I have maybe 3 people I mow for in the summer, but would like to start a business! I know you guys say cash flow and advertise, but what are the nuts and bolts of all that? Do I just set out one day, door to door? what are the actual steps to starting a lawn business, and what services should be offered? I can spread mulch and cut grass, but what else, and how do I go about learning to provide those services?
how to start out?
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Joined
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5,247 Posts
First thing is to get legal, it sounds like your already in trouble.
did u know that your suspose to be collecting tax ?
and turning it in to your state and local ?
its more than pushing a mower.
DONT SCREW THIS UP. you can find your self paying more in that collecting.
IT happens
did u know that your suspose to be collecting tax ?
and turning it in to your state and local ?
its more than pushing a mower.
DONT SCREW THIS UP. you can find your self paying more in that collecting.
IT happens
Joined
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1,576 Posts
I dont think 70% of people in this business know this, well atleast they act like they dont.
Joined
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1,576 Posts
Sounds to me like you should do alot of homework or even maybe go work for a company for awhile before you just jump right in,trust me their is alot more to running your own business then just cutting some lawns,especially if your going to do it legit.
When you file a business name with fed. and state..get insurance...collect tax and do things legally like a REAL business :hammerhead:
Joined
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83 Posts
A sole prop. with no employees you can operate under your own name in many cases. You still should have insurance and must collect and pay taxes on most business service, and merchandise sales ( I have heard of a few exceptions, depending on what services and amount of revenue in certain states).
You are still a REAL business and the taxes are usually fairly simple. After sales taxes to State/Fed. it is a Schedule C. Just my .02 on that.
Then there is advertising, equipment, billing, and all the aspects of this profession. There is a lot of good info. here. Search, ask, and don't get discouraged by some who think they are the end all be all as to how it should be done. We all have varying opinions and what works for you may not for someone else.
You are still a REAL business and the taxes are usually fairly simple. After sales taxes to State/Fed. it is a Schedule C. Just my .02 on that.
Then there is advertising, equipment, billing, and all the aspects of this profession. There is a lot of good info. here. Search, ask, and don't get discouraged by some who think they are the end all be all as to how it should be done. We all have varying opinions and what works for you may not for someone else.
Joined
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70 Posts
go get a job with one of the better companies in your area to see learn the right way to do things. Spend time reading as much about the industry as you can, become knowledgable on all state and local laws and regulations, develop a business plan for 1, 3, and 5 years. Find an accountant and lawyer that is knowledgable about the industry.
according to the IRS if you do something for someone and they pay you for it. your a business.
according to the IRS if you do something for someone and they pay you for it. your a business.
there was a man at my campus today working, and I went over and started talking to him, here he works for U.S. Lawns. He mentioned to me about opening a franchise with them, said they had a good program and what not.. nothing specific, but anyone on here work for U.S. Lawns? and if not, what kind of deal does it sound like?
Joined
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5,266 Posts
just go to school.
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