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owner operator commercial mowing

Oct 7, 2013#1

PVHIII

I'd like to know if an owner operator with a good ZTR compete with a large mowing operation when it comes to pricing... why or why not?

Oct 7, 2013#2

Ric

PVHIII said:
I'd like to know if an owner operator with a good ZTR compete with a large mowing operation when it comes to pricing... why or why not?

You as a solo operator can have a business and make money. Yes you can do that, you can make the same money per client as they do, but to compete against the larger company's I would say probably not. As solo operator you can price the same and probably have a few clients but to compete for the bottom line no way. Even if your pricing is the same, the larger mowing operation will make more money in a day than you because they can complete two or three jobs maybe more for everyone of yours.

Oct 7, 2013#3

PVHIII

Ric said:
You as a solo operator can have a business and make money. Yes you can do that, you can make the same money per client as they do, but to compete against the larger company's I would say probably not. As solo operator you can price the same and probably have a few clients but to compete for the bottom line no way. Even if your pricing is the same, the larger mowing operation will make more money in a day than you because they can complete two or three jobs maybe more for everyone of yours.

Thanks a for the info...may I ask if your in the lawn Care buisiness..and I really do appreciate your input...there's a lot of people on here that like to read but don't really care for typing lol...and I might add that a few accounts is all I want and have time for..I own another small business and just want to supplement my income doing something K really enjoy by no means am looking to become a lawn care millionaire lol

Oct 7, 2013#4

Ric

PVHIII said:
Thanks a for the info...may I ask if your in the lawn Care business..and I really do appreciate your input...there's a lot of people on here that like to read but don't really care for typing lol

Yes I have my own Lawn care business( G & G Lawn Care) and am currently running 75 clients a week. Started my own business about seven and a half years ago after I retired.

Oct 7, 2013#5

exotion

I run about 50ish customers a week I do everything legitimately my overhead is about 1k a month for everything except taxes which is about 2k every three months

I think someone can compete with big business with houses. Clients like the low cost and the amount of time and energy put into their lawn. Not saying the big companys don't do a good job but a client who spends $40+ a cut and see the guys in and out in 20 mins isn't going to be as happy as the guy spending $25 and the solo guy spends 30+ mins on their lawn with the same quality.

We cannot compete on a commercial scale a job for me solo could take 4 hours and I make 200 dollars for. In 4 hours I could do 8 houses and make 400 dollars. That same job that takes me 4 hrs would take a company with 2 or 3 guys about of less than an hr better profit range for them.

Oct 8, 2013#6

PVHIII

exotion said:
I run about 50ish customers a week I do everything legitimately my overhead is about 1k a month for everything except taxes which is about 2k every three months

I think someone can compete with big business with houses. Clients like the low cost and the amount of time and energy put into their lawn. Not saying the big companys don't do a good job but a client who spends $40+ a cut and see the guys in and out in 20 mins isn't going to be as happy as the guy spending $25 and the solo guy spends 30+ mins on their lawn with the same quality.

We cannot compete on a commercial scale a job for me solo could take 4 hours and I make 200 dollars for. In 4 hours I could do 8 houses and make 400 dollars. That same job that takes me 4 hrs would take a company with 2 or 3 guys about of less than an hr better profit range for them.

I'm in the mobile automotive interior repair business ( dye carpets,repair leather & vinyl seats and re-dye, repair cig burns in velour, drill holes in dash ) repair just about anything on the interior of a vehicle... I mainly do work for large Car dealerships but an occasionally individuals as well...I've made a descent living in this field for about 15 years now but I travel all over the state to do so and the traveling is getting old and would like to scale back to my local accounts only...bought my first ZTR a few months ago and it was love at first mow lol and triggered my mind into considering getting into the mowing business..there's plenty of mowing accounts around locally but a limited number of automobile dealers (although I have every large dealer in town)...I must say I am very inspired by your post and ANY help or advice for me just starting out would tremendously appreciated as well...I really need some help when it comes to bidding jobs correctly and what I need to do so especially when it comes to bidding commercial properties ( like maybe car dealerships

)..I've spent some time driving around looking at the quality of work some of these large operations are doing and to say the very least I'm not impressed.. I'm very anal so to speak about my work (wife says I'm a perfectionist lol) and I know I can and will do better work.. I think Joe Blow making 10 bucks an hr mowimg for a large operation is not going to care like an owner operator like myself will and I think that's what leads to these large operations loosing accounts which leaves the door wide open for me..any man I really need some help with this and I don't have a friend or know anyone in the buisness so like I said any help/advice would really mean a lot THANKS

Oct 8, 2013#7

exotion

PVHIII said:
I'm in the mobile automotive interior repair business ( dye carpets,repair leather & vinyl seats and re-dye, repair cig burns in velour, drill holes in dash ) repair just about anything on the interior of a vehicle... I mainly do work for large Car dealerships but an occasionally individuals as well...I've made a descent living in this field for about 15 years now but I travel all over the state to do so and the traveling is getting old and would like to scale back to my local accounts only...bought my first ZTR a few months ago and it was love at first mow lol and triggered my mind into considering getting into the mowing business..there's plenty of mowing accounts around locally but a limited number of automobile dealers (although I have every large dealer in town)...I must say I am very inspired by your post and ANY help or advice for me just starting out would tremendously appreciated as well...I really need some help when it comes to bidding jobs correctly and what I need to do so especially when it comes to bidding commercial properties ( like maybe car dealerships )..I've spent some time driving around looking at the quality of work some of these large operations are doing and to say the very least I'm not impressed.. I'm very anal so to speak about my work (wife says I'm a perfectionist lol) and I know I can and will do better work.. I think Joe Blow making 10 bucks an hr mowimg for a large operation is not going to care like an owner operator like myself will and I think that's what leads to these large operations loosing accounts which leaves the door wide open for me..any man I really need some help with this and I don't have a friend or know anyone in the buisness so like I said any help/advice would really mean a lot THANKS

The thing your lacking unless you have worked in the mowing business is experience. Anyone can now not anyone can do it right.
Also if you want to do car dealerships get some good insurance you will be quite annoyed the first time a pebble goes through a window.of a nice new car

Oct 8, 2013#8

R

Raw Dodge

It can absolutely be done,I do it.you have a different game that's all.I sell quality and reliability,and my clients do not like lots of people they don't know who don't speak English and a constant supply of new employees on there property.They know me,I'm active in the community,Our kids go to the same schools,use this to your advantage..being small allows you to quickly adapt and to service your customers on a level that big companies can't match,especially with attention to detail,and the ability to do additional work...I keep my machines in way better shape than big companies,my blades are sharpened or swapped every full day of cutting my machines decks are clean,and I use th best equipment,my lawns simply look better and are in better health than the majority of my competitors and people notice...I get comments all the time,and asked how I keep my lawns looking so good,and it's just basic,sharp blades,clean deck,the best equipment and rotation of striping patterns and clean up patterns so as to not rut the lawn...

Oct 8, 2013#9

Ric

PVHIII said:
I'm in the mobile automotive interior repair business ( dye carpets,repair leather & vinyl seats and re-dye, repair cig burns in velour, drill holes in dash ) repair just about anything on the interior of a vehicle... I mainly do work for large Car dealerships but an occasionally individuals as well...I've made a descent living in this field for about 15 years now but I travel all over the state to do so and the traveling is getting old and would like to scale back to my local accounts only...bought my first ZTR a few months ago and it was love at first mow lol and triggered my mind into considering getting into the mowing business..there's plenty of mowing accounts around locally but a limited number of automobile dealers (although I have every large dealer in town)...I must say I am very inspired by your post and ANY help or advice for me just starting out would tremendously appreciated as well...I really need some help when it comes to bidding jobs correctly and what I need to do so especially when it comes to bidding commercial properties ( like maybe car dealerships )..I've spent some time diving around looking at the quality of work some of these large operations are doing and to say the very least I'm.. not impressed I'm very anal so to speak about my work (wife says I'm a perfectionist lol) and I know I can and will do better work.. I think Joe Blow making 10 bucks an hr mowing for a large operation is not going to care like an owner operator like myself will and I think that's what leads to these large operations loosing accounts which leaves the door wide open for me..any man I really need some help with this and I don't have a friend or know anyone in the business so like I said any help/advice would really mean a lot THANKS

Well I'm glad we inspired you, but in reality inspiration doesn't get the job done. Most people who want to get into the Lawn Care business try to break into it with a minimal investment, I mean everybody has to start somewhere right. The only problem with that theory is the the greatest percentage of those guys for one reason or another end up leaving because they find out it's not as easy as it seems and they can't compete with the business across the street that's prepared for any job the client can throw at them and do it at a price they can afford and are willing to cut your throat in a heartbeat to get your account. ( I'm experienced in that...) The days of the mow and go guys are basically gone unless you like doing foreclosures. If you're considering getting into the lawn business you better consider a sizable investment in equipment to do the job people want to have done.

You say you have spent some time diving around looking at the quality of work some of these large operations are doing and to say the very least your not impressed, have you every wondered why there like that? There like that because the outfit that's doing the job probably under bid the job to get it and in order to make any money at all there cutting every corner than can and in doing so they end up with a crappy job.

Talking about bidding on some commercial accounts, well don't put the cart before the horse because a lot of those account that are being offered require your business to have a ton of insurance to even bid. If I were you I'd stay with Residential, your chances of getting work are better and if a commercial account comes along if you want to take it fine.

Oct 8, 2013#10

Carscw

Ric said:
Well I'm glad we inspired you, but in reality inspiration doesn't get the job done. Most people who want to get into the Lawn Care business try to break into it with a minimal investment, I mean everybody has to start somewhere right. The only problem with that theory is the the greatest percentage of those guys for one reason or another end up leaving because they find out it's not as easy as it seems and they can't compete with the business across the street that's prepared for any job the client can throw at them and do it at a price they can afford and are willing to cut your throat in a heartbeat to get your account. ( I'm experienced in that...) The days of the mow and go guys are basically gone unless you like doing foreclosures. If you're considering getting into the lawn business you better consider a sizable investment in equipment to do the job people want to have done. You say you have spent some time diving around looking at the quality of work some of these large operations are doing and to say the very least your not impressed, have you every wondered why there like that? There like that because the outfit that's doing the job probably under bid the job to get it and in order to make any money at all there cutting every corner than can and in doing so they end up with a crappy job. Talking about bidding on some commercial accounts, well don't put the cart before the horse because a lot of those account that are being offered require a ton of insurance to even bid. If I were you I'd stay with Residential, your chances of getting work are better and if a commercial account comes along if you want to take it fine.

I am going to agree with ric.
Take his advice he knows what he is talking about.
And do not get into foreclosed homes it is not for everyone if you do not do the job right the first time you go back for free.

Be prepared to do the job have more than one mower. Never want to tell a client my mower is broke see you when I can.

The most important thing to me is you must enjoy doing lawn care.
I gave up doing residential homes to do just HUD homes biggest mistake I ever made.

Oct 8, 2013#11

exotion

You may not like the quality of other places. My question is do you know how to do the quality you want? People look in there garage and realize ooh I have a mower, a weed wacker,and blower I could go make money commercially and while this may be true people don't like paying someone who doesnt make their lawn look like a golf course ....

You need to understand how to mow how to keep your lines strait and not miss strips. You need to know how high to cut the grass when to bag. You need to keep your mower in tip top shape to leave the best cut.

You need to learn where to weed eat how tall to weed eat without scalping the lawn and make an even cut.

An edger is important while it is not hard to use it needs to be done. All sidewalks driveways shrub beds

Blowing all the clippings and dirt off of driveways sidewalks patios and all hard surfaces finishes the job nicely

While learning all the technicalities may not be hard it is hard to use them correctly and efficently and while I did not spell that word right that's the key word to succeed

Oct 8, 2013#12

TaskForceLawnCare

All the above 3 are correct, I've a decent size operation and last season i serviced my commercial account. I sat down with my business manager ( the wife ) we went over some numbers. We come to the assessment that we could just do residential, and make the same bottom line. Turns out we passed our bottom line and are still going for the year. We've enough equipment that we never say no to residential jobs.
The difference between commercial and residential. Commercial only cares about price but they want it to look great. Guess what quality comes at an expense, so you either suffer and make less on the hour. Residential they want quality and are an easy up sell for other services generating more bottom line for you.

I started with desire and a push mower. So it would be strongly hypocritical of me to tell you it can only be done with a large investment. I do however think in this market it will be a longer up hill struggle with out a serious effort and sizable amount of equipment. I will even stop on occasion and lend the little guy a hand if i see them in over their head, and remind them that i could take any of their business i want. It's not being harsh it's just business. But then again this is America and with hard work and proper management anything is possible.

Oct 9, 2013#13

PVHIII

exotion said:
The thing your lacking unless you have worked in the mowing business is experience. Anyone can now not anyone can do it right.
Also if you want to do car dealerships get some good insurance you will be quite annoyed the first time a pebble goes through a window.of a nice new car

Actually...I'm not lacking experience when it comes to mowing..edgeing..hedge trimming and I don't do any job and not do it right... and I'd say a half million dollars liability insurance should be plenty which is what I have didn't post anywhere that I didn't have experience MOWING and I didn't post that I was lacking insurance... which seems to be a no brainer...that would be like buying a new vehicle and not insuring it...but thanks for your info

Oct 9, 2013#14

Ric

exotion said:
You may not like the quality of other places. My question is do you know how to do the quality you want? People look in there garage and realize ooh I have a mower, a weed wacker,and blower I could go make money commercially and while this may be true people don't like paying someone who doesnt make their lawn look like a golf course ....

You need to understand how to mow how to keep your lines strait and not miss strips. You need to know how high to cut the grass when to bag. You need to keep your mower in tip top shape to leave the best cut.

You need to learn where to weed eat how tall to weed eat without scalping the lawn and make an even cut.

An edger is important while it is not hard to use it needs to be done. All sidewalks driveways shrub beds

Blowing all the clippings and dirt off of driveways sidewalks patios and all hard surfaces finishes the job nicely

While learning all the technicalities may not be hard it is hard to use them correctly and efficently and while I did not spell that word right that's the key word to succeed

Exotion I really don't know how to respond to your posting or response.

Oct 9, 2013#15

Ric

PVHIII said:
Actually...I'm not lacking experience when it comes to mowing..edgeing..hedge trimming and I don't do any job and not do it right... and I'd say a half million dollars liability insurance should be plenty which is what I have didn't post anywhere that I didn't have experience MOWING and I didn't post that I was lacking insurance... which seems to be a no brainer...that would be like buying a new vehicle and not insuring it...but thanks for your info

Up until now I think I've pointed out some of the pitfalls to being in the business but I think the a couple of things or advice I can give you if your really thinking about doing lawn care is stay with the residential part of the business. The other thing and when I said or talked about a sizable investment in equipment, it was to back up every piece of equipment you purchase whether it be your mower, trimmer, edger or what have you make sure you have backup, you can't afford to be without it. I've talked to many people when giving an estimate for a job and there number one compliant is the issue with the previous guy having his equipment in the shop. Down time cost you money and clients and you can't afford either. I myself carry two ZTR's a commercial push mower and residential push with to of everything in the hand held stuff and three back pack blowers and people appreciate the fact that I'm prepared.

Oct 10, 2013#16

exotion

Ric said:
Exotion I really don't know how to respond to your posting or response.

What do you mean? I see a lot of guys around here who think just cause they own a lawn mower they think they can go be a lawn care company. I was simply stating that if he has a standard of quality that he does not see very often then hopefully he knows how to achieve it... My neighbor down the street throws his craftsman mower in his truck everyday I talk to him and biggest question for me is "how do you keep your customers? I only now once or twice before I get fired"

Oct 10, 2013#17

PVHIII

exotion said:
What do you mean? I see a lot of guys around here who think just cause they own a lawn mower they think they can go be a lawn care company. I was simply stating that if he has a standard of quality that he does not see very often then hopefully he knows how to achieve it... My neighbor down the street throws his craftsman mower in his truck everyday I talk to him and biggest question for me is "how do you keep your customers? I only now once or twice before I get fired"

I'm not that guy and why you'd make that assumption I have no idea...your post comes off as bit arrogant and my advice to you would be never assume anything...it tends to make an ***/u/me..do you feel me?

Oct 10, 2013#18

PVHIII

Ric said:
Up until now I think I've pointed out some of the pitfalls to being in the business but I think the a couple of things or advice I can give you if your really thinking about doing lawn care is stay with the residential part of the business. The other thing and when I said or talked about a sizable investment in equipment, it was to back up every piece of equipment you purchase whether it be your mower, trimmer, edger or what have you make sure you have backup, you can't afford to be without it. I've talked to many people when giving an estimate for a job and there number one compliant is the issue with the previous guy having his equipment in the shop. Down time cost you money and clients and you can't afford either. I myself carry two ZTR's a commercial push mower and residential push with to of everything in the hand held stuff and three back pack blowers and people appreciate the fact that I'm prepared.

I'd have to disagree that it takes that amount of an investment for the guy just starting out...I've made about a $7000 investment to get started and I'd be willing to bet that's more than most beginners make and it should be plenty

Oct 10, 2013#19

PVHIII

PVHIII said:
I'd have to disagree that it takes that amount of an investment for the guy just starting out...I've made about a $7000 investment to get started and I'd be willing to bet that's more than most beginners make and it should be plenty

I don't have two of everything but I got at least two friends for every piece of equipment I own willing to loan me anything I might need and by the end of my first year I will have two of everything.. and I made investment In quality equipment.. ( not craftsmen)...and I'm saying you meant to be arrogant but it did come across that way...I've been running a small business for 15 yrs and I know how to keep an account

Oct 10, 2013#20

BHLC

I started with a commercial ztr, backpack blower and a trimmer. $8500 investment. Only 6 accts, after the season was done I asked myself wtf are you doing? Now I have 3 ztrs, 6 trimmers, 3 backpack blowers and a ton of other stuff! We maintain 65 accts with some having as many as 18 different properties. Just this year we are going after a lot of commercial. We mow about 8 commercial now and currently have plow bids out to about 10! I say go for it and yes you can compete as an owner operator against big guys

Oct 10, 2013#21

E

edd

started with 2500 dollar investment 9 years ago.....craftsman everything.....lot more equipment now and all commercial grade......have about a 60---40 split between residential and commercial customers....i dont want to be completely either one......however commercial contracts i have are drought proof...cut every 2 weeks regardless....one thing i always try to do---pay attention to detail...i want the customer to look at their yard and say '' wow that really looks nice '' when i get through....sometimes that means weedeating a hard to get to place or going back over a spot the mower missed but that is what it takes

Oct 10, 2013#22

Ric

PVHIII said:
I'd have to disagree that it takes that amount of an investment for the guy just starting out...I've made about a $7000 investment to get started and I'd be willing to bet that's more than most beginners make and it should be plenty

The investment I'm talking about is in trimmers, edgers and so on, having backup equipment to me is a necessity even with mowers. I know you have the hustler and it a good choice and trust me I know about investments and mowers. I'm one of these guy that believes in being prepared to do what ever the client wants to have done. When I started it was with an LT 1045 46" Cub Cadet and my backup mower was a 21" push, I also carried two trimmers and edgers with two hand held blowers and I soon learned that what I was using wasn't going to do the job if I wanted to continue in the business. You have a big edge with the Hustler and with the addition of the hand held equipment if you don't already have that your already there, all you need now are the clients. Give any thoughts to advertising?

Oct 10, 2013#23

Ric

exotion said:
What do you mean? I see a lot of guys around here who think just cause they own a lawn mower they think they can go be a lawn care company. I was simply stating that if he has a standard of quality that he does not see very often then hopefully he knows how to achieve it... My neighbor down the street throws his craftsman mower in his truck everyday I talk to him and biggest question for me is "how do you keep your customers? I only now once or twice before I get fired"

What do I mean, well when I read your post and you say People look in there garage and realize ooh I have a mower, a weed wacker,and blower I could go make money commercially my thoughts say you mite want to take a good look in the mirror.

Oct 10, 2013#24

exotion

Ric said:
What do I mean, well when I read your post and you say People look in there garage and realize ooh I have a mower, a weed wacker,and blower I could go make money commercially my thoughts say you mite want to take a good look in the mirror.

I started with 5 years experience working for a quality freak. I bought my equipment specifically for working. I worked on the side for my family and when my old boss went nuts I quit. I now have 6 years maintenance experience read countless books and have a successful year running by my self I've had a few companys come to my customers promise to under bid and do a better job but I have yet to lose a customer experience and quality count and every tom Dick and harry pulling the old now equipment out of their garage is getting irritating they do a crap job and encourage people to just do it them selves. I realize I just started on my own but I started with actual commercial experience that most people lack.... That is what I am saying one needs experience to get the quality he's talking about.

Oct 10, 2013#25

PVHIII

TaskForceLawnCare said:
All the above 3 are correct, I've a decent size operation and last season i serviced my commercial account. I sat down with my business manager ( the wife ) we went over some numbers. We come to the assessment that we could just do residential, and make the same bottom line. Turns out we passed our bottom line and are still going for the year. We've enough equipment that we never say no to residential jobs.
The difference between commercial and residential. Commercial only cares about price but they want it to look great. Guess what quality comes at an expense, so you either suffer and make less on the hour. Residential they want quality and are an easy up sell for other services generating more bottom line for you.

What makes you think you can take any account you want any time you get ready from the "little guy" as you put it?

Oct 10, 2013#26

PVHIII

exotion said:
I started with 5 years experience working for a quality freak. I bought my equipment specifically for working. I worked on the side for my family and when my old boss went nuts I quit. I now have 6 years maintenance experience read countless books and have a successful year running by my self I've had a few companys come to my customers promise to under bid and do a better job but I have yet to lose a customer experience and quality count and every tom Dick and harry pulling the old now equipment out of their garage is getting irritating they do a crap job and encourage people to just do it them selves. I realize I just started on my own but I started with actual commercial experience that most people lack.... That is what I am saying one needs experience to get the quality he's talking about.

...I realize I may have a few things to learn but mowing In and of itself is not one of'm ...you should take a look at MY yard..I can promise you that you couldn't do it any better...It don't take a 4 yr degree from the University of mowing...what I'm lacking is on the business end of the deal ...mainly bidding accounts correctly and competitiveness of bidding...however I've noticed the larger operations around here haven't gotten into striping and I'd like to hear some feed back as to how much extra time it consumes and how much to add to a bid for that service
...

Oct 10, 2013#27

PVHIII

exotion said:
I started with 5 years experience working for a quality freak. I bought my equipment specifically for working. I worked on the side for my family and when my old boss went nuts I quit. I now have 6 years maintenance experience read countless books and have a successful year running by my self I've had a few companys come to my customers promise to under bid and do a better job but I have yet to lose a customer experience and quality count and every tom Dick and harry pulling the old now equipment out of their garage is getting irritating they do a crap job and encourage people to just do it them selves. I realize I just started on my own but I started with actual commercial experience that most people lack.... That is what I am saying one needs experience to get the quality he's talking about.

No you don't need experience.. all you need is good common sense and the desire to do good work and you have no idea what I was to referring to because I never went into detail as to what Meant by quality... your making assumptions...I basically meant attention to detail which is what alot of the larger opperations are lacking...and if me starting a lawn Care business is irritating you because I've never worked for someone else in lawn Care... sounds like you may be a bit jealous and maybe you should consider retirement lol

Oct 10, 2013#28

PVHIII

exotion said:
I started with 5 years experience working for a quality freak. I bought my equipment specifically for working. I worked on the side for my family and when my old boss went nuts I quit. I now have 6 years maintenance experience read countless books and have a successful year running by my self I've had a few companys come to my. customers promise to under bid and do a better job but I have yet to lose a customer experience and quality count and every tom Dick and harry pulling the old now equipment out of their garage is getting irritating they do a crap job and encourage people to just do it them selves. I realize I just started on my own but I started with actual commercial experience that most people lack.... That is what I am saying one needs experience to get the quality he's talking about.

I also noticed that every piece of equipment I have is superior to what you have..I'm not bragging but does that irritate you as well?...I take it your a fairly young man??

Oct 11, 2013#29

L

LoCo86

PVHIII, You are right. It takes hard work, dedication, the ability and commitment to do good work. Lawn care doesn't have to be your life but you have to spend a good amount of your time to be successful. I believe with the equipment you have and the passion you have shown on this thread that you will be successful. Just try to offer as many services as you can and you will stay busy throughout the year. As the saying goes " let your haters be your motivators." And they will fuel the fire to make work harder and be as successful as you can. As far as being a individual going up against the larger companies you can be competitive. Just remember those big companies started off solo just like you.

Oct 11, 2013#30

Ric

exotion said:
I started with 5 years experience working for a quality freak. I bought my equipment specifically for working. I worked on the side for my family and when my old boss went nuts I quit. I now have 6 years maintenance experience read countless books and have a successful year running by my self I've had a few companys come to my customers promise to under bid and do a better job but I have yet to lose a customer experience and quality count and every tom Dick and harry pulling the old now equipment out of their garage is getting irritating they do a crap job and encourage people to just do it them selves. I realize I just started on my own but I started with actual commercial experience that most people lack.... That is what I am saying one needs experience to get the quality he's talking about.

Well I am a quality freak, I believe that the detail work makes the job which at one time I commented to you about yours and pointed out somethings to you that you were missing and unaware of in a PM when I viewed some of your work on your Facebook page if you recall so be careful when you talk about quality work. I have 24 years of experience in lawn care and just over 1900 hours of classes working for the county and I'm finishing my 7th year with my own business.
The thing is you talk about every Tom Dick and Harry pulling the old now equipment out of their garage to start a lawn business and doing crap work and it's irritating you, well who's mowing with an old Murry rider and a push mower as there main mower out of there garage? That's what I meant by looking in the mirror, looks to me like you done or are doing the same thing. I mean really if I were you I don't think I'd be talking experience and quality to PVHlll.

Oct 11, 2013#31

PVHIII

Ric said:
What do I mean, well when I read your post and you say People look in there garage and realize ooh I have a mower, a weed wacker,and blower I could go make money commercially my thoughts say you mite want to take a good look in the mirror.

Thanks for that comment Ric:laughing:

Oct 11, 2013#32

BHLC

exotion said:
I started with 5 years experience working for a quality freak. I bought my equipment specifically for working. I worked on the side for my family and when my old boss went nuts I quit. I now have 6 years maintenance experience read countless books and have a successful year running by my self I've had a few companys come to my customers promise to under bid and do a better job but I have yet to lose a customer experience and quality count and every tom Dick and harry pulling the old now equipment out of their garage is getting irritating they do a crap job and encourage people to just do it them selves. I realize I just started on my own but I started with actual commercial experience that most people lack.... That is what I am saying one needs experience to get the quality he's talking about.

They underbid you? Darn lowballers! I think I remember a thread like this...

Oct 11, 2013#33

PVHIII

edd said:
started with 2500 dollar investment 9 years ago.....craftsman everything.....lot more equipment now and all commercial grade......have about a 60---40 split between residential and commercial customers....i dont want to be completely either one......however commercial contracts i have are drought proof...cut every 2 weeks regardless....one thing i always try to do---pay attention to detail...i want the customer to look at their yard and say '' wow that really looks nice '' when i get through....sometimes that means weedeating a hard to get to place or going back over a spot the mower missed but that is what it takes

That's right along my train of thought... go the extra mile....just like my business you'll more often than not get better service from the smaller operations than the large ones..when the owner of the operation is the one doing the work...he's the one that has more to loose and the quality of his work reflects directly back on him...no one to blame but himself if he looses an account.. I take alot of pride in my work and there's not too many large operations that can match my quality

Oct 11, 2013#34

PVHIII

BHLC said:
They underbid you? Darn lowballers! I think I remember a thread like this...

I'm not gonna be a "low baller" why should I do it cheaper if I'm doing better work?

Oct 11, 2013#35

PVHIII

edd said:
started with 2500 dollar investment 9 years ago.....craftsman everything.....lot more equipment now and all commercial grade......have about a 60---40 split between residential and commercial customers....i dont want to be completely either one......however commercial contracts i have are drought proof...cut every 2 weeks regardless....one thing i always try to do---pay attention to detail...i want the customer to look at their yard and say '' wow that really looks nice '' when i get through....sometimes that means weedeating a hard to get to place or going back over a spot the mower missed but that is what it takes

Congrats to you on your success... I love to hear stories like that...makes me proud to be an American::thumbsup:

Oct 11, 2013#36

BHLC

PVHIII said:
I'm not gonna be a "low baller" why should I do it cheaper if I'm doing better work?

Wasn't talking about you.

Oct 11, 2013#37

PVHIII

Ric said:
Well I'm glad we inspired you, but in reality inspiration doesn't get the job done. Most people who want to get into the Lawn Care business try to break into it with a minimal investment, I mean everybody has to start somewhere right. The only problem with that theory is the the greatest percentage of those guys for one reason or another end up leaving because they find out it's not as easy as it seems and they can't compete with the business across the street that's prepared for any job the client can throw at them and do it at a price they can afford and are willing to cut your throat in a heartbeat to get your account. ( I'm experienced in that...) The days of the mow and go guys are basically gone unless you like doing foreclosures. If you're considering getting into the lawn business you better consider a sizable investment in equipment to do the job people want to have done.

You say you have spent some time diving around looking at the quality of work some of these large operations are doing and to say the very least your not impressed, have you every pwondered why there like that? There like that because the outfit that's doing the job probably under bid the job to get it and in order to make any money at all there cutting every corner than can and in doing so they end up with a crappy job.

Talking about bidding on some commercial accounts, well don't put the cart before the horse because a lot of those account that are being offered require your business to have a ton of insurance to even bid. If I were you I'd stay with Residential, your chances of getting work are better and if a commercial account comes along if you want to take it fine.

Well you must remember that I've ran my own business for 15 yrs and my bank account may be as large if not larger than most LCO'S so cutting my throat on price may not be so easy..I've got a $200,000 home sitting on 30 acres on top of a mountain with gorgeous view overlooking the Ozark mountains.. never had to cut anyone's throat to get it either...I did it with hard work..attention to detail..being courteous things of that nature..and I occasionally under bid a job as well but I don't make up for it by cutting corners...I still do the same quality I always do and I LEARN FROM IT..my customers never pay for my mistake I DO...that's how it should be..but when the large operations operate in such a manner it leaves the door wide open for me and as far as being able to land commercial accounts being hard for me...that shouldn't be a problem either.J know a lot of people in this county from doing business here for so long..I just need help placing bids and BTW...what's a "plow bid"? lol

Oct 11, 2013#38

PVHIII

BHLC said:
Wasn't talking about you.

Yeah I see that... didn't mean any disrespect.. just thought I'd throw that in there

Oct 13, 2013#39

PVHIII

LoCo86 said:
PVHIII, You are right. It takes hard work, dedication, the ability and commitment to do good work. Lawn care doesn't have to be your life but you have to spend a good amount of your time to be successful. I believe with the equipment you have and the passion you have shown on this thread that you will be successful. Just try to offer as many services as you can and you will stay busy throughout the year. As the saying goes " let your haters be your motivators." And they will fuel the fire to make work harder and be as successful as you can. As far as being a individual going up against the larger companies you can be competitive. Just remember those big companies started off solo just like you.

Thank you for your advice and most of all thank you for being supportive.

Oct 13, 2013#40

PVHIII

BHLC said:
I started with a commercial ztr, backpack blower and a trimmer. $8500 investment. Only 6 accts, after the season was done I asked myself wtf are you doing? Now I have 3 ztrs, 6 trimmers, 3 backpack blowers and a ton of other stuff! We maintain 65 accts with some having as many as 18 different properties. Just this year we are going after a lot of commercial. We mow about 8 commercial now and currently have plow bids out to about 10! I say go for it and yes you can compete as an owner operator against big guys

Thanks for the info and may a I ask what's a "plow bid"?

Oct 13, 2013#41

BHLC

Snow plow bid

Oct 13, 2013#42

PVHIII

BHLC said:
Snow plow bid

Oh... OK:ashamed:

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