For a teen's first job, cutting lawns is a great choice. The job is busiest when school is out, the hours are flexible and the pay is good. So, if you are a teen with the idea of starting a lawn mowing business here are a few tips to set you on the road to success.
Cutting Lawns and More
You will need to make a decision as to what services you will provide in addition to cutting lawns. Will you provide hedge trimming? Will you set up and manage a fertilization and weed control program? Once you decide what services you will offer, you will need to get your equipment in order.
Equipment Needed for Your Lawn Cutting Business
The basic equipment you need is:
• Lawn mower
• Trimmer, preferably gas powered so you aren't using the customers' electricity
• Leaf blower, again, gas-powered, for cleaning sidewalks, driveways, etc.
• Gasoline can
• Edger, gas-powered
• Broom
• Bags or barrels for lawn clippings
• Truck and a trailer if your jobs aren't within walking distance
Other equipment you need will depend on the range of the lawn care services you offer.
Basic Lawn Cutting Services
The basic lawn cutting services your customers will expect will include:
• Mowing the lawn
• Edging
• Trimming
• Cleaning the sidewalks, driveway, patios and other areas grass clippings may land
• Removing the lawn debris
When you are finished with the job, take everything with you, leaving only a well-manicured lawn.
Set Your Charges
Prior to advertising your business, determine what you will charge for your lawn cutting business. Check around and see what others are charging and what services they provide. Stay competitive in your pricing but go the extra mile in gaining customer satisfaction by providing the best at all times.
For individual jobs, go on-line and find a job estimator calculator that will help you calculate the amount of time a job will take based on the size of the lawn and the services you provide. Remember that you are not a professional so you can't charge the same as a professional lawn care company but be careful not to offer such low rates that you can't afford to pay for your equipment and costs.
Advertising Your Lawn Cutting Business
Inexpensive ways to advertise your business is to create and distribute flyers and business cards. If allowed in your community, you can go door to door and leave your flyer tucked in the door. You can also check with local businesses to see if you can post your business flyer. Some local businesses to contact are hardware shops, small engine repair shops, senior centers and grocery stores that host a community bulletin board.
Word-of-mouth is also an excellent way to advertise your lawn cutting business. Tell all of your family and friends and offer them some of your business cards to hand out. Offer extra business cards to satisfied customers to give to their friends and family. Remember, while word-of-mouth is a great way to grow your business, it is also a fast way to end your business if your customers aren't satisfied.
Basic Tips for Success
Here are a few basic tips for success in your lawn cutting business:
• Always keep your equipment in good repair and ready to go.
• Keep those lawn mower blades sharp to give the best cut.
• Show up when you say you will.
• Do what you say you will, plus more.
• Always clean up after yourself. Leave no trace except a great looking lawn.
