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Startup Questions
#1
J
Jungle
J
Jungle
Hi Guys! I'm planning to start a lawn business and would appreciate any advice you can share. I want to get things started with a few fall cleanups in my neighborhood that I hope will turn into full time mowing customers. My goal is 30-50 residential accounts in the next couple of years so I can quit my full time job. Does this seem like a realistic goal? Below are a few other questions I have.
Have any of you used USPS Every Door Direct Mail? I know every neighborhood is different, but what was your success rate? I can mail to 659 addresses for $115.00. If any of you are new to the business, how did you get started?
I'm debating whether or not to get licensed to fertilize. Will I struggle to get new accounts if I do not offer a fertilization program?
The services I planned on offering are Mowing, edging, hedge trimming, aerating, fall & spring cleanups.
I plan to buy an eXmark Commercial 30 next spring. Once I have enough large lawns to justify, I'll add a 48" stand on. I'm looking at the eXmark Vantage, Scag V-Ride, or Toro GrandStand. I know brand preference is subjective and have read a lot of past posts on the subject. I'll demo all three when the time comes and go from there. Please share your thoughts.
I know I'll have many more questions as time goes on.
Thanks for your replies!!
Have any of you used USPS Every Door Direct Mail? I know every neighborhood is different, but what was your success rate? I can mail to 659 addresses for $115.00. If any of you are new to the business, how did you get started?
I'm debating whether or not to get licensed to fertilize. Will I struggle to get new accounts if I do not offer a fertilization program?
The services I planned on offering are Mowing, edging, hedge trimming, aerating, fall & spring cleanups.
I plan to buy an eXmark Commercial 30 next spring. Once I have enough large lawns to justify, I'll add a 48" stand on. I'm looking at the eXmark Vantage, Scag V-Ride, or Toro GrandStand. I know brand preference is subjective and have read a lot of past posts on the subject. I'll demo all three when the time comes and go from there. Please share your thoughts.
I know I'll have many more questions as time goes on.
Thanks for your replies!!
#2
Ric
The advice I can give you is to remember in Lawn-Care Time is money so spend them both wisely. If your looking to quit your day job you wont be able to do it with 30 to 50 clients. I wouldn't worry about a fertilization program it's not going to help you one way or another, I'd concentrate on Trimming, Edging, Mowing and blowing things off and you'll have more work per client than you want.
Your choice and brand in mowers is fine, there's nothing wrong with the Exmark and remember the Exmark is made by Toro so the Vantage and Grandstand will basically be the same mower except for there paint job and deck which Exmark uses there own deck instead of the Turbo Force. Now with that said I wouldn't waste my money on the commercial 30 first I'd go with the 48" Vantage to start with and later add the 30 if you want because like I said in Lawn-Care Time is money and you can't make the time you need to make with a 4 mph self propelled push mower.
Ric
Hi Guys! I'm planning to start a lawn business and would appreciate any advice you can share. I want to get things started with a few fall cleanups in my neighborhood that I hope will turn into full time mowing customers. My goal is 30-50 residential accounts in the next couple of years so I can quit my full time job. Does this seem like a realistic goal? Below are a few other questions I have.
Have any of you used USPS Every Door Direct Mail? I know every neighborhood is different, but what was your success rate? I can mail to 659 addresses for $115.00. If any of you are new to the business, how did you get started?
I'm debating whether or not to get licensed to fertilize. Will I struggle to get new accounts if I do not offer a fertilization program?
The services I planned on offering are Mowing, edging, hedge trimming, aerating, fall & spring cleanups.
I plan to buy an eXmark Commercial 30 next spring. Once I have enough large lawns to justify, I'll add a 48" stand on. I'm looking at the eXmark Vantage, Scag V-Ride, or Toro GrandStand. I know brand preference is subjective and have read a lot of past posts on the subject. I'll demo all three when the time comes and go from there. Please share your thoughts.
I know I'll have many more questions as time goes on.
Thanks for your replies!!
The advice I can give you is to remember in Lawn-Care Time is money so spend them both wisely. If your looking to quit your day job you wont be able to do it with 30 to 50 clients. I wouldn't worry about a fertilization program it's not going to help you one way or another, I'd concentrate on Trimming, Edging, Mowing and blowing things off and you'll have more work per client than you want.
Your choice and brand in mowers is fine, there's nothing wrong with the Exmark and remember the Exmark is made by Toro so the Vantage and Grandstand will basically be the same mower except for there paint job and deck which Exmark uses there own deck instead of the Turbo Force. Now with that said I wouldn't waste my money on the commercial 30 first I'd go with the 48" Vantage to start with and later add the 30 if you want because like I said in Lawn-Care Time is money and you can't make the time you need to make with a 4 mph self propelled push mower.
#3
Skydragon750
Skydragon750
Always walk the yard before start cutting cause there might be some tree stumps, toys or metal in the yard. Don't want to break your mower.
#4
X-man
I learned that the hard way last year. Ran one of my push mowers over a gardening tool (oops). Jammed the blade and stopped the engine in a heartbeat. Luckily the only thing it did was bend my blade.
X-man
Always walk the yard before start cutting cause there might be some tree stumps, toys or metal in the yard. Don't want to break your mower.
I learned that the hard way last year. Ran one of my push mowers over a gardening tool (oops). Jammed the blade and stopped the engine in a heartbeat. Luckily the only thing it did was bend my blade.
#5
exotion
exotion
Should walk the yard anyways, especially for bidding even if you think you know for sure there always might be something you didn't see at first
#6
Fish
I hate to say it, but I would only focus on the "rich" neighborhoods, send your mailers there. Just start with mowing only, that will be your income base, do not forget
that. Advertise only in the "rich" areas, seriously..... Doctors that want to go jogging, while a crew mows his lawn. Turn away the landscape stuff for now. Build a
profitable mowing business first, do not worry about anything else. If you do take on any work, explain that it will only happen during a dry period, as you are only
concerned with the mowing business, they will understand. If you build up any extra jobs landscaping/wise, that should be a different crew.
Fish
Hi Guys! I'm planning to start a lawn business and would appreciate any advice you can share. I want to get things started with a few fall cleanups in my neighborhood that I hope will turn into full time mowing customers. My goal is 30-50 residential accounts in the next couple of years so I can quit my full time job. Does this seem like a realistic goal? Below are a few other questions I have.
Have any of you used USPS Every Door Direct Mail? I know every neighborhood is different, but what was your success rate? I can mail to 659 addresses for $115.00. If any of you are new to the business, how did you get started?
I'm debating whether or not to get licensed to fertilize. Will I struggle to get new accounts if I do not offer a fertilization program?
The services I planned on offering are Mowing, edging, hedge trimming, aerating, fall & spring cleanups.
I plan to buy an eXmark Commercial 30 next spring. Once I have enough large lawns to justify, I'll add a 48" stand on. I'm looking at the eXmark Vantage, Scag V-Ride, or Toro GrandStand. I know brand preference is subjective and have read a lot of past posts on the subject. I'll demo all three when the time comes and go from there. Please share your thoughts.
I know I'll have many more questions as time goes on.
Thanks for your replies!!
I hate to say it, but I would only focus on the "rich" neighborhoods, send your mailers there. Just start with mowing only, that will be your income base, do not forget
that. Advertise only in the "rich" areas, seriously..... Doctors that want to go jogging, while a crew mows his lawn. Turn away the landscape stuff for now. Build a
profitable mowing business first, do not worry about anything else. If you do take on any work, explain that it will only happen during a dry period, as you are only
concerned with the mowing business, they will understand. If you build up any extra jobs landscaping/wise, that should be a different crew.
#7
Ric
Not saying your thought is wrong be if I'm starting a business I'll take what I can get for clients no matter where they are. When you first start you don't have the option to be picky about your clients income. That can come at a later time after you acquire a good client base.
Ric
I hate to say it, but I would only focus on the "rich" neighborhoods, send your mailers there. Just start with mowing only, that will be your income base, do not forget
that. Advertise only in the "rich" areas, seriously..... Doctors that want to go jogging, while a crew mows his lawn. Turn away the landscape stuff for now. Build a
profitable mowing business first, do not worry about anything else. If you do take on any work, explain that it will only happen during a dry period, as you are only
concerned with the mowing business, they will understand. If you build up any extra jobs landscaping/wise, that should be a different crew.
Not saying your thought is wrong be if I'm starting a business I'll take what I can get for clients no matter where they are. When you first start you don't have the option to be picky about your clients income. That can come at a later time after you acquire a good client base.
#8
exotion
This is where I am at in my business started out getting whatever I can get. Last year I weeded out a neighborhood that was not making me as much money as I could by getting a tighter route. And I am targetting neighborhoods that get me a tighter route, while I cannot get one sub division and stick with it I can at least make my route efficent I start at the farthest house from me sometimes that's about 30 mins away but I always get there at 7:30 so I just change the time I leave my house. I now average 2-3 mins between each job which by my book is great and I always finish within 5-10 mins from my house.
When you start out you need to take what you can get. It takes money to make money.
When you start out don't offer to many services each service you offer will take special equipment, time, and special scheduling. The starting and sticking with mowing is great advice you can add services and buy equipment as you go and as the demand increases.
exotion
Not saying your thought is wrong be if I'm starting a business I'll take what I can get for clients no matter where they are. When you first start you don't have the option to be picky about your clients income. That can come at a later time after you acquire a good client base.
This is where I am at in my business started out getting whatever I can get. Last year I weeded out a neighborhood that was not making me as much money as I could by getting a tighter route. And I am targetting neighborhoods that get me a tighter route, while I cannot get one sub division and stick with it I can at least make my route efficent I start at the farthest house from me sometimes that's about 30 mins away but I always get there at 7:30 so I just change the time I leave my house. I now average 2-3 mins between each job which by my book is great and I always finish within 5-10 mins from my house.
When you start out you need to take what you can get. It takes money to make money.
When you start out don't offer to many services each service you offer will take special equipment, time, and special scheduling. The starting and sticking with mowing is great advice you can add services and buy equipment as you go and as the demand increases.
#9
TaskForceLawnCare
TaskForceLawnCare
focus your first couple years on marketing, and obviously doing a knock out job with the customers you pick up. if potential customers never see your name they can't hire you. Facebook website newspaper direct mailers door to door post cards, flyers on every bulletin board I think you get my drift.
keep your truck, yourself and your equipment clean. build your reputation around your work and appearance.
I would tell you definitely get an applicators license. you'll treat twice as many yards as you cut. its a long process depending on the state, but will add to your bottom line.
prepare yourself mentally to live for your business. you'll be the labor, marketing, book keeper, billing official ect. never forget that no body will care as much about your business as you will.
keep your truck, yourself and your equipment clean. build your reputation around your work and appearance.
I would tell you definitely get an applicators license. you'll treat twice as many yards as you cut. its a long process depending on the state, but will add to your bottom line.
prepare yourself mentally to live for your business. you'll be the labor, marketing, book keeper, billing official ect. never forget that no body will care as much about your business as you will.
#10
Ric
Ric
The biggest thing you can do if you want to start a business is to not start your business in the hole. Don't spend money you haven't made. Marketing is great for someone who already has an established business and the equipment to back it up. Using Facebook, websites, newspapers, direct mailers, things like that only cost you money that you haven't made yet, it just puts you deeper in the hole and it's a losing proposition because chances are good your clients will end up 20 and 30 miles apart and you'll spend more time riding the roads than mowing lawns.
If you want to advertise go to Vista print and buy 250 business cards, it will cost like $10 and it's a minimal investment. Find yourself a sub-division with a 1000 to 1500 homes and pick a section that looks good and hit it with your business cards door to door. Keep your client list together and close and don't leave that sub-division. Let your work be your advertisement and save your money to invest in or for equipment not gas.
If you want to advertise go to Vista print and buy 250 business cards, it will cost like $10 and it's a minimal investment. Find yourself a sub-division with a 1000 to 1500 homes and pick a section that looks good and hit it with your business cards door to door. Keep your client list together and close and don't leave that sub-division. Let your work be your advertisement and save your money to invest in or for equipment not gas.
#11
TaskForceLawnCare
that may might work if you know everyone in your Florida retirement community. however if you're starting a business with a 0 balance you're already failing. if potential customers don't know who you are they aren't going to call.
spending gas money is part of it nothing runs on dreams and pixie dust. how much does a printer and ink actually cost anyway? we cover a 30 mile area and routes are set to mow closer to the shop as the day goes on.
I don't know everything I mostly mow in suburbia Indianapolis. I will say that it's been a while since I was in start up mod. I've a part time sales/marketing rep, that works on commission. I can tell you that marketing right pays for itself 10 times over again
TaskForceLawnCare
The biggest thing you can do if you want to start a business is to not start your business in the hole. Don't spend money you haven't made. Marketing is great for someone who already has an established business and the equipment to back it up. Using Facebook, websites, newspapers, direct mailers, things like that only cost you money that you haven't made yet, it just puts you deeper in the hole and it's a losing proposition because chances are good your clients will end up 20 and 30 miles apart and you'll spend more time riding the roads than mowing lawns.
If you want to advertise go to Vista print and buy 250 business cards, it will cost like $10 and it's a minimal investment. Find yourself a sub-division with a 1000 to 1500 homes and pick a section that looks good and hit it with your business cards door to door. Keep your client list together and close and don't leave that sub-division. Let your work be your advertisement and save your money to invest in or for equipment not gas.
that may might work if you know everyone in your Florida retirement community. however if you're starting a business with a 0 balance you're already failing. if potential customers don't know who you are they aren't going to call.
spending gas money is part of it nothing runs on dreams and pixie dust. how much does a printer and ink actually cost anyway? we cover a 30 mile area and routes are set to mow closer to the shop as the day goes on.
I don't know everything I mostly mow in suburbia Indianapolis. I will say that it's been a while since I was in start up mod. I've a part time sales/marketing rep, that works on commission. I can tell you that marketing right pays for itself 10 times over again
#12
Ric
Trust me I don't and didn't know everybody in Florida or in this location or the nearest town when I moved here, but I know that what I mentioned or said in my last post does work because it's been done. I did what you said, I used the marketing or advertisement suggestions that you made and it worked but like you said I ended up with a 30 mile area and in 6 different sub-divisions and at the end of the year I barely broke even after my over head. I gave all that up and stayed in one sub-division and hit it hard with business cards and magnetic signs on my truck doors and now I run 70 plus clients all within a 3 mile radius so now I spend my time and gas mowing, not riding the roads in a truck. If you stay in one place and give people a fair price and do good work you don't need to pay for advertisement or marketing because the people you work will do it for you for free.
Ric
that may might work if you know everyone in your Florida retirement community. however if you're starting a business with a 0 balance you're already failing. if potential customers don't know who you are they aren't going to call.
spending gas money is part of it nothing runs on dreams and pixie dust. how much does a printer and ink actually cost anyway? we cover a 30 mile area and routes are set to mow closer to the shop as the day goes on.
I don't know everything I mostly mow in suburbia Indianapolis. I will say that it's been a while since I was in start up mod. I've a part time sales/marketing rep, that works on commission. I can tell you that marketing right pays for itself 10 times over again
Trust me I don't and didn't know everybody in Florida or in this location or the nearest town when I moved here, but I know that what I mentioned or said in my last post does work because it's been done. I did what you said, I used the marketing or advertisement suggestions that you made and it worked but like you said I ended up with a 30 mile area and in 6 different sub-divisions and at the end of the year I barely broke even after my over head. I gave all that up and stayed in one sub-division and hit it hard with business cards and magnetic signs on my truck doors and now I run 70 plus clients all within a 3 mile radius so now I spend my time and gas mowing, not riding the roads in a truck. If you stay in one place and give people a fair price and do good work you don't need to pay for advertisement or marketing because the people you work will do it for you for free.
#13
Carscw
Carscw
What works in one area does not work in others.
There is not a subdivision within 100 miles of me that has 70 houses.
Heck I don't think there are 15 subdivisions within 100 miles.
My average time between yards is 6 mins.
Smallest yard is 3/4 acre.
90% are over a acre.
Facebook is free advertising.
Blast every yardsale group
There is not a subdivision within 100 miles of me that has 70 houses.
Heck I don't think there are 15 subdivisions within 100 miles.
My average time between yards is 6 mins.
Smallest yard is 3/4 acre.
90% are over a acre.
Facebook is free advertising.
Blast every yardsale group
#14
TaskForceLawnCare
I'm happy if that works for you, and I'm 100% sure your customers are loyal. if your concentration is solely on one subdivision then that's kind of putting all your eggs in one basket. its fine until a bigger better or equally good company comes in with an aggressive sales/marketing advantage and starts causing you to shrink.
around where I operate its extremely competitive. I do everything I can to keep my company at least a step ahead of my competition. if you don't have to worry about competition then good for you.
I'll restate that starting out is tough its a cut throat business. if you're starting out with no capital you are already wrong. if you don't market as wide as you can you can't truly grow. if you aren't growing you are shrinking. everything gets more expensive every year so you need to grow to compensate for that.
TaskForceLawnCare
Trust me I don't and didn't know everybody in Florida or in this location or the nearest town when I moved here, but I know that what I mentioned or said in my last post does work because it's been done. I did what you said, I used the marketing or advertisement suggestions that you made and it worked but like you said I ended up with a 30 mile area and in 6 different sub-divisions and at the end of the year I barely broke even after my over head. I gave all that up and stayed in one sub-division and hit it hard with business cards and magnetic signs on my truck doors and now I run 70 plus clients all within a 3 mile radius so now I spend my time and gas mowing, not riding the roads in a truck. If you stay in one place and give people a fair price and do good work you don't need to pay for advertisement or marketing because the people you work will do it for you for free.
I'm happy if that works for you, and I'm 100% sure your customers are loyal. if your concentration is solely on one subdivision then that's kind of putting all your eggs in one basket. its fine until a bigger better or equally good company comes in with an aggressive sales/marketing advantage and starts causing you to shrink.
around where I operate its extremely competitive. I do everything I can to keep my company at least a step ahead of my competition. if you don't have to worry about competition then good for you.
I'll restate that starting out is tough its a cut throat business. if you're starting out with no capital you are already wrong. if you don't market as wide as you can you can't truly grow. if you aren't growing you are shrinking. everything gets more expensive every year so you need to grow to compensate for that.
#15
Ric
I think probably it's as competitive and cut throat here as any place else. The problem with them is they can't compete with me and my prices. Businesses that have areas that cover 30 miles have to much over head and distance to deal with And I don't. I can beat there service and any price they can give a client because I'm in the same area everyday 6 days a week and on call Sunday if needed. I can be at any one of my clients home with in ten minutes of any call.
Putting all your eggs in one basket or concentrating is solely on one subdivision has its advantages for not only a business but also the clients.
Ric
I'm happy if that works for you, and I'm 100% sure your customers are loyal. if your concentration is solely on one subdivision then that's kind of putting all your eggs in one basket. its fine until a bigger better or equally good company comes in with an aggressive sales/marketing advantage and starts causing you to shrink.
around where I operate its extremely competitive. I do everything I can to keep my company at least a step ahead of my competition. if you don't have to worry about competition then good for you.
I'll restate that starting out is tough its a cut throat business. if you're starting out with no capital you are already wrong. if you don't market as wide as you can you can't truly grow. if you aren't growing you are shrinking. everything gets more expensive every year so you need to grow to compensate for that.
I think probably it's as competitive and cut throat here as any place else. The problem with them is they can't compete with me and my prices. Businesses that have areas that cover 30 miles have to much over head and distance to deal with And I don't. I can beat there service and any price they can give a client because I'm in the same area everyday 6 days a week and on call Sunday if needed. I can be at any one of my clients home with in ten minutes of any call.
Putting all your eggs in one basket or concentrating is solely on one subdivision has its advantages for not only a business but also the clients.
#16
exotion
We all agree that if that's done it would work great. It would not work here at all. Lucky for me the whole town is like 9 miles in any direction
exotion
I think probably it's as competitive and cut throat here as any place else. The problem with them is they can't compete with me and my prices. Businesses that have areas that cover 30 miles have to much over head and distance to deal with And I don't. I can beat there service and any price they can give a client because I'm in the same area everyday 6 days a week and on call Sunday if needed. I can be at any one of my clients home with in ten minutes of any call.
Putting all your eggs in one basket or concentrating is solely on one subdivision has its advantages for not only a business but also the clients.
We all agree that if that's done it would work great. It would not work here at all. Lucky for me the whole town is like 9 miles in any direction
#17
Ric
lol you must live like a hermit. There's got to be 30 subdivisions in this area and town and that's not counting trailer parks. :laughing: Crap I've got 6 up the road from me with in 3 miles of my house.
Ric
What works in one area does not work in others.
There is not a subdivision within 100 miles of me that has 70 houses.
Heck I don't think there are 15 subdivisions within 100 miles.
My average time between yards is 6 mins.
Smallest yard is 3/4 acre.
90% are over a acre.
Facebook is free advertising.
Blast every yardsale group
lol you must live like a hermit. There's got to be 30 subdivisions in this area and town and that's not counting trailer parks. :laughing: Crap I've got 6 up the road from me with in 3 miles of my house.
#18
Carscw
But we do have a walmart 20 mins away.
We moved up here about a year and a half ago. From a subdivision 2 hours away. I love it no noise no people. If I can see someone from my deck they are trespassing.
Carscw
lol you must live like a hermit. There's got to be 30 subdivisions in this area and town and that's not counting trailer parks. :laughing: Crap I've got 6 up the road from me with in 3 miles of my house.
But we do have a walmart 20 mins away.
We moved up here about a year and a half ago. From a subdivision 2 hours away. I love it no noise no people. If I can see someone from my deck they are trespassing.
#19
TaskForceLawnCare
I'm the same way I live out in the country, in a surrounding county of Indianapolis which is almost as big as the county its in.
fact you can't compete with the larger companies. they have capabilities you don't have they have man power you don't have ect. overhead is irrelevant if you have clientele to back it up.
TaskForceLawnCare
But we do have a walmart 20 mins away.
We moved up here about a year and a half ago. From a subdivision 2 hours away. I love it no noise no people. If I can see someone from my deck they are trespassing.
I'm the same way I live out in the country, in a surrounding county of Indianapolis which is almost as big as the county its in.
fact you can't compete with the larger companies. they have capabilities you don't have they have man power you don't have ect. overhead is irrelevant if you have clientele to back it up.
#20
Carscw
I was talking to a guy the other day.
He was trying to brag about how much he made every week. He just started lawn care this year.
Should have seen his face when I told him I pay out more every week then he makes.
Carscw
I'm the same way I live out in the country, in a surrounding county of Indianapolis which is almost as big as the county its in. fact you can't compete with the larger companies. they have capabilities you don't have they have man power you don't have ect. overhead is irrelevant if you have clientele to back it up.
I was talking to a guy the other day.
He was trying to brag about how much he made every week. He just started lawn care this year.
Should have seen his face when I told him I pay out more every week then he makes.
#21
TaskForceLawnCare
I slowed a one man operation down tonight. he couldn't stop watching use do leaf removal tonight. he was blowing and raking when we pulled up with 2 trucks and everyone went at their job seamless. every time I looked up he was starring down the road. we done 3 houses before he could finish a quarter of the yard he was working in. however a rake doesn't have much overhead. I don't know what he's making. if I had to guess though I'd say even with my travel time and overhead I made more money today. considering we had 9 more to finish after we rolled out off that street.
TaskForceLawnCare
I was talking to a guy the other day.
He was trying to brag about how much he made every week. He just started lawn care this year.
Should have seen his face when I told him I pay out more every week then he makes.
I slowed a one man operation down tonight. he couldn't stop watching use do leaf removal tonight. he was blowing and raking when we pulled up with 2 trucks and everyone went at their job seamless. every time I looked up he was starring down the road. we done 3 houses before he could finish a quarter of the yard he was working in. however a rake doesn't have much overhead. I don't know what he's making. if I had to guess though I'd say even with my travel time and overhead I made more money today. considering we had 9 more to finish after we rolled out off that street.
#22
Ric
Yeah that sounds nice, I lived in a place like that but it's now a sub-division. If you can find a place like that here you'd better be a hermit or you'll be driving 3 hrs to get to work.
Ric
But we do have a walmart 20 mins away.
We moved up here about a year and a half ago. From a subdivision 2 hours away. I love it no noise no people. If I can see someone from my deck they are trespassing.
Yeah that sounds nice, I lived in a place like that but it's now a sub-division. If you can find a place like that here you'd better be a hermit or you'll be driving 3 hrs to get to work.
#23
Ric
If you're referring to me I don't think you have the knowledge of me or my business to know what my capabilities are. Fact is I don't have to compete with larger company's because the larger company's here work for the HOA of the sub-divisions doing entrance ways and parks, Villas and Town houses all with in the sub-divisions where the HOA is responsible for up keep of homes, streets and lawns. It's all under contract and the owners pay big time HOA or CDD fees for.
I guess when overhead becomes irrelevant so will my business because you can't have one without the other to my knowledge. I don't care how big or small a business you think you have there will always be cost involved for one thing or another. Overhead is always relevant regardless of clientele, it will always effect the bottom line. The more clientele you add the cost involved only makes sense.
Ric
I'm the same way I live out in the country, in a surrounding county of Indianapolis which is almost as big as the county its in.
fact you can't compete with the larger companies. they have capabilities you don't have they have man power you don't have ect. overhead is irrelevant if you have clientele to back it up.
If you're referring to me I don't think you have the knowledge of me or my business to know what my capabilities are. Fact is I don't have to compete with larger company's because the larger company's here work for the HOA of the sub-divisions doing entrance ways and parks, Villas and Town houses all with in the sub-divisions where the HOA is responsible for up keep of homes, streets and lawns. It's all under contract and the owners pay big time HOA or CDD fees for.
I guess when overhead becomes irrelevant so will my business because you can't have one without the other to my knowledge. I don't care how big or small a business you think you have there will always be cost involved for one thing or another. Overhead is always relevant regardless of clientele, it will always effect the bottom line. The more clientele you add the cost involved only makes sense.
#24
TaskForceLawnCare
TaskForceLawnCare
no I'm not referring to you specifically. what I'm saying is overhead is irrelevant in the since that yes you'll always have it, but if you have the customers to enable you to afford it; then its irrelevant.
I would guess by your statement that the LCO doing the common areas has more overhead, and also has a much larger bottom line.
more to the subject I'm sure they spent/spend a decent amount of time and money on marketing, or the HOA wouldn't have known who they where.
I would guess by your statement that the LCO doing the common areas has more overhead, and also has a much larger bottom line.
more to the subject I'm sure they spent/spend a decent amount of time and money on marketing, or the HOA wouldn't have known who they where.
#25
Ric
I seriously doubt they did any advertising to get those HOA jobs, I figure probably there posted at some place like city hall or the county offices for bid or there's enough communication between sub-divisions so they know who to contract. I know the business that does our Sub-division runs at least 6 to 8 24ft enclosed trailers does at least 4 other subs in the area and employees dozens of people so you can bet your bibby overhead and cost isn't irrelevant to them.
I do know what I see or have seen in the last 8 years of running my business and I don't think I've ever seen a company that rolls two or three trucks into a sub-division to do residential lawn work, if you have a company that size doing that your seeing a company in trouble. I'd say 90% of the guys doing residential work are running a 12 to 14ft open trailer with equipment to do the job that needs doing, Trim, Edge, Cut and Clear and on to the next, what I've done is just skipped the on to the next routine.
You keep talking about advertising and that's is something that I view as unnecessary other than maybe to get a couple of clients in a new area or on Craiglist if you want to spread your area out. I've been in business for about 10 years , 8 years in this location and only ran advertisements in this area for 1st year of the business and haven't done any since then and that was just Business cards stuck in doors. I did run magnetic signs on my truck for a while but if your work is good enough or better than the other guy, people and word of mouth are your best advertisement.
Ric
no I'm not referring to you specifically. what I'm saying is overhead is irrelevant in the since that yes you'll always have it, but if you have the customers to enable you to afford it; then its irrelevant.
I would guess by your statement that the LCO doing the common areas has more overhead, and also has a much larger bottom line.
more to the subject I'm sure they spent/spend a decent amount of time and money on marketing, or the HOA wouldn't have known who they where.
I seriously doubt they did any advertising to get those HOA jobs, I figure probably there posted at some place like city hall or the county offices for bid or there's enough communication between sub-divisions so they know who to contract. I know the business that does our Sub-division runs at least 6 to 8 24ft enclosed trailers does at least 4 other subs in the area and employees dozens of people so you can bet your bibby overhead and cost isn't irrelevant to them.
I do know what I see or have seen in the last 8 years of running my business and I don't think I've ever seen a company that rolls two or three trucks into a sub-division to do residential lawn work, if you have a company that size doing that your seeing a company in trouble. I'd say 90% of the guys doing residential work are running a 12 to 14ft open trailer with equipment to do the job that needs doing, Trim, Edge, Cut and Clear and on to the next, what I've done is just skipped the on to the next routine.
You keep talking about advertising and that's is something that I view as unnecessary other than maybe to get a couple of clients in a new area or on Craiglist if you want to spread your area out. I've been in business for about 10 years , 8 years in this location and only ran advertisements in this area for 1st year of the business and haven't done any since then and that was just Business cards stuck in doors. I did run magnetic signs on my truck for a while but if your work is good enough or better than the other guy, people and word of mouth are your best advertisement.
#26
TaskForceLawnCare
TaskForceLawnCare
my experience with HOAs is they seek you, city and county work is posted in the news paper or court house. I can assure you I'm not struggling. I took 2 trucks for leaf removal one with equipment on the trailer and the other with a dump trailer.
bottom line is you have to advertise and market your brand. you've been fortunate I don't think that your success with little marketing/advertising is the norm.
bottom line is you have to advertise and market your brand. you've been fortunate I don't think that your success with little marketing/advertising is the norm.
#27
Ric
My advertising and success comes from word of mouth. Being better and doing a better job than the guy down the street. I truly believe that the days of the larger lawn care company's doing residential work are coming to an end because they can't do what the smaller guys can do for the price they do it and pay there people wages, insurance and all there overhead.
Now this is just a question but I mean really how are you with your business which you consider to be large with the equipment you most likely have and have employees you have to pay going to compete with a guy who has a small business, does good quality work and cuts a lawn for $15.00 a cut or charges $15.00 an hour for leaf work and some cheaper and doesn't have one quarter the overhead that you have.
I have to laugh because I hear it and read about it all the time on these forms theses guys whining about the little guys charging what they charge and saying they can't possibly be making money at those prices and there killing the business and that they can't compete with those prices.
Ric
my experience with HOAs is they seek you, city and county work is posted in the news paper or court house. I can assure you I'm not struggling. I took 2 trucks for leaf removal one with equipment on the trailer and the other with a dump trailer.
bottom line is you have to advertise and market your brand. you've been fortunate I don't think that your success with little marketing/advertising is the norm.
My advertising and success comes from word of mouth. Being better and doing a better job than the guy down the street. I truly believe that the days of the larger lawn care company's doing residential work are coming to an end because they can't do what the smaller guys can do for the price they do it and pay there people wages, insurance and all there overhead.
Now this is just a question but I mean really how are you with your business which you consider to be large with the equipment you most likely have and have employees you have to pay going to compete with a guy who has a small business, does good quality work and cuts a lawn for $15.00 a cut or charges $15.00 an hour for leaf work and some cheaper and doesn't have one quarter the overhead that you have.
I have to laugh because I hear it and read about it all the time on these forms theses guys whining about the little guys charging what they charge and saying they can't possibly be making money at those prices and there killing the business and that they can't compete with those prices.
#28
exotion
Ric I've seen you complain about the little guy more than anyone else.
Me being the little guy does make money with prices close to half most my competition. I take my time and do an excellent quality job, I spend between 20-45 mins at a house and make $25-$45 a house depending on size. Most houses are close together and I usually average over $50 an hour sometimes over $100.
The ticket here everyone can agree on is an excellent scheduled route with minimal drive time. Maximize the time you are out of the truck you maximize your profits.
Next learn your equipment, learn your lawns do it the most efficent way you can without sacrificing quality. Quality always comes before quantity...
Market however you can without spending all your money. Door to door flyers/business cards is good and nearly free. Craigslist is free and good (Target areas, beware of instant gratificationers) and there are many more ways. Word of mouth will always get you the best most loyal customers.
exotion
My advertising and success comes from word of mouth. Being better and doing a better job than the guy down the street. I truly believe that the days of the larger lawn care company's doing residential work are coming to an end because they can't do what the smaller guys can do for the price they do it and pay there people wages, insurance and all there overhead.
Now this is just a question but I mean really how are you with your business which you consider to be large with the equipment you most likely have and have employees you have to pay going to compete with a guy who has a small business, does good quality work and cuts a lawn for $15.00 a cut or charges $15.00 an hour for leaf work and some cheaper and doesn't have one quarter the overhead that you have.
I have to laugh because I hear it and read about it all the time on these forms theses guys whining about the little guys charging what they charge and saying they can't possibly be making money at those prices and there killing the business and that they can't compete with those prices.
Ric I've seen you complain about the little guy more than anyone else.
Me being the little guy does make money with prices close to half most my competition. I take my time and do an excellent quality job, I spend between 20-45 mins at a house and make $25-$45 a house depending on size. Most houses are close together and I usually average over $50 an hour sometimes over $100.
The ticket here everyone can agree on is an excellent scheduled route with minimal drive time. Maximize the time you are out of the truck you maximize your profits.
Next learn your equipment, learn your lawns do it the most efficent way you can without sacrificing quality. Quality always comes before quantity...
Market however you can without spending all your money. Door to door flyers/business cards is good and nearly free. Craigslist is free and good (Target areas, beware of instant gratificationers) and there are many more ways. Word of mouth will always get you the best most loyal customers.
#29
Carscw
Carscw
This tread is very good entertainment.
#30
TaskForceLawnCare
I love that $15 an hour guy, I can have their customers when they can't complete their promises.
math question: LCO A, charges $15 an hour and works at customer A's house for 8 hours, compared to LCO B who charges $90 an hour but does 8 times as many houses with 3 times the operating expenses. Who makes more at the end of the day?
I have a set budget for marketing, every year. I have a monthly, yearly fuel budget, and one for employees ect. run yours how you want. I hope you the best of success. some of us want to operate on a larger scale get out of the nest of one subdivision, make a little more foot print. its called free enterprise. ask Carnegie, CP Morgan, make as much as you can, do as much as you can, get as big as you can.
if I ill advised the gentleman wanting advice on how to get started. then I apologize, but I've never witnessed a company start up and succeed on a dream alone. they worked their butts off, knocked on doors, and got their name out there through advertising.
I should have just posted that he buy a toro, small truck move into a subdivision and contact you.
I was just simply giving the gentleman some ideas. I would like to offer to send you a free hat, T-shirt and ink pen.
TaskForceLawnCare
My advertising and success comes from word of mouth. Being better and doing a better job than the guy down the street. I truly believe that the days of the larger lawn care company's doing residential work are coming to an end because they can't do what the smaller guys can do for the price they do it and pay there people wages, insurance and all there overhead.
Now this is just a question but I mean really how are you with your business which you consider to be large with the equipment you most likely have and have employees you have to pay going to compete with a guy who has a small business, does good quality work and cuts a lawn for $15.00 a cut or charges $15.00 an hour for leaf work and some cheaper and doesn't have one quarter the overhead that you have.
I have to laugh because I hear it and read about it all the time on these forms theses guys whining about the little guys charging what they charge and saying they can't possibly be making money at those prices and there killing the business and that they can't compete with those prices.
I love that $15 an hour guy, I can have their customers when they can't complete their promises.
math question: LCO A, charges $15 an hour and works at customer A's house for 8 hours, compared to LCO B who charges $90 an hour but does 8 times as many houses with 3 times the operating expenses. Who makes more at the end of the day?
I have a set budget for marketing, every year. I have a monthly, yearly fuel budget, and one for employees ect. run yours how you want. I hope you the best of success. some of us want to operate on a larger scale get out of the nest of one subdivision, make a little more foot print. its called free enterprise. ask Carnegie, CP Morgan, make as much as you can, do as much as you can, get as big as you can.
if I ill advised the gentleman wanting advice on how to get started. then I apologize, but I've never witnessed a company start up and succeed on a dream alone. they worked their butts off, knocked on doors, and got their name out there through advertising.
I should have just posted that he buy a toro, small truck move into a subdivision and contact you.
I was just simply giving the gentleman some ideas. I would like to offer to send you a free hat, T-shirt and ink pen.
#31
Ric
That $15 guy is an outfit that supply's a laborer at $15 hour to do a variety of jobs, leaf removal and Lawn care is just couple, it's called Laborly. It was just an example of some of the things that are taking place to cut the throats of lawn-care businesses.
Nobody said you ill advised anyone, you gave your opinion and I gave mine and neither one is wrong, we just have a different approach. You talk about all your budgets and that's fine but it also involves a lot of money but for a start up business those types of budgets are little over kill when you don't even own a mower yet.
The thing you apparently don't understand is the fact that not everyone has that kind of money to start a business or wants to work on the scale you set. Some of us are happy with new truck and a couple of new Commercial Toro mowers and an open trailer etc. As far as the free hat, T-shirt and ink pen you don't have to do that because Toro has already, Thanks anyway. :smile:
Ric
I love that $15 an hour guy, I can have their customers when they can't complete their promises.
math question: LCO A, charges $15 an hour and works at customer A's house for 8 hours, compared to LCO B who charges $90 an hour but does 8 times as many houses with 3 times the operating expenses. Who makes more at the end of the day?
I have a set budget for marketing, every year. I have a monthly, yearly fuel budget, and one for employees ect. run yours how you want. I hope you the best of success. some of us want to operate on a larger scale get out of the nest of one subdivision, make a little more foot print. its called free enterprise. ask Carnegie, CP Morgan, make as much as you can, do as much as you can, get as big as you can.
if I ill advised the gentleman wanting advice on how to get started. then I apologize, but I've never witnessed a company start up and succeed on a dream alone. they worked their butts off, knocked on doors, and got their name out there through advertising.
I should have just posted that he buy a toro, small truck move into a subdivision and contact you.
I was just simply giving the gentleman some ideas. I would like to offer to send you a free hat, T-shirt and ink pen.
That $15 guy is an outfit that supply's a laborer at $15 hour to do a variety of jobs, leaf removal and Lawn care is just couple, it's called Laborly. It was just an example of some of the things that are taking place to cut the throats of lawn-care businesses.
Nobody said you ill advised anyone, you gave your opinion and I gave mine and neither one is wrong, we just have a different approach. You talk about all your budgets and that's fine but it also involves a lot of money but for a start up business those types of budgets are little over kill when you don't even own a mower yet.
The thing you apparently don't understand is the fact that not everyone has that kind of money to start a business or wants to work on the scale you set. Some of us are happy with new truck and a couple of new Commercial Toro mowers and an open trailer etc. As far as the free hat, T-shirt and ink pen you don't have to do that because Toro has already, Thanks anyway. :smile:
#32
J
jrelkhunt
J
jrelkhunt
[ the lawn business is a good business ..About the only way you can go broke is to not show up every week to mow a lawn,,this means no vacations, having back up equipment, no fishing or hunting,etc...As soon as you don't show up once , mrs magillicutty will get a new lawn service...