Hiring employees

[Rob@Key Lawn Care]

Hi, guys. I am looking to expand my business -- soon! I have 12 residential accounts and 2 commercial accounts, 1 of which is to handle all landscaping projects of new homes for a huge builder in our area. I work full-time and it is just getting to be a bit too much for me but I don't want to quit my full-time job & abandon my health insurance..not yet. What I am wondering is how should I go about getting employees? I am currently using friends and associates as contractors but they have other scheduling commitments, too. What is a good rate of pay for lawn workers in SC? The workers would be responsible for lawn maintenance and landscaping (sod placement, planting trees, etc). Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[lclandscapes]

Hi, guys. I am looking to expand my business -- soon! I have 12 residential accounts and 2 commercial accounts, 1 of which is to handle all landscaping projects of new homes for a huge builder in our area. I work full-time and it is just getting to be a bit too much for me but I don't want to quit my full-time job & abandon my health insurance..not yet. What I am wondering is how should I go about getting employees? I am currently using friends and associates as contractors but they have other scheduling commitments, too. What is a good rate of pay for lawn workers in SC? The workers would be responsible for lawn maintenance and landscaping (sod placement, planting trees, etc). Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

General laborer $8-$10 depending.
Team Leader/Drive - $10 - $12.

[MrMojoRisin]

I am strictly residential at the moment and a one man operation. When I do decide to hire help I was thinking about paying either $10 a lawn or $15 an hour. I would excpect them to do two to three lawns an hour depending on the distance. My minimum service is $30 per cut. I want to pay a good wage and get a quality employee that will take pride in his job and be happy doing it because he is getting a decent wage. They would be using their own truck with my equipment. Any advice would be great. I would also like to keep all the work on a Mon - Thurs schedule. 4/10's

[Rob@Key Lawn Care]

Thanks, Low Country. Would you - or anyone out there - recommend going through Job Services to find some good help or post an ad around town? What else is needed to do this other than some check writing software that will calculate the amount of taxes to take out his/her paycheck?

[Team Gopher]

Hi Rob@Key Lawn Care,

If you go through a "job services" company, they might be able to take care of payroll.

[lclandscapes]

Hi Rob@Key Lawn Care,

If you go through a "job services" company, they might be able to take care of payroll.

This is true and some take care of all insurance for that person. Only downside is that person went to "job services" company looking for a job, and as soon as he can get full time, he's gone. Plus if he doesnt show up one day, you will get some one that may/may not know what they are doing. Hire someone, train them, pay them an honest wage, and more than likely they will loyal.

Put an add in the paper, word your add correctly, put requirements in it, and do phone interviews, then meet in person if you like what they say.

[lclandscapes]

Thanks, Low Country. Would you - or anyone out there - recommend going through Job Services to find some good help or post an ad around town? What else is needed to do this other than some check writing software that will calculate the amount of taxes to take out his/her paycheck?

Workers comp. insurance, Gen. Liability insurance, and if he is going to drive your vehicle - Commercial insurance policy.