a big hello to all you out there

[classic lawn service]

will be starting up a new lawn service this spring. previously i was in the biz for about eight years doing lawns and water features. i also had a health club and a part time job as a longshoreman. i eventually got tired of working 7 days a week so about two years ago i quit the lawn business and sold the health club. guess what; i got bored so i am going to start a lawn service again. my goal is to have fifty customers within three months. this will be a mix of commercial and residential customers. i always try to do everything very professionally so all my equipment and trailers will be new. i realize that for many who are just starting on a shoestring this is not feasible but i am fortunate to have the resources to do so. also having been in the business previously i know the $ potential so it is not as scary for me. one thing i will do to attract attention which then translates to customers is to use old classic trucks as my tow vehicles. of course they will be updated mechanically to make sure they can do the job. hence the name "classic lawn care". even though my previous lawn care business was very successful this old dog will i am sure learn many new tricks from other members experiences and knowledge. i have already picked up a few ideas from this site. while i certainly have a lot to learn i firmly believe the key to being successful in this or any business is to work hard and work smart. best wishes to all you out there; go out and knock em dead.

[950thomas]

Lawn care business tips

Why bother fixing up classic trucks why not buy an Isuzu box truck with the enclosed dovetail and have the sides wrapped with a picture and logo they make great rolling billboards and have more room than a trailer

[Steve]

Welcome to our forum!

It's good to have you here.

[classic lawn service]

i use classic trucks for a # of reasons. the wow factor; it attracts people who will in many cases become customers. think about it; most of your clientele is middle aged or older so these vehicles bring back old memories of a simpler and more ethical time and you and your business subconsciously become associated with that time because of the vehicle. you have to stand out from the crowd both visually and in the quality of your work and this accomplishes the visual side of it. on the quality side if you do top rate work, are reliable, priced competitively and 100% honest you are 99% there. back to the truck side. do you think most people remember the name on the lawn service truck they drove by on the street. the obvious answer is no because its another generic service truck. will a high % of people who drive by my truck notice my business name, you damn right. in simple terms YOU HAVE TO SEPARATE YOURSELF FROM THE COMPETITION. why not buy a box truck? generic, common, expensive, one purpose vehicle. i can disconnect a trailer and use the antique truck as a daily driver while the trailer with high visibility signage is parked in a high traffic location. also down the road it is much easier to sell an enclosed trailer than a box van. depreciation values also are much better. oh and one more thing; its a blast driving these trucks from site to site.

[950thomas]

It is definitely unique

[Steve]

You have a great history there. As you look back, why do you feel you took on so much work? Do you feel it all burnt you out a bit and how do you feel will be the best way to deal with that as you grow now in the future?

[Gls]

That's a great idea. Call me traditional but I completely understand where your coming from. I love classic cars. I am going to most likely buy my buddies '86 f150 with a house of colors black paint job with a white undercoat. It looks real sharp especially with all the chrome. It has a brand new 351w ho. I am a chevy guy but the deal and look have me (almost) sold. Anyone can have a vehicle wraped but you can't duplicate the love and care that goes into a classic!