future

[nj2000]

im going into my first year of college and i was thinking about starting up a lawn care business, ive been working for a lawn care business for about 7 years now but i want to start up my own. im going to be in college so i cant go to big right now, but i was thinking about, if everything goes right, go into it big time in a few years, and start growing it huge when i get out of college. im going to be majoring in business in college so i'll have everything i need to know business wise. Does this sound like a good idea or not? and i would appreciate any advice on how to start it up, or any other tips, thanks

[Phil Nilsson]

Sounds good ... a course in cost accounting will help, as will advertising & marketing ... and "people management".

Phil

[njnewbie]

Nick...

I was in your same shoes a year ago. Incoming frosh with about 6 years LS'ing experience. I started a company up in mid-May after my frosh year of college. We got lucky with a free 5x8 ($600) trailer in exchange for a free summer of cuts, and a free, if very old, 48" mower. Hitch was $250, 36" mower $2100, blower $500, weedwacker $270, stick edger $380, which we just bought. So about $4,000 (split three ways...you'll probably need to start with somewhat less pricey equipment...look for good stuff, but USED stuff...and look EARLY... we didn't and all used equipment was sold by mid-spring. If you don't have a lot of cash saved up, consider taking on one, ONE, 1, (1) partner, or even taking out a small loan (we took out one for the 36). Our brands are Ransomes, Exmark, Redmax, Redmax, Redmax. Can't go wrong with Exmark and Redmax (Shindaiwa and Echo are quality also). Make sure you get mostly commercial equipment. We hitched trailer to my partner's Cherokee, so truck was basically free. Just some money stats to think about this year. Some tips:

Start early! Tell your friends, family, everyone you know about your company prospects now and [gently and eventually] push the issue of cutting their lawn come winter. We waited until May to do this and we still were successful. Through family and friends we have about 12 of our 30 customers. I'm lucky with a tight and local extended family, but if you can get these lawns, you'll get referrals from their neighbors or friends of family. About 10 more of our 30 weekly customers. We have 9 other customers through a variety of reasons (referral of referral, or saw us out cutting etc). I'm stressing starting early with fam/friends/etc because we have about 18 commitments for next season who couldn't switch to us this year and were signed in contracts because we asked to LATE in the season. Flyers help, gave us 4 customers and several jobs (get flyers out VERY EARLY...like March and early April..if you go away to school come home for a weekend and hand out flyers 20 hours a day...and maybe hire neighborhood kids to help you for 5 bucks an hour...it will be worth it. Legal or illegal (we we're illegal first year, but are registering in the fall, insurance in the spring), get signs on your truck...you'll get more drive-by customers.

Think long and hard, on your company name and how to make an effective flyer. As far as pricing, I'd stick to standard pricing, but on the lower end of the spectrum. We're usually dead on but occasionally $5 lower than we should be. I think it's worth it but don't dip too low...stand strong with industry standard pricing. Read the forum a lot. I'm buying Phil's labor-time hopefully it will be good, I'd spend way too much stress and time on preparing bids.

In summary...

-Start EVERYTHING early
-Consider marketing and picking up accounts your number one focus and priority at all times, it's not as easy as it seems
-Don't underprice yourself
-Go it alone (most preferable by far) or take on a max of one partner
-Buy commercial equipment to avoid breakdowns
-Stay very positive...being college age is a great position to start in....you have someone else paying for food and shelter so you don't have to go in over your head debt-wise because you've got to put food on the table from day one. It's less stressful and you can take much more of a "hit" initially.
-Don't worry if you don't make that much...we'll have grossed about 15-16k this year. Sounds good, but split three ways minus expenses and that's nothing special.

Good Luck

[Lawnboy112]

Take a corse in Horticulture, it will be a good thing to know. Do all the reaserch on the equipment you will need. They're are better mowers for certain types of lawns and slopes. DO YOUR REASEARCH. Good luck.

[nj2000]

(we we're illegal first year, but are registering in the fall, insurance in the spring

How much did all that cost?

[pride]

Check your nearest home depot or go online as they have great stuff for starting like Echo trimmers & Blowers all well priced and very reliable if you can't afford high grade commercial equipment.

[MOWANDGO]

Hey guys..I love the homedepot products and all, but I wouldn't recommend buying the echo brand. Yes, I admitt that I love my echo. I don't, however, think it was truly intended for commercial use. I bought one this year and have already started having problems at 50 hrs. I did all the required maintenance early and still the problems persist. Anyways, the point I'm trying to make is, spend the extra bit of money to get the better stuff. Instead of spending $200 for and echo, spend 300 for a redmax or a stihl.

That's just my two cents...

[MOWANDGO]

Oh and I forgot to mention...NJ, I'm in the same place I'm going into my freshman year in college as a finance major and am going to run the business from school. I've had my business a shade over 6 years. ( since age twelve). I'd say go for it. You'll never have to work on campus for that lovely $5.50 an hr. All my friends that are going to school have to work. I'd much rather spend twenty minutes cutting a property and making $30 then spending 4 hrs. in the cafeteria slaving over a hot stove or something...
GO FOR IT!!

[Elwood]

I do have some questions.

How large is your company that you currently work for? If you decide to stay with them while you are in school, what kind of opportunity is there for you upon graduation? Something to consider.


Starting a business can be a finanicial strain on a student. Be sure you can afford both, especially the education, it is the most important. With your college schedule, can you ballance classes, study time AND business? If so, can you really make enough money to offset your expenses and net as much as keeping your existing job? Only you will know this. What kind of time do you have available to work? How flexible will your current employer be?


Would you be better of to keep your major in business and possibly try for a double major with Hort. as your 2nd? At least make if your minor?


Just food for thought. A new business takes a lot of time and at this point in time in your life, you should dedicate as much as possible to your education. After college, if you want to get into business for yourself, you will have a HUGE head start on most of the people starting and many who are already in business, success will be a short road simply because of your education.

If you decide to start now, I wish you luck, but remember what is most important. Your education. Mrs. Jones lawn will grow back in 7 days, a missed class may hurt you more than Mrs. Jones can.

Good Luck and keep us posted!!!

[nj2000]

what classes do you think would be best to take business wise in college to have more experience running a lawn business?