Where Should I start

[Jay]

Hey guy's

I'm new to the site and would like to know where should I start when it comes to a lawn service. I have owned business in the past and made them successful but never have I looked into a business like this. From what it sounds like it can be very profitable, but I don't know where to start or should I look at buying a business that is already established. Thanks for any feed back you could give me.

[CCLS]

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I would try to start your business from scratch, it will take longer to build up a customer base though. First thing you need to do is build up a customer base. You can do this in many ways, through advertising, face to face contact or networking. When you get your customers and determine the average size of their properties is when you should decide what equipment to buy. Since it is spring, you shouldn't have to worry about equipment for a month or so since you live in Michigan, where I'm guessing there is still snow on the ground. After you secure some customer's then buy your equipment. Now is the perfect time to try to build your customer base.

Once you decide to start your business there are several things you need.

1) <b>DBA (Doing Business As)</b> you can fill out the paper work at your local county recorders office.

2) <b>General Liability Insurance and Equipment Insurance.</b> Most lawn companies carry $1,000,000 liability. Depending on what equipment you purchase will determine how much insurance you need for your equipment.

3) <b>State Sales Tax License.</b> Most states require you to collect sales tax if you are preforming a lawn related service.

4) <b>State Pesticide Applicators License.</b> You only need this if you are planning on doing any chemical treatments to your customers properties. Contact your local county extension office for more information on how to test for your license.

5) <b>Employer Identification Number</b> You only need this if you are planning on hiring employees.

If there is anything I forgot, I'm sure others at this forum will post it. Good luck and welcome to the forum.

[imograss]

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welcome to the forum jay, i agree starting a business from scratch is a good way to get started. i bought an existing business about 5 years ago. it has worked well for me, it put me in some real good areas, all within a stones throw from each other.the downside to that is you have an extra payment, and further in debt.ive been able to grow it pretty well. i just happened to have a friend that had been servicing these same lawns for 12 to 15 yrs. so i knew they had to be quality lawns in good areas.ccls laid out some important steps you should take care of first. good luck and welcome to the forum!

[GrassMaster]

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Hello Forum Member CCLS:

That was an Excellent Post! []

I might want to use it later, if So I will Contact You!

[CCLS]

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No problem Admin, just here to help!

[Jay]

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Hey guys thanks for the feed back. I was out of town for a few days and just read everything. Great forum

[castaneda_lawn]

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WELL I PERSONALLY BOUGHT MY BUSINESS FOR AROUND 2000 IT CAME WITH THE LAWNS AND LOTS OF EQUIPMENT. THAT HAS WORKED FOR ME TILL THIS VERY DAY. THE PROBLEM WITH BUYING ALREADY OWNED BUSINESSES IS THAT THE EQUPMENT MIGHT BE VERY OLD AND WARNED. ALTHOUGH MY EQUPMENT HAD PROBABLY 2 WEEKS OF USE ITS KIND OF GIVING ME PROBLEMS NOW. JUST THE OLD STRING TRIMMER. WELL THATS MY 2 CENTS WORTH HOPE IT HELPS.[]

[BlacEleg]

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<font face="Tahoma"></font id="Tahoma"><font size="2"></font id="size2">Greetings Everyone
I just wanted to know if everyone else has to jump through the same amount of hoops as I do in New York State for their <b>State Pesticide Applicators License</b>. We have to take a 30 hour course (Approx. $200.00), two test(price unknown), Two Manuals (price unknown), Proper ID (price unknown), and a five year License ($ 375.00).
[:0]

[AzJim]

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Jay,

My suggestion is to put together a business plan so you know where your going. It should take the guess work out of your future decisons. Business plan examples at www.bplans.com.

Also do alot of research. This site will help but check out other sites too. There are tons of things to look out for.

AzJim

[andersc1]

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BlacEleg,
Yeah, pretty much everyone has to jump through some form of hoops to get their state applicators license. It's the governments way of improving your life. &lt;grin&gt;

Curtis
[)]

[BlacEleg]

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Curtis

Well I missed the majority of the classes by searching for them to late in the year. I will have to wait until the fall for the classes. That means no Pesticide Applications for me this season.