enriquez81

Ok i have a full time job at a plant working shift work, so i get alot of time off, 10 to 14 days per month. I live in south texas so its warm almost all year long, so I am thinking of starting a small business mowing yards. I plan on keeping it small enough to where Im not in over my head, but can still make a good amount of money doing this.
What I have to start with is a 05 Chevy 1500, used riding mower, a ww, and a blower. I need to find a small trailor for this stuff and then Im getting going and getting my name out. My goal is to maybe in a couple years or so do well enough to be my own boss, and not have to work shift work till Im 60. I see plenty of guys around my area making good livings doing this with no people skills and crappy customer service. Id stress this part, and be somewhat old fashioned in that light.
Just any tips or pointers for a new guy getting started on a $3K budget.
Thanks in advance.
Mike E.

Lawn Care Expert

Mike,
Word-of-Mouth will do wonders for you. Mow lawns of friends and families, do a great job, and ask them to tell their friends. Ask your work about their current services, and beat the price. Check local craigslist for your trailer. Talk to a lawyer to make sure what you're doing is legal (permit, fees, etc) There are also lots of books on starting a lawn care business; maybe they'll have some good hints inside.

__________________
"A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken."

— James Dent

The Lawn Care Expert - I've been doing this way too long!

treeguy

Mike,
Lawn Care Expert is right, word of mouth is my business builder. I've noticed a lot of guys taking advantage of senior citizens and single parents. I have built a sound reputation among the "Old Peoples Network" by being fair and honest. Don't ever try to make a "killing" off of a customer and do good work. It has created so much repeat business for me that I am always booked up a few weeks out. Treat all of your customers like they are special and it will come back to you many fold.
Treeguy