Weekend lawn business - what do I really need?

[knosaj]

Ok when I started considering this venture, it was to pay off some bills and save some money before thet baby gets here. Then, I would just see how far it went. I currently have a fairly good paying career, with 2 to 3 times what I currently make potential. So I don't want to bail just yet. But, it is not mine. Now, considering the weekend plan. I know that i will get what i put into it, but How much do I really need to to make a fair go of it? Honestly. Once the a huge bill is paid in a few days for medical stuff, I will have the free money to start really moving forward. My plan: door to door, door cards, maybe friends who are realtors. Regular bag push mower, craftsman? Already have Gas weed whacker, craftsman. Wll get. Blower, prob craftsman. Will get. I realize that craftsman is not ideal, but, it's ok and will work for now. Mow and go with additional services like Debris removal, will get a simple power washer if I get a contract or two, gutters, maybe some mulching and possibly (after reading about organic spraying on here) some yard treatments. I have A DBA, a cheap cell phone on the family plan, and will get a tax I'd number and basic insurance. Will get business cards, door hangers, and maybe some door magnets. Now, this all seems like a lot of formality for a weekend thing. And after reading all the info here, it seems like almost more than I intended to deal with. I am willing, but still. I this just the price of doing business as a responsible adult? Am I over thinking it? Or, is there anything I am not considering? Thanks all for all of your help.

---

Last edited by knosaj; 02-08-2012 at 06:28 PM.

[Ducke]

Lawn care business tips

Business License and Insurance

[willshome]

Sounds like you know whats going on. to be insured is like $500 a year aka two fall cleanups. DO you have a truck now? You can by a mower used 22" on c-list for like $100. I would get a backpack blower the hand held ones get old very fast. ARE you going to have time with a new baby?

[knosaj]

yea i have a truck now. yea i planned on the back blower, unless i want to have popeye forearms.

well, im not happy about giving up the family time, but, paying off student loans and approaching med bills, ive gotta do what i gotta do. plus the wifes office has slowly been laying people off. well, she is the last to go, and might be next. so, for now, cash is king. lol.

business license....this is a DBA correct? or doing business as. yea, i dont know very much when it comes to business.

[willshome]

Originally Posted by knosaj

business license....this is a DBA correct? or doing business as. yea, i dont know very much when it comes to business.

I think it verys state to state
I think your doing good just get a move on flyers and do it many times.
I would look at echo for the blower and trimmer @ home depot good for the money about the same as sears

[knosaj]

thanks.

i found a lightly used a "smart" self propeled 6.5 hp 22" recycler toro on craigslist for 175.

[willshome]

check it out and then see if you can get for like $140
BTW whats wrong with the one you have?

[knosaj]

welll, not sure. i think it runs...lol

it was practically brand new and my dumb *** brother in law left it out in the weather for i don tknow how long. a couple of weeks anyway.

so i started trying to get it running, changed gas, i think the oil too. it was just starting to start and i pulled the cord off. so, this weekend im going to give it a shot at getting it going. if not, ill take it to the repair guy to see what he says. im not real familiar with small engines, but they cant be too complicated.

[CHEESE2009]

Read post title: Weekend lawn business

Weekend lawn business
Weekend lawn
Weekend

Weekend, the time in which clients are home, and often most annoying towards lawn maintenance professionals.

If you can withstand the chit chat, and the feeling of being watched all day... I say go for it!

[willshome]

Originally Posted by knosaj

welll, not sure. i think it runs...lol

it was practically brand new and my dumb *** brother in law left it out in the weather for i don tknow how long. a couple of weeks anyway.

so i started trying to get it running, changed gas, i think the oil too. it was just starting to start and i pulled the cord off. so, this weekend im going to give it a shot at getting it going. if not, ill take it to the repair guy to see what he says. im not real familiar with small engines, but they cant be too complicated.

Sounds like water in carb check youtube on how to fix
more or less it's
1. drain gas tank
2. remove bolt from bottom of carb bowl (I think its a 1/2")
3. clean small holes on bolt with small wire (feed wire throw holes)
4. clean bowl
5. feed wire up into hole where bolt was unscrewed from to clean
6. rebuild