My start up list

[brandt]

I am starting up this spring. This is a part time job until I have the funds to make it full time. I have read through many, many threads here and would like some feed back on anything I might be missing from my start-up list. I have about $1500.00 in funds to start.

My start up list:
Insurance:
Liability ($500,000.00 umbrella policy) *paid*
Vehicle *paid*

Advertising:
Business Card *paid*
Door hangers *300.00 for 2500 full color hangers* (suggestions)

State Business License:
Local license (solicitation)

Equipment:
01’ S-10 Pickup (paid for)
Mower (suggestions) *300.00-500.00
Trimmer (suggestions) *100.00-200.00*
Blower (suggestions) *100.00-200.00*

Oh Crap Money: *500.00-800.00*

Is there anything that I have missed,? I want to have no more than 20 cuts per week to start with and build the base up as my equipment improves. Any help would be much appreciated.

(Thoughts)

[Kimber Landscapes]

Edger?
Home depot sells Echo products. They are not pro grade but they will handle the abuse of the business. I would do a self propelled push mower to start and save up for a 36" mower after you get a trailer.

[Benini's Landscaping]

Brandt keep your eyes in the paper see whats there is look for a good walk behind. A push mower would work for now just make sure your lawns are not to big. With a 21 it will take for ever to cut.

Kimber i disagree with what you think about echo they are just as pro as you need just because they are sold in home depot doesnt make them any less i have been using them for years no prblems. So brandt i would recomend echo for both blower edger and trimmer.

Seems like you have a good plan just grow with the buisness keep your blades sharp and you will be good.

[MASTERMOWER]

Good plan to begin with.

When you go to purchase your push mower, I highly suggest a unit NOT sporting a Honda GC series engine. With your budget, you should pick up a nice Snapper SP mower (with the Briggs Intek engine). It'll last you quite a long time.

http://snapper.com/hivac_bagging_mowers.html

Good luck!

[DLS]

brandt

i'm in the same bucket as you. about the same start up $$.i got a 77 chevy rebuilt the engine.got it painted.went to a local pawn shop found a allmost new 6.75 craftmen mower(dont laugh) i only paid 100 for it.went down to hardware store and got a echo blower,edger.after my insurance,opening bank account and all that good stuff i had about 400 oh crap $$.i'm just starting also as you can tell. BUT DAMM IT FELLS GOOD!! good luck.keep your head up

[MASTERMOWER]

Keep looking forward!!

It was about 3 years ago when I started my business (again). All I had was a measily $1000 to start up upon...mostly on credit cards in fact. Already had a truck, but I had nothing else.

Now the garage is crammed full of toys. This year I'll be working to increase my scaping equipment, as that is the way I desire to expand my business. A new truck and trailer is also in the works.

This is the bulk of what I've worked up to so far, all of which has been paid for: 97 Chevy k-1500, 94 Chevy k-2500, Toro 52" & 44" Hydro WB, Toro 52" Z-153, Exmark Metro 36", Honda/ Snapper/ Lawnboy 21" SP, (3) Stihl FS-80 Trimmers, Stihl BR600 blower, Solo 470 blower, Echo HC-1500 hedge trimmer, Echo PB-200 blower, Shindaiwa 488 chainsaw, MacKissic international tiller, Meyer 7.5' plow, Meyer mini spreader, Toro/ Snapper/ Canadiana snow blowers, too many hand tools, Turbo Turf 200gallon skid sprayer, Husqvarna 26" aerator, Husqvarna 22" overseeder, 6x12" trailer

[brandt]

Thanks for the advice guys. I had a great set-up around April last year. I had a few customers lined up. Then bang one of my parents gets sick and then I move to take care of them. I have to sell the equipment I had just bought. Talk about FUN times.

But I digress, I am looking forward to this year! As soon as I finish my year end estimations I plan to have them posted for review by you guys.

I hope to keep you updated