It is fairly easy to start a lawn care business.According to the Professional Landcare Network, there are over 10,000 lawn service providers in the US.It's easy to learn the tricks of the trade.The industry is competitive at the same time.You will need to carefully research and plan your business, considering a business model, laws, equipment, suppliers and marketing.
Step 1: Decide if lawn care is right for you.
It seems like running a small business is a good thing.You can make your own ideas work.You are the boss because you are able to make decisions and work independently.The satisfaction of building something lasts.It is not for everyone.It will be more difficult to operate a small business than you think.Before you decide that lawn care is for you, think carefully.The lawn care industry has pros and cons.It has a stable business.People have lawns that need to be maintained.They need products likefertilizer to be applied frequently.The business model is attractive because of this.The upfront costs for lawn care will be significant.You will need a company vehicle and trailer, as well as equipment like lawnmowers, weed whackers, and sprayers.The industry is competitive.The industry is seasonal.You will have winters off, which will give you flexibility.Between the months of October and April you will have very little income.It's not a year-round business for lawn care.
Step 2: Pick a business model.
The next step is to decide what kind of business you want to start.Will you start your own company and grow slowly?Maybe you want to take over an existing company.There are opportunities for franchisors in the lawn care industry.Keep these options in mind.There are benefits to franchising.You will have help starting up if you work with a parent company.They will help you with everything from employee training to field evaluations.The costs of franchising can be high.The franchise fee for Lawn Doctor is $30,000, which is more than the average start-up cost.About one-third of your start-up is that.Some franchises focus on residential lawns and others on commercial landscaping.Another option is to own your own service.If you are on a shoestring budget, you can get started with very little.In the long run, you will end up paying more for repairs.You will need more to buy equipment that will last.If you add up the costs of a commercial-grade lawn mower, a truck and trailer, and other additional equipment, you will probably have to spend at least $15,000.
Step 3: Research is the study of something.
It is important that you get a detailed picture of your business and how it will operate.You can research the industry and other services in your area.How many are there?Will you face a lot of competition?How do they advertise?What permits do you need?Do market researchWhat is the lawn care industry like in the US?Business is related to the strength of the economy.What are the average revenues of a company?What is the average profit margin?How much do they spend on equipment, utilities, and wages?How much business can you expect in your area based on this information?How much will your service cost?Pricing depends on the size of the lawn, the price of supplies, and whether or not other extras are included.Start your research at a place like IBS World, which will give you basic statistics, breakdowns, and an overall snapshot of the industry.
Step 4: Get licensed and certified.
Legal hurdles to start a lawn care business are low compared to other industries.Municipal permits can be found in some cities.There may be requirements for the regulation of things like pesticides at other levels of government.You should consult a local lawyer to make sure you are in full compliance.North Chicago requires all lawn care businesses to have a license.You have to show that you have proper liability insurance, as well as get vehicle identification, in addition to filling out an application and paying a fee.States may have rules of their own.Permits are required to use, store, transport, and dispose of pesticides in the Canadian province of Ontario.Ask your county clerk, state department of business regulation, and tax revenue office about what is required in your area.
Step 5: Decide what to do with clients.
In order to survive in lawn care, you will have to bring in customers.You will definitely need a plan.How do you get the word out about your business?How will you promote?Put the marketing plan into action by developing a formal plan.You will most likely need a phone and phone number dedicated to your business.The cost of using your home phone will be minimal.Setting up a website is a good idea.A polished website makes potential customers feel confident.Yellow page ads should be removed.According to research, yellow page ads bring in an average of 80 calls a year at a cost of about $800.$10 per call is what it is.It may seem like a lot, particularly when online ads are much cheaper, but consider that some older customers still prefer to use the telephone book.Make sure to list yourself under lawn care and/or landscaping and use this to your advantage.The old fashioned way of advertising is door-to-door.Advertising in direct circulation can take up a lot of time.If you already have customers in the area, it might be worth your time.
Step 6: A formal business plan should be written.
Put what you've learned in your research on paper.Financial and practical success of your operation are set out in a business plan.It can convince a lender to support you.Your plan should outline how much business you expect to generate, outline your sales and operating costs, and project your profits and growth for a number of years.You should base your data on the size of your local market, your competition, pricing, and trends in the overall industry.You should include projected costs for supplies, equipment, liability insurance, wages, and other items.Business plans follow a format.They should start with an executive summary, which should include your business strategy and plans for growth, marketing strategy, your operation plans, human resources plan, a financial projection, and an analysis of strengths, weaknesses and possible business threats.The Canadian Business Network website can be used to check your format.
Step 7: The business needs to be structured.
structuring is a part of starting a new small business.structuring is the shape that you decide to give it, which can affect things like how much you pay in taxes or personal liability, the amount of paper work you have to do, and how you can raise money.The most common business structure for small businesses is sole proprietorship.It's easy to form one and give you full control.You will have to take full liability for the costs of the business.You go into business with another person through partnerships.Costs and profits are split as well as liability.Some businesses are corporations.You and others are separate from a corporation.It can be held legally responsible in court, just like a person, because it is taxed separately and not as personal income.If something goes wrong, you don't have to worry about personal legal responsibility.The structure takes a lot of paperwork and is expensive.
Step 8: Purchase your equipment.
You can manage lawn care with a low expenditure on equipment and supplies.If you want to attract repeat customers, you should buy quality tools.It will last longer and not have to be repaired more often if you invest in commercial grade equipment.Vendors for your consumables includefertilizer, pesticide, mulch, and other things.You can ask for quotes.You can compare prices.Ask other lawn care professionals for referrals.In order to haul equipment and supplies from site to site, you will probably need transport.Don't use a personal vehicle.You can be held personally responsible in an accident.In case of an accident, invest in a business truck and trailer and commercial insurance.
Step 9: It is possible to hire staff.
You will have to hire staff if you don't want to run the operation by yourself.There are several things you can do to find good staff.A recruitment service might be able to vet candidates for a fee.You can try advertising on the internet, in the classified section, or at a job fair.It takes more than one person to be hired.You have to put them on your payroll, keep records of all their earnings for tax purposes, and report these numbers every year.Labor standards, health care, and taxation are some of the legal obligations you may have for employees.Make sure you follow the law.If you want to know your rights and duties, talk to a business lawyer.
Step 10: Consider becoming a member of an association.
There may be a lawn care association.You can go to the Iowa Professional Lawncare Association.These groups do a lot of things.You are plugged into a network of other people in the industry.Associations lobby municipal and state government to shape regulations, hold conferences and trade shows, and keep you informed of changes in the industry.