The Green Industry's Resource Center

kirbyap · #1 03-05-2003, 02:32 PM

me and friend this summer are going to combine and start our own business. ive been mowing since i was little and i am 16 now. ive had my own little business going for roughly 3 summers and it wasnt working too well, so i decided that maybe if i had a partner we could do more and make more money. i was wondering if anyone had any tips on advertising. ive put a ad in a local school directory that has 900 kids but have got no calls yet, i guess its still too early. i was also just wondering for any advice or tips from professionals or non-professionals with good advice in general that can help get us started and get alot of yards, we'd like to have around 20. im going to continue reading this website for advice and such, but if have any direct advice for me and my friend please email me at kirbyap@yahoo.com or just post it.

Reed and Tyler
Lone Star Lawns

Mykster · #2 03-06-2003, 05:45 PM

Get some flyers or some nice door hangers and hand them out. As many as you can. Good thing about these are you can target the areas you want to do business in.

Does the school directory go out to homeowners like a paper? Or is it a publication within the school?

Good luck.

Heller Landscaping · #3 03-06-2003, 05:55 PM

Get some business cards, flyers, door hangers and target the areas you want to work in. If you are diligent you should be able to get 20 customers within two months. I know it sounds easier said than done ,but it can be done. Btw what kind of equipment do you have or plan on getting? Also did you get your states business license and general liability insurance?

kirbyap · #4 03-06-2003, 06:20 PM

well my equiptment is the following:
1999 Chevy Silverado Z71
John Deere 14PZ 5.0 HP 21' push mower
John Deere 14SB 5.0 HP 21' self perpelled
Stihl FS 80 weedeater
McCulloch Blower
i think Bridges and Straton (sp) walk behind edger

thats all my equiptment i havent noticed what tyler has but i mean he has mower, edger, weedater, and blower.

for right now we jsut use the truck for our stuff to haul around but that was just when i as doin it so we plan on getting a trailer here i nthe future.

we are doing it only on the weekends right now but will do it all week long during the summer

Reed and Tyler
Lone Star Lawns

kirbyap · #5 03-06-2003, 06:23 PM

the directory ad has already been printed on a page in the book and will be seen by parents. the parents go look in the directory for ads and stuff and then it has the numbers for all the students as well. so people should be seeing it.

Reed and Tyler
Lone Star Lawns

Heller Landscaping · #6 03-06-2003, 10:19 PM

I think advertising in school book is good but remember the parents are probably having the kids themselves mow their own grass. Btw why are limiting yourself to twenty lawns; go for as many as you can. Other than the truck you really should get your equipment in order, and if possible upgrade to a w\b, b\p blower and commercial line trimmer. Hope this helps. Are you making payments on that truck? If so you try to clear them up asap to free up your overhead.

cvzimm2 · #7 03-06-2003, 11:00 PM

I love to see people get excited about an idea!
You are off to the right start. First off, check your local codes in regards to being under 18. Here in Ohio you have to get a work permit (taxes?). Have your parents check with their insurance company on liability (see if it falls under anything they already have, kinda doughtful).
Sound scary? Not really, One afternoon and you know exactly where you stand legally.
As far as advertising goes, back your school ad up with some good old handshaking. You know what you're target market is (the parents),so clean your truck up real nice (not saying it's dirty) and introduce yourself to them. Plan what you want to say ahead of time,although it usually doesn't go that way.
I can tell you, you will be surprised. A lot of parents wish their own kids would mow their lawn (and earn money to boot) but they don't have the desire.
Good luck to you!

kirbyap · #8 03-06-2003, 11:34 PM

o we will go for as many as we can but 20-25 is our goal, and if more roll in then well have to make due.

Other than the truck you really should get your equipment in order, and if possible upgrade to a w\b, b\p blower and commercial line trimmer.

could u explain more in detail what meant be all this. w/b, b/p?

thanks for the advice so far, its been all good

Heller Landscaping · #9 03-06-2003, 11:51 PM

Sorry for the confusion w\b stands for a commercial walk behind mower usually 36" or bigger. A b\p is a back pack blower.

Hope I am being a help.

kirbyap · #10 03-07-2003, 10:27 AM

thanks for all the help so far

how much do u think a commerical walk behind 36" mower would cost. what is a good brand that will last forever and do an awesome job with cutting the grass? same thing for a back pack blower?