start up questions

[bgz]

hello,
I am preparing to get equipment for lawn business for this spring. I was wanting to know a good set up for around 14 thousand dollars. I have a br 420 blower already and wanted to spend no more than 9 thousand on equipment and 5 on truck and trailer.

all information is appreciated. I have a million other questions that may sound stupid but please bear with me.

Did everyone start out residential and eventually go commercial.

Do I charge by the hour or by the job.

I live in small town but will be traveling 30 to 60 minutes in two directions in order to try to get business. what is the best way to advertise.

how much is needed to put back for wear and tear on equipment.

thanks again for being patient and i will be posted regularly to get help and help others if im able.

[imograss]

reply

bgz,
i started out with an 88f250 (gas burner) i do reccomend a 3/4 or ton truck these are built to pull and haul a load.my setup included and still does an 88f250 flatbed, 97f350 4x4 (not a dually) 16' trailer w/ gates, racks, boxes ect.
john deere m665 mid mount ztr. 25 hp kohler, 60"deck
john deere hd75 54" hydro walk behind w/ velkie
gravely pro 50 hydro walk behind w/ velkie
2 commercial 21" lawn boy 2 strokers
shindaiwa & kawasaki trimmers, hedge trimmers
shindaiwa back pack blowers
lots of hand tools
i primarily work alone but occasionally do have another fella help.
with the dollars you are willing to spend you could have a really nice start! remember to find a dealer that is close to you or your service area who will support you during down times, and appreciates your business.
welcome aboard.

[CCLS]

reply

Equipment

21' Commercial Exmark mower
32 or 36 inch Exmark mower Hydro
52 inch walk behind Exmark mower Hydro
2- Straight shaft Echo SRM-2400 Trimmers
1- Echo PE-260 Stick Edger
1- Echo HC-1800 Hedge Clipper
1- Echo PB-403Backpack blower, or if you don't want a backpack, get a Echo PB-230LN (light noise).
Optional add ons
Echo CS-510 Chain saw.
Fertilizer spreader.
If you don't like Exmark or Echo, try Scag for the mowers and Stihl for the 2 cycles. Get something comparitive in size. The mowers are really a toss up, because it depends on how many accounts you will have and how big the accounts will be. That should determine the size of the mower and decide if you need one or two walk behinds.
You should be able to get most of the stuff for under $10,000 total.
As for a trailer, I would say 16 foot. If you get a truck, get a full size 4X4, so you can plow with it.


Most start out with residential. There is more involved with commercial, so I would recommend starting with residential. But don't pass up the oppertunity if you can get commercial accounts, just make sure you bid accurately and accordingly.

Mowing you usually charge by the job. You need to figure out how long the job will take, I usually charge about $35-$60 an hour. Just depends on how many yards you can get that are close to each other and how big the yards are.

Hedges or clean-ups I would charge by the MAN HOUR. Average price is $35-$40 per man hour.

Newspaper, phonebook (probably not your first year), door to door, cold calling. I wouldn't recommend flyers or direct mail, but you know your demegraphics better than I so you be the judge.

I would recommend keeping at least 6 months worth of working capital. What I mean is, add up all your expenses and bills for a month (phone, fuel, insurance, advertising, ect.) and multiply it by 6. This way you have a 6 month cushin if you don't make any money and you won't go out of business for lack of capital.

Hope this helps. If you got more questions ask away, I'll be glad to help.

[kutnkru]

reply

Many of your introductory questions can be answered right here in this section of this site:
http://www.lawnservicing.com/forum/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=10

Best of Luck This Season!!