Need tips on how to start a lawn care business?

Question

Im looking for tips on how to start a lawn care business, prices, and how often i should cut there lawns

Answer 1

Start here - http://www.lawnsite.com/

It's a forum site for people in the business.

You'll find the forum "Starting A Lawn Care & Landscaping Business" helpful.

Questions about prices and how often to cut are very dependent on your area and the types of properties you are working on. In all reality the price you charge should be the highest your market will bear. There are many expenses in this business that most people miss, like operating supplies (trimmer line, extra mower blades and belts, 2-cycle oil), repairs, gas, gas and more gas for every piece of equipment you use. Just make sure your costs are covered FIRST. You'll be a little off on your first estimates, but that will fix itself with experience.

Here's just a few tip I learned over 20yrs. in the business, there'll be plenty more on Lawnsite -

Buy the best equipment you can afford. Used commercial equipment is still way better than homeowner gear any day.

Word of mouth is the best and cheapest advertising as long as you quality work.

Listen to your customers. They usually know what they want, but can't always figure it out. It's your job to guide them. If you can keep them happy, they'll stay with you for good.

Don't overbook your jobs. The fastest way to loose customer is not to show up. Expect bad weather to back you up sometimes, and allow for the possibility.

Don't go around under-cutting the competition just to get work. You may need help someday. There's plenty of grass to mow.

You will never please every customer, all the time. You are your own "customer service rep". Be polite, but don't cave in to unreasonable demands. You'll go broke.

Be fast, but make sure you maintain high quality. At this point, most of my customers are paying almost $1 per minute I am on their property. I could be faster and make more money, but the unhappy customers and call-backs wouldn't be worth it.

Hope this helps you out.

Good luck on your business.