New Lawn Company From Wichita Falls Tx

[kastoney80]

Hey everyone, Robert here from Wichita Falls Tx. Im 28 married with three kids. Im a college graduate with a degree in business administration and recently laid off. Im receiving unemployment and cannot find a job around here that is making what I am receiving from unemployment. My wife has a good job that almost covers our bills and we have always wanted to have a business of our own, so I started a lawn service business and I am open to any and all suggestions. This business began a little late in June but I am doing what I can: I emailed everyone I know to let them know that I have started a yard service business and a copy of my flyer. I have been passing out flyers several mornings per week (while professionally dressed) until it starts to get hot averaging about 30-50 houses per day. I had a vinyl sticker with my business logo, services offered and phone number installed on my back windshield. I recently bought some cheap orange t-shirts and screen printed my logo and services on the back and am now wearing those when i pass out flyers and do the work. I was use to making about 3k-4k per month from my last job and wonder if thats a possibility with this business and how soon. Also what am i suppose to do during the winter hours as it does not snow here in these parts. I have thought about also offering stripping and waxing floors for businesses and buffing services which would help keep me busy no matter what the season. Right now I have about 8 customers that are on bi-weekly services. I am open to all suggestions. BTW the name of the business is ALL-Star Services.

Lawn care business tips

Originally Posted by kastoney80 Hey everyone, Robert here from Wichita Falls Tx. Im 28 married with three kids. Im a college graduate with a degree in business administration and recently laid off. Im receiving unemployment and cannot find a job around here that is making what I am receiving from unemployment. My wife has a good job that almost covers our bills and we have always wanted to have a business of our own, so I started a lawn service business and I am open to any and all suggestions. This business began a little late in June but I am doing what I can: I emailed everyone I know to let them know that I have started a yard service business and a copy of my flyer. I have been passing out flyers several mornings per week (while professionally dressed) until it starts to get hot averaging about 30-50 houses per day. I had a vinyl sticker with my business logo, services offered and phone number installed on my back windshield. I recently bought some cheap orange t-shirts and screen printed my logo and services on the back and am now wearing those when i pass out flyers and do the work. I was use to making about 3k-4k per month from my last job and wonder if thats a possibility with this business and how soon. Also what am i suppose to do during the winter hours as it does not snow here in these parts. I have thought about also offering stripping and waxing floors for businesses and buffing services which would help keep me busy no matter what the season. Right now I have about 8 customers that are on bi-weekly services. I am open to all suggestions. BTW the name of the business is ALL-Star Services. Wichita Falls, I was there back in '03 at Sheppard AFB. Nice town hope you do well. As for the 3-4K / month that will take some time. Not sure what your average lawn price is but mine is $40.00 so to make that I would need 50bi-weekly accounts to make 4k but then after expenses and taxes it would be closer to 2K.

[Steve]

Hi Robert,

Welcome to our forum! It's nice to have you here.

Are you handy around the house? Can you fix things? If so could you offer such services to your customers so you can have year round services to offer?

What kind of work did you do before? Did you like it or no?

[arthur712]

Welcome to the Forum.

In the slow months maybe you can do Mobile Detailing.

Just a sugestion.

Good Luck!

Artie

[kastoney80]

I have been in ouside sales for about five years. I use to do yards when i was in high school but never took it super serious until now. The economy around here is horrible and they just shut down two big factories. Every time I turn around i see yard service companys but most do not have signs on their trucks or trailers.

Right now I have a 68 chevy bed trailer that is a little beat up but works and I spray painted it black. My truck is new and professional looking, do you think the trailer makes that big of a difference? Right now I have a plain jane 21 inch walmart special walk behind, a trimmer, edger, blower and hedge trimmer. Its not much but Im using what I got until I can afford more. I forgot to mention that when I am passing out flyers I put the price to cut their yard and highlight it. Again open to all suggestions.
THanks. BTW I also want to get into complete lawn care but I dont know much about fertilization, weed control, and everything else other than mowing. Any help would be nice and how to set customers up on a yearly plan.

[Steve]

When you are talking with your customers, you should ask them what other services they could use around their property and write them down. Then think about offering them to broaden your ways to increase your income.