Anyone, regardless of age or sex, can start a lawn care business. This is a simple way even a teenager can make money on a regular basis.
First you will need some basic lawn care tools. Among these you will need a lawn mower, rake, weed eater, pruning shears, and gardening gloves. There are times when you may need a shovel or gardening hoe. You should have a basic knowledge of these tools and know how to properly operate them all. You will also need to know how you will get them to the site where you will be working.
After you have the tools and know how to operate them all you will need some practice. If you have a lawn of your own then this is a good place to begin. You will need to know how to mow around trees and flowers and along fence lines. You will also need to know how to trim hedges and maybe even a few low branches.
Once you have practiced some you may need to do a few jobs at a lower rate so you can build up some references. In your own neighborhood, where everyone knows you, is usually a good place to start. Always keep in mind that these are customers and they will want their yards done a specific way. Don't hesitate to ask questions if you are unsure of their instructions.
Next you will want to start building a customer base. Anyone with a large lawn is a potential client. Elderly who can no longer do the work themselves often hire people and so do people who work and simply don't have the time to care for their yards properly. If you do a good job at a fair price then you can often get repeat business.
Summer time is the best time of year for yard work. Some people may need a few things done through the fall and winter months but during the summer everyone needs their lawn cared for. If they hire you in the summer and like your work then you may get some business during the off months from them as well. Remember not to take on more work than you can handle.
You should check you local laws but most of the time you won't even need a permit or business license. If you make over a certain amount per year then you will need to include the income on your taxes. You will also want to check laws concerning having others working for you in your business.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Start a Lawn Care Business
You will find that it is a somewhat simple task to start a lawn care business. You must determine what sort of lawn care services you will offer to your customers. There are a number of services that a lawn care company can offer. This is your decision to make. Remember that when you are first starting out you might want to limit your new business to basic services only until you get a better understanding of your new occupation.What should one do in the beginning?
Start by coming up with your company's name. You will want to stand out from your competitors so take a look at what names are commonly used and avoid using those. You don't want to be confused with another local market player especially if they have a terrible name.
Should I employ a crew? If you are new to the industry it might be helpful for somebody to teach you the ropes and get you familiar with the industry. You could always employ a part time worker at first. Don't forget that you need to know how to service a lawn properly and give high-quality service or you company will be long forgotten.
How do you find clients? This can be tricky at first. You will be new to the industry and going up against businesses in your neighborhood that have been established for years. You can start off by offering services to relatives and associates and ask if they would be willing to refer you to other people. Place an advertisement in your local newspaper as this can get word out to many potential customers.
How much can you quote for general lawn service? There is no set pricing method to follow when it comes to lawn services as each lawn is unique. However, you could look at what your competitors are charging for ideas on how much you can get away with. You will most likely want to stay around the same price that they are charging for their services. If you are too highly priced it could be hard for you to maintain steady customers.
What kind of equipment will I require? At first get your basics; lawn mower, weed eater, trimmers, and a blower. This is just the basic lawn care equipment that you should strongly consider buying. This gear is a necessity for your company and the only way you can offer high-quality service to clients is if you own the proper tools. You don't need to get the best of the best at first, but you don't want to buy the cheapest equipment available either. Cheap equipment will not be durable enough to handle servicing lawn after lawn so start off with decent equipment and it will bring you benefits in the long term.
How should I invoice my clients? There are numerous methods that you can take when it comes to invoicing. Billing software can help keep track of your billing cycles, accounts due, and receivable. Quality software can help track all of your cash flows and allow you to quickly take action when invoices become overdue.
If you are going to start a lawn care business take some time to think about your approach. It doesn't hurt to wait a day or two and do some research on lawn care businesses and how you can succeed at setting up your own lawn care business.
Click here for more guidance
Start by coming up with your company's name. You will want to stand out from your competitors so take a look at what names are commonly used and avoid using those. You don't want to be confused with another local market player especially if they have a terrible name.
Should I employ a crew? If you are new to the industry it might be helpful for somebody to teach you the ropes and get you familiar with the industry. You could always employ a part time worker at first. Don't forget that you need to know how to service a lawn properly and give high-quality service or you company will be long forgotten.
How do you find clients? This can be tricky at first. You will be new to the industry and going up against businesses in your neighborhood that have been established for years. You can start off by offering services to relatives and associates and ask if they would be willing to refer you to other people. Place an advertisement in your local newspaper as this can get word out to many potential customers.
How much can you quote for general lawn service? There is no set pricing method to follow when it comes to lawn services as each lawn is unique. However, you could look at what your competitors are charging for ideas on how much you can get away with. You will most likely want to stay around the same price that they are charging for their services. If you are too highly priced it could be hard for you to maintain steady customers.
What kind of equipment will I require? At first get your basics; lawn mower, weed eater, trimmers, and a blower. This is just the basic lawn care equipment that you should strongly consider buying. This gear is a necessity for your company and the only way you can offer high-quality service to clients is if you own the proper tools. You don't need to get the best of the best at first, but you don't want to buy the cheapest equipment available either. Cheap equipment will not be durable enough to handle servicing lawn after lawn so start off with decent equipment and it will bring you benefits in the long term.
How should I invoice my clients? There are numerous methods that you can take when it comes to invoicing. Billing software can help keep track of your billing cycles, accounts due, and receivable. Quality software can help track all of your cash flows and allow you to quickly take action when invoices become overdue.
If you are going to start a lawn care business take some time to think about your approach. It doesn't hurt to wait a day or two and do some research on lawn care businesses and how you can succeed at setting up your own lawn care business.
Click here for more guidance
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Lawn Care Startup - Business Forms, Templates and Other Useful Documents
When it comes to managing a grass mowing business, like any other business you will have to do a lot of paperwork. Instead of having to create a new document for every situation that you come across in the day-to-day running of your company it is useful if you have prepared business forms, customer agreements and standard letter templates in advance that you can have stored on your PC to quickly adapt when they are needed.
It is no longer necessary to write up this paperwork by yourself however as there are now many ways to get samples of lawn business documents online that you can use and add your business branding to.
This article examines some of the standard letters, forms and templates that you will need in the lawn care industry and towards the end lets you know how to go about finding them.
1) Financial - When putting together, invoices, receipts, bills of sale and other important financial related documents it is really helpful if you have some real industry examples that you are able to adapt and customize for your business. Keeping track of your day to day cash flows can be challenging while out on the road so having appropriate forms for keeping daily income and expense information is important in this business. Letters to follow up on overdue accounts are also needed.
2) Dealing with Customers - Communication with customers is crucial to the success of your business so you should have standard letters that are professionally written for greeting new customers, politely dropping customers if necessary, job estimation, sending end of season messages, solving customer problems or informing customers of any news or changes relating to your services. You don't want to convey the wrong message to customers, so having 'tried and tested' standard letters prepared by professionals that you can reuse with slight changes to suit each situation is a great way to go.
3) A Service Agreement - You should also have a well thought out service agreement that can be signed by yourself and each one of your clients. Having access to a basic agreement that you can use as a template can save you time.
4) Marketing and Other Documents - Having some templates of promotional flyers that have shown good results for other lawn care operators also can save you time and expenses related to testing. With permission you can just change a few details on the flyers that they provide you with on your computer in order to create your own company promotion. Other documents of use to a lawn business will also include mileage forms for company vehicles, maintenance logs for tools and equipment and forms for organizing employees.
By having access to a good set of business forms, standard letter templates and a standard lawn care agreement you will be making sure that ensure that you maximize your efficiency and project a professional image so that you can get your lawn mowing business off to a winning start.
How can one get access to lawn mowing business forms and other documents? Fortunately there are many experienced lawn business professionals who have put together startup guides designed to lead beginners into the industry. These ebooks can be bought online and downloaded. They often include business forms, standard letters and a variety of other resources that aspiring lawn care entrepreneurs would find helpful.
It is no longer necessary to write up this paperwork by yourself however as there are now many ways to get samples of lawn business documents online that you can use and add your business branding to.
This article examines some of the standard letters, forms and templates that you will need in the lawn care industry and towards the end lets you know how to go about finding them.
1) Financial - When putting together, invoices, receipts, bills of sale and other important financial related documents it is really helpful if you have some real industry examples that you are able to adapt and customize for your business. Keeping track of your day to day cash flows can be challenging while out on the road so having appropriate forms for keeping daily income and expense information is important in this business. Letters to follow up on overdue accounts are also needed.
2) Dealing with Customers - Communication with customers is crucial to the success of your business so you should have standard letters that are professionally written for greeting new customers, politely dropping customers if necessary, job estimation, sending end of season messages, solving customer problems or informing customers of any news or changes relating to your services. You don't want to convey the wrong message to customers, so having 'tried and tested' standard letters prepared by professionals that you can reuse with slight changes to suit each situation is a great way to go.
3) A Service Agreement - You should also have a well thought out service agreement that can be signed by yourself and each one of your clients. Having access to a basic agreement that you can use as a template can save you time.
4) Marketing and Other Documents - Having some templates of promotional flyers that have shown good results for other lawn care operators also can save you time and expenses related to testing. With permission you can just change a few details on the flyers that they provide you with on your computer in order to create your own company promotion. Other documents of use to a lawn business will also include mileage forms for company vehicles, maintenance logs for tools and equipment and forms for organizing employees.
By having access to a good set of business forms, standard letter templates and a standard lawn care agreement you will be making sure that ensure that you maximize your efficiency and project a professional image so that you can get your lawn mowing business off to a winning start.
How can one get access to lawn mowing business forms and other documents? Fortunately there are many experienced lawn business professionals who have put together startup guides designed to lead beginners into the industry. These ebooks can be bought online and downloaded. They often include business forms, standard letters and a variety of other resources that aspiring lawn care entrepreneurs would find helpful.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Lawn Care Business Marketing
The process of starting your lawn care business should include the development of a brand that will help push sales and profit. Know where and when to sell your company’s services. A solid marketing plan is important in the grass cutting industry as it is in any other.
Creating your company’s brand is the key to establishing your image which empowers your name and services. Having a unique brand name is a start. Remember how Coke is associated with its ubiquitous logo? Your design must be recognized immediately by current and potential customers, as they see it printed on your pickup trucks passing by their neighborhoods or on the shirt pockets of your crew uniforms.
Mowing lawns is one chore that has been around for ages. Your lawn care business is taking part in that great old American tradition that never dies! Fostering a 'values' approach to your marketing strategy also helps the business. Market your company as the congenial 10-year old boy who knocks at doors during summer asking politely if their yard needs to be cleaned. Dependable and hard working are the words that you would want your customers to use when describing your lawn business. Render these values to your products and services as in all aspects of your lawn-care business and you’ll never go wrong in gaining a loyal customer base.
Direct mail marketing, newspapers and advertising on radio are other forms in which lawn care businesses develop their brand image.
Once your lawn care business gains some initial success you need to keep tabs on your marketing and advertising efforts. The strong foundation set by a good image needs to be sustained over time. Ideally, your reputation can be spread through word of mouth, which for most clients is a more trustworthy than reading sales blitzes in printed matters left in doorsteps. Top notch customer service is one way that you can get your clients to promote your business to their friends and associates for free.
You can also employ another effective marketing strategy to push your lawn care business into the spotlight. Build a sales savvy website to reach out to more people. With valuable information to address their lawn care needs customers will be inspired to contact you. In your website, they should be able to book appointments and find solutions to common problems.
Marketing is often set aside, especially during hard times when budgets fall short. Your lawn care business however doesn’t need to cut back, if from the first day, you’ve ensured a sturdy marketing plan. Be consistent in marketing your lawn care business to maintain your sales growth. If you have a strong marketing plan and carry it out consistently then you will ensure your lawn care business a certain level of success and may find yourself in 'greener pastures' compared to your competitors.
Creating your company’s brand is the key to establishing your image which empowers your name and services. Having a unique brand name is a start. Remember how Coke is associated with its ubiquitous logo? Your design must be recognized immediately by current and potential customers, as they see it printed on your pickup trucks passing by their neighborhoods or on the shirt pockets of your crew uniforms.
Mowing lawns is one chore that has been around for ages. Your lawn care business is taking part in that great old American tradition that never dies! Fostering a 'values' approach to your marketing strategy also helps the business. Market your company as the congenial 10-year old boy who knocks at doors during summer asking politely if their yard needs to be cleaned. Dependable and hard working are the words that you would want your customers to use when describing your lawn business. Render these values to your products and services as in all aspects of your lawn-care business and you’ll never go wrong in gaining a loyal customer base.
Direct mail marketing, newspapers and advertising on radio are other forms in which lawn care businesses develop their brand image.
Once your lawn care business gains some initial success you need to keep tabs on your marketing and advertising efforts. The strong foundation set by a good image needs to be sustained over time. Ideally, your reputation can be spread through word of mouth, which for most clients is a more trustworthy than reading sales blitzes in printed matters left in doorsteps. Top notch customer service is one way that you can get your clients to promote your business to their friends and associates for free.
You can also employ another effective marketing strategy to push your lawn care business into the spotlight. Build a sales savvy website to reach out to more people. With valuable information to address their lawn care needs customers will be inspired to contact you. In your website, they should be able to book appointments and find solutions to common problems.
Marketing is often set aside, especially during hard times when budgets fall short. Your lawn care business however doesn’t need to cut back, if from the first day, you’ve ensured a sturdy marketing plan. Be consistent in marketing your lawn care business to maintain your sales growth. If you have a strong marketing plan and carry it out consistently then you will ensure your lawn care business a certain level of success and may find yourself in 'greener pastures' compared to your competitors.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
How to Price a Lawn
Pricing a lawn care job correctly is so important as if you price too high you risk losing a customer and if you price too low you are leaving money on the table. Here are some ideas on how to price a lawn mowing job.
Start by walking around the property to get a clear impression of its size. Take note of the distance between the customer's lawns and where you will park your truck. Also look at the lawn's shape and note any obstacles that will be difficult to get around.
Now try to estimate the total time in minutes that it would take one worker to complete the lawn.
The next step is to multiply the number of minutes that you have calculated by one dollar. This rate is seen by lawn care businesses in the US as leading to a healthy hourly rate of $60, however you will need to adjust this rate to suit the market in your area. You should also have a minimum price for lawns that will take less than 20 minutes to allow for driving and loading time.
Don't let your clients know that you are pricing their lawn by the hour. If you say it will take an hour and they catch you leaving after only 40 minutes then it gives them a good case to complain about your service and price.
You should also not make the mistake of pricing too low to compete. Low pricing at rates that are barely profitable is bad for the industry overall. If you start pricing low it will be hard to raise prices in the future and when you do raise prices you would not like it if some newcomer to the industry undercuts you. Competing on quality service instead of price is the best approach.
Also bear in mind that the kind of customers who are attracted to the lowest price offer are often the worst kind. They won't appreciate the other positive aspects of your service and they won't hesitate to move on to the next low priced lawn care operator that comes along.
Being able to call a price that is higher than the market rate takes experience and confidence. If you have a strong brand and you can demonstrate your knowledge of lawn care to them then by all means go ahead and try.
Pricing a lawn job correctly and profitably requires skill and technique and the ability to set a price, and close the deal at that price can set an exceptional lawn care professional apart from the rest.
Start by walking around the property to get a clear impression of its size. Take note of the distance between the customer's lawns and where you will park your truck. Also look at the lawn's shape and note any obstacles that will be difficult to get around.
Now try to estimate the total time in minutes that it would take one worker to complete the lawn.
The next step is to multiply the number of minutes that you have calculated by one dollar. This rate is seen by lawn care businesses in the US as leading to a healthy hourly rate of $60, however you will need to adjust this rate to suit the market in your area. You should also have a minimum price for lawns that will take less than 20 minutes to allow for driving and loading time.
Don't let your clients know that you are pricing their lawn by the hour. If you say it will take an hour and they catch you leaving after only 40 minutes then it gives them a good case to complain about your service and price.
You should also not make the mistake of pricing too low to compete. Low pricing at rates that are barely profitable is bad for the industry overall. If you start pricing low it will be hard to raise prices in the future and when you do raise prices you would not like it if some newcomer to the industry undercuts you. Competing on quality service instead of price is the best approach.
Also bear in mind that the kind of customers who are attracted to the lowest price offer are often the worst kind. They won't appreciate the other positive aspects of your service and they won't hesitate to move on to the next low priced lawn care operator that comes along.
Being able to call a price that is higher than the market rate takes experience and confidence. If you have a strong brand and you can demonstrate your knowledge of lawn care to them then by all means go ahead and try.
Pricing a lawn job correctly and profitably requires skill and technique and the ability to set a price, and close the deal at that price can set an exceptional lawn care professional apart from the rest.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Advertising a Lawn Care Business
Advertising is a big way of promoting your lawn care business. Apart from good customer service which results in positive word of mouth and referrals, one needs to look at other avenues of advertising their lawn mowing business. With some methods being free and others being costly, you will need to decide on a budget and know what amount you are prepared to spend on advertising your new lawn maintenance business.
Here are some advertising avenues to consider:
The Web
Having a company website does not only give a professional outlook to your existing customers but also offers a means of advertising your service to thousands of people browsing the web. There are many sites to post classified advertising such as Craigslist and relevant local directories where you can list your service free or for a small charge. You can also exchange links with other websites of similar interest i.e. home services or cleaning companies who target businesses and residential houses.
Newspapers and magazines
It is definitely worth advertising in your local newspaper. This will reach readers in your local area, bringing in new business and enhancing your profile among your existing customers. Magazines although costly, can also be a good advertising option in the sense that one can choose a trade magazine to advertise in to reach their target market (a local gardening magazine for example).
Flyer's and Pamphlets
Another good marketing approach would be to print some professional designed flyer's or pamphlets and stick them under car window screens outside hardware shops and plant nurseries or your local grocery store. Giving them directly to customers is the best way if possible as it gives you a chance to chat to them and try to form a relationship.
Branding and Labeling
Be seen when you are out and about on your daily business. Get personalized magnets designed with your company logo and contact number for your vehicles. Ensure that your machinery and uniforms are labeled with your company branding.
The Media
Radio and television advertising can be very costly but could be worth every penny spent. Hundreds of people will hear your advertisement and associate you with your trade. Try and participate in radio talk shows that concern your business type and use competitions and specials to encourage people to contact you.
Competitions and Specials
Why not hold a competition for every person who signs a new contract. Prizes can include free services or other gifts. Competition stands can be put up at your local grocery store or garage.
Cold Calling
Another way to make a good impression is to call on houses or businesses in your area. Try and make an appointment to introduce yourself but if that is not possible, ensure that you are well presented and explain that you would like to leave your business card with them should they require your lawn mowing services in the future. Do not come across as being pushy or unprofessional.
Referral Rewards
Offer your existing clients a reward for every new customer that signs up as a result of their recommendation and referral. It could be cash or a discount on their service or whatever you feel would encourage your client to make the effort.
Fellow Business Contacts
Attempt to establish good relationship with other service businesses in your area such as pool maintenance business, pest removers, house cleaning services and window cleaners. Discuss a referral system with them whereby each of you can pass on the other’s business card to their existing clients.
There are many ways to advertise a lawn care business and you won't have the budget to try every method right from the start. Start off by looking at what your competitors are doing as they have probably tested all the options over their years in business. Copy their methods but don't copy the style of their campaigns so you stand the best chance of standing out in the marketplace.
If you try all of the various advertising methods for your lawn care business and test them to see which methods work well, then you will be well on the way to providing your company with a steady stream of enquiries that can allow your business to grow.
Here are some advertising avenues to consider:
The Web
Having a company website does not only give a professional outlook to your existing customers but also offers a means of advertising your service to thousands of people browsing the web. There are many sites to post classified advertising such as Craigslist and relevant local directories where you can list your service free or for a small charge. You can also exchange links with other websites of similar interest i.e. home services or cleaning companies who target businesses and residential houses.
Newspapers and magazines
It is definitely worth advertising in your local newspaper. This will reach readers in your local area, bringing in new business and enhancing your profile among your existing customers. Magazines although costly, can also be a good advertising option in the sense that one can choose a trade magazine to advertise in to reach their target market (a local gardening magazine for example).
Business Directories
Business directories such as the Yellow Pages are often the first place that people look when searching for a local service provider. These customers are ready to buy and they typically only call between one and three businesses before making a decision on which ones they want to meet with for further discussion. It is essential that you do everything to make your advertisement stand out from the others so that you get the calls.Flyer's and Pamphlets
Another good marketing approach would be to print some professional designed flyer's or pamphlets and stick them under car window screens outside hardware shops and plant nurseries or your local grocery store. Giving them directly to customers is the best way if possible as it gives you a chance to chat to them and try to form a relationship.
Branding and Labeling
Be seen when you are out and about on your daily business. Get personalized magnets designed with your company logo and contact number for your vehicles. Ensure that your machinery and uniforms are labeled with your company branding.
The Media
Radio and television advertising can be very costly but could be worth every penny spent. Hundreds of people will hear your advertisement and associate you with your trade. Try and participate in radio talk shows that concern your business type and use competitions and specials to encourage people to contact you.
Competitions and Specials
Why not hold a competition for every person who signs a new contract. Prizes can include free services or other gifts. Competition stands can be put up at your local grocery store or garage.
Cold Calling
Another way to make a good impression is to call on houses or businesses in your area. Try and make an appointment to introduce yourself but if that is not possible, ensure that you are well presented and explain that you would like to leave your business card with them should they require your lawn mowing services in the future. Do not come across as being pushy or unprofessional.
Referral Rewards
Offer your existing clients a reward for every new customer that signs up as a result of their recommendation and referral. It could be cash or a discount on their service or whatever you feel would encourage your client to make the effort.
Fellow Business Contacts
Attempt to establish good relationship with other service businesses in your area such as pool maintenance business, pest removers, house cleaning services and window cleaners. Discuss a referral system with them whereby each of you can pass on the other’s business card to their existing clients.
There are many ways to advertise a lawn care business and you won't have the budget to try every method right from the start. Start off by looking at what your competitors are doing as they have probably tested all the options over their years in business. Copy their methods but don't copy the style of their campaigns so you stand the best chance of standing out in the marketplace.
If you try all of the various advertising methods for your lawn care business and test them to see which methods work well, then you will be well on the way to providing your company with a steady stream of enquiries that can allow your business to grow.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Independant Lawn Care Start-Up VS Buying an Existing Business
When entrepreneurs first decide to enter the lawn care business one of the first decisions that they have to make is whether to buy an existing business or go with their own independent start-up right from scratch. There are advantages and disadvantages to buying an existing lawn care business as opposed to starting your own. One needs to consider the following pros and cons:
Advantages of Buying an Existing Lawn Business:
1) There is naturally a lower risk in buying an existing successful business than starting a business of your own which has no reputation.
2) With an existing business the staff usually stays with the company and therefore you would not need to do any employment selection and training. This offers peace of mind in that the employees know their responsibilities and the day to day running of the business and the new owner can slowly fit in with the way that things are done and decide if changes need to be made.
3) The suppliers of the business are also in usually in place and therefore one does not need to be too concerned at the start about who would be the best companies to contact when it comes to buying lawn maintenance equipment.
4) If the existing business is well known and established, it can usually continue to generate a profit fairly soon after the take over of ownership without any hindrances or set backs usually experienced by new businesses that are less established.
5) The equipment is in place and apart from a few services or upgrades, business can continue without much delay from the hand over.
6) Contracts and paperwork are usually in place and apart from a few changes you would not need to have this documentation drawn up from scratch.
7) The business’s tax paperwork and documentation should be registered and up to date.
8) Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, with an existing lawn mowing business you will usually inherit a solid base of customers who should stick with you if you make sure that you continue to service them at the same level or improve on the previous owners service level.
Disadvantages of Buying an Existing Lawn Business:
1) If the existing business has not got a very good reputation or the owner did not have a professional mannerism, it could make the marketing and advertising of the new ownership difficult to breakthrough the mindsets of the customers.
2) The current employees may have bad habits and not work well as a team which you would only realize in time after the take over has been completed. This would mean implementing new procedures or replacing some staff members, which could be a lengthy and costly exercise for the business.
3) Old equipment could be a strain on the business cash flow. Repairs and replacement of equipment could hinder work performance and turn around time.
4) If the buyer does not have experience in this industry, he could pay too much for the business which would result in lower profit and higher expenses than expected. It is important to acquire a new lawn care business for the right price, otherwise you may as well use the money that you have to invest in your own independent business.
5) Should you wish to change the company logo or slogan it could be a very costly affair as new documentation would need to be printed, business cards, equipment branding and labeling etc.
6) There may be outstanding debt or tax due from the business that you were not aware of at time of hand over. Make sure that the seller is being transparent on all aspects of the business and that you are fully informed of what you are getting into.
As discussed above there are advantages and disadvantages to everything. It is very important to ensure you have done your research and know what risks are involved either in starting up your own lawn mowing business or purchasing an existing one. Professional advice and solid independent research is always highly recommended either way.
Advantages of Buying an Existing Lawn Business:
1) There is naturally a lower risk in buying an existing successful business than starting a business of your own which has no reputation.
2) With an existing business the staff usually stays with the company and therefore you would not need to do any employment selection and training. This offers peace of mind in that the employees know their responsibilities and the day to day running of the business and the new owner can slowly fit in with the way that things are done and decide if changes need to be made.
3) The suppliers of the business are also in usually in place and therefore one does not need to be too concerned at the start about who would be the best companies to contact when it comes to buying lawn maintenance equipment.
4) If the existing business is well known and established, it can usually continue to generate a profit fairly soon after the take over of ownership without any hindrances or set backs usually experienced by new businesses that are less established.
5) The equipment is in place and apart from a few services or upgrades, business can continue without much delay from the hand over.
6) Contracts and paperwork are usually in place and apart from a few changes you would not need to have this documentation drawn up from scratch.
7) The business’s tax paperwork and documentation should be registered and up to date.
8) Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, with an existing lawn mowing business you will usually inherit a solid base of customers who should stick with you if you make sure that you continue to service them at the same level or improve on the previous owners service level.
Disadvantages of Buying an Existing Lawn Business:
1) If the existing business has not got a very good reputation or the owner did not have a professional mannerism, it could make the marketing and advertising of the new ownership difficult to breakthrough the mindsets of the customers.
2) The current employees may have bad habits and not work well as a team which you would only realize in time after the take over has been completed. This would mean implementing new procedures or replacing some staff members, which could be a lengthy and costly exercise for the business.
3) Old equipment could be a strain on the business cash flow. Repairs and replacement of equipment could hinder work performance and turn around time.
4) If the buyer does not have experience in this industry, he could pay too much for the business which would result in lower profit and higher expenses than expected. It is important to acquire a new lawn care business for the right price, otherwise you may as well use the money that you have to invest in your own independent business.
5) Should you wish to change the company logo or slogan it could be a very costly affair as new documentation would need to be printed, business cards, equipment branding and labeling etc.
6) There may be outstanding debt or tax due from the business that you were not aware of at time of hand over. Make sure that the seller is being transparent on all aspects of the business and that you are fully informed of what you are getting into.
As discussed above there are advantages and disadvantages to everything. It is very important to ensure you have done your research and know what risks are involved either in starting up your own lawn mowing business or purchasing an existing one. Professional advice and solid independent research is always highly recommended either way.
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