New member and new to the business

[rapaport]

Hello all ive been thinking and kicking around the idea of going into the lawncare/landscape business for last couple of years. I have done some serious thought into it and now in the starting phase of gathering equipment. I will be picking your brains so be prepared for me to ask a lot of naive questions, so be gentle anyway great to be here and oneday hopefully I will be able to help out the rookies in the future.

[Al Kessinger]

Lawn care business tips

Hello Rapaport, Welcome to the forum, dont hesitate to ask questions and join in on the conversations.

__________________

[Steve]

Hello all ive been thinking and kicking around the idea of going into the lawncare/landscape business for last couple of years

Welcome to our forum!

What's kept you so far from starting?

[rapaport]

First off thanks for the warm welcome. Im from Indianapolis Indiana. The reason why I never took off with was not knowing if i can support my family with it, since there are a lot of people doing it. I love working outside and really enjoy working my yard. I even went as far as putting down scouts weed fertile on my neighbours yard because it looks terrible! LOL! He still hasn't noticed, but his yard looks better. But any stories or encouragement would be great. I did buy a 6x12 dropgate trailer and now trying to figure out the equipment. Fears something i need to overcome. Hope u guys can mentor me.

[Steve]

I think the big thing is to scale everything up at a comfortable pace. Realize that it takes time to build a business. If it doesn't give you the returns you are looking for right away, don't be afraid to perform other services or even take on a part time job to keep the cash flowing in until your business picks up.

Over the years, we have seen the more flexible the business owner is in finding ways to make money, the better their chances are of getting through the tough early time.

Does this help?

[rapaport]

Yes that helps. A lot. Its kinda nerve raking with all the things i have to consider. I guess im just trying to figure out the order i need to go about things.

[Steve]

I guess im just trying to figure out the order i need to go about things.

What things are you trying to get ordered now?

[rapaport]

I bought a 6x12 dropgate trailer. I want the right gear to do things professionaly and efficient. All i need to do is fill the trailer up with proper equipment. The problem is i really don't know much about what brands and models to get. I know what pieces to get but quality items to do quality efficient work is overwhelming. Once i have my equipment together i need to set myself up as a business legally. And figure out marketing. How does this sound? And any advice on equipment is appreciated. Looking for reliable 36 walkbehind that does good work is my next purchase

[Steve]

I think a lot of the new members just start up with what ever they have and then scale up as they need to. If you can get the jobs first and then get the equipment to perform the jobs, it's a lot better than the other way around because if you get the equipment, there is nothing to say the jobs have to come.