Starting a Successful Lawn Care Business: A Comprehensive Guide
Starting a lawn care business can be both rewarding and profitable. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to setting up and running a successful lawn care business, covering everything from purchasing essential equipment to marketing your services.
Purchasing Equipment
Determine your needs:
If you don't already own the necessary lawn care equipment, you need to decide what you will need for your business. What services do you plan to offer? Will you only need a lawnmower, or will you also cut weeds, trim hedges, and remove leaves? The services you offer will dictate the specific equipment you need.
Set a budget:
How much money do you have to start your business? The equipment you purchase will need to fall within that budget. If you find that you don't have enough capital to purchase it, you can lease equipment with fewer start-up funds, although this will cost more in the long run. Leasing equipment does have its perks, as you generally get the most modern equipment that requires minimal maintenance and the costs can be tax deductible. You might start leasing in the short term while you raise capital to purchase at a later date.
Purchase your equipment:
With around $500, you can purchase a basic push mower, a trimmer, and a leaf blower. If you plan to provide additional lawn services but lack the extra capital, you can start off with basic tools and expand once you gain capital. If you don't have enough money to start with new equipment, you can purchase used lawn mowers to use as you start earning money to reinvest into your business.
Licensing and Accounting
Obtain necessary business licenses:
Visit your local city government or chamber of commerce offices to learn about applicable laws and needed licenses. Every city and state has different requirements.
Purchase insurance if necessary:
Does your state or city require you to insulate your business? You can purchase insurance for various types of business risks, as well as liability coverage. The cost will be based on the breadth and amount of coverage. Keep your budget in mind when choosing insurance and speak with a trusted local insurance agent. If possible, include yourself, your equipment, and your customers in the insurance. Collision liability and damage insurance will protect your vehicles and equipment, while business liability insurance will cover damages that may occur to your customers' properties during your gardening services.
Consult an expert:
It's a good idea to speak with a business adviser, attorney, or accountant to set up your tax structure and accounting processes. Don't forget to register your business with the IRS. Learn basic accounting to handle orders, correspondence, and other business tasks. Use office software and a printer to manage these tasks, and set up accounting processes with basic office software programs to help you when it comes time to file taxes.
Setting Rates
Know your market:
When setting prices for your services, research what other businesses charge for similar services in similar communities. Remember that a working-class neighborhood will not be able to pay the same as customers in a more affluent neighborhood.
Know your costs:
You're not in business to work for free, so it's essential to know the cost of doing business when determining your rates. Take into account the money needed to pay for insurance, equipment, and advertising, then determine how many yards you can mow each month. How much will you need to charge each potential customer to pay your costs and still make a profit?
Start low:
If you don't have an established clientele, you might offer lower, more competitive prices as you obtain your first few customers. Once you build a referral network and a portfolio of references, you can price your services at more profitable rates.
Skillfully Mowing Lawns
Edge trimming:
Ensure the lawn's edges have been trimmed using equipment such as a weed eater. Not only will trimming edges make the lawn look more professionally mowed, it also establishes a perimeter so when you start mowing, you can better see where you need to go. Be sure to cut the grass around flower beds, trees, and any areas the mower cannot reach at approximately the same height as you set the mower. Be careful not to damage the bark at the base of the trees, don't cut the grass too low, and definitely don't chop anyone's prized petunias.
Mowing in rows or columns:
Be sure to mow from one edge all the way to the other before turning around. Creating zig-zags or missing spots of grass will look unprofessional.
Set your mower height:
Different types of grass require different heights of cut for a professional appearance. Identify the type of grass before you set your mower height.
Make two passes:
Make two passes across the lawn to catch any missed areas. Remember to alternate the mowing direction each time. If you don't alternate the direction, you can cause excessive wear or even damage the lawn.
Marketing Your Business
Build an advertising plan:
What media outlets will you use to market your business? Set an advertising budget and try to stretch those dollars in the most efficient means possible. Oftentimes, your market will determine your method of advertising. Common methods of advertising a local lawn-mowing business include Facebook pages, classified ads, mailers, phone calls, door-to-door sales, referrals from existing customers, and appearances at local or community events.
Make your business visible:
Print your company’s name on your vehicle, equipment, and work clothes. Order pens, paper, and calendars with your company name and make them readily visible and available to the public. Purchase business cards and pass them out wherever you go.
Create and post fliers:
Make sure to include your business name and contact information, the services you provide, and your rates. Post the fliers on public bulletin boards and any other public places allowed in your city.
Starting a lawn care business requires careful planning and execution. By following this guide, you can establish a successful and profitable lawn care business. Remember to continually improve and adapt to the changing needs of your customers, and you will see long-term success.