Weekend lawn business - what do I really need?

[knosaj]

Originally Posted by willshome Have you talked to insurance agency yet You may not need it til you start working just get licensed, line up work then when, or if you get work start the insurance ( my insurance started 24 hours after signing) btw a lot of guys find it helpful to post there flyers here -i dont think i need anthing more than the DBA and tax number. just to be sure i will double check. -yea ive spoken with the agent. i will start it once i have the jobs. how would a flyer here help me? do potential clients search here or is there some sort of link between my location and this site? sounds cool.

[willshome]

Lawn care business tips

"Flyer" just having others look it over helps. you may get some good feedback. We have all been down this road.

[Lake Area Turf]

Originally Posted by Hedgemaster

Great advice. Hey, and when your driver's license is up for renewal, don't bother - spend the money on flyers instead and just drive really carefully.

What the OP does is ultimately his decision, but telling people to ignore the law does nobody any favors.

Relax hedgemaster.
no where did I say ignore the law. The guy wants to do some weekend work and see if he can pull it off. There are plenty of legit, insured, self employed Americans working out of there homes, that dont have or require Bus Lisc.

I was just saying dont let the govt. slow you down. Cover you *** with G.L. Insurance for lawn care and see if you can pull it off. If so, and you start growing then do the deed and let govt. have there share. Maybe I'm just old fassion.

Now back to the topic of the thread... doing the odd jobs and clean ups especially in spring WILL land you the summer long maintenance jobs you want. something to seriously consider.

[Johnny_boy02]

Dont get insurance till you have customers.

Get a business license. Mine is only like $50ish a year.

If you use your name in the company name you dont have to deal with the DBA stuff. I didnt go that way and it end up being way more $$$$

A hand held blower is fine in spring and summer.

What size lots are in your area? That cheap lawn mower will kill you. I worked 2 days with a cheap Chraftsman before I gave in and bought a good mower. It will save you time and energy.

You mentioned 8 lawns a day. On a good day I can do 15 so you may be able to do more.

[knosaj]

wow! I would love if I could get 20 yards a week.

[Johnny_boy02]

It all depends on lot size. Some parts of the country have huge lawns that take awhile. Most of my yards are 7-10.000 square feet or less. And a spring/ summer "day" for me is 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. or later.

With a full time job you may not want to put in those kind of days on your weekend.