Lawn care can be a profitable entrepreneurial opportunity for those who are willing to work hard and consistently network for more clients. Just like any other kind of business, though, there are a few factors and challenges to consider before heading out to buy equipment. Here are a few things to consider before starting a lawn care business.
Managing Startup Costs
Perhaps the most prohibitive aspect of launching a businesses in this industry is relatively high initial startup costs. It’s possible to start with minimal equipment, but this limits the number and type of projects you can work on. Starting a proper lawn care company requires an arsenal of equipment, including chemicals, tools, and vehicles. This is particularly challenging, as it can take a few years before earnings rise to a significant margin over costs.
Demanding Work Environment
Anyone working in lawn care spends a lot of time outdoors on job sites. Even owners and supervisors are often doing as much physical work as their employees as the company gets off the ground. That’s why you should consider talking to a personal physician to assess your personal fitness and physical health before starting a physically-demanding business. You don’t want to invest in your business only to discover your health won’t allow you to continue with it. But if you enjoy being outdoors a lot this could be a great option for you.
Insurance and Business Licensing
Mowing lawns in the neighborhood for extra cash isn’t usually a problem, but actual lawn care businesses need to register themselves officially for legal and financial purposes. The company should be registered as an entity with a state government and become subject to the taxation status that matches their entity selection. Cities and local governments may also require lawn businesses to purchase insurance to cover damage or injury, as well as maintain an official license.
Marketing
The key to a successful lawn care business is effective marketing, after all without customers you are out of business. Some typical ways of getting customers is to print up and hand out fliers and business cards. But since all of your competition is also doing that you should consider some alternatives like handing out refrigerator magnets instead of business cards. People throw away (or lose) business cards but stick magnets right on their refrigerator where you will stay top of mind every time they go for a snack. You might also consider using things like Craig’s List. Just a simple post saying “Affordable Lawn Care” or “Dependable Lawn Care”. Be sure to include prices on your flier.
Reliable Transportation
It is possible to get started with just a mower and a trimmer and haul them around in your trunk. But before long you will find yourself looking at pickup trucks and/or reliable car trailers. Trailers and work trucks are designed to store this kind of equipment and keep it safe on the road. They also allow you to transport the larger type of mowers and more equipment. And of course, larger “zero-turn” mowers allow you to get the job done quicker and thus mow more lawns per day.
While there are some risks and challenges when starting a lawn care business, it can also be a profitable and accessible opportunity. Gaining first-hand experience before starting a business can provide valuable insight that helps owners avoid common pitfalls and problems down the road. It’s also a good idea to work with current lawn care companies in the area to learn more about the industry and the potential for long-term growth.
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