| is a huge market for lawn and garden care | | | | approximate weight would be. Incidentally, this could |
| businesses. Of the millions of acres of soil in America | | | | also be an opportunity to work out a maintenance |
| that are dedicated to household lawns, 70% are kept | | | | agreement with your mechanic. All kinds of |
| healthy and well maintained by lawn care | | | | opportunities here… |
| professionals... just like you. | | | | Equipment Trailer... The size depends on the mower |
| Consider also the thousands of commercial properties | | | | and other tools you plan to haul, as well as on your |
| requiring the services of a lawn care professional. | | | | truck’s hauling capacity. Most lawn care |
| So, don’t worry about there not being room for | | | | businesses prefer flatbed trailers with built in ramps. If |
| another lawn and garden care business… the | | | | your trailer also accommodates side racks with panels, |
| market is still wide open. | | | | hauling debris will be much easier. |
| But, starting a lawn care business involves the same | | | | Make sure your mechanic takes a look at the trailer |
| game plan as any other business. | | | | along with your truck. This will give him/her a good idea |
| First, focus on these business start-up steps: Develop | | | | of the hauling weight and other questions you will have. |
| a business plan (action plan); Develop a budget; Obtain | | | | Power Equipment... The lawn mower choice will |
| capital; Secure necessary permits; Set up necessary | | | | depend on your budget, the size of your trailer or truck |
| state and federal tax accounts; Check into insurance; | | | | bed, and the type of lawns you plan to service. If the |
| Set up a business bank account; Set up an accounting | | | | plan is to start small, then have at least one reliable |
| system | | | | walk-behind lawn mower. Two is always |
| Advertise; Develop a customer base; Pay bills on time | | | | better… you don’t want mechanical |
| Check out your local Better Business Bureau for | | | | problems shutting down your business! |
| suggestions and resources to help you take care of all | | | | Adding a ride-on lawn mower is the ultimate goal of |
| this. It may seem daunting, but it’s really pretty | | | | any lawn care service. They’re fast… |
| straight forward. | | | | and the faster you can mow, the more lawns you can |
| Just use common sense during this phase of the | | | | mow. The walk-behind mower is still necessary to get |
| start-up, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. | | | | into those tight areas where the ride-on won’t |
| But don't ignore these steps... 90% of new businesses | | | | fit. |
| fail because they ignored one or more of them. | | | | A good leaf blower is pretty essential, too. Get the |
| Another thing… unless you plan to hire | | | | quietest leaf blower you can afford… your |
| employees to handle the physical labor, make sure to | | | | customers’ neighbors will love you. In fact, it |
| get a medical check-up to verify that you can | | | | may encourage them to contract your services. |
| physically handle it yourself. This will help any misgivings | | | | Again, just use common sense. Go through target |
| the financial and insurance folks might have… as | | | | neighborhoods and notice which ones have |
| well as some customers. | | | | meticulously cared for lawns, and find out who the |
| Next, focus on the equipment and tools you will | | | | lawn care service providers are. |
| need… While you’re getting the start-up | | | | Then, watch those providers. Find out what equipment |
| phase on track, begin gathering up tools and | | | | and tools they use, how long it takes them, and the |
| equipment. Remember, they don’t have to be | | | | clincher… have they made the lawn look better |
| brand new ... unless you have a very generous source | | | | than it actually is! |
| of capital (grin). | | | | It always pays to copy the experts, to learn from |
| Here are just a few of the more obvious items: | | | | them… that’s the sign of a successful |
| Pickup Truck... It can be old as the hills – in fact it | | | | business! |
| could even be a classic, or an antique – it just | | | | One last thing… Remember to check your |
| needs to be mechanically sound and capable of | | | | area’s environmental regulations for noise and |
| hauling. | | | | emissions. |
| In fact, have a mechanic you trust look it over. Tell him | | | | One more last thing… Keep in mind that your |
| her that you want to know if your truck is capable of | | | | new lawn care business will also be judged on the |
| hauling a trailer and all of your tools and equipment. It | | | | spotlessness of your equipment, and of you and your |
| should also be powerful enough to haul a trailer loaded | | | | employees… not just on the immaculate lawns |
| with debris. | | | | you leave behind. |
| Your mechanic can help you determine what the | | | | |