Any able-bodied person can make money by moving lawns.The business of lawn care is very competitive.If you have a desire to provide great service, a small investment and a solid marketing plan, you can start a lawn-mowing business.
Step 1: Determine what you need.
You need to decide what you need for your business if you don't own lawn-care equipment.What services will you offer?Will you only need a lawnmower, or will you also cut weeds, trim hedges and remove leaves?
Step 2: A budget should be set.
How much money do you need to start your business?You need the equipment to fall within the budget.You can lease equipment with less start-up funds if you don't have enough capital to purchase it.Since you generally get the most modern equipment that requires minimal maintenance, and the costs can be tax deductible, leasing equipment has its perks.You can lease in the short term while you raise capital to purchase later.
Step 3: Purchase your equipment.
You can get a basic push mower, a leaf blower and a trimmer for about $500.If you want to provide additional lawn services but don't have the capital to do it, you can always start with basic tools.You can purchase a used lawn mower if you don't have enough money to buy new equipment.There are online and local yard sales.
Step 4: Obtain licenses for businesses.
You can learn about applicable laws and needed licenses by visiting your local city government or chamber of commerce office.There are different requirements for each city and state.
Step 5: Purchase insurance if necessary.
Is your business insured in your state or city?You can purchase insurance for any type of business risk, as well as liability coverage.The cost will be based on the amount of coverage.When choosing insurance, keep your budget in mind and speak with an insurance agent.If possible, protect yourself, your equipment and your customers.Your vehicles and equipment can be protected with collision, liability, and damage insurance.Damages that may occur to customers' properties will be covered by business liability insurance.
Step 6: You should consult an expert.
If you want to set up your tax structure and accounting processes, it's a good idea to speak with a business adviser, attorney or accountant.You should register your business with the IRS.
Step 7: You can learn basic accounting.
Office software and a printer can be used to handle business tasks.When it comes time to file taxes, you can use basic office software to set up accounting processes.
Step 8: Know your market.
When setting prices for your services, research what other businesses charge.It is not possible for a working-class neighborhood to pay the same as customers in a more affluent neighborhood.
Step 9: You should know your costs.
It's important to know the cost of doing business because you don't want to work for free.Determine how many yards you can mow each month by taking into account money needed to pay for insurance, equipment and advertising.How much do you need to charge to make a profit?
Step 10: Start slow.
If you don't have an established clientele, you might offer lower, more competitive prices as you get your first few customers.You can price your services at more profitable rates once you have a referral network and portfolio of references.
Step 11: Use a weed eater to trim the lawn's edges.
Not only will trimming edges make the lawn look more professionally mowed, it also will establish a perimeter so when you start mowing you can better see where you need to go.You should cut the grass around the flower beds, trees, and areas the mower is unable to reach at the same height as you set it.Don't cut the grass too low and be careful not to damage the bark at the base of the trees.
Step 12: It's best to mow in rows or columns.
Before turning around, be sure to mow from one edge to the other.It will look bad to create zig-zags or missing spots of grass.
Step 13: You should set the mower height.
Different types of grass require different heights to be cut.Before setting your mower height, you should identify the type of grass.
Step 14: To catch missed areas, make two passes across the lawn.
It's a good idea to alternate the mowing direction.You can cause damage to the lawn if you don't change direction.
Step 15: There is an advertising plan.
How will you market your business?If you want to stretch the dollars, set an advertising budget.Your market will determine your method of advertising.Common ways 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.
Step 16: You should make your business visible.
You can put your company's name on your equipment and clothing.Order pens, paper and calendars with your company name and make them visible to the public.Purchase business cards and give them out.
Step 17: Post fliers.
Make sure to include your business name and contact information.You can post the fliers on bulletin boards in your city.