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it's been said here and on other forums that i frequent, that some people choose to open a business cutting lawns(and more).When you call it a business i'm talking about equipment as well as the cost of doing business such as insurance,paying taxes, advertising, fuel,and employees (if so desired). Starting a lawn cutting business is difficult these days. it is tough(in most cases) to get new customers as well as retain them over a period of time. As an owner, you should make yourself available to customer requests and demands and keep it on a professional level.You have to be able to offer good sound advice when asked to do so,because the customer often asks questions on their lawn,and its up to you to provide good answers. How you present yourself should be your concern,and also to help in attracting new clients.Your equipment, also tells a story.it tells the customer that you will not settle for less when it comes to cutting and trimming their yards.....sir/mam I use (xyz) equipment because i feel it will cut and perform to YOUR full satisfaction.... in other words dont buy a $99.00 mower when most homeowners usually already have something simiular in their garage(thats bad business imo).when you are in business you usually get one good chance to put your best foot forward, and how you present yourself, and your equipment is an extension of yourself and what you stand for.Stationary and advertising should also be kept organized, simple to read and understand. Advertising ,if too cluttered usually gets unread and difficult to interpret,therefore not getting full attention by the public.Always learn,learn,and learn some more,then after that keep on learning about your business and the business world,whether it be books, business television shows.Attend motivational seminars and anytime you can get certified in what your doing ...do so.AND PROUDLY DISPLAY YOU CREDENTIALS. take pictures of your previously cut lawns and put them in a photo book to show potential customers.Pictures are worth a thousand words.Again this is a very short set of guidelines/thoughts etc. to help some people get a start.most of my working years has been in various businesses and have attended many professional and motivational speakers(such as Tony Robbins,Donald trump,Robert kiyosaki and others) which in turn gives you a better outlook/view of your business.But ,on the other hand if a person just wants to make a few bucks cutting close by lawns ,there is nothing wrong with that.

Nice novella. :biggrin:

IMHO, you can use any equipment that'll run, and get clients. NOT being a 'I know better because I dun has a smawl biznisss' jerk will get you VERY FAR. Offering advice, when asked, is also crucial, as long as you don't patronize your customer!

Don't matter if you have the latest zero-turn that costs more than your SUV, or a $99 walmart special, a good businessman (or woman) can generate the business. If you want to become a millionaire off of mowing lawns, then I think your entire world view is a little skewed.

Again, IMHO.

Can't throw a rock without hitting a lawn/landscaping business. LOTS of competition.

I hired a lawn company to seed/fertilize/aerate, etc. They come once a month, over the course of the season.

I picked them for several reasons. One, they took soil samples. Two, they use natural products. Three, they supplied a list of addresses of customers in my area so I could check out their work. The minute I saw the lawns I was sold.

Of course, (a) they could have just thrown the soil samples in the trash, and (b) they could be putting any old chemical on my lawn and I wouldn't necessarily know any better, and (c) I suppose they also might have just driven around my neighborhood and recorded the addresses of all the best looking lawns :frown: So it also helped that they were an established company with a good rep.

mystreba said:

Can't throw a rock without hitting a lawn/landscaping business. LOTS of competition.

I hired a lawn company to seed/fertilize/aerate, etc. They come once a month, over the course of the season.

I picked them for several reasons. One, they took soil samples. Two, they use natural products. Three, they supplied a list of addresses of customers in my area so I could check out their work. The minute I saw the lawns I was sold.

Of course, (a) they could have just thrown the soil samples in the trash, and (b) they could be putting any old chemical on my lawn and I wouldn't necessarily know any better, and (c) I suppose they also might have just driven around my neighborhood and recorded the addresses of all the best looking lawns :frown: So it also helped that they were an established company with a good rep.

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Good points mystreba,and with all that competition out there its difficult for some(not all) start-ups to separate themselves from the competition.your examples stated are what some beginning companies can learn from.:thumbsup: whether it be grass cutting or other ventures.