mikecarrauthers

I would like to start a lawncare business in my city. I currently live in a city that has a population of 75,000 residents and is expected to grow to 100,000 within the next 10 years. There is a lot of new construction in this area with many home setting on 1/3 of an acre or more. There are a number of lawncare companies around but I see this is an area of growth. Any suggestions of necessary equipment, start up equipment list (how many mowers, trimmers, etc...), suggested number of crew members, insurance etc..., would be greatly appreciated. I would eventually like to turn this into a full time business.


mikecarrrauthers

ckc

i started with a F150 truck, a 48" scag walk behind, ww, blower. Get a nice brochure together and work your ass off. Work evry day. Even when it rains, take care of equipt, call clients, ect. You'll know when you need to upgrade equipt, labor, ect. Start small and grow steady.

infoserv

Be sure not to "over buy" in anticipation of new business. Remember that even though you have the population, there still needs to be the demand. Buy when the customer base grows and it is necessary to add equipment and staff.

Some might find this underhanded and dirty, but watch your competitors. Find the clients they have that are what you would consider an easy job then approach the other guys client and show him what could be done better or faster or quieter - some benefits! See if you can work with the price he is being charged.

If you feel uncomfortable with that strategy, by all means you do not have to do it. But as a paperboy when I was young, I won stereos in contests by telling all my new newspaper subscribers that I only needed one more to win!!!

Keith

Noxic

I agree with you there. But there still is a chance for change, nobody can predict the future. I would start small and work my way up, you cant just start big and expect to do well. There is always the "What If" factor.