Wanting to Start a Small Mower Repair Business

[LawnBoy97]

I have started a lawn mowing business which has given me experience with repairing lawn mowers, and this has made me think that it might be good to start a small repair business. I always hear people say that their mower has "died" but it usually seems like it is something simple. I was just wondering if anyone has done anything similar, like with business cards and things. Thanks

 

[ILENGINE]

There are people around that kind of tinker on the side for repairing mowers for neighbors, and such. If you are going to get into doing warranty work, then there are training school requirements, ongoing education requirements, minimum start up inventory requirements, minimum tool requirements, some that are required, and can be expensive for some of the special tools.

Last track I had, stihl and husqvarna starting inventory was $30,000 each. Simplicity was $50,000. Stihl did have a 90 day free floor planning setup, then was payable in three installments the next 3 months following that.

 

[wjjones]

I have started a lawn mowing business which has given me experience with repairing lawn mowers, and this has made me think that it might be good to start a small repair business. I always hear people say that their mower has "died" but it usually seems like it is something simple. I was just wondering if anyone has done anything similar, like with business cards and things. Thanks

Me too I just cany make up my mind to go with it, or not business cards would work, and if you know a local shop, and can get on their good side they might end some overflow work your way. I have a guy down the road that usually stays about 2 weeks behind he said if I did open a shop he would send some work my way when he got behind.

 

[LawnBoy97]

Yeah, I wasn't really looking to start a shop or anything, mostly just repairing a couple in my garage for people in the neighborhood. I was thinking of doing the business cards to get the word out.

 

[Rivets]

Business cards mean business. Liability insurance to protect your family. Business license to protect yourself. Zoning requirements. One nasty neighbor, wrong person hears what your doing can cause you to be in a lot of trouble. Don't want to throw cold water on a good idea, just make sure you and your family don't get hurt. Progress slowly.

 

[bwdbrn1]

Word of mouth works well too. Do you want to do it for fun, or profit? I pick up used stuff to fix and repair them flip. Only make enough to cover my costs in parts and maybe enough to get the next project. More fun than anything, and nobody (including the wife) has complained yet. Tall fences make for good neighbors.:tongue:

 

[chance123]

I agree with what Rivets said. If you should do something as simple as replacing a blade, then something comes up and you forget to torque it tight. If someone is injured because of a simple error, it can and will co$t you dearly.

 

[reynoldston]

Sounds like what I am doing. Without a tax number you will pay retail for parts. You will want to keep it word of mouth. No advertising or signs. Get payed in cash after the job is done. Other then that the government will want a cut called taxes. I had a neighbor that was doing small repairs and selling some mowers in his lawn. He put up a sign in his front yard and the town shut him down. I have been doing this for nine years now and it just keeps me busy through the summer. I also repair motor cycles along with the lawn equipment. It makes for a nice little bank account for the little extras like a trip to Disney.

 

[LawnBoy97]

Okay, 8i think i'll keep it to buying and flipping, or finding and flippin, mowers. Th anks for all the advice, though, but i actually made business cards for my lawn mowing business, but im not registered or anything. But then again we are highschoolers abd only take care of about five lawns, so i dont really know.

 

[jakesmurray]

I too am an 18 year old high schooler, I began my lawn mowing business back in 2006 when I began mowing my aunts lawn once a week for $20. :wink:
Now I have four lawns that I do each summer, 3 for $25, one for $30. I tried to get into the mower repair business, but after a couple of repairs, I figured it really wasn't worth it and I pretty much broke even...:thumbdown:
I do however still buy weedeaters, hedge trimmers, mowers, etc at auctions and fix them up and flip them. :thumbsup: