How to Start a Lawn Mowing Company

A lawn mowing company is one of those endeavors that can be started fairly inexpensively. With a new business that you are unfamiliar with, it’s best to start small. That means it’s just you and your lawn mower, plus a few other tools. As your business grows, consider hiring an additional worker and offering other yard care services, such as bush and tree trimming, weed pulling and flower bed planting.

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Tools

Make sure your lawn mower is in good condition. Have it serviced. You don’t want to encounter problems with your mower after you have clients waiting for your service. It’s nice to have a backup lawn mower. If you don’t have one now, consider looking at yard sales and in want ads to get a good deal. You will also need a lawn edger. Plan on including a yard blower, or at least a wide broom, for cleaning sidewalks after mowing. You will need a small trailer to transport your mower and tools.

Materials

Purchase a day planner, or other scheduling book, to keep track of your lawn mowing appointments. Print inexpensive business cards on your computer. You can keep a few in your wallet to hand out when you talk to potential customers. Keep business accounting on a computer program or an accounting ledger. It’s important to know how much you make and how much you spend on materials and repairs. This will not only let you know your net profit, but this information is required for filing your income tax forms. Have professional magnet signs for the side of your vehicle or trailer when it’s being used for your lawn mowing company.

Legalities

Different states and counties require different licenses and fees to do business. Check with the county administration, in your location, to make sure you are following all rules and laws regarding your lawn mowing company business. Check prices for an affordable insurance policy that will cover your machinery, you and accidents that may cause property damage.

Advertising

Word of mouth is still the best advertising. So, let your friends and family members know that you are open for business. Make up flyers on colored paper that advertises your services. Make sure you have chosen a professionally sounding name. And don’t forget to include your phone number. Using your cell phone is a good idea, so that your family phone is not disturbed. Be sure to sound professional every time you answer your phone. Drop off a flyer at every house in the neighborhoods you wish to work. Place a flyer on every bulletin board that allows you to do so.

Pricing

One of the most important aspects of starting a new business is to know how much to charge. Measure your own lawn. Then, mow it while timing yourself. Then edge it and sweep the sidewalks. Do everything you would for a customer. Do the math to figure out the square feet. Use the hourly wage your require, but add a bit more for your expenditures, gas and wear and tear on your machinery. And then figure how much you would charge per square foot. You should be able to eye a lawn and estimate the square footage. When you visit a customer for the first time, listen carefully to what he wants done. Take notes so you won’t forget anything, but also because it looks very professional. Excuse yourself to figure out what the charge will be. This will leave you undisturbed in the cab of your vehicle. You can then give a written estimate to your customer.

How to start a lawn care business

Tip: Watch out for those sprinkler heads in the lawn. They are easy to miss and can be broken off readily costing you extra time and money.