How to Start Your Own Lawn Care Business
Have you been thinking about quitting your job and starting your own business to make some extra income and gain the financial freedom you’ve always hoped for? Well, lawn care is one of the booming businesses right now and generates close to $70 billion annually, according to the Professional Landcare Network. It’s also fairly easy to enter and learn the tricks of the trade. However, the St. Louis lawn care service industry is quite competitive and you’ll have to be on top of the game to attract and retain customers. To increase your chances of success, you’ll have to do your due diligence and have a business plan or strategy. Here’s how to start your own lawn care business.
1. Decide on your business model
The first thing you want to do is decide on the type of lawn care business you want, whether you want to start from scratch, buy an existing business or consider business franchise opportunities. This depends on your business goals, financial capability, and business formation (sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, etc.).
2. Do your due diligence
To get a clear picture of how your lawn care business is going to operate, you’ll have to do lots of research. Research the industry and understand the area you intend to sell your services, including the population, competition, and any permits and licenses required.
3. Certification and license
You need to adhere to state and local laws to operate legally. A lawyer can help you comply with all the legal requirements to avoid being on the wrong side of the law.
4. Create a business plan
A business plan is like a blueprint and will help you understand where you are and where you want to take your business. The research you carried out will help you formulate a business plan and project your sales and operation costs, gross and net profits, customer growth, lending procedures, hiring and firing policies, pricing strategy, equipment purchase and acquisition, wages or salary structure, marketing strategy, human resource plans, operation plans, financial projection, SWOT analysis, and more. Ensure you’re as detailed as possible to capture everything on paper, including business expansion plans.
5. Acquire proper equipment
Buying quality tools and equipment can be expensive but they are worth it. If you can’t afford to buy new, you can lease or get some used equipment. From commercial grade mowers to trimmers and blowers, ensure you acquire quality tools because they are durable and will get the job done.
6. Set up an office and hire the right team
To manage your operations, you’ll need an office where you can organize and coordinate activities. This will also help you hire and manage a team that will help you serve your customers. You also need to set up a system to manage all your business operations.
7. Marketing and consistency
Once you’re ready, it is time to market your business and get your first customers. You can use both online and offline platforms to let your potential customers know about your business and the services you offer. However, remember that your business may not take off immediately and you’ll need to be persistent and patient before you make considerable sales.
If you’re wondering how to start your own lawn care business, these tips will give you an idea of where to start. Just ensure you do your research and formulate a plan you can work with.
