How to Start Your Own Lawn Care Services Business

Written by admin

Starting your own lawn care services business is a great way for teens to earn some money. Most teens have helped out in their own yard for years and are often in charge of the family yard. With this experience, you can start this service with existing equipment that the family owns with minimal start up costs. If you want to upgrade equipment, you can do so later with your profits.

You’ll need to have a lawn mower, gas, or if the lawn mower is electric, a long extension cord and permission from clients to plug in and use the client’s electricity. If the lawn mower doesn’t have a bag attached, be sure to bring a rake and some garbage bags so you can clean the yard up when finished.

You may opt to include weeding, mulching and gardening services along with the lawn care services you provide. In addition, you can provide services such as watering and fertilizing a yard.

In order to set competitive pricing, call other local lawn care service providers and ask what they would charge for various sized yards. Set your prices competitively, but slightly below the prices of your competitors.

Your prices should vary according to your duties also. If you are in charge of the yard, weeding and other clean up, you’ll be able to charge more than if you’re only mowing the yard on a bi-monthly basis.

Consider setting a flat rate that includes specific services such as mowing, raking and bagging up yard debris. As other services such as watering and weeding are included, adjust the price upwards accordingly.

After you’ve made sure you have the proper equipment and have figured out your pricing, you’ll need to find ways to advertise your business to get clients.

If you have access to a computer, you can make your own business cards. Add your name, a business name if you have one, the services you provide, and a way to get in touch with you such as a phone number and email address.

Flyers are another great way to advertise your new business. Simply create flyers similar to your new business cards and post them on bulletin boards around town. Bulletin boards are often located in supermarkets, libraries, city halls, banks, and other public facilities.

If you have a few dollars you can add to your advertising budget, you may want to place an ad in your local newspaper. Often elderly people read these ads and you can read them easier than with a flyer on a local bulletin board.

Be sure to tell your friends and family that you’re starting a lawn care services business and ask them to let their friends and family know and refer them to you. You might even provide them with a few business cards and flyers to hand out for you.

Ask your friends and family to have potential customers tell you that “Uncle Al” sent them (or whoever it was that referred them), and you can give the referrer a small discount on his own yard. Sometimes a small incentive will help spread your name faster.

When you get a new customer, ask them specific questions so you know exactly what they expect of you.

• Do they want you to mow behind the shed and garage?
• Do they want you to bag up and remove yard waste such as grass clippings or do they just want you to bag it up and put it in a composting area or out by the trash can?
• Should you use your mower or theirs?
• Etc.

Knowing what your customers want and providing that service will build a good reputation for you and ensure repeat customers.

Show up when you say you will, or call and let your customer if you’re delayed and when you’ll arrive.

Be honest.

Be prompt.

Follow through on your commitments.

Providing your customers with the best lawn care services you can provide will gain you a valuable reputation and ensure your continued success in this and future businesses you may start.

Tags: business idea, Business Ideas for Teens, lawn care services business