Tips on How to Start a Lawn Business
Mowing the grass is not just something that your neighborhood teenagers do to make some extra money. It is a profitable business that adults can do either full-time or part-time, and it also involves more than mowing the lawn. There are a host of other duties to consider if you want to start a lawn care business.
Equipment
Select the right lawn care equipment if you want to be successful in your lawn care business. Items necessary includes a blower, trimmer and a commercial type mower. Other needed equipment you need to have is a trailer that you can use to haul your mower and other equipment as well as transportation to get you through and from the job, preferable a pickup truck. Consider having a second mower in the even that your lawnmower need repairing, or you have additional work and have to hire someone to help you.
Advertise
Advertise your business especially when you are starting the business to help you build your client base. Advertise your business using effective media that cost little or no money such as using shoppers guide in your community and placing brochures on mailboxes and at business in your neighborhood. Offer coupons for free services or discount off your regular price when you start the business to help you build a client base.
Pricing
When you set your pricing, consider the square footage based on the homeowner's lawn as well as the other expenses such as the equipment cost, insurance, gas, travel time and other overhead.
Business Plan
Write your business plan before you start your business. This is important for any business but when you have a seasonal business it becomes more important. Since, you have to estimate the amount of money you will need to cover your home expenses for an entire year. Even though, you will only work during the warm season you have to know how to pay your expenses beyond that time frame. One consideration during the cold season is to start a snow plowing business to generate some income.
Customer Service
Customer service is the most important feature of running your own lawn care business. Portray to your customers that you are reliable, friendly and courteous at all time. This will help you get new referral by word-of-mouth. Try your best to always give a hundred percent on every job.