New kid is HUNGRY!!!

[Cuttin' Up]

Ok, so I live in a well to do southern college town of maybe pop. 40k. Just outside of town there are many prominent estates and farms. There are maybe four or five small towns and two small/medium lakes within 30 minutes. I already work for some older couples who are struggling with their HUGE yards. I'm sure there are more out there. I also mow 3 yard for my landlord after work. I'm very charismatic and everyone I work with loves me because I work hard, give them respect and make them laugh. Heat index can be 105 like today and I will never complain just keep on workin' with a smile on my face! Can I start in this business as a two man operation spending 20k+ right off the bat for equipment (used truck, used trailer, used mowers, etc)? Is that too much? I'm young and single (24) and live pretty dang frugal so I don't need to NET a ton. I have maybe 25k in assets I can draw from so I don't need to go into debt. I'm looking for a friend who already has something to bring to the table (truck, trailer, mower, cash). Can I even start 2 man? I'M HUNGRY!!! Thanks guys.

[Hedgemaster]

Lawn care business tips

Man, I think you could make a killing if you find someone who works well with you. I work alone and I'm seriously restricted by the time it takes to do lawns without help. I started with next to nothing and a push mower.

[Steve]

Welcome to our forum!

Are there smaller steps you could take where you don't have to commit $20k right off the bat?

[w0283767]

I think buying brand new equipment is not a smart idea starting out. You should be able to get everything you need for around 5k Plus cost of truck. Going all in can be a huge pitfall for new businesses so just keep that in mind.

[SECTLANDSCAPING]

Originally Posted by w0283767

I think buying brand new equipment is not a smart idea starting out. You should be able to get everything you need for around 5k Plus cost of truck. Going all in can be a huge pitfall for new businesses so just keep that in mind.

I agree... I have bought all used equipment for 3 years. I even bought a few real nice things off some guys that started out and couldnt cut it.

I'm on the way to look at a 2011 exmark lazer z with 43 hours. Same story as above.

[shadrach]

Don't forget to budget for advertising.

[Hedgemaster]

Regarding the "used vs new" thing...

If you HAVE money, you can buy new.

If you HAVE money, you can buy used.

If you DON'T have money, sometimes new is the more affordable option, as you can make payments. That's what I had to do for my walk behind.

As for all my other stuff, I bought NEW because I didn't want to worry every day that my equipment may die.
As I go forward, I may buy some used items, but when starting out, I wanted new.


If my man has twenty grand, he's gonna be able to do just fine.

[Cuttin' Up]

Ok so I understand 20k is a lot but I think I have to buy a zero turn for the yards here. Some yards would take me FOREVER walkin. I'm just trying to figure out if lawn care business is profitable. Trust me I'm not gonna drop money without lookin at it from every angle.

There are smaller yards but I feel like I'd really cut myself off to some other opportunities and have stiffer competition from the all bajillion kids with push mowers.

[Cuttin' Up]

Probably won't happen if I can't find someone to partner up with anyways. How cheap can I get a good used zero turn?

[willshome]

Originally Posted by Cuttin' Up

Probably won't happen if I can't find someone to partner up with anyways. How cheap can I get a good used zero turn?

a lot of us are 'one man show'
ride or walk behind?
What size deck?
If your the one using it you could use a homeowners z-turn rider