New 15 year old member from Virginia

Hello Everyone! I am 15 years old, and quite new to the lawn care business. I found this site while browsing for tips and techniques that could help me get ahead of the game, and I think that this may be a lifesaver for me. I look forward to learning from others that have much more experience than me, and also can't wait to get out and start working. At the moment, I am not old enough to get a license and have to work inside of my neighborhood, but have recently bought a truck with years of birthday money. So, as soon as i get my license I will be ready to rock and roll. I'll appreciate any tips that can be given to me as a newcomer, and will be glad to help anyone out (if I possible can) Thanks, Brandon

[jessechaveriat]

Lawn care business tips

Hey Brandon, The first thing i would do, if you are new to the business, go to the top right of the page, and click on the "lawn business school." its free, and it covers almost everything you could encounter. if you have a couple hours of free time, you really need to do it. Also, save a little money, and get some used equipment on craigslist. now is the time of year to buy. There are a lot of things you can do besides mowing to generate some cash flow. Pull weeds, wash windows, clean gutters, rake leaves, paint trim around windows and doors....etc... Good luck this year, and dont be afraid to ask all your questions on here. Jesse

Thanks Jesse!,

I really appreciate the help. I will jump right on that Lawn Business School page, as soon as possible. Also, when it comes down to equipment, I consider myself really lucky because me and my dad were able to make a trade on craigslist for a 72" monster Dixie Chopper.

We are actually most likely going to sell it, and get a mower that is a bit smaller because most of my jobs will be smaller residential jobs.

And, I have a good $300 saved up from christmas and past jobs that I think i will use to help me start marketing a bit. You have any good tips for getting jobs?

-Brandon

[Steve]

Hi Brandon,

Welcome to our forum!

Why not get some flyers made or business cards and start handing them out in the area?

You need to get all your neighbors to know that you are offering lawn care service and get them all to hire you

[M&A Lawn Care]

hey im in va too. i found that going door to door works best where i live. i started out when i was 14. i am now 18 and still growing with 4-5 calls and referrals coming in every week. and yeah check craigslist but be careful not to get a lemon.

[jessechaveriat]

the best marketing i did this year was going to walmart and getting some print yourself business cards, then going to officemax, geting a 20 dollar business card printing program, and some business card sized magnets.

with all that i am able to print neighborhood specific cards with specials on them. I get about 2 call per 30 cards. Everything cost around 50 bucks to get started.
the magnets are 25 for 5 bucks. i figure people like magnets, and they will always be looking at it when they are at the fridge.

also, i cut like 9 of my neighbors yards. I just talk to them when i see em outside or driving by.

you should be able to get big bucks on the dixie chopper. ebay would probably be the best bet to sell it since its a pretty specific item.

Originally Posted by M&A Lawn Care

hey im in va too. i found that going door to door works best where i live. i started out when i was 14. i am now 18 and still growing with 4-5 calls and referrals coming in every week. and yeah check craigslist but be careful not to get a lemon.

Oh cool, and yea that is how we are going to try and start. Next week is spring Break for me and I am going to try and get everything up and running then. I am going to start on a business card, and flier design tonight.

Originally Posted by jessechaveriat

the best marketing i did this year was going to walmart and getting some print yourself business cards, then going to officemax, geting a 20 dollar business card printing program, and some business card sized magnets.

with all that i am able to print neighborhood specific cards with specials on them. I get about 2 call per 30 cards. Everything cost around 50 bucks to get started.
the magnets are 25 for 5 bucks. i figure people like magnets, and they will always be looking at it when they are at the fridge.

also, i cut like 9 of my neighbors yards. I just talk to them when i see em outside or driving by.

you should be able to get big bucks on the dixie chopper. ebay would probably be the best bet to sell it since its a pretty specific item.

Yea, I am going to get to work on a business card design tonight. And, thanks for the magnet idea, that didn't even cross my mind. Do the magnets turn out pretty good that you have printed yourself?

-Brandon

[Steve]

Do the magnets turn out pretty good that you have printed yourself?

I would think they would look good. Let us know what you come up with.