Need help getting started

[Darkwing]

I'm starting a small lawn mowing service. I wanna keep it small, just a one man operation doing small lawns around town. Just want a couple customers to help bring in some extra cash. I'll take on more later when I get more experience. I've been reading the info on this site & the one thing that's bothering me is pricing. All I'm seeing is stuff about the "scrubs" pricing too low. I don't want to charge too low but how can I find out exactly what I should be charging. What's the fastest way to get good at this? I really don't want to be "that guy" that doesn't know what the hell he's doing. I want to do things right from the start. So far all the info I've been seeing is aimed at large companies with multiple employees, not much advice aimed at a small one man business. I'll be honest, most of the stuff I've been reading on this site is scaring the crap out of me. Problems & other things I never thought of.

One bit of advice I've been seeing a lot of (and have been told in person) is just jump right in & learn as you go. But after reading the posts on this site I'm glad I didn't jump right in. I'm taking it really slow!

[PremierLawnscapes]

you will recieve a lot of comments on this thread. That being said, after you read through it all and disect it, it will boil down to "what do you feel your time is worth" and "what can the market bear" Both things vary greatly dependant upon location. Goood luck.

[safari lawn]

I'm starting a small lawn mowing service. I wanna keep it small, just a one man operation doing small lawns around town. Just want a couple customers to help bring in some extra cash. I'll take on more later when I get more experience. I've been reading the info on this site & the one thing that's bothering me is pricing. All I'm seeing is stuff about the "scrubs" pricing too low. I don't want to charge too low but how can I find out exactly what I should be charging. What's the fastest way to get good at this? I really don't want to be "that guy" that doesn't know what the hell he's doing. I want to do things right from the start. So far all the info I've been seeing is aimed at large companies with multiple employees, not much advice aimed at a small one man business. I'll be honest, most of the stuff I've been reading on this site is scaring the crap out of me. Problems & other things I never thought of.

One bit of advice I've been seeing a lot of (and have been told in person) is just jump right in & learn as you go. But after reading the posts on this site I'm glad I didn't jump right in. I'm taking it really slow!

As long as your legal you wont fall into the scrub category, ie Taxes, Liscense and Insurance, having said that I would check with your locality on Liscense info I know here you have to make above 10,001 to have to be liscensed, and its based on your gross reciepts for the previous year..(nothing, 25.00, 50.00, etc.*counties way of getting tax money*.) . All depending on your locality the pricing can vary greatly, I charge from 25.00 - 40.00 per lawn, am I low? all depends on how you look at it, doing some figures today while my helper was finishing up the trimming I figured $32.50 per lawn is my average. I aim for that dreaded $1.00 per minute pricing because I am happy making 60.00 per hour, but after all the time I put in it boils down to about 25.00 per hour. Your best bet in your area is to get a few quotes on having your own lawn mowed, that will tell you what the competition is charging and may help in determining your pricing, but that also encompasses what equipment you are using push mower vs. walkbehind or zero turn.

I know in the areas I mow they range from 30.00 upto 60.00 for the treatment (mow edge trim) but since I am part time in this I am happy if I turn a profit, I dont have the expenses of Medical etc since i have full time employment and am even covered under the wifes insurance on family.

Insurance-- I have a 2 million coverage but have only filed 1 claim in 8 years of mowing, I recommend it especially once your using large commercial mowers and its worth its weight for under 500 a year.

of course this is my meeger opinion and the way I operate so take it for what its worth. Good Luck...

[Grambo]

I am a one man operation myself. Have been for a long time. If I need extra help, I sub-out.
Convince the clients to 'mulch-mow' or sideshoot, and mow high, if possible. It reduces water and fertilizer needs. Charge more to the people who are not interestted in those Savings.

Even if all you do is mow, it is best to know your horticulture and be able to communicate good lawn care to your clients.

There is a phrase that many employers add to their want-ads. "Pay commensurate with experience". In your case, knowledge, would be the key.

[clcare2]

If you start getting every job that you bid on you're probably not charging enough. Contrary to popular belief you are not hurting anyone but yourself by doing this. People who are charging unbelievably low prices are not my competition and I don't want the customers that will hirer them. You should decide to stay away as well and then low balling will not be an issue. If the going rate in your are is 35$ a cut, then why shouldn't you make the same amount of money. Get to know what you are talking about and you won't be selling a price, you'll be selling yourself to people who already want your service. Most lowballers are going for people who had never thought of having a lawn service and don't care about you or your company.

I agree with Safari on the insurance. For a small timer it will only take one SUV window or a picture window to wipeout the profits of a small time operation.