Too Late to Start in Atlanta?

[Mario Santiago]

With the beginning of September upon us, is it prudent to start a Lawn Care business now?

My thinking is to start now and establish customers now for spring time. At the same time, a lot of money goes into equipment that if purchased right now will sit around with not much cash flow.

Please help,

Mario

[GrassMaster]

I would think about it?

Atlanta has plenty of work & the Money flows like water...

Is there anyway you could do them part time & build up the business until you have more than you & a Helper can do part time?

My thoughts on this is, about February or March would be the ideal time to jump on it full time. I could be wrong?

Lawn Maintenance does slow down there in winter time!

[Mario Santiago]

It would be a part-time venture. I work full time and this is an afternoon opportunity for extra cash.

It would also be by myself. So, with that info available; should I start now or wait 'til March?

[Phil Nilsson]

Start now ... if you have another source of income why wait?

[Mario Santiago]

Start now ... if you have another source of income why wait?

Well, I guess for the worry of having all this equipment no income coming in during the winter months...

[Phil Nilsson]

In Atlanta there is money to be made 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year ... take a look around and ask yourself what needs to be done ... almost ANY business will work in Atlanta.

Seize the opportunity in front of you. It's all up to YOU right? You're the one who will make it happen ... right?

The only problem I see is that Atlanta offers so much, one would have trouble narrowing down the options.

[steve-o]

i picked up 2 new ones lastweek for mowing and got mulch and weeding jobs out of both. they are neighbors and i may get 3 more across the street. they all had the same co. and all have the same complaints. some guy pulling a single axle with a jeep and scalping the yards. this is a neighborhood that i chose not to postcard. BIG mistake on my part. upper middle class at best. go for it cause you will be surprised with the results.i did my work late friday and saturday while everyone was home and that made all the difference in the world as to the extra job i got and the bites on the others.

steve

[Mario Santiago]

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I'll let you all know of my progress.

[busterb]

Good question Mario- I was wondering this as well. I agree with Phil though, there are tons of other things to do year round here without mowing. That's just a small part! I'm gonna go with the whole "Landscape Makeovers Starting at $199" idea as we head into the fall and winter here. Part time like you of course until next spring! I went and looked at a Toro 36' hydro WB yesterday... sweet machine. Not till next spring though!

[Mario Santiago]

Why are you waiting until next spring for the purchase of 36" wb?

I would think that purchasing it now, you could still get some jobs with it and also practice mowing with it to be ready for next year.

[alpine692003]

Never too late .....

[comfortlawn]

Go For It

When I Go Down To 2 Mowings A Month I Make A Lot Of Extra Money Doing Odd Jobs For My Customers ..........fencing ,pruning,presure Washing Driveways, Or Whatever They Need ...good Luck And Go For It 110%

[theweedman]

i started up in atlanta just over 1 month ago. so far i bought an echo trimmer, echo blade edger, echo backpack blower, a honda 21", got a business license and General liability policy, and been at it part time since. there is alot of good areas to go to get work in atlanta.. i started out with a few flyers in one neighboorhood by my house. then i got 1 weekly acct., which led to more work from referrals and people just stopping me while i was working asking me if i could cut their lawn. i've been wishy washy about whether or not i should get a bigger walk behind this year or next year myself. i have been approved for a loan, but chickened out. lol.. i think i'm gonna wait till i absolutley feel i need a bigger mower. i've been doing smaller lawns anyway. from reading messages on here, i've decided to also go the "landscape makeover" route, in hopes of making some extra money to put away so i can pay for a mower with some cash next spring. gonna get the Quick 36.

Why are you waiting until next spring for the purchase of 36" wb?

I would think that purchasing it now, you could still get some jobs with it and also practice mowing with it to be ready for next year.

[Turf Medic]

In Atlanta there is money to be made 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year ... take a look around and ask yourself what needs to be done ... almost ANY business will work in Atlanta.

Seize the opportunity in front of you. It's all up to YOU right? You're the one who will make it happen ... right?

The only problem I see is that Atlanta offers so much, one would have trouble narrowing down the options.

I am curious, Phil and you seem to be in the know, if you were looking to start a LCO and could move anywhere in the country, and the only requirement was no snow. Where would you move to set up shop? Would you list your top 5 choices? Thanks

[Greenpea24]

guys I just was told by some other people that most of these companies like ferris or exmark and such have special financing plans such as no payments no interest for 6 months...look into that because thats what Im going to do and work with it part time during the fall and winter to be ready to go in spring.