So you enjoy lawn maintenance and want to venture into the business of lawn care and provide lawn cutting services? Well, there’s a lot of potential for you to run a great business. The sector is flexible, and you can get started with minimal training. Moreover, it’s an attractive field of work to enter as you can operate your lawn care business alongside your other job without hassle.
Formulate a business plan and pricing strategy
The business plan that you write up for your lawn cutting business will determine a few key things. There’s good earning potential in the market, so you should do some research on the prices your competitors have set and go from there. If you are new to the game, provide your services initially at a lower cost to entice customers to avail your services instead of the other guy’s.
Determining the number of hours you want to work is necessary to place you on a schedule that you can commit to. Decide if you want to work on the weekends, what services you will offer, and what areas to work in. These factors will help get you started on a well-established business plan.
To set an appropriate price point for your services, consider your experience. The more you know about lawn cutting and care, the higher the payment you can demand.
Commercial businesses will tend to pay good money for top-quality services, whereas homeowners are warier of their budget and look for low-cost alternatives. Segment the market and look for who you want the customer base to be.
The size of the property you are working on varies the pricing as well. The larger the area, the higher the price.
Work with a trainer
To understand how the lawn mowing business works in its daily operations, you need to work under experienced professionals or learn from someone capable who is willing to teach you. This will be an investment that will help you later down the line as you will develop a good understanding of pricing, operating equipment, standards of quality of work, customer service, administrative work, etc. Work for free if you have to but put in at least 2-3 weeks to properly understand the workings of the industry.
Choose the right equipment
It is vital that you purchase the right type and amount of equipment for your work. Prioritize buying only new equipment. The reason for this is that it generally makes you seem more trustworthy to the client, as opposed to if you bought and used second-hand equipment that is also at a higher risk of breaking down early and needing repairs. Remember always to have the money to replace your equipment, should the need arise.
You should invest in 2 mowers (a mulcher and a lawnmower), a mulching kit, a trimmer, a blower, pruner clips, and petrol cans. You will also require a vehicle to travel to clients in different locations and to store your equipment.
Make good with your existing customers and use them to market you
Word of mouth is the best marketing out there. Impress your customers with your abilities and form good relationships with them. Hand out business cards, offer a referral benefit system, offer friendly advice on lawn maintenance outside of your services. This will make you an easy recommendation for them to make to their friends and family.
Establish a good payment routine
Although it may seem awkward, make sure you set up a concrete payment routine with the client on the first or second meeting. This will ensure the client does not get lazy when it comes to making payments. Discuss the package and give clients invoices in a steady rhythm.
Be prepared for the next day’s work
At the end of each workday, prepare all your equipment for the day ahead. This will save you time when you have to get to a location and show clients your punctuality and work ethic.
Customer Relations
Communication with your clients is key. If there is ever a schedule change that affects them, let them know ASAP. Keep a steady line of communication open with your client where they can ask for any assistance
Review your business and the industry
Every 5-6 months, you should audit your business and check the industry standards. Gauge the development of your business and estimate any changes to be made in the business model to be more in line with the industry. Factors such as the average price per lawn, time spent on a job, and traveling time between jobs will allow you to make informed decisions.
