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Starting a lawn care business
#1
M
MyType
M
MyType
Hi, Im bout to purchase a cargo van tommorow and a ztr sometime this week for my lawn care business, I dont have alot of cash and was looking to purchase a ztr for under $3500, looking for some advice on whats my best options. Thanks!
#2
K
KennyV
K
KennyV
Find Good Used equipment...
Under $3500 is not going to buy a lot of new stuff.... :smile:KennyV
Under $3500 is not going to buy a lot of new stuff.... :smile:KennyV
#3
C
chn
C
chn
It depends on how you want to play your business, if you want to do things by the hour like say 15-30 is what I charge. Sometimes that includes yards but only when I do additional work like detailed bush and hedge trimming and pruning, get you about 10 or so customers and they will keep you a pretty good substantial income. therefore I only have a few so I do have my construction business to hwork either way just to. back it up. But I do know if you have a mow blow and go business you will need a lot of customers
If you have the by hour, you will not exactly need a zero turn, you could have a good riding mower though and find a deal on it
You would have to invest in weed eater, maybe the attachments to the motor and ne pricing it came out to be about 300-400 for that. Pruning tools and trimming tools and a push mower. it will come out well under the 3500 mark.
Where I live you have to pay the government %15 tax
hope I could be of help
If you have the by hour, you will not exactly need a zero turn, you could have a good riding mower though and find a deal on it
You would have to invest in weed eater, maybe the attachments to the motor and ne pricing it came out to be about 300-400 for that. Pruning tools and trimming tools and a push mower. it will come out well under the 3500 mark.
Where I live you have to pay the government %15 tax
hope I could be of help
#4
Ric
Question...what part of Florida are you in. Like Kenny said buying used equipment is your best choice. What type of money you spend would depend on how large a business you're going to establish. What type of client list you're going too have, what you're going to charge and so on.
I can tell you it will take more than ten clients to make any money if you build your business and do it the right way. The two things too remember when starting a Lawncare business are, ( Location and your Competition ) both can make you or break you.
Ric
Hi, I'm bout to purchase a cargo van tomorrow and a ztr sometime this week for my lawn care business, I don't have a lot of cash and was looking to purchase a ztr for under $3500, looking for some advice on whats my best options. Thanks!
Question...what part of Florida are you in. Like Kenny said buying used equipment is your best choice. What type of money you spend would depend on how large a business you're going to establish. What type of client list you're going too have, what you're going to charge and so on.
I can tell you it will take more than ten clients to make any money if you build your business and do it the right way. The two things too remember when starting a Lawncare business are, ( Location and your Competition ) both can make you or break you.
#5
Carscw
Carscw
I know guys that only do 10 to 15 yards a week with a push mower because it gives a better cut.
At $60 plus per yard. Now there are other guys in the same neighborhood that use zero turns that only charge $30 to $35. My friend could take all there yards from them but is happy just doing under 15. Get a couple good snapper mowers change your blades every few yards. Make nice straight lines. Take a lot of pride in every yard.
Anyone can cut grass you need to make all the neighbors to want there yard to look as good as the yards you cut
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At $60 plus per yard. Now there are other guys in the same neighborhood that use zero turns that only charge $30 to $35. My friend could take all there yards from them but is happy just doing under 15. Get a couple good snapper mowers change your blades every few yards. Make nice straight lines. Take a lot of pride in every yard.
Anyone can cut grass you need to make all the neighbors to want there yard to look as good as the yards you cut
Sent from my iPhone using LMF
#6
lawn mower fanatic
I agree...I like the quality of cut of small walk-behind mowers. I think it is necessary to take pride in your work, and if you have enough time, worry about quality more than quickness. :smile:
lawn mower fanatic
I know guys that only do 10 to 15 yards a week with a push mower because it gives a better cut.
At $60 plus per yard. Now there are other guys in the same neighborhood that use zero turns that only charge $30 to $35. My friend could take all there yards from them but is happy just doing under 15. Get a couple good snapper mowers change your blades every few yards. Make nice straight lines. Take a lot of pride in every yard.
Anyone can cut grass you need to make all the neighbors to want there yard to look as good as the yards you cut
Sent from my iPhone using LMF
I agree...I like the quality of cut of small walk-behind mowers. I think it is necessary to take pride in your work, and if you have enough time, worry about quality more than quickness. :smile:
#7
Ric
Carscw what do you consider a Lawn-care Business? Not trying to be arrogant or anything but ten to fifteen yards a week:confused3:
Ric
I know guys that only do 10 to 15 yards a week with a push mower because it gives a better cut.
At $60 plus per yard. Now there are other guys in the same neighborhood that use zero turns that only charge $30 to $35. My friend could take all there yards from them but is happy just doing under 15. Get a couple good snapper mowers change your blades every few yards. Make nice straight lines. Take a lot of pride in every yard.
Anyone can cut grass you need to make all the neighbors to want there yard to look as good as the yards you cut
Sent from my iPhone using LMF
Carscw what do you consider a Lawn-care Business? Not trying to be arrogant or anything but ten to fifteen yards a week:confused3:
#9
Ric
I agree a Quality cut is a good thing, but you have too remember in Lawn-care time is money and you need both Quality and Quickness if you want to make a living in the business.
Ric
I agree...I like the quality of cut of small walk-behind mowers. I think it is necessary to take pride in your work, and if you have enough time, worry about quality more than quickness. :smile:
I agree a Quality cut is a good thing, but you have too remember in Lawn-care time is money and you need both Quality and Quickness if you want to make a living in the business.
#10
Carscw
So for one man to make $600 a week is not good?
Like I said he can get the whole neighborhood but is happy with what he has.
If I paid 500 k for a house I would not want a big mower on my yard.
How many ppl do you know that work 2 days a week or all week and bring home $600 ?
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Carscw
Ric said:Carscw what do you consider a Lawn-care Business? Not trying to be arrogant or anything but ten to fifteen yards a week:confused3:
So for one man to make $600 a week is not good?
Like I said he can get the whole neighborhood but is happy with what he has.
If I paid 500 k for a house I would not want a big mower on my yard.
How many ppl do you know that work 2 days a week or all week and bring home $600 ?
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#11
Carscw
Carscw
I will not pull up to a yard for less than $50 but I do not do lawn care I do landscaping.
The home owner should never have to ask you to trim a bush they should never need trimming. Or to apply weed control should never be any weeds.
A lawn care guy cuts the grass and moves on a landscaper takes care of the whole yard.
Keep the pine straw or mulch always looking new things like that.
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The home owner should never have to ask you to trim a bush they should never need trimming. Or to apply weed control should never be any weeds.
A lawn care guy cuts the grass and moves on a landscaper takes care of the whole yard.
Keep the pine straw or mulch always looking new things like that.
Sent from my iPhone using LMF
#12
Ric
Well you've quoted me two different figures here, now which is it are we making $600 a week or are we bringing home $600 a week because there's a big difference between gross income and net income. Another question, is this person paying taxes, social security etc.
Ric
So for one man to make $600 a week is not good?
Like I said he can get the whole neighborhood but is happy with what he has.
If I paid 500 k for a house I would not want a big mower on my yard.
How many ppl do you know that work 2 days a week or all week and bring home $600 ?
Sent from my iPhone using LMF
Well you've quoted me two different figures here, now which is it are we making $600 a week or are we bringing home $600 a week because there's a big difference between gross income and net income. Another question, is this person paying taxes, social security etc.
#13
Carscw
Carscw
It's just him so yes he brings home no less than $600 a week does he pay tax I do not know or do I care.
I do know he spends no more than $50 a week to cut his yards
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I do know he spends no more than $50 a week to cut his yards
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#14
Ric
What you're doing is called Full Service Lawn-care not landscaping, If you're doing Landscaping you are at a clients place to improve the appearance of ( an area of land, a highway etc.) as by planting trees, shrubs, grass, or altering the contours of the property or ground that's what a landscaper does.
Ric
I will not pull up to a yard for less than $50 but I do not do lawn care I do landscaping.
The home owner should never have to ask you to trim a bush they should never need trimming. Or to apply weed control should never be any weeds.
A lawn care guy cuts the grass and moves on a landscaper takes care of the whole yard.
Keep the pine straw or mulch always looking new things like that.
View attachment 8230
Sent from my iPhone using LMF
What you're doing is called Full Service Lawn-care not landscaping, If you're doing Landscaping you are at a clients place to improve the appearance of ( an area of land, a highway etc.) as by planting trees, shrubs, grass, or altering the contours of the property or ground that's what a landscaper does.
#15
exotion
exotion
I usually charge between $15 for under 2000 sqft and up to $50 for my bigger ones i do the weedeating,edging mowing and blow clean all hard surfaces. All bed edging pick up trash and maintain turf. I do other maintence but those are work orders and pay my job
#16
Ric
I charge about the same $15 to $17.50 for under 2000 sq. ft. and do the same things as you do, Trimming hedges, bed work, and trimming palms are all extra. Anything larger lots price goes to $30 and up depending on the conditions of the property.
Ric
I usually charge between $15 for under 2000 sq ft and up to $50 for my bigger ones i do the weed eating,edging mowing and blow clean all hard surfaces. All bed edging pick up trash and maintain turf. I do other maintenance but those are work orders and pay my job
I charge about the same $15 to $17.50 for under 2000 sq. ft. and do the same things as you do, Trimming hedges, bed work, and trimming palms are all extra. Anything larger lots price goes to $30 and up depending on the conditions of the property.
#17
Carscw
Carscw
No Ric what I do is landscaping.
A person that does lawn care are the ones that mow blow and go.
I get calls all the time from lawn care guys needing flower beds or pine straw or irrigation repair. Like I said any one can cut grass but to do it the right way is a art.
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A person that does lawn care are the ones that mow blow and go.
I get calls all the time from lawn care guys needing flower beds or pine straw or irrigation repair. Like I said any one can cut grass but to do it the right way is a art.
Sent from my iPhone using LMF
#18
exotion
exotion
that limits your clientell to those who can afford 50 bucks a pop.
my business is called affordable option lawncare. I have high standards of my work but i realize that there is a large range of customers to the lower class lazy homeowner/rental to the middle class dont want to buy a lawn mower. to the upper class why should i do it my self. mowing brings in the guarenteed recurring income, while the completely seperate work orders bring in the real money
my business is called affordable option lawncare. I have high standards of my work but i realize that there is a large range of customers to the lower class lazy homeowner/rental to the middle class dont want to buy a lawn mower. to the upper class why should i do it my self. mowing brings in the guarenteed recurring income, while the completely seperate work orders bring in the real money
#19
Ric
The people that do so called lawn care that mow blow and go are not Lawn-care people they are what is considered in the lawn industry as a mow and go or as many lawn-care professionals call them Hacks or Low-ballers. If your getting calls from company's needing flowerbeds or irrigation work done then they would fall into the same category. Most full service lawn-care people do everything you've described or do, flowerbeds, irrigation work etc. at an additional charge it's part of the business.
The definition of landscaping is as follows:
To adorn or improve (a section of ground) by contouring and by planting flowers, shrubs, or trees etc..
To arrange grounds artistically as a profession. ( Landscaper )
Ric
No Ric what I do is landscaping.
A person that does lawn care are the ones that mow blow and go.
I get calls all the time from lawn care guys needing flower beds or pine straw or irrigation repair. Like I said any one can cut grass but to do it the right way is a art.
Sent from my iPhone using LMF
The people that do so called lawn care that mow blow and go are not Lawn-care people they are what is considered in the lawn industry as a mow and go or as many lawn-care professionals call them Hacks or Low-ballers. If your getting calls from company's needing flowerbeds or irrigation work done then they would fall into the same category. Most full service lawn-care people do everything you've described or do, flowerbeds, irrigation work etc. at an additional charge it's part of the business.
The definition of landscaping is as follows:
To adorn or improve (a section of ground) by contouring and by planting flowers, shrubs, or trees etc..
To arrange grounds artistically as a profession. ( Landscaper )
#20
Ric
exotion sounds like you have a handle on your business and are doing things the right way :thumbsup:
Ric
that limits your clientele to those who can afford 50 bucks a pop.
my business is called affordable option lawn-care. I have high standards of my work but i realize that there is a large range of customers to the lower class lazy homeowner/rental to the middle class don't want to buy a lawn mower. to the upper class why should i do it my self. mowing brings in the guaranteed recurring income, while the completely separate work orders bring in the real money
exotion sounds like you have a handle on your business and are doing things the right way :thumbsup:
#21
Carscw
And what is the right way?
You would not and could not get any work in the same neighborhoods that I work in your mowers are to big and your to much about time.
And I could not get the work in your neighborhoods as I charge more than twice what you do.
I control everything that has to do with the yards.
When flowers need change out or anything needs to be done I do it and they get the bill. I go months and never talk to most of the home owners.
We just do two different jobs. You will cut anyone's grass and I will not go into a neighborhood that houses sell for less than 300 k.
I do not need or want anymore yards.
I have over a 100 bank owned homes that I sub out.
Have 53 upper class homes cheapest one is $60 a visit plus extras most get a visit every 5 days. Grass should never look like it needs cut
So really no way is the right way we just all have a deferent way Or how we want things
I am sure you are happy with how you do things as am I
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Carscw
Ric said:exotion sounds like you have a handle on your business and are doing things the right way :thumbsup:
And what is the right way?
You would not and could not get any work in the same neighborhoods that I work in your mowers are to big and your to much about time.
And I could not get the work in your neighborhoods as I charge more than twice what you do.
I control everything that has to do with the yards.
When flowers need change out or anything needs to be done I do it and they get the bill. I go months and never talk to most of the home owners.
We just do two different jobs. You will cut anyone's grass and I will not go into a neighborhood that houses sell for less than 300 k.
I do not need or want anymore yards.
I have over a 100 bank owned homes that I sub out.
Have 53 upper class homes cheapest one is $60 a visit plus extras most get a visit every 5 days. Grass should never look like it needs cut
So really no way is the right way we just all have a deferent way Or how we want things
I am sure you are happy with how you do things as am I
Sent from my iPhone using LMF
#22
Ric
Well excuse me, I didn't know I was dealing with someone who only deals with the high class.
I guess that's where you and I differ when it comes to people and lawn-care. I actually deal with peoples needs not wants. I actually deal with people that appreciate what I do and the price I do it for. With that I think I'll stop right here before I really say what my true feelings are towards this subject.
Ric
And what is the right way?
You would not and could not get any work in the same neighborhoods that I work in your mowers are to big and your to much about time.
And I could not get the work in your neighborhoods as I charge more than twice what you do.
I control everything that has to do with the yards.
When flowers need change out or anything needs to be done I do it and they get the bill. I go months and never talk to most of the home owners.
We just do two different jobs. You will cut anyone's grass and I will not go into a neighborhood that houses sell for less than 300 k.
I do not need or want anymore yards.
I have over a 100 bank owned homes that I sub out.
Have 53 upper class homes cheapest one is $60 a visit plus extras most get a visit every 5 days. Grass should never look like it needs cut
So really no way is the right way we just all have a deferent way Or how we want things
I am sure you are happy with how you do things as am I
Sent from my iPhone using LMF
Well excuse me, I didn't know I was dealing with someone who only deals with the high class.
I guess that's where you and I differ when it comes to people and lawn-care. I actually deal with peoples needs not wants. I actually deal with people that appreciate what I do and the price I do it for. With that I think I'll stop right here before I really say what my true feelings are towards this subject.
#23
Carscw
Carscw
My point was that to you your way is right or best and to me my way is right or best.
But not once did I try and insult you or the way you do things.
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But not once did I try and insult you or the way you do things.
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#24
exotion
An interesting concept. And i have a couple customers who like this way and have asked me to do it. I show up and i take a look around plants and hedges better look prestine, shrub beds better be clean and weed free, walkways better be clear and the grass better be cut perfectly.
This is a nice concept and i love the money generated by it, Unrealistic to the small business owner trying to make a name for himself and succeed. I cannot be picky with my customers as i have two children a Wife and a home i am buying. I am 23 and i do all this. I would have 3 customers left if i changed to your way and that just wont cut it.
I am a Lawn care guy I mow blow and go. And then if you need some landscape maintence (which is what you are not a landscaper you do not install landscapes) I will bid the job that you requested haggle with you a bit come to an agreement and then do said job. I will never do anything without talking to my customers first as what they want is what counts not me..
Also i would never go months without talking to my customers :/ that just doesnt make since I will throw them a courtesy call at least once a month if I do not run into them. Make sure they are happy with my work and if there was anything i can do to improve. OR if they need some maintence.
I like the way you run your business and i am glad you are successful there is really no point in arguing how we run our stuff because i am not you and you are not me. I cannot do what you do nor personally would i want to.... Kinda sounds like a lot of work. Some days i just like to Mow blow and go home and have an easy day.
exotion
And what is the right way?
You would not and could not get any work in the same neighborhoods that I work in your mowers are to big and your to much about time.
And I could not get the work in your neighborhoods as I charge more than twice what you do.
I control everything that has to do with the yards.
When flowers need change out or anything needs to be done I do it and they get the bill. I go months and never talk to most of the home owners.
We just do two different jobs. You will cut anyone's grass and I will not go into a neighborhood that houses sell for less than 300 k.
I do not need or want anymore yards.
I have over a 100 bank owned homes that I sub out.
Have 53 upper class homes cheapest one is $60 a visit plus extras most get a visit every 5 days. Grass should never look like it needs cut
So really no way is the right way we just all have a deferent way Or how we want things
I am sure you are happy with how you do things as am I
Sent from my iPhone using LMF
An interesting concept. And i have a couple customers who like this way and have asked me to do it. I show up and i take a look around plants and hedges better look prestine, shrub beds better be clean and weed free, walkways better be clear and the grass better be cut perfectly.
This is a nice concept and i love the money generated by it, Unrealistic to the small business owner trying to make a name for himself and succeed. I cannot be picky with my customers as i have two children a Wife and a home i am buying. I am 23 and i do all this. I would have 3 customers left if i changed to your way and that just wont cut it.
I am a Lawn care guy I mow blow and go. And then if you need some landscape maintence (which is what you are not a landscaper you do not install landscapes) I will bid the job that you requested haggle with you a bit come to an agreement and then do said job. I will never do anything without talking to my customers first as what they want is what counts not me..
Also i would never go months without talking to my customers :/ that just doesnt make since I will throw them a courtesy call at least once a month if I do not run into them. Make sure they are happy with my work and if there was anything i can do to improve. OR if they need some maintence.
I like the way you run your business and i am glad you are successful there is really no point in arguing how we run our stuff because i am not you and you are not me. I cannot do what you do nor personally would i want to.... Kinda sounds like a lot of work. Some days i just like to Mow blow and go home and have an easy day.
#25
Carscw
Carscw
I started out doing any work I could get and made some money and had some fun.
But wanted more a member at the golf club I worked at at the time got a house that had been vacant for over a year and asked me to redo her yard. We took out just about everything in the yard and planted new shrubs and trees and put down new sod. Been in that neighborhood for 15 years now. The people there just want there yard to look perfect and they like that they don't have to ask me to do things. So guess I am a grounds keeper.
Sometimes I do wish I could just mow blow and go
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But wanted more a member at the golf club I worked at at the time got a house that had been vacant for over a year and asked me to redo her yard. We took out just about everything in the yard and planted new shrubs and trees and put down new sod. Been in that neighborhood for 15 years now. The people there just want there yard to look perfect and they like that they don't have to ask me to do things. So guess I am a grounds keeper.
Sometimes I do wish I could just mow blow and go
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#26
B
bootface
B
bootface
Hi:
I run a small engine repair business and I have quite a few lawn care companies as clients. I have found that they all either use very inexpensive, low end mowers (used, $60 types) or high end Toros or Hondas - nothing in between. The cheap machines are more or less throw-aways when they break so they pick up another second hand cheapo. The high end stuff lasts for years but can be expensive to repair.
Good luck
I run a small engine repair business and I have quite a few lawn care companies as clients. I have found that they all either use very inexpensive, low end mowers (used, $60 types) or high end Toros or Hondas - nothing in between. The cheap machines are more or less throw-aways when they break so they pick up another second hand cheapo. The high end stuff lasts for years but can be expensive to repair.
Good luck
#27
Ric
It is an interesting concept, working for the rich but you know when it comes right down to it when those rich people look out the window, guess what you are still nothing more than the yard guy and even more so to them.
He is right on one thing though, he couldn't come and work for the clients we have because our clients actually look at the job we do and care about there lawns and make sure they're getting there money's worth, they have too and as businesses like Carscw's say they wouldn't work for people like we do anyway.
Ric
An interesting concept. And i have a couple customers who like this way and have asked me to do it. I show up and i take a look around plants and hedges better look prestine, shrub beds better be clean and weed free, walkways better be clear and the grass better be cut perfectly.
This is a nice concept and i love the money generated by it, Unrealistic to the small business owner trying to make a name for himself and succeed. I cannot be picky with my customers as i have two children a Wife and a home i am buying. I am 23 and i do all this. I would have 3 customers left if i changed to your way and that just wont cut it.
I am a Lawn care guy I mow blow and go. And then if you need some landscape maintence (which is what you are not a landscaper you do not install landscapes) I will bid the job that you requested haggle with you a bit come to an agreement and then do said job. I will never do anything without talking to my customers first as what they want is what counts not me..
Also i would never go months without talking to my customers :/ that just doesnt make since I will throw them a courtesy call at least once a month if I do not run into them. Make sure they are happy with my work and if there was anything i can do to improve. OR if they need some maintence.
I like the way you run your business and i am glad you are successful there is really no point in arguing how we run our stuff because i am not you and you are not me. I cannot do what you do nor personally would i want to.... Kinda sounds like a lot of work. Some days i just like to Mow blow and go home and have an easy day.
It is an interesting concept, working for the rich but you know when it comes right down to it when those rich people look out the window, guess what you are still nothing more than the yard guy and even more so to them.
He is right on one thing though, he couldn't come and work for the clients we have because our clients actually look at the job we do and care about there lawns and make sure they're getting there money's worth, they have too and as businesses like Carscw's say they wouldn't work for people like we do anyway.
#28
Carscw
Carscw
I think you are confused.
I work for the rich because they care about how there yard looks everything has to be perfect.
Most of them think they under pay me.
I control every part of there yard care
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I work for the rich because they care about how there yard looks everything has to be perfect.
Most of them think they under pay me.
I control every part of there yard care
Sent from my iPhone using LMF
#29
Carscw
Carscw
You cut grass I manicure there yard.
Your into how fast you can get it cut and get to the next $20 yard I take my time and make it right.
I do this because I love doing this work I could sit home and watch tv all day. Right now I sub out 157 yards a week after I pay my subs I still make $10 a yard.
You cut grass to pay your bills. It is a passion for me to stand back and look at a perfect yard.
There are about 300 homes in this neighbor hood and only three company's working it many others have tried to come in with there big mowers. After they cut on yard they are gone
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Your into how fast you can get it cut and get to the next $20 yard I take my time and make it right.
I do this because I love doing this work I could sit home and watch tv all day. Right now I sub out 157 yards a week after I pay my subs I still make $10 a yard.
You cut grass to pay your bills. It is a passion for me to stand back and look at a perfect yard.
There are about 300 homes in this neighbor hood and only three company's working it many others have tried to come in with there big mowers. After they cut on yard they are gone
Sent from my iPhone using LMF
#30
Ric
Confused, I don't think I'm confused. I think I know where you're coming from.
Your words are:
We just do two different jobs. You will cut anyone's grass and I will not go into a neighborhood that houses sell for less than 300 k.
I have over a 100 bank owned homes that I sub out.
Have 53 upper class homes cheapest one is $60 a visit plus extras most get a visit every 5 days. Grass should never look like it needs cut
Clearly your a company that is only interested in the numbers, the bottom line, and the dollar.
Ric
I think you are confused.
I work for the rich because they care about how there yard looks everything has to be perfect.
Most of them think they under pay me.
I control every part of there yard care
Sent from my iPhone using LMF
Confused, I don't think I'm confused. I think I know where you're coming from.
Your words are:
We just do two different jobs. You will cut anyone's grass and I will not go into a neighborhood that houses sell for less than 300 k.
I have over a 100 bank owned homes that I sub out.
Have 53 upper class homes cheapest one is $60 a visit plus extras most get a visit every 5 days. Grass should never look like it needs cut
Clearly your a company that is only interested in the numbers, the bottom line, and the dollar.
#31
Carscw
Carscw
Again I do these homes because they care about there yards. And I take a lot of pride in what I do. You always comment time is money
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Sent from my iPhone using LMF
#32
Ric
I agree with you I think it's Unrealistic to the small businesses and as a small business you cannot afford to be picky about customers. Most small businesses are working to survive and just maintain there business and are not worried about the bottom line.
Ric
An interesting concept. And i have a couple customers who like this way and have asked me to do it. I show up and i take a look around plants and hedges better look prestine, shrub beds better be clean and weed free, walkways better be clear and the grass better be cut perfectly.
This is a nice concept and i love the money generated by it, Unrealistic to the small business owner trying to make a name for himself and succeed. I cannot be picky with my customers as i have two children a Wife and a home i am buying. I am 23 and i do all this. I would have 3 customers left if i changed to your way and that just wont cut it.
I am a Lawn care guy I mow blow and go. And then if you need some landscape maintence (which is what you are not a landscaper you do not install landscapes) I will bid the job that you requested haggle with you a bit come to an agreement and then do said job. I will never do anything without talking to my customers first as what they want is what counts not me..
Also i would never go months without talking to my customers :/ that just doesnt make since I will throw them a courtesy call at least once a month if I do not run into them. Make sure they are happy with my work and if there was anything i can do to improve. OR if they need some maintence.
I like the way you run your business and i am glad you are successful there is really no point in arguing how we run our stuff because i am not you and you are not me. I cannot do what you do nor personally would i want to.... Kinda sounds like a lot of work. Some days i just like to Mow blow and go home and have an easy day.
I agree with you I think it's Unrealistic to the small businesses and as a small business you cannot afford to be picky about customers. Most small businesses are working to survive and just maintain there business and are not worried about the bottom line.
#33
Ric
To say you do these homes because they care about there yards :confused2: really, are you saying that the rest of us here do our yards for people who don't care about there yards?
Ric
Again I do these homes because they care about there yards. And I take a lot of pride in what I do. You always comment time is money
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To say you do these homes because they care about there yards :confused2: really, are you saying that the rest of us here do our yards for people who don't care about there yards?
#34
Carscw
Carscw
He is right on one thing though, he couldn't come and work for the clients we have because our clients actually look at the job we do and care about there lawns and make sure they're getting there money's worth, they have too and as businesses like Carscw's say they would work for people like we do anyway.
I said I do the yards I do because they care about there yard. Was a reply to your comment
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I said I do the yards I do because they care about there yard. Was a reply to your comment
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#35
exotion
exotion
Ok i have a few clients who honestly do not give a care or second thought to their yard they hire me to keep there landlord/neighbors off there back.
But for the most part my customers all care about their yards. and they dont want to or cannot afford to pay some guy to come in and spend hours on their lawn. And then charge them $50 bucks a pop :/ Average price is about $100 a month per customer because they can afford that and when THEY want or can afford to get some maintence or landscaping done I dont charge them an arm or a leg.
I spend alot of time in peoples yards and I take alot of pride in my work. I do weed eating, edging, cracks and crevaces weeding, Curb line weeding, bed edging, fertalizer if necessary, Dog waste removal(added charge) then after I do all that I cut the grass with nice straight lines, blow it off and look once more make sure no debris is in yard all hard surfaces are clean and go.
I take pride in every yard I do and dont charge like you do.
But for the most part my customers all care about their yards. and they dont want to or cannot afford to pay some guy to come in and spend hours on their lawn. And then charge them $50 bucks a pop :/ Average price is about $100 a month per customer because they can afford that and when THEY want or can afford to get some maintence or landscaping done I dont charge them an arm or a leg.
I spend alot of time in peoples yards and I take alot of pride in my work. I do weed eating, edging, cracks and crevaces weeding, Curb line weeding, bed edging, fertalizer if necessary, Dog waste removal(added charge) then after I do all that I cut the grass with nice straight lines, blow it off and look once more make sure no debris is in yard all hard surfaces are clean and go.
I take pride in every yard I do and dont charge like you do.
#36
Carscw
Carscw
I charge what the going rate is for that area.
It all depends where you are the got blow and go low ballers here go around $40 a yard just to cut and blow fescue and weeds.
$60 a hour is not a lot for a 2 person crew I am about in the middle of what you will pay around here.
Look up country club of the south and tell me how many of the yards you would take care of for your $30
The yards you cut are $30 yards and that's good.
My clients do NOT want a $30 grass cut.
I like doing the high dollar yards I spend 2 hours on one yard and make what you make doing 11 yards
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It all depends where you are the got blow and go low ballers here go around $40 a yard just to cut and blow fescue and weeds.
$60 a hour is not a lot for a 2 person crew I am about in the middle of what you will pay around here.
Look up country club of the south and tell me how many of the yards you would take care of for your $30
The yards you cut are $30 yards and that's good.
My clients do NOT want a $30 grass cut.
I like doing the high dollar yards I spend 2 hours on one yard and make what you make doing 11 yards
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#37
Q
Quality lawn Service
Q
Quality lawn Service
If you really look at it, it comes down to money. It is nice looking at your work but you don't put yourself through the stress and manual labor as a passion. I have been doing this science I was 12. I'm 16 now and I have 34 accounts. In between school, my other job as a mechanic and lawn service I got a full plate of it. I like the money the most. And when you have things to do, time is valuable.
I won't touch any properties that I see I would have a hard time getting paid. And u always get to know my costumers, because word of mouth is another major part of lawn service
I won't touch any properties that I see I would have a hard time getting paid. And u always get to know my costumers, because word of mouth is another major part of lawn service
#38
Ric
I like doing the high dollar yards I spend 2 hours on one yard and make what you make doing 11 yards
For you it's the numbers, the bottom line and the dollar. Have you ever done a free cut for anyone.
Ric
I charge what the going rate is for that area.
It all depends where you are the got blow and go low ballers here go around $40 a yard just to cut and blow fescue and weeds.
$60 a hour is not a lot for a 2 person crew I am about in the middle of what you will pay around here.
Look up country club of the south and tell me how many of the yards you would take care of for your $30
The yards you cut are $30 yards and that's good.
My clients do NOT want a $30 grass cut.
I like doing the high dollar yards I spend 2 hours on one yard and make what you make doing 11 yards
Sent from my iPhone using LMF
I like doing the high dollar yards I spend 2 hours on one yard and make what you make doing 11 yards
For you it's the numbers, the bottom line and the dollar. Have you ever done a free cut for anyone.
#39
Carscw
Carscw
Again I do this because I love the reward I get when I stand back and look.
I don't need the money.
And I did answer a Craigslist ad a lady's husband left her and her mower was broke she had no money I cut her grass and fixed her mower.
And don't for get the $2500.00 I am raising for cancer and going to shave my head and donate my hair all 33 inches of it.
I don't need or care about money the only thing I owe is my power bill every month.
Like I have said before you have your way of doing things and I have mine if you are as happy as I am doing what you do then keep doing it
Buy you have one thing in life you still need to learn. Just because someone does not do or think like you does not make them wrong what works for you might not work for someone else.
To be honest I try real hard to NOT comment on any thing you comment on. I have come to not like you and most of what you say.
And I am saying this as nice as I can.
Thank you for entertaining me with you useless thoughts
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I don't need the money.
And I did answer a Craigslist ad a lady's husband left her and her mower was broke she had no money I cut her grass and fixed her mower.
And don't for get the $2500.00 I am raising for cancer and going to shave my head and donate my hair all 33 inches of it.
I don't need or care about money the only thing I owe is my power bill every month.
Like I have said before you have your way of doing things and I have mine if you are as happy as I am doing what you do then keep doing it
Buy you have one thing in life you still need to learn. Just because someone does not do or think like you does not make them wrong what works for you might not work for someone else.
To be honest I try real hard to NOT comment on any thing you comment on. I have come to not like you and most of what you say.
And I am saying this as nice as I can.
Thank you for entertaining me with you useless thoughts
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#40
MSlandscaping
MSlandscaping
Cant we all just get along?
#41
lawn mower fanatic
Yeah!:tongue:
lawn mower fanatic
Cant we all just get along?
Yeah!:tongue:
#42
K
KennyV
:laughing:Getting along is generally Easy for most of us...
Ric has a problem with that concept, and seems to always be in a hurry to dislocate his arm or shoot himself in the foot.
For the most part, this is the best group of Forums on the net... this particular subject "Starting a lawn care business" has many methods to consider, and as Carscw has pointed out, not everyone will be doing things the same way... (some will not be able to do some things....)
Choose the business model you want & keep to it... I have always admired folks that are driven by a passion & do what they enjoy, seems like their results are Much better than those simply doing A Job.... :smile:KennyV
K
KennyV
Cant we all just get along?
:laughing:Getting along is generally Easy for most of us...
Ric has a problem with that concept, and seems to always be in a hurry to dislocate his arm or shoot himself in the foot.
For the most part, this is the best group of Forums on the net... this particular subject "Starting a lawn care business" has many methods to consider, and as Carscw has pointed out, not everyone will be doing things the same way... (some will not be able to do some things....)
Choose the business model you want & keep to it... I have always admired folks that are driven by a passion & do what they enjoy, seems like their results are Much better than those simply doing A Job.... :smile:KennyV
#43
exotion
Agreed. However this is a "Starting" A business not already in business and being picky type and if someone were to start by doing what he does they would be doomed he had mentioned that when he started he took any job he can. Thats what you have to do, and holding starters to that high of a standard is to much. I would like to know how he started not what he is doing now.
exotion
:laughing:Getting along is generally Easy for most of us...
Ric has a problem with that concept, and seems to always be in a hurry to dislocate his arm or shoot himself in the foot.
For the most part, this is the best group of Forums on the net... this particular subject "Starting a lawn care business" has many methods to consider, and as Carscw has pointed out, not everyone will be doing things the same way... (some will not be able to do some things....)
Choose the business model you want & keep to it... I have always admired folks that are driven by a passion & do what they enjoy, seems like their results are Much better than those simply doing A Job.... :smile:KennyV
Agreed. However this is a "Starting" A business not already in business and being picky type and if someone were to start by doing what he does they would be doomed he had mentioned that when he started he took any job he can. Thats what you have to do, and holding starters to that high of a standard is to much. I would like to know how he started not what he is doing now.
#44
Carscw
The bottom line is when your starting out you need to take what you can.
If your doing a $15 yard or a $100 yard just take some pride in what your doing.
Every yard you cut is advertisement someone will drive past and say wow that yard is really starting to look nice I wonder who they have doing the yard work.
When I started out I was working on a golf course and did grass cuts on the side ( cheap mow and go yards ) was not happy doing cheap yards I wanted my yards to look as perfect as the course did. So I started talk to the members and got there yards.
I truly do this out of love of the perfect yard that I have not found yet
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Carscw
exotion said:Agreed. However this is a "Starting" A business not already in business and being picky type and if someone were to start by doing what he does they would be doomed he had mentioned that when he started he took any job he can. Thats what you have to do, and holding starters to that high of a standard is to much. I would like to know how he started not what he is doing now.
The bottom line is when your starting out you need to take what you can.
If your doing a $15 yard or a $100 yard just take some pride in what your doing.
Every yard you cut is advertisement someone will drive past and say wow that yard is really starting to look nice I wonder who they have doing the yard work.
When I started out I was working on a golf course and did grass cuts on the side ( cheap mow and go yards ) was not happy doing cheap yards I wanted my yards to look as perfect as the course did. So I started talk to the members and got there yards.
I truly do this out of love of the perfect yard that I have not found yet
Sent from my iPhone using LMF