http://www.gopherforum.com en Fri, 10 Sep 2010 01:10:58 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.gopherforum.com/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.gopherforum.com http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12529&goto=newpost Wed, 08 Sep 2010 19:47:58 GMT I "started" my lawn care business in 2009. I say "started", because I think I have my own business, lol. But I want to expand, so I can have a truck/trailer and hopefully get more "customers." Know I just use my rider and a homemade trailer, push mower, and electric trimmer to get around. I don't know how to do expand it "professionally." I live in IOWA - so does anyone know iowa laws and regard to what I'm saying. Any suggestions how I can get money to get my dream? I dont have money, I dont have that many "Customers" - 3-4.... ]]> Introduce Yourself bolietlc http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12529 http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12521&goto=newpost Wed, 08 Sep 2010 01:35:43 GMT Guys, Good evening. I have watched the forum and read a lot of websites over the last two years. I am getting ready to retire from the military... Guys,

Good evening. I have watched the forum and read a lot of websites over the last two years. I am getting ready to retire from the military and have bought a lot of equipment along the way. I have bought all propane equipment and learned some good things and bad things about propane. Even though I have some retirement money coming in I have been real nervous about starting a lawn care business. I think I am ready but I worry about make sure my family is taken care of. I am trying to do everything all organic since I have all propane equipment and have learned some things about organic lawn care, any help as well as any advice would greatly be appreciated.

Hope to have a great time here!!!!!!!

Thanks,

Rob ]]> Introduce Yourself Ireland Lawn Care http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12521 http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12518&goto=newpost Tue, 07 Sep 2010 11:44:13 GMT Just getting ready to start my own business and have been reading everyones tips and ideas, this info is priceless to us newbee's so thanks. One question does anyone know if the gopher software works in different currencies, pounds or is it just dollars. If it is just dollars is there any other software available that some of you use that might help. Any information would be good thanks. ]]> Introduce Yourself Russell http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12518 http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12517&goto=newpost Tue, 07 Sep 2010 06:58:57 GMT My name is Eric and I am new here. 25 years ago I made a run at this kind of living with a 79 Honda Prelude (carried the mower in the trunk) Lawn... My name is Eric and I am new here.
25 years ago I made a run at this kind of living with a 79 Honda Prelude (carried the mower in the trunk) Lawn Bags filled with barkdust tied to the top of the car. no kidding- stuck the rented weed eater out the sunroof.
I was getting 15.00 per hour back then.
My girlfriend spent all the money in the business account (some of it fronted for a job and I went broke and gave up)

Last I year started a Landscape Maintenance business with my father after being laid off of a 6 year 38K - 40K per year job.
I decided that I wasen't going to rely on someone else for employment any longer. So far I have about 25 regular customers and some are year around.

There is so much good information here Im glad I found you all. I hope to share my Ideas as well - I have years of sales,marketing and customer relations experience behind me. In my opinion that is 90% of the job if not 95.

My Goal is 100 clients at an AVG of 100.00 per month in the next 8 years.
That should keep me busy.

What I would like to know is how do you guys know what the avarage price of services are in your area? How would you research this it's not like everyone advertizes their hourly rate.

Any help or Ideas in this area would be great.

Thank You

Eric. ]]> Introduce Yourself roysyardandhaul http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12517 http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12515&goto=newpost Tue, 07 Sep 2010 00:30:45 GMT Hey guys, I'm new to the forum, and new to the business. I have been debating on starting a lawn care business for probably 5 years. In the midst of trying to make up my mind, I moved from Maryland, to North Carolina. I decided to do what I knew, and that was the propane business, and truck driving.

As of a month ago, I decided enough is enough, I've lettered my truck, printed up flyers, have had business cards made, and spoken to an account. If i'm going to do this, I want to do it right.

I've put flyers up, spoken to a few people, and handed out a few business cards. So far, nothing. Not even a call. I'm starting to hit a funk, my neighbor across the street is booming with business, but, I don't want to do it his way, nothing is up to snuff. His work is good, but he's not "legit", if you know what I mean. Anyway, did I make a mistake? Is this market just flooded with too many lawn care companies? Or am I just freaking out for no reason, and the phone isn't ringing because of the time of year. Any idea? ]]> Introduce Yourself CanadayLandscaping http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12515 http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12512&goto=newpost Mon, 06 Sep 2010 03:44:21 GMT hello guys, my name is jason and i am thinking of starting a lawn care business and was looking on the net and found this site looks like it will... hello guys,
my name is jason and i am thinking of starting a lawn care business and was looking on the net and found this site looks like it will help alot ]]> Introduce Yourself jasonh http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12512 http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12500&goto=newpost Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:04:12 GMT My son had a small lawn business and he left to go to college a couple of weeks ago. I told him I would take over for him so his customers wouldn't have to look for someone new.

I'm hoping to actually grow this business and make it into a full-time job for me and my 15 year old son. I decided to join the forum to learn as much as I can. Look forward to learning from everyone.

Max ]]> Introduce Yourself maxs2000 http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12500 http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12499&goto=newpost Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:27:27 GMT Hello Everyone,

After Studying This Forum For About 3 Months I Just Decided To Register. There's Some Really Good Educational Stuff On Here About The Lawn And Landscape Industry!!!! I Got Out Of The Business In The Late 90's And Have Regreted It Ever Since. I Plan To Start Back In Business Early Spring Of 2011. Right Now I'm Getting All My Finances Together And I'm Really Educating Myself So I Can Be As Successful As Possible This Next Go Around. There Are More And More Guys Getting Into This Biz Every Year But Many Of Them Don't Last Simply Because They're Uneducated On How To Bid, Not Properly Marketing Their Business And A Lack Of Horticulture Knowledge For Knowing How To Properly Take Care Of The Grass, Shrubs, Flowers, Etc That They Are Trying To Mantain. I've Already Ran Across Several Helpful Things On This Site That I Thought "man, Why Didn't I Do That The Last Time I Was In Business"?

I Have Some Of My Friends Tell Me That They Would Be Hesitant To Go Into This Business Because The Way The Economy Has Been, But I Don't Buy Into That. There Is Alot Of Work Out There To Be Done. It's How Bad Do You Want It? You've Got To Put Your Selling Shoes On And Go Market Yourself And Your Company. Anyway, Thanks Steve For This Great Forum And I'm So Excited About Getting Back To Doing What I Love Best. Best Of Luck To All!!!! ]]> Introduce Yourself premier image landscaping http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12499 http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12498&goto=newpost Thu, 02 Sep 2010 05:52:52 GMT Hello to everyone, This is my first post even though I have been a member for a few months we have just been so busy I have not had time to do much... Hello to everyone,

This is my first post even though I have been a member for a few months we have just been so busy I have not had time to do much on the computer except making up bills.

Any way my company is a small company (only myself and my oldest son who is 24 now). We have had a very busy season this year, we started in April with 10 customers and as of today we have 42 regular customers (10 of which are commercial accounts) and plus we are also doing HUD properties in a 4 county area on a bi-weekly schedule ( I guess those would be considered as commercial accounts as well.) Right now we are taking care of 15 properties for HUD.

This is our second year in business although last year was cut short due to the fact that my Father had a heart attack in May, and I ended up having to turn my accounts over to another Lawn Care Company for the rest of the season.

Any way, just wanted to say hello to everyone and I will try to spend a little mor time keeping up on here now!

jmlawncare ]]> Introduce Yourself jmlawncare http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12498 http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12495&goto=newpost Wed, 01 Sep 2010 19:57:24 GMT Hi, my name is Francisco Valladares. I just lost my job recently so trying to start my own lawn care business and I need all the help I can get. So... Hi, my name is Francisco Valladares. I just lost my job recently so trying to start my own lawn care business and I need all the help I can get. So that's what I've been doing, researching.. Thanks ]]> Introduce Yourself 22280610 http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12495 http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12493&goto=newpost Wed, 01 Sep 2010 04:36:35 GMT Hi all, my name is Demetrius and i recently joined up. Im looking to start my first lawn mowing service/business in the state of california so any... Hi all,
my name is Demetrius and i recently joined up. Im looking to start my first lawn mowing service/business in the state of california so any advice from anyone thats a lil further along will greatly be appreciated. ]]> Introduce Yourself so_jaded1 http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12493 http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12490&goto=newpost Tue, 31 Aug 2010 16:16:38 GMT Hello am rite guy and am a new business owner and I need a contract proposal for a old complex....I'm in the state of Florida...Where is hot all year round... ]]> Introduce Yourself right guy http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12490 http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12487&goto=newpost Tue, 31 Aug 2010 03:57:27 GMT HELLO TO ALL !

I'M A Newbie Just Starting Out ! I Found Gopher On Youtube And Read Up On The Site And I Have Learned A LOT The Passed Couple Days! So A Big Thanks To Everyone Here!

Questions:
I Was Wondering Where Everyone Buys From? I Went To Home Depot And Priced Everything For Start Up And Its Gonna Cost A Lot Just To Start! (Less Than I Thought But Still Around $1.8k)

Also Any Suggestion On Which Walk behind Mower To Get? Residential Only As Of Right Now!

Do You Think Sept. Would Be A Bad Time For A New Start Up Lawn Care Business?

My Story:
I'M 21 And I Work In The wholesale pool industry but I have always wanted to own my own business'. When I was 13 I had 5 lawns a week for about 2 years then one winter I shut down and didn't start back up! so I am wanting to get back into it with the intention to support me and my bill's and maybe have some play money for myself and of course the most important is so that I don't have to punch a time card everyday !

Anyways I Look Forward To Reading More And To Your Responses !:)

Thanks To All !
To Your Success!
Mark ]]> Introduce Yourself markj892 http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12487 http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12484&goto=newpost Mon, 30 Aug 2010 14:34:06 GMT Hi im Lance from Australia and im new here. I started my Lawn Mowing business last Feb and it seems to have taken off so far. Im here on this forum... Hi im Lance from Australia and im new here.
I started my Lawn Mowing business last Feb and it seems to have taken off so far.
Im here on this forum to learn what I dont know as im sure that theres meany tips that everyone can learn from ]]> Introduce Yourself hobyiam http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12484 http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12483&goto=newpost Sat, 28 Aug 2010 21:13:45 GMT Hi all, I'm Jared. Just left the Army after 8 years of service now I'm ready to start my dream... mostly. My wife is in the Army for another 2 years THEN we are moving back to WI. So for now while I'm in Virginia, I'm just gonna get my feet wet in the Green Industry. Been cutting lawns since I was 10 but nothing huge, just love to work outside. Look forward to everyone's advice / questions and posts. Drop a line if you feel like! ]]> Introduce Yourself mp2lawnman http://www.gopherforum.com/showthread.php?t=12483