Prosperous new business owner

[tarheelmatthew1]

Hey guys, and I'm looking to start my own business in Greenville, NC. I have one summer of experience in this commercially on a small scale (10-15) customers on a weekly basis. I was only doing it on the side for some extra money. I've been mowing and taking care of our house's yard for years and have won the yard of the neighborhood twice. Not saying its worth anything but I know quality yard work.
1. First of all what do I need to get started as far as license, or anything like that? I really have no idea in this category. Also tax wise and other things. Before it was all cash and didn't really make enough money for it to matter.

2. Mower.....what size do you think would be best with most lawns are going to be 1/2 acre to an acre, 2 max. Should I go with a ZTR or another type of mower.

3. For advertising what would you advise? I worked for a painting company last year and did door to door and was pretty useful. Being a new company I think it would harder to go off word of mouth at first but would start to catch up eventually. I was also thinking of getting some buddies of mine and paying them 5 bucks for every estimate/booking. Thats how the painting went. Also I was planning on starting looking now.

4. Hand tools.....any suggestions for blowers, weed eaters, and edgers maybe. Before I just used a weed eater on its side seeing as it was sufficient for the work I was doing.

5. Trailer.....I'm looking for something smaller that can basically take the mower. I have bedspace for the other tools. Any suggestions on this would be helpful. Would a used trailer work? saving anymore in the initial investment would help and I feel this would be the one place that I could use, used items.

Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for the help

[Echelberry's LawnCare]

I would buy either a bobcat or exmark ztr and echo trimmers and blower.You can always add mowers/trimmers as you grow.

[wegomow]

Here is some advice for what it's worth, just my humble opinions.
1. Get a Greenville city license if you are working in the city limits. Get insurance and an applicators license if yo are going to offer weed spraying and fert. applications.

2. Mower? Do you want to walk or ride? Gets pretty hot in my area and I prefer to ride. I would say about a 48 inch or bigger. What dealers are close by and how are there service and parts departments. Check out craig's list also for used equipment.

3. Word of mouth is always the best and cost effective. Ask your clients for referrals. I advertise in the small community papers.
Good luck

[CL&T]

I would also suggest that you stop calling lawns and properties "yards". Sounds low class for a prosperous business owner such as yourself.

[tarheelmatthew1]

could of left out the last part...not necessary

[CL&T]

Originally Posted by tarheelmatthew1

could of left out the last part...not necessary

What? Prosperous business owner? I think he could have left that out. Nothing like being pompous.

[tarheelmatthew1]

Originally Posted by CL&T

Sounds low class for a prosperous business owner such as yourself.

maybe i'm reading it the wrong way but sounded alittle insulting....maybe not. Not trying to start things here so you win.
Hope all is well, no need for just came acoss the wrong way I suppose

[jrs.landscaping]

When you run a prosperous business others will tend to get jealous

[CL&T]

Where I come from how much money you have is nobody's business.

[jrs.landscaping]

Same here, and around here people don't care how much money you have