The Green Industry's Resource Center

jwilson32 · #1 07-18-2003, 07:49 PM

OK, heres my dilemma. I have a great company i've built it from scratch. I usually make between 1500-2500 profit monthly. (Low is if i just mow....High is if i get a fence job or a large install) Anyway i demoed a Hustler Z 60" the other day and I have to have one. I have a 48" walker which ill keep for a back-up and for fall and spring clean-ups and a 36" grasshopper for small backyards. My question is can i justify buying it??? I can but my fiance cant. The amazing thing is i cut down 30 min to an hour of some of my larger accounts. Give me your opinion. This is my first year to be a legit business. But from what my costumers are saying, they will have me back next year.

Rustic Goat · #2 07-19-2003, 03:10 AM

Frankly, I'd say you need to grow your business more before making that heavy of an equipment investment.
Yes, you can cut down on time on the job, but with the income you've stated, just doesn't seem like it's needed. Wait till you HAVE TO have it to get your jobs done.
Volume of jobs, not a scheduling problem.
Wanting and needing are very different you know.
Plot a finance graph for your lawn business, not to include carpentry. Figure what your lawn business must do to pay its own way, not just to buy a piece of equipment.

mtdman · #3 07-19-2003, 11:18 PM

You are just excited about the new machine. If you are getting the job done with the equipment you have and making a profit, and if your equipment is in good shape, don't get it. Make your money now, build your coffers, and wait until your business grows to create the demand for the machine. Not the other way around.

ElephantNest · #4 07-20-2003, 12:51 AM

If you can afford it, and are going to stay in the business, get it. It won't get any cheaper. When you knock all of your accounts out in a third of the time you're used to, that will give you more incentive to go out and get more jobs, bigger jobs, better jobs.

drobson · #5 07-20-2003, 11:22 PM

I say wait and make sure you keep your customers. one more year will not kill you, and you can always buy it mide to late next season if you still need it. Maybe next season you will start to get more clients and absolutely need a faster machine.

jwilson32 · #6 07-21-2003, 07:28 AM

Thanks for the advice, ill probably wait until next year. I think i was just wanting a new machine.

John Gamba · #7 07-21-2003, 07:33 AM

Also Try an Exmark, You Might Be even Happier!

polecat63 · #8 07-21-2003, 06:20 PM

My question is can i justify buying it???

No.

KenH · #9 07-22-2003, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jwilson32
OK, heres my dilemma. I have a great company i've built it from scratch. I usually make between 1500-2500 profit monthly.

Do you mean weekly????

jwilson32 · #10 07-22-2003, 08:54 AM

Easy there KenH. This is my first year. Im 10 yrs younger than you. Id say 1500-2500 in my pocket cash isnt bad. Especially after i pay all of my expenses like my truck, equipment, etc. All of that is around $4000/mo. I probably make more i was just figuring low. Anyway thanks for all the input, this site is great and hope to learn more about the biz.