What the new guys need to know.

[Spring Valley Lawn Service]

Here is the way I run my business and things I learned.
1. Always be honest with customer.
2. Always do a good job even if you loose your a&&. It may lead to something bigger.
3. Respect the competition. Learn from there mistakes so it doesn't cost you. The guys in my area have been great to talk too
4. Have a place to work on equipment.
5. Look for deals. Don't go out and buy it unless you need right then and usually you don't
6. Don't be scared to walk away and tell a customer hey I can't handle this it is out of my league but so an so can. So so maybe able to do same for you if they have stuff they don't want
7 make sure you know how to run your equipment before you use it on someone else's yard
8. Watch the low balling. I may have done it and sure we all have and not meant too
9. Know what it costs to run your equipment.
10. Make sure your happy with what you do.

[Spring Valley Lawn Service]

New and seasoned guys feel free to add or disagree. I m alway opened to suggestions

[Exmarkboy13]

- quality not quantity (this also depends on the situation/application.
-Keep you equipment in good condition. If you have bigger mowers, learn about hydro systems, how they work, and how to property service them.
-Dont be afraid of used gear.
-Like said above, know your costs.
-Bill on time.

[DEPENDABLE LANDSCAPING]

Dont blow your wad on things you cant afford. Buy it right and keep it tight.
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[LandFakers]

Don't overbook yourselves for the week. You only end up rushing around and then quality suffers

[cpllawncare]

Originally Posted by LandFakers

Don't overbook yourselves for the week. You only end up rushing around and then quality suffers

I found this to be my biggest challenge last year, I tried all season to schedule a certain route on a certain day each week, but the weather kept me off base all season. I found myself getting really frustrated, and to make it worse I don't know how to fix this problem for next season?

[GMLC]

Having no plan is a plan for failure.

Network, its not what you know its who you know. Be active in your community.

Most dont fail due to bad work but from bad business practices.

Be professional in everything you do. Look and act professional.
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[Sprinkler Buddy]

Don't expect to be at the top overnight. It takes time to build a reputation no matter how good you are. Respect your employees if you want respect back if or when you need them. Some pros here will disagree with that one. lol

[Toro 455]

Spring Valley;
I can tell by your list of 10 that you're a craftsman who takes pride in his work and the service you provide your customers. I especially like #10.

But I do take exception with the tone of this whole thread about being cautious about what you buy and scheduling.
There's the old saying, older than the dollar, that goes "In for a penny, in for a pound".

And "Nothing ventured, nothing gained".


Don't be too timid about commiting yourself to the job.

For instance, my nephew wants into the business. He currently has 3 lawns he mows with a 19" push mower. He was thinking of finding a used WB and maybe a trailer for his car.
He's worked for me as a kid and has a couple of years experience on a crew in Cincinnati.

My advice to him was to buy a new mower and a used truck. Study and take the pesticide license test now while he has the time to do it.

Basically to decide where you want to be in the business and head that direction like nothing is going to stop you. Like you would dive into a pool instead of wading in timidly.

Nothing motivates you to hunt for jobs like that mower payment coming due.

[DEPENDABLE LANDSCAPING]

Originally Posted by Toro 455

Spring Valley;
I can tell by your list of 10 that you're a craftsman who takes pride in his work and the service you provide your customers. I especially like #10.

But I do take exception with the tone of this whole thread about being cautious about what you buy and scheduling.
There's the old saying, older than the dollar, that goes "In for a penny, in for a pound".

And "Nothing ventured, nothing gained".


Don't be too timid about commiting yourself to the job.

For instance, my nephew wants into the business. He currently has 3 lawns he mows with a 19" push mower. He was thinking of finding a used WB and maybe a trailer for his car.
He's worked for me as a kid and has a couple of years experience on a crew in Cincinnati.

My advice to him was to buy a new mower and a used truck. Study and take the pesticide license test now while he has the time to do it.


Basically to decide where you want to be in the business and head that direction like nothing is going to stop you. Like you would dive into a pool instead of wading in timidly.

Nothing motivates you to hunt for jobs like that mower payment coming due.

My point above was to watch your costs and spend your money wisely.
Why have a mower payment when you can put those monies to work for you in advertising?
We see way to many guys show up each spring with new equipment that we are fortunate enough to purchase at the end of the season because they have simply overextended themselves.
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