Starting a lawn care business

Been in the landscape construction and maintenance arena for a long time. Never owned it myself but I’ve considered it.

Most people that do this are simply cut-blow-go types. They average about 1 yard per hour alone. You could probably get through 10 per day easy on your own time. Maybe 12. Anything over the typical cut blow and go is extra (weeding/hedges/color replacement)
I would be forthright about that with clients. I’d offer a contract/schedule but nothing obligational so they could get out anytime.

The biggest thing is communication. As long as the client knows what to expect and when to expect you, it’s all good. My biggest gripe in pawn guys I’ve had personally do my own house was shitty communication. Saying you would show up then not. Not telling me when you were coming if we had a set day. Not telling me when I was rescheduled for if rain delayed. Or simply doing a shitty job, like blowing the grass clippings onto my neighbor’s driveway and leaving them.

Average yard is about $40 that you can do in an hour. You can earn about $2400 per week more or less. I hold also tell them cash/check paid upon services rendered. Even set up a Venmo or PayPal. Don’t cheat yourself and be firm with your prices. Baseline imo for a common residential house is $40. Larger houses probably have to base it on hourly. If it’s a 2-3 hour job, probably err closer to $100 per visit

Small commercial jobs is a good avenue to get in. Easy cut and clean up and minimal bitching from the client

Great info, and thank you!

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also tell them cash/check paid upon services rendered. Even set up a Venmo or PayPal.

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Is there a way for me to pull my pay out of their account via Venmo or PayPal or would I only send an invoice asking for their payment after completing the services? I'm sure in most cases the homeowner won't be home when I am there. I'm sorry if that's a stupid question - I just don't have any experience with either Venmo or PayPal. I'm sure it's very easy to use but I just haven't used it before.

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only thing I'm really concerned about is making money in the winter

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Pressure washing, baw.

You're going to get stung so many times.

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You're going to get stung so many times.

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I was waiting on you to come in here with a comment like that. I'll be sure to have an epipen on hand just in case

Yea that's a good idea I've seen discussed a lot. Probably going to try including that with the yards I do.

I have been watching lots of videos on youtube on lawncare and tree work. Don't undervalue yourself. Know your worth. My gf's dad has been in the game his entire life and says always try to be making at least 45/hr so that's what I'ma go by

What about mass postcard mailings across my area? I'm thinking about a 1% success rate with that but do you think it would be worth it?

That’s true but starting out that’s a lot to throw at someone. Most people looking for seasonal re mulching likely contract with a larger service.

Can also add pre-season prep work like dethatching, aerating, and fertilizer spreading. Keep an eye on local classifieds for used commercial equipment. The local Home Depot has/had a nice heavy-duty plug-type aerator for sale for under $800 from their rental fleet. I passed the info on to a guy who's building his lawn care business too.

In addition to PayPal or Venmo, Quickbooks should also allow you to invoice directly. That’s how I paid my last lawn guy.

Lots of people look into starting a lawn service company. I’d think you’d have to start small on the side and develop a customer base and referrals. Then expand and become full time.