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http://youtu.be/l-rKk6hKPjw
Take pride in your work even with the basics and it will payoff.

I agree 100%. Take pride in what you do. I don't have a commercial mower but I do a better job the most I mow next to. Price may be a reason some don't use me but that is not a problem for me. I make yards everyone envies.

Pride is what it takes to make it.

I have a lot of mowers and choose not to use big commercial mowers.

I believe in Quality not quantity

We see it all the time the guy with the $12.000 mower that takes no pride on his work. Cuts the grass going 100mph and it looks like crap. Cut to low and little donuts at the end of every pass.

icon2000 said:

http://youtu.be/l-rKk6hKPjw
Take pride in your work even with the basics and it will payoff.

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I started out just like that. It took years of hard hard work to get to the point to where I am today. I have zero turns, tractors, excavators, backhoes, several trailers, the whole nine yards, And just do a good job, you will get repeat clients, and new ones, and sometimes you will be referred from person to person. You will grow slowly, but will pay off.

I only started out with my truck, trailer, Montgomery Ward ride on, Montgomery Ward push mower, chainsaw, couple of weed eaters, old edger, and a leaf blower. And several other types of hand tools. I grew slowly at times, and sometimes really quick, but in the end, just do your very best and take pride in what you do, it may pay off one day. And you may grow to be a big company like me :thumbsup:

Carscw said:

Pride is what it takes to make it.

I have a lot of mowers and choose not to use big commercial mowers.

I believe in Quality not quantity

We see it all the time the guy with the $12.000 mower that takes no pride on his work. Cuts the grass going 100mph and it looks like crap. Cut to low and little donuts at the end of every pass.

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I believe in quality too. I just have lots of equipment and commercial mowers because we have lots and lots of clients, (espically commercial clients), and we do Home Improvement too. I see people mow at the speed of light all the time, grass looks like crap and doesn't look cut. I have ride on LT's and GT's for other jobs too, just not many zero turns.

BlazNT said:

I agree 100%. Take pride in what you do. I don't have a commercial mower but I do a better job the most I mow next to. Price may be a reason some don't use me but that is not a problem for me. I make yards everyone envies.

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I see people using commercial mowers all the time and it looks like they have no idea what the heck they are doing and their job looks like crap. They looks as frightened and nervous as a cat under a rocking chair

It's great to hear that it's a process of growth sometimes I want to throw in the towel and then along comes a day that makes it all worth while.

I started with a front drive craftsman mower in the back of a jeep Cherokee. This year I decided to stop running residential mowers. I spent to much time fixing them. I did just as good of a job with my ressy mowers that I do with my toro. But Goddam I go a lot faster less downtime and a better cut never turning back

icon2000 said:

http://youtu.be/l-rKk6hKPjw
Take pride in your work even with the basics and it will payoff.

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I agree with taking pride in ones work and doing a good job, I think that's a must no matter what job you do. I disagree with the video and some of the things said though. The video IMO clearly shows someone who is not trying to make a living in the Lawn-care business. To say that you don't need those heavy ZTR mowers and equipment to do a good job is true if you don't want to use your time effectively and make enough money in a week to pay all the bills and have enough money left to keep the business running. You can do a great job with any equipment, the better the equipment the better the job can be. It all comes down to the individual running the equipment and what there trying to accomplish.

exotion said:

I started with a front drive craftsman mower in the back of a jeep Cherokee. This year I decided to stop running residential mowers. I spent to much time fixing them. I did just as good of a job with my ressy mowers that I do with my toro. But Goddam I go a lot faster less downtime and a better cut never turning back

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I think everyone has a starting point, it's just that the greatest majority that start mowing stay at that point or give up because they find there's more involved in running a lawn-care business and it's not as easy as they thought. I see these guys everyday with there lawn tractors minimal equipment and they think because they charge what the big company's are charging there making as much money when in reality there not even in the same ball park. It doesn't dawn on them that it's not how much you charge per cut but how many cuts per hour you can do that makes your hourly wage. Like you said, with the commercial you're running your faster, less downtime and get a better cut.

I disagree with several parts of the little video. first off someone else is treating that lawn and the irrigation system helps. second a professional wouldn't have edged the sidewalk with a string trimmer and lastly we could have mowed all 5 of those lawns in that little area in the time it took to make that video and charged more money. the big guy is big for a reason he hires competent operators has commercial equipment all day everyday and is efficient. my customers don't want me in their yard all day mowing that's why they pay me. I'm in do high end work and I'm gone. most of my stops we're 2-3-4 lawns at the same time. I see guys like the video all the time, some do outstanding work, some can charge the same for a yard and good for them and thanks, because when their mower is broke and they start getting a little unreliable your customer will call me.

Wow is it really that serious I think there's room for both of us.

TaskForceLawnCare said:

I disagree with several parts of the little video. first off someone else is treating that lawn and the irrigation system helps. second a professional wouldn't have edged the sidewalk with a string trimmer and lastly we could have mowed all 5 of those lawns in that little area in the time it took to make that video and charged more money. the big guy is big for a reason he hires competent operators has commercial equipment all day everyday and is efficient. my customers don't want me in their yard all day mowing that's why they pay me. I'm in do high end work and I'm gone. most of my stops we're 2-3-4 lawns at the same time. I see guys like the video all the time, some do outstanding work, some can charge the same for a yard and good for them and thanks, because when their mower is broke and they start getting a little unreliable your customer will call me.

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icon2000 said:

Wow is it really that serious I think there's room for both of us.

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Yes it's that serious. Now this may sound kind of course but you mention in your video that the big company's pulling up with there ZTR mowers and all there equipment used to make you feel bad and inferior but you've basically learned to ignore them and that and your making basically the same money they are with the equipment you have when in reality your not even close.
As TaskForceLawnCare said we could have mowed all 5 of those lawns in that little area in the time it took to make that video and charged more money, which is true. The problem is when you say is it that serious, to the guy that has 30 to 50K in equipment in or on his trailer who is trying to make an honest living in the business it is that serious.

Ric said:

Yes it's that serious. Now this may sound kind of course but you mention in your video that the big company's pulling up with there ZTR mowers and all there equipment used to make you feel bad and inferior but you've basically learned to ignore them and that and your making basically the same money they are with the equipment you have when in reality your not even close.
As TaskForceLawnCare said we could have mowed all 5 of those lawns in that little area in the time it took to make that video and charged more money, which is true. The problem is when you say is it that serious, to the guy that has 30 to 50K in equipment in or on his trailer who is trying to make an honest living in the business it is that serious.

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I agree, however in the time you did five lawns super fast I can give each customer personal attention, talk to them, maybe some pruning, maybe they have some trimmings they wanna throw in my truck to take to the dump. And no I am not making as much money as you guys. But I will have customers who will never leave me, and I make enough money ill expand someday but right now ill be happy making extremely loyal customers

exotion said:

I agree, however in the time you did five lawns super fast I can give each customer personal attention, talk to them, maybe some pruning, maybe they have some trimmings they wanna throw in my truck to take to the dump. And no I am not making as much money as you guys. But I will have customers who will never leave me, and I make enough money ill expand someday but right now ill be happy making extremely loyal customers

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See that's the thing, I don't have to mow my lawns super fast because my standard mowing speed is faster than a lawn tractor and a push mower at there maximum speed. So it gives me more time to give a customer or client personal attention. I think you'll find that the larger company's will do more for there clients than you could ever do just because of the equipment they run and there efficiency in and for the the job.

its more like efficient everybody in the truck has a job and that's what they do. as far as quality and goes we specialize in higher end residential. its nice to talk to the customers every now and then, but the second you stop you are losing money. what you can do is hire a part time PR rep and send them around to talk with customers and gather leads.

TaskForceLawnCare said:

its more like efficient everybody in the truck has a job and that's what they do. as far as quality and goes we specialize in higher end residential. its nice to talk to the customers every now and then, but the second you stop you are losing money. what you can do is hire a part time PR rep and send them around to talk with customers and gather leads.

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That's what I've said all the long, in this business time is money and it comes with efficiency.

TaskForceLawnCare said:

its more like efficient everybody in the truck has a job and that's what they do. as far as quality and goes we specialize in higher end residential. its nice to talk to the customers every now and then, but the second you stop you are losing money. what you can do is hire a part time PR rep and send them around to talk with customers and gather leads.

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PR person might cost more to you than stopping a few minutes to talk to the client.

Lawnboy18 said:

PR person might cost more to you than stopping a few minutes to talk to the client.

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Client also likes to talk to the owner of the business not a hired laborer... Personal touch something big companies cannot deliver

exotion said:

Client also likes to talk to the owner of the business not a hired laborer... Personal touch something big companies cannot deliver

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I agree.

A guy that owns the car lot next to my grand kids day care. Come over and held me up for over a hour. Next day cut the car lot and one of his rentals.
Now I also cut his 8 acre yard and two other car lots.
Every two weeks when I see him and his wife I spend a hour talking as he writes my check for a grand for a days work.

Oh and I have to bring my 13 year old daughter because she reminds them of their grand daughter the died a few years ago.

This man is 73 years old and knows a lot of people. I will talk to him as long as he wants.

exotion said:

Client also likes to talk to the owner of the business not a hired laborer... Personal touch something big companies cannot deliver

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Personal touch and talking to the clients comes at the time when your hired to do the job, discussing with the owner what he expects and wants done. During the time frame that your doing the job personal touch comes with the detail work involved in the job and what the yard looks like or what you leave when done. The problem with your theory of the clients wanting to talk to the owner is the fact 99% of the owners that I cut for are not even home, there at work doing there job the way you should be doing yours for them, that's what your being paid for.

Ric said:

Personal touch and talking to the clients comes at the time when your hired to do the job, discussing with the owner what he expects and wants done. During the time frame that your doing the job personal touch comes with the detail work involved in the job and what the yard looks like or what you leave when done. The problem with your theory of the clients wanting to talk to the owner is the fact 99% of the owners that I cut for are not even home, there at work doing there job the way you should be doing yours for them, that's what your being paid for.

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A good portion of my customers maybe 10-15 a week are retired and bored and sometimes lonely. Most of them will come out to talk to me every week 5-10 mins each and ill gladly do that for them. I learn interesting things, talk about my family and stuff. They feel like I am part of their family and that makes for a real loyal customer. A few of them get invited to my Christmas party.

I have a couple customers who leave a wheel barrow or bucket of weeds or trimmings from their shrub beds so they don't have to pay to throw them away.

A lot of customers have specific instructions or things they want me to do. More than happy to do them for no additional charge unless it takes more than a few mins.

Few of my customers text me regularly I am their friend now. I've helped them move to a new place on my own time, or helped them with projects. I've loaned some tools to some customers and even helped one remodel a bathroom.

I invite some of the retired folk out to breakfast or lunch and a nearby food joint (no I don't pay for them) and they love it.

Guess what I don't make as much as you and I don't care I don't want either but I bet I have more loyal customers :/ all the while my yards generally look 200% better then the guy with 30000$ worth of equipment on his trailer

exotion said:

A good portion of my customers maybe 10-15 a week are retired and bored and sometimes lonely. Most of them will come out to talk to me every week 5-10 mins each and ill gladly do that for them. I learn interesting things, talk about my family and stuff. They feel like I am part of their family and that makes for a real loyal customer. A few of them get invited to my Christmas party.
I have a couple customers who leave a wheel barrow or bucket of weeds or trimmings from their shrub beds so they don't have to pay to throw them away.
A lot of customers have specific instructions or things they want me to do. More than happy to do them for no additional charge unless it takes more than a few mins.
Few of my customers text me regularly I am their friend now. I've helped them move to a new place on my own time, or helped them with projects. I've loaned some tools to some customers and even helped one remodel a bathroom.
I invite some of the retired folk out to breakfast or lunch and a nearby food joint (no I don't pay for them) and they love it.
Guess what I don't make as much as you and I don't care I don't want either but I bet I have more loyal customers :/ all the while my yards generally look 200% better then the guy with 30000$ worth of equipment on his trailer

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I guess if you want to run a charity instead of a business you can gain there loyalty the way your doing but I make it a rule never to become friends with clients. What I do for my clients is strictly business. If I were to do what you're doing talking to clients 5 and 10 minutes each it would cost me well over $200 a week and I can't afford to throw that kind of money away.
Your wheel barrow or bucket of weeds or trimmings from their shrub beds you pick up so they don't have to pay to throw them away is a poor practice, they should be leaving that debris for the garbage guys or trash collection and I'm neither one of those. If I do extras for clients they are charged accordingly and they expect to be, I never do something for nothing it's bad business.
If a client wants something or a special cut for a special occasion they have my email and three different phone numbers to contact me with, sorry I don't text. As far as loyal clients go, the clients I started with eight years ago along with the ones that I've added over that time frame I still have, I've never lost a client because I wasn't doing the job that I was hired to do.

Ric said:

I guess if you want to run a charity instead of a business you can gain there loyalty the way your doing but I make it a rule never to become friends with clients. What I do for my clients is strictly business. If I were to do what you're doing talking to clients 5 and 10 minutes each it would cost me well over $200 a week and I can't afford to throw that kind of money away. Your wheel barrow or bucket of weeds or trimmings from their shrub beds you pick up so they don't have to pay to throw them away is a poor practice, they should be leaving that debris for the garbage guys or trash collection and I'm neither one of those. If I do extras for clients they are charged accordingly and they expect to be, I never do something for nothing it's bad business. If a client wants something or a special cut for a special occasion they have my email and three different phone numbers to contact me with, sorry I don't text. As far as loyal clients go, the clients I started with eight years ago along with the ones that I've added over that time frame I still have, I've never lost a client because I wasn't doing the job that I was hired to do.

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What if an old lady ask you to take her garbage can to the curb? Do you charge her $5? No you do it. Cause you don't want to look like a jerk to the client. But if then again you don't want them asking you to do little things all the time. You just have to know how to ride that line of providing good customer service or getting taken advantage of.

LoCo86 said:

What if an old lady ask you to take her garbage can to the curb? Do you charge her $5? No you do it. Cause you don't want to look like a jerk to the client. But if then again you don't want them asking you to do little things all the time. You just have to know how to ride that line of providing good customer service or getting taken advantage of.

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Exactly you have to know where to draw line when providing good customer service and or getting taken advantage of because people will take advantage if you let them. First it's the garbage can to the curb then something else and the list goes on and the next thing you know your spending time doing these odd jobs for all your clients and that time adds up and that time could be spent at the end of the day mowing another 6 to 8 lawns where you'll make money that you need for the business which is what your supposed to be providing in the first place.

It's all right to help put the garbage bag to the curb (I did it once, because the lady caouldn't breeze without a machine and her hose isn't long enough to go to the driveway). But, if I have to do any extra work I charge for it. Not running charity here and in business there are no friends.

For the texting thing, welcome to technology you wold folks! Much faster then phoning and leaving a message then you don't answer back because you are mowing. I just text when I need payment or client texts me if I have to skip a week (too dry). Nothing else.

my PR person is a 21 year old female, that works as a waitress. she works on Saturdays for a few hours stopping by 20-30 customers houses and putting/passing out post cards in the area. I give her a route similar to how I plan the service route. she cost me all of $50 a week.

there's a thousand ways to skin a cat. I prefer my method you prefer yours. taking someone's trash out, ect doesn't constitute quality. if what you are doing is working and you are growing and making more money then great. if not then maybe you should re asses how you do business.

TaskForceLawnCare said:

my PR person is a 21 year old female, that works as a waitress. she works on Saturdays for a few hours stopping by 20-30 customers houses and putting/passing out post cards in the area. I give her a route similar to how I plan the service route. she cost me all of $50 a week.

there's a thousand ways to skin a cat. I prefer my method you prefer yours. taking someone's trash out, ect doesn't constitute quality. if what you are doing is working and you are growing and making more money then great. if not then maybe you should re asses how you do business.

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How often does she do that and what is written on the postcards if I may ask?

The garbage thing only happened once.

I would like to see what you would say if one day a person for who you mow the lawn for that is in very bad health would ask you if you could put her garbage bag to the driveway and hear you say no to that. I would wan't to be there and see what would happen next!

I am growing and making money. I think I am doing good for my age.

Speaking strictly from a customer perspective:

When I hire someone to do work for me, whether it is a one time job or an ongoing service, I do not expect nor do I want a "relationship" with them. I want to keep it business. I don't expect anything other than what I am paying for. I want them to keep their mouth shut and I will not bother them with any small talk. It goes without saying that if I am happy with their work, I will be happy to recommend them to friends and family. The opposite is also true. However, I do not want to be bugged about making referrals.

Don't misunderstand, I have the utmost respect for those that I hire to do work for me. If we are having a cup of coffee at the local diner, I'll chit chat all you like, but I can best show my respect for them by not wasting their time while on the job and I ask they do the same for me.

obviously if they're in "bad health" we'd do the Christian thing and set their trash out. like Ric stated there's a line. we offer contracted packages that would include landscape maintenance, leaf removal, ect, but those are all paid services. I don't have a single customer not on a contract. I even have myself on contract and pay my business. that keeps my taxes clean and all my equipment is 100% business.

as for the post cards that depends on the season, some are just advertising, then the seasonal stuff like spring clean up, turf treatments, leaf removal, snow removal, holiday cards with lawn services listed. I have them made locally but have used sites like vista print in the past.

the PR young lady works no less then 2 Saturdays a month some months every Saturday. its a little extra money for her cheaper then stamps for me and still adds that personal touch. customers will respect that you are there to do a job and not bother them. sure I'll give the old guy/gal a couple minutes to chat while the trailer is getting loaded or we're finishing up. but I almost always say politely I don't have a lot of time today to chat we've got a lot to do today. they get it, we're busy and a business that needs to stay moving to make money. we haven't lost a residential customer in 4 years that's current on their bill, moved out of the area or hasn't passed away. what I'm doing is working and we pick up new accounts almost weekly.

TaskForceLawnCare said:

obviously if they're in "bad health" we'd do the Christian thing and set their trash out. like Ric stated there's a line. we offer contracted packages that would include landscape maintenance, leaf removal, ect, but those are all paid services. I don't have a single customer not on a contract. I even have myself on contract and pay my business. that keeps my taxes clean and all my equipment is 100% business.

as for the post cards that depends on the season, some are just advertising, then the seasonal stuff like spring clean up, turf treatments, leaf removal, snow removal, holiday cards with lawn services listed. I have them made locally but have used sites like vista print in the past.

the PR young lady works no less then 2 Saturdays a month some months every Saturday. its a little extra money for her cheaper then stamps for me and still adds that personal touch. customers will respect that you are there to do a job and not bother them. sure I'll give the old guy/gal a couple minutes to chat while the trailer is getting loaded or we're finishing up. but I almost always say politely I don't have a lot of time today to chat we've got a lot to do today. they get it, we're busy and a business that needs to stay moving to make money. we haven't lost a residential customer in 4 years that's current on their bill, moved out of the area or hasn't passed away. what I'm doing is working and we pick up new accounts almost weekly.

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Got ya on the garbage thing.

That card thing is a good idea. I do send out Christmas cards to all my clients. I kinda work part time (30 hours of mowing), but I always get new clients every year. I think last year I had about 35 and I went up to about 50-55 this year. I think that is pretty good. The ones I lose are the ones that die or move out of the city. Never lost one because I was no good.

I will do the same. Sometimes a quick chat (while I get paid at the same time) or a simple smile or hello while I am mowing.

Lawnboy18 said:

Got ya on the garbage thing.

That card thing is a good idea. I do send out Christmas cards to all my clients. I kinda work part time (30 hours of mowing), but I always get new clients every year. I think last year I had about 35 and I went up to about 50-55 this year. I think that is pretty good. The ones I lose are the ones that die or move out of the city. Never lost one because I was no good.

I will do the same. Sometimes a quick chat (while I get paid at the same time) or a simple smile or hello while I am mowing.

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that's pretty efficient if you're mowing 50-55 lawns in 30 yours a week. anyway only doing 30 hours a week you could do your own PR, I only buy 250 of the post cards when we do. here's the thing with them 95% of them get a quick look then tossed in the garbage. what you want to accomplish is them remembering getting something with a picture of leafs and remember for your website.

TaskForceLawnCare said:

that's pretty efficient if you're mowing 50-55 lawns in 30 yours a week. anyway only doing 30 hours a week you could do your own PR, I only buy 250 of the post cards when we do. here's the thing with them 95% of them get a quick look then tossed in the garbage. what you want to accomplish is them remembering getting something with a picture of leafs and remember for your website.

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Yea, I think it's good and it gives me room for more in the futur.

Yes, post cards are usually thrown in the trash, but what I like is that they give a snow ball effect. In one neighborhood I put out some. Got an e-mail and I got the contract. Then he refered me to his friend down the street and then to his neihgbor beside him. So I now have 3 in that area plus another one that I have there since last year. People will see you work and will ask you your number when they drive by. That is how you use your post cards.

icon2000 said:

http://youtu.be/l-rKk6hKPjw
Take pride in your work even with the basics and it will payoff.

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Well... he did a nice job there except for the edge burn but looking at that yard next to the one he did makes his work look even better
I have another income so I'm just a part timer but the extra money is necessary. It's been interesting to progress. I started with a Toro personal pace 22 I bought used for $50. I've been working up from there. The equipment I've bought since then has been used but a little higher quality than whatever equipment it replaced. It works out because I don't have 20 or 30 lawns to do.
There's not a lot of pressure. My first customer was a lady down the street. I still do her yard so I guess I must be doing okay as far as quality. I'd like to do about 20 to 30 lawns a week but I'm not good at marketing.

Mike88se said:

Well... he did a nice job there except for the edge burn but looking at that yard next to the one he did makes his work look even better
I have another income so I'm just a part timer but the extra money is necessary. It's been interesting to progress. I started with a Toro personal pace 22 I bought used for $50. I've been working up from there. The equipment I've bought since then has been used but a little higher quality than whatever equipment it replaced. It works out because I don't have 20 or 30 lawns to do.
There's not a lot of pressure. My first customer was a lady down the street. I still do her yard so I guess I must be doing okay as far as quality. I'd like to do about 20 to 30 lawns a week but I'm not good at marketing.

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You say your a part timer, how many lawns are you doing at the present time? and what type of equipment are you running?

icon2000 said:

http://youtu.be/l-rKk6hKPjw
Take pride in your work even with the basics and it will payoff.

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Yes! I somehow agree that mower brands are no better than a skilled mowing person!

jamie11 said:

Yes! I somehow agree that mower brands are no better than a skilled mowing person!

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I can agree that the brands of mower you use doesn't matter, but the grade of mower does. The video clearly shows the guy is a prime example for why most start up businesses fail. He is using residential equipment. Equipment that's meant and designed to be used once a week by a homeowner not everyday by a professional.

Put that skilled person you mentioned on a Commercial grade mower / ZTR or Stander and he can deliver a far better job than someone with a residential Troy-built tractor.

Ric said:

I can agree that the brands of mower you use doesn't matter, but the grade of mower does. The video clearly shows the guy is a prime example for why most start up businesses fail. He is using residential equipment. Equipment that's meant and designed to be used once a week by a homeowner not everyday by a professional.

Put that skilled person you mentioned on a Commercial grade mower / ZTR or Stander and he can deliver a far better job than someone with a residential Troy-built tractor.

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We don't start with 10 000$ - 20 000$ sir. I started with residential equipment. Blew it and bought the heavy gauge tools when money was gettin' good. I never looked back.

The reason I only cut my own lawn is I hate cutting grass. Just want to get the job done as fast as I can. I am into repairs and do feel I want a good quality job done there. No loose wires dang down or missing bolts and if a bolt breaks I repair it. When the mower leaves my shop it mows level and run like it should. That is one of the reasons I will turn down a repair job if the mower is just worn out and not worth repairing anymore. I find this on cheap equipment like chain saws it cost more to fix them then replace them.

Lawnboy18 said:

We don't start with 10 000$ - 20 000$ sir. I started with residential equipment. Blew it and bought the heavy gauge tools when money was gettin' good. I never looked back.

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As you said you started with residential equipment. Blew it and bought the heavy gauge tools when money was getting good. I think that pretty much proves what I said equipment that's meant and designed to be used once a week by a homeowner doesn't work for long and can cost you money for repairs as well as clients when your not there to do the job. The lack of start up expenses or funding is the biggest reason lawn-care businesses fail. You can get some good Commercial equipment used for a lot less than $10,000.

Ric said:

As you said you started with residential equipment. Blew it and bought the heavy gauge tools when money was getting good. I think that pretty much proves what I said equipment that's meant and designed to be used once a week by a homeowner doesn't work for long and can cost you money for repairs as well as clients when your not there to do the job. The lack of start up expenses or funding is the biggest reason lawn-care businesses fail. You can get some good Commercial equipment used for a lot less than $10,000.

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I don't know for you, but we all need to start somewhere! Money was tight when I started. I bought a mower and it did a good job. I was ready to get a new one when ever I would get really tired of this old one and that happened. I couldn't just walk out the door and buy a truck, trailer, mowers, trimmers, blower and misc. I don't know many companies that started off the batt with all of that. Even if you buy used it is a lot of money. Also, buying used is sometimes buying another persons' problems. It's used! It will need attention = $$$

Lawnboy18 said:

I don't know for you, but we all need to start somewhere! Money was tight when I started. I bought a mower and it did a good job. I was ready to get a new one when ever I would get really tired of this old one and that happened. I couldn't just walk out the door and buy a truck, trailer, mowers, trimmers, blower and misc. I don't know many companies that started off the batt with all of that. Even if you buy used it is a lot of money. Also, buying used is sometimes buying another persons' problems. It's used! It will need attention = $$$

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Nobody said the way you started was wrong. I just said like many others that most that do start without proper funding are doomed from the onset. I kinda started the way you did but I started with a few clients and I stayed that way until I had the money for a trailer, mower, trimmer, edger, blower etc. then I expanded the business when I had the equipment to provide and do the jobs the client wanted and expected to have done. After I expanded I backed up all my equipment one piece at a time and I continually back up equipment all the time.

Lawnboy18 said:

I don't know for you, but we all need to start somewhere! Money was tight when I started. I bought a mower and it did a good job. I was ready to get a new one when ever I would get really tired of this old one and that happened. I couldn't just walk out the door and buy a truck, trailer, mowers, trimmers, blower and misc. I don't know many companies that started off the batt with all of that. Even if you buy used it is a lot of money. Also, buying used is sometimes buying another persons' problems. It's used! It will need attention = $$$

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This is the way to start. What ric was saying is that the equipment you started with cannot hold up so you ended up buying better stuff. No you dint start with 10g but eventually that's what you will need and the more expensive equipment has better cut quality with higher torque and higher blade tip speed. Walk speed is faster making you more efficient. Now I know I can mow my lawn with a cheap craftsman and mow the same lawn with my commercial Toro the Toro will leave a better cut and do it faster. It will last longer and have less down time. If you continue to use residential machines you will spend more money(time) fixing and replacing parts and replacing machines than if you suck it up and buy a expensive machine.

I did a great job with my residential equipment that's why I still have those customers but there is no way in hell I'm going back to cheap equipment

exotion said:

This is the way to start. What ric was saying is that the equipment you started with cannot hold up so you ended up buying better stuff. No you dint start with 10g but eventually that's what you will need and the more expensive equipment has better cut quality with higher torque and higher blade tip speed. Walk speed is faster making you more efficient. Now I know I can mow my lawn with a cheap craftsman and mow the same lawn with my commercial Toro the Toro will leave a better cut and do it faster. It will last longer and have less down time. If you continue to use residential machines you will spend more money(time) fixing and replacing parts and replacing machines than if you suck it up and buy a expensive machine.

I did a great job with my residential equipment that's why I still have those customers but there is no way in hell I'm going back to cheap equipment

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You are 100% right. That is what I was thinking.

Lawnboy18 said:

I don't know for you, but we all need to start somewhere! Money was tight when I started. I bought a mower and it did a good job. I was ready to get a new one when ever I would get really tired of this old one and that happened. I couldn't just walk out the door and buy a truck, trailer, mowers, trimmers, blower and misc. I don't know many companies that started off the batt with all of that. Even if you buy used it is a lot of money. Also, buying used is sometimes buying another persons' problems. It's used! It will need attention = $$$

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homeowner equipment will not work for a commercial lawn care business period. if that's your plan just stop now while you're ahead. also why would you start without a truck and trailer anyway. its OK to want the American dream, I get it everybody wants to build something from nothing, but very few people have the luck, skills, and drive to do so. I saved every penny I could during a 15 month deployment to Iraq, because I was getting tired of it. when I got back I bought a truck, ZTR, stihl string trimmer, hand held blower and old used trailer, lived frugal busted my butt knocking on doors, doing the best I knew how with the few customers I picked up. things grew from there, I've always been able to be reliable because I bought some nice stuff out of the gate, but also do all our jobs with high attention to details, myself and my employees are held to a high standard of personal appearance. like so many of the successful LCO's on here you have to separate yourself from the masses and have quality equipment. because the first time you don't show your customers are calling, seeing the equipment quality, dress code, and cleaner faster cut.

i got it its hard to compete I live with the overhead and trying to stand next to the brickmans or other big money competition. but I can offer a company with the same caliber equipment but I'm small enough to also offer personalized service.

Ric can offer the same with his equipment, but will most likely continue to flourish in his area because he uses nice commercial equipment with personalized service.just an example there's many more on here, like that but the common thread is they don't skimp on their equipment, it just causes heartache in the end.

I guess people don't understand me cause I explain stuff like sh$t. I started working at a garden center. When I had money I got a truck and a mower. I used a cheap trimmer and blower. From there I got better equipment with the new contracts that I had. To this day I add more and more equipment to my fleet to offer a personnalized service and have an even better income. I am a firm believer in commercial equipment. Since I have touched a commercial mower, the only thing that I own and gets used daily is commercial grade. According to me you absolutely have to have commercial tools to do a good job (less down time, etc.), but you can start out with residential stuff to be able to get enough money to invest instead of being in debt. The good ole saying "pay it cash".

Lawnboy18 said:

I guess people don't understand me cause I explain stuff like sh$t. I started working at a garden center. When I had money I got a truck and a mower. I used a cheap trimmer and blower. From there I got better equipment with the new contracts that I had. To this day I add more and more equipment to my fleet to offer a personnalized service and have an even better income. I am a firm believer in commercial equipment. Since I have touched a commercial mower, the only thing that I own and gets used daily is commercial grade. According to me you absolutely have to have commercial tools to do a good job (less down time, etc.), but you can start out with residential stuff to be able to get enough money to invest instead of being in debt. The good ole saying "pay it cash".

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I got you from the beginning some people either don't read all of the post or they just like to hear themselves talk.

LoCo86 said:

I got you from the beginning some people either don't read all of the post or they just like to hear themselves talk.

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Good to know someone understood me out here.

Starting any business take pride, ability, some money, and above all, a positive attitude. Treat people how you want to be treated.

I remember I started my business in 1990 with 100 dollars. Gotta creep before you run

Polaraco said:

Starting any business take pride, ability, some money, and above all, a positive attitude. Treat people how you want to be treated.

I remember I started my business in 1990 with 100 dollars. Gotta creep before you run

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I agree Gotta creep before you run and pride and ability are a big plus but it also takes money to make money. Now don't get me wrong because anyone can go out and mow lawns with a push mower or lawn tractor and make a few dollars and call themselves a Lawn-care business but what ever you think the cost are for starting a realistic lawn-care business, you can double that figure. Licenses, insurance and marketing alone can kill you and you haven't even touched a lawn say nothing about adding in the cost of equipment. Lack of funding and not having the right tools for the job can cost you because you're not making enough money to pay for your time.

Another thing

Your time is money. Figure out a realistic cost for your time per hour. Remember not to sell yourself short either. Calculate your cost of operation too. Fuel, insurance, maintenance, new equipment, vehicle, trailer, tires, payroll, taxes, rent, everything. You know what your costs are. If you haven't, it would be good info for you to figure out what it costs you per hour to operate.

As I recall, when I sold my company 2 years ago, it was costing me $16,000 a day. Or $1000 a day per employee in my case. Not bad for $100 investment after 23 years.

Who ever said your time is your own when you own a business, should get a head exam at their proctologist.

We're getting off topic. Sorry

Polaraco said:

Another thing

Your time is money. Figure out a realistic cost for your time per hour. Remember not to sell yourself short either. Calculate your cost of operation too. Fuel, insurance, maintenance, new equipment, vehicle, trailer, tires, payroll, taxes, rent, everything. You know what your costs are. If you haven't, it would be good info for you to figure out what it costs you per hour to operate.

As I recall, when I sold my company 2 years ago, it was costing me $16,000 a day. Or $1000 a day per employee in my case. Not bad for $100 investment after 23 years.

Who ever said your time is your own when you own a business, should get a head exam at their proctologist.

We're getting off topic. Sorry

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Being realistic about the cost of your time per hour is hard for some to do. Calculating your expenses is something that needs doing but not by you, that's what you have a support staff for and you should get at least a monthly report on the business and that's another place these solo operations end up failing, nobody to answer the phones and keep accurate records.

Ric said:

Being realistic about the cost of your time per hour is hard for some to do. Calculating your expenses is something that needs doing but not by you, that's what you have a support staff for and you should get at least a monthly report on the business and that's another place these solo operations end up failing, nobody to answer the phones and keep accurate records.

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This has been a constant struggle to keep prices low but not lose money. It's different with every single person, every lawn is different figuring price is hard and takes a long time to get a good system. Just don't start by under selling your self how long does a lawn take, how many lawns per hours can you do how much over head per hour and how much profit you want per hour is what you need to figure.

Using cheap equipment will only raise your overhead when you replace/repair. And losing money with down time.

Ric said:

Being realistic about the cost of your time per hour is hard for some to do. Calculating your expenses is something that needs doing but not by you, that's what you have a support staff for and you should get at least a monthly report on the business and that's another place these solo operations end up failing, nobody to answer the phones and keep accurate records.

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Answer to this: good accounting system and answer your phone (get a secretary once things get too out of hand)

Lawnboy18 said:

Answer to this: good accounting system and answer your phone (get a secretary once things get too out of hand)

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Tell me how do you answer the phone when your running your mower or running your trimmer and you can't hear your cell phone ring or your not at home or your place of business to answer the phone? Are you going to take the time to stop you mower or the piece of equipment your running to answer the phone every time it rings? If you don't you may be losing clients which can cost you money, OTOH if you do your wasting time and losing money.
A good accounting system is fine if you have the time to mess with it. Keeping the records you need to keep and the monthly billing you need to do for the business is a full time job in itself.

Ric said:

Tell me how do you answer the phone when your running your mower or running your trimmer and you can't hear your cell phone ring or your not at home or your place of business to answer the phone? Are you going to take the time to stop you mower or the piece of equipment your running to answer the phone every time it rings? If you don't you may be losing clients which can cost you money, OTOH if you do your wasting time and losing money. <img src="http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/attachments/commercial-residential-lawn-mowing/24535-dont-let-your-equipment-excuse-not-do-great-job-icon_scratch-png"/>
A good accounting system is fine if you have the time to mess with it. Keeping the records you need to keep and the monthly billing you need to do for the business is a full time job in itself.

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Good point. I check my phone at lunch and at the end of the day, but I'm not going to pick up when I'm in the middle of a lawn. If I lose a customer because I didn't call them back within the hour, I don't think I want them as a customer.

Ric said:

Tell me how do you answer the phone when your running your mower or running your trimmer and you can't hear your cell phone ring or your not at home or your place of business to answer the phone? Are you going to take the time to stop you mower or the piece of equipment your running to answer the phone every time it rings? If you don't you may be losing clients which can cost you money, OTOH if you do your wasting time and losing money. <img src="http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/attachments/commercial-residential-lawn-mowing/24535-dont-let-your-equipment-excuse-not-do-great-job-icon_scratch-png"/> A good accounting system is fine if you have the time to mess with it. Keeping the records you need to keep and the monthly billing you need to do for the business is a full time job in itself.

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Which is why the owner needs to get out of working in the field and hire people to take his or her place, so the owner can focus on growing the business and making more money.

lawn mower fanatic said:

Good point. I check my phone at lunch and at the end of the day, but I'm not going to pick up when I'm in the middle of a lawn. If I lose a customer because I didn't call them back within the hour, I don't think I want them as a customer.

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I don't answer the phone when or if it rings when I'm mowing because 99% of the time I don't here the thing over the mower. I do have the answering service if they would like to leave a message I'll return there call at the end of the day. The thing for someone who has a good client base, they can afford to miss a call now and then but for someone who is just starting a business or hasn't been in business long they can't afford to miss a potential client.

LoCo86 said:

Which is why the owner needs to get out of working in the field and hire people to take his or her place, so the owner can focus on growing the business and making more money.

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That's one good way or having a good support staff as I said is the other.

I'll return calls between jobs not during. If I was paying someone to do my lawn and I look outside they are on the phone I would be annoyed even if we pay by job it looks bad it means you on their lawn that much longer

I have full professional accounting system. How else can you do it?! At the end, I print off a magic page and give to the accountant so that he can do his magic for tax time. I keep all expenses receipts and more. It is a PITA, but I spend a couple of hours a week to do it. I look like a pro when I come with a nice invoice printed with my programm that is known worldwide and that is used in schools to teach kids.

Get a secretary = more overhead and more clients
Get no secretary = less overhead and maybe loose some clients. I answer phone/messages in between jobs. Never when mowing (I don't hear the phone nor do I want to stop).

This is not science. It is common sense. The clients can wait a bit if they have the minium of patience and empathy. Besides, they need to work also (mine mostly have a job). I like the text approach. I will answer your text after a job. Much faster. Don't give me that unprofessional speach. It is not unprofessional. You answer quickly and you dont play ping pong call all day long since most clients work and you work and both try to phone each other and then it ends up being sh$t. Sometimes some text me a few hours before I live to skip a mow or lift/lower the mower for whatever reason. Why would they need to call if they could text the helpful info.

Lawnboy18 said:

I have full professional accounting system. How else can you do it?! At the end, I print off a magic page and give to the accountant so that he can do his magic for tax time. I keep all expenses receipts and more. It is a PITA, but I spend a couple of hours a week to do it. I look like a pro when I come with a nice invoice printed with my programm that is known worldwide and that is used in schools to teach kids.

Get a secretary = more overhead and more clients
Get no secretary = less overhead and maybe loose some clients. I answer phone/messages in between jobs. Never when mowing (I don't hear the phone nor do I want to stop).

This is not science. It is common sense. The clients can wait a bit if they have the minium of patience and empathy. Besides, they need to work also (mine mostly have a job). I like the text approach. I will answer your text after a job. Much faster. Don't give me that unprofessional speach. It is not unprofessional. You answer quickly and you dont play ping pong call all day long since most clients work and you work and both try to phone each other and then it ends up being sh$t. Sometimes some text me a few hours before I live to skip a mow or lift/lower the mower for whatever reason. Why would they need to call if they could text the helpful info.

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My wife + excell no stress no overhead

exotion said:

My wife + excell no stress no overhead

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Yeah same here. My wife/secretary + Excell = no overhead. No accountant for tax time

exotion said:

My wife + excell no stress no overhead

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I hope you take good care of the office help:laughing:

My GF dont know much about accounting. She would be a good secretary tho.