Should I Hint About My Age On my Flyer

[Hedgemaster]

Originally Posted by mschlotter I see your point. But, how am I, 16 year minor supposed to register a business and obtain insurance?, If it were easier to get insurance, I would. I am not too far from Philly, but it sounds like it's rather strict in Pittsburgh. I don't know. I don't know anything about minors and business - not sure how that factors into things. Is there an age requirement to run a business/purchase insurance? It's not a "Pittsburgh" thing - it's state law. If you want to use a fictitious name (legally), you must first determine if that name is available for use, and then you must register it. If running a business as a sole proprietor and you are using your surname (last name), you do not need to register that name. Example: Bill's Mowing and Landscaping = Fictitious name - must be registered Example: Smith's Mowing and Landscaping = No registration needed You can learn more here: http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal...me/534146#faq2 Something to consider: Even if you aren't operating as a legit business NOW, what happens if you start growing to the point where you decide you DO want to get everything in order and you find that the name you've been using isn't available? Just something to think about for the future.

Lawn care business tips

You're young. It's refreshing to see a young kid working and asking the right questions. BUT If you're asking questions listen to the answers. Everyone here has given the right answers. They may not be what you want to hear, and it may not answer your original questions, but it's not as easy as the name of your company, it's if your company name is registered, and if you have a business if it is run legally. It's not as easy as grabbing a mower and mowing grass....you have to have protections for you and your customers. Making someone have insurance isn't strict because he's in Pittsburgh, it's the law because we own businesses. It's the same all over the country. If you don't have insurance, you're doing it wrong. The real world has more rules for adults than you have from your parents, and it's better you find out how it works now, so if you decide to keep mowing grass as a legitimate company, you're not going down the wrong road. That being said, good luck, if you're serious about this then talk to your parents, they can help contact the state and local governments to get proper paperwork and insurance. Do it right kid, or don't do it at all.

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Last edited by JeffK26; 03-11-2012 at 08:02 PM.

[CHEESE2009]

My opinion,


Forget about the legal crap for now, it's just a headache.

Firstly, you need to test the waters to see if this is something you can handle, as you might not be interested in doing this months from now.

At your age, there are also too many variables to consider that might interfere with the continuation of your business.

There is no point in going through the legalities with zero information. Banks and agencies will ask you all sorts of questions that you cannot answer unless you have an idea on what your business is capable of. You cant guess as to how many customers you'll have by x date, and how they all pay, and how much you expect to be paid per year - unless you've had some previous practice.


In other words, you really can't justify becoming 'legal' yet without making a gigantic mess of yourself.

/

Build up and manage your clientele this year. Next year, or the year after, see about becoming legal. It's all about knowing your company enough to answer questions properly.

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People might say you should register, get insurance, etc...
Any damage that you cause doing lawn maintenance can be paid off easily with cash - just don't run your mower into people or cars!

[bruces]

cheese -what does he do if he flings a rock into somebodies eye ?

[CHEESE2009]

Originally Posted by bruces

cheese -what does he do if he flings a rock into somebodies eye ?

Then that eye will most likely be his own. Been there, done that.

Really, he'll just have to be cautious and consider the people who may be around him. This means to stop trimming when someone is walking near.

If he flings a rock into a car, and that rock breaks a window/dents a car.. it's pretty impossible for that to happen. You'd have to WANT to cause that kind of damage.

The damage caused to property is easily covered, granted you have the income (doesn't take much).

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There is nothing really stopping someone from operating this kind of business without being registered/insured. A person would just keep quiet about it, and only accept cash or checks to their personal name.

[deschampsbrothers]

If i were you i would turn to a close relative(dad,uncle,grandpa) and see if you can atleast get some type of business name in writing as a partnership, and i also wouldnt being doing anything to crazy work wise with no insurance. that littlest rock you hit with that mower can cost you a 400 window real easy

[picframer]

Originally Posted by deschampsbrothers

If i were you i would turn to a close relative(dad,uncle,grandpa) and see if you can atleast get some type of business name in writing as a partnership, and i also wouldnt being doing anything to crazy work wise with no insurance. that littlest rock you hit with that mower can cost you a 400 window real easy

I agree with this 100%, none of us plan on accidents but they happen.

As for age, a company name that reflects who you are can be a tremendous marketing tool, a few years back a group of University students here started University Painters, it is probably the largest painting company in our city today, they do good work and the public likes to help students.