking!

Best of luck to everyone! Look forward to hearing how y'all are doing with advertising.

[pushmower]

I have a question. 32" Exmark, do I or don't I put a mulching kit on it?

[hubby-wife]

Greenflag-are you still around and in Burleson?

Give me a reply please.

[z_clark]

Please help me out guys...I had not thought this one through before starting.

Where are y'all taking your yard waste? Organic and other too.

I have always used "The Living Earth" for leaves, don't konw if they take all organic matter.

HELP...ASAP, I am building a mountain at my shop! Tks!

[grassperson]

What areas are you mostly working in? If your around Mesquite, Garland, Richardson - use the Garland landfill. If your in Carrollton, Lewisville, Plano area - use Camolot landfill in Carrollton.

All I can say is - make the most out of your trips. If you know your going to have alot of trash at a place, coordinate it with other yards you have. All sites have min's. around $30 per trip.

Call the locations and get details, hours of operations, etc.

I always tell customers upfront that removal is a larger % of cost.

Good luck!

[Buena Vista]

Needing a licensed irrigation contractor for several jobs I need to sub to in the N Dallas area.. I have experienced labor, I just need a licensed guy to supervise my crew and pull permits... please email me ASAP

[hubby-wife]

i got a call to bid on a homeowners tiff grass. Im not equipted for mowing and caring for tiff grass so----
if there is an lco in Burleson or far so ft wth intereted in the job, send me a message today please!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks

[Hodge]

Nothing special about Tiff (419) it just grows thicker and a little slower than common burmuda. I might require to be bagged during the season. Go ahead and take the job, just mow it higher other wise the mower will bog down (if you are using a 21"), a commerical mower (36") would be better is possible.

[hubby-wife]

Thanks Hodge,
the tiff grass was there when the people bought the house several years ago. It seems the tiff has been taken over by bermuda and is about all gone.
We cut it with our rotary mower and cut it about 2- 2 1/2" tall. The woman has more weeds than liver pills so u can imigaine what it looked like. The front and back were well invested with milk weed and clover. Appears there is a beer budget here. Not sure if I'll keep them as they want the cheap price and not a good job. Seems the neighbors will want there $25 like in the past. Welll, gas isnt $1.19 and bread isnt $0.99 any more so will see what/where this goes. $25 dollar yards are a thing of the past!
Are u guys getting more for the spring cleanup vs the second mow? Most of what Ive mowed isnt over grown so Ive not quoted this price and the regular price after. If I get one of these, I always say "the second mow is $ but the first mow is 2x.
Anyway, it looked real nice when we finished! Later!!!

[hubby-wife]

One other thing, cant get the Z34 in the back, She has a 48" fence gate but has added a pocket fence and the gate is about 30". Had to push the whole thing. Not a large yard with her pool, worth only $30. Lots of bare spots.

[TurfGuyTX]

Originally posted by Buena Vista
needing some help with irrigation installs.. I am needing to sub some commercial projects next year, Plano area.... I need someone who can be price competitive (dont we all??), pull the permits, get it installed, etc.. I don't want a big outfit, looking for a little guy who wants to partner for future projects past this.. if you know of a good recommendation. please let me know.. thanks!

I'm in a similiar situation. I need someone to do some residential installs for a builder that we do work for. The work would be in the Mansfield/South Arlington area. If interested, let me know.

Thanks,

Bryan

[actionpike]

I am looking for someone interested in helping me with landscape jobs. I am just starting out with landscaping and do not know a whole bunch about it. I am not looking to get rich off someone else's experience, just would like to learn some stuff while making some money. I am a teacher in Mesquite and I am getting a large response from fellow teachers for future jobs. If you are interested email me at BKinsworthy@mesquiteisd.org.

Thanks,

Brian Kinsworthy

[EagleLandscape]

Hey guys, I do stuff in Richardson, Plano, North Dallas and a little in Garland. If you ever wanna send any work my way, it'd be much appreciated:-D

[tx1]

Hello fellow north texans. Some great information and help here.
Question- Can anyone recommend any good cpa's in north or northeast dallas ? I am mostly on the lawn maintenance side of the business with some tree and landscaping work. I think its been said before but LIVING EARTH TECHNOLOGIES (LETCO) has great top soil, mulches, bedding mixes, etc. . Anyway this local networking is great, thanks guys!

[grassperson]

call me on that CPA question. I have a guy in Carrollton that is great, and knows how to make you money. Brian - 972-740-7174

[FarrisFrog]

Need Insurance in Texas? call 1-800-842-6572 ask for ext 2581.

[blafleur]

Great, now we got insurance people advertising on this site, next we'll have lawyers, then child molesters.

[blafleur]

For those like me who thought Living Earth Technology was the only game in town for composts and mulches, look up Soil Building Systems. They have a web site.

They are in NW Dallas so may not be convenient to everyone, but I believe they have a better product, and the service is much better.

Bryan

[z_clark]

Thanks "Blafleur", I gave the Soil Building Systems place a try and prefer them over the Living Earth place. They have MUCH cheaper fees for dumping debris, and their mulch looks like a quality product.

Thanks for the advice!!!

[FarrisFrog]

Not in the insurance business- I just know how hard it is to get good insurance in our business and wanted to pass the info along. They helped me out with all I needed. Good businesses have good insurance!

[Buena Vista]

Farris

thanks for the tip... and if you know any good lawyers pass them on also, but I don't think any of us need a child molester though..

[kuletule]

Hey Guys! Just found you folks, and am just starting up my mowing here in Parker County, Aledo area.

I plan on mowing mainly Lots and acreage, up to about 5 with my Kubota B7510 20 hp tractor.

Don't know if this is the right site for me or not, but am certainly interested in what you guys say.

I also have a boxblade, rock rack, posthole digger, Front End Loader, Tiller, Disk Harrow, and finish mower.

Do you folks use tractors at all?

Thanks

DJ

[Woody82986]

Hey kuletule, I sent you a private message. take a look.

[FarrisFrog]

Originally posted by Buena Vista
Farris

thanks for the tip... and if you know any good lawyers pass them on also, but I don't think any of us need a child molester though..

LOL!!! No don't need a lawyer at the present time (Thank God) or a child molester right now either lol. Best of Luck to everyone!!!

[rondiggy]

I have a cousin that just moved in and needs some work. He has some expierence with lawncare and tree work. We live in Euless and aree pretty flexible.

I'm trying to figure out a way to give contact info without the whole world seeing it so any suggestions will help. For now just reply and I will check it reguarly.

Thanks, Ron S.

[TurfGuyTX]

Rondiggy,

Welcome to lawnsite. email me some info and I'll keep it on record so that I can help if the opportunity comes up.

Bryan