What were the biggest...

[justin_time]

Originally Posted by musician/lawnman Justin, I was pulling a 6x12 enclosed trailer with a 52 in zt & all the other gear in it, then at times with 500-600 lbs of brush in the back of the truck to boot. I was running a for ranger (edge). You dakota should be able to handle an open trailer with a zt. What engine are you running in the truck? I only had a 3.0L v6. I'll see how this it goes with my dad's truck this summer. Hopefully I won't get any problems. I'm not sure what the engine specs are... but I can surely find out. I might have to invest in a new set of tires.. since they original ones are worthless.

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Justin Pitre
Just in Time Yard Services

[CloseCuts]

Lawn care business tips

I think one of the biggest mistakes for any new landscaping business is not advertising enough. The biggest advertising you can do is put your name on your trailer and truck. Everytime you go out and do something wether it be a job or just take a drive you will be an advertising machine. Every new business hav to take advantage of this.

[Steve]

I think one of the biggest mistakes for any new landscaping business is not advertising enough.

What other ways are you thinking a new business should advertise but fails to?

[StartALawnCareBusiness]

Steve:

One mistake was spreading myself too thin both geographically and in the services offered.

My first year in business I accepted clients all over town. I even had customers 25+ miles away. Travel time can kill a lawn care business. In addition to wasting time and gas, the downtime of being in your truck knocks you off your stride.

Also, I think LCOs should focus on a small number of services offered. I am sure most people here have been asked to put up mailboxes and tighten outdoor light fixtures. There is nothing wrong with making extra money during winter with these add-ons but taking time away from your standard services can be time consuming. Have you ever agreed to install a mailbox not realizing you don't have the right tools (two flat head screwdrivers and not a philips in sight) in your truck. A "quick" $25 job can turn into 90 minutes of frustration. During that time you could have done two residential lawns. If you're going to offer these services, make sure you have all the tools and the know-how to complete the job efficiently.

BTW, even though it's still freezing here, the wild garlic is beginning to sprout after a few days of sun earlier this week. Anyone else???

Keith
Lawn Care Business Program

[CloseCuts]

I would have to say the phone book and online. If you already have your truck and trailor done up make sure your in the phone book. Some times they only catch your name when riding down the road. So how can they find you if your not in the phone book. Having a web page i think is important too but i don't think its as important as the first to things. Being truck lettered and in the phone book

[Steve]

I would have to say the phone book and online. If you already have your truck and trailor done up make sure your in the phone book. Some times they only catch your name when riding down the road. So how can they find you if your not in the phone book. Having a web page i think is important too but i don't think its as important as the first to things. Being truck lettered and in the phone book

What kind of phone book ad or size are you suggesting? Also do you track when new customers call you, how they heard of you? Have you calculated what % of them heard of you from the phone book?

[CloseCuts]

You have to be in all your local phone books. The ad size is up to you and how much your willing to spend but at least get your number in there. As far as tracking where your customers come from. I normally ask the customer how did you hear about us or you can put codes on your advertising or get a couple phone lines. Have 1 line for the phone book 1 line for your vehicle ads and 1 line for any flyers you put out.

Here was some of my mistakes.

1. Buying a 2WD truck (should have spent the extra money and got 4x4
2. Buying a wider trailer. The max deck size I can put on my trailer is 52"
3. Not giving myself enough time for the office. I exhausted myself in the field and couldn't concentrate in the office. This year I will be delegating more office work to my office manager (wifey).

[Steve]

Buying a 2WD truck (should have spent the extra money and got 4x4

Oh very interesting. Can you tell us why?

I live in Ontario, Canada. I cannot plow snow with a rear wheel drive...I bought it out of desperation and it clouded my judgment.