United3dArtists Archive

Finis · Post by **Finis** » 10 Mar 2010, 21:16

I've been putting this in my Phosphor Gallery thread but it needs its own.

Jack Rabbit Lawn Care. I applied for a business registration yesterday and I'm making room to store tools now. I joined a lawn care forum to get info. and advice.

Steve · Post by **Steve** » 11 Mar 2010, 14:14

There's forums for that? Bet the conversation topics are....*electrifying*

/sarcasm

spacekdet · Post by **spacekdet** » 11 Mar 2010, 17:15

weevil wrote:There's forums for that?

/sarcasm

Eh, it grows on you.

Steve · Post by **Steve** » 11 Mar 2010, 20:26

spacekdet wrote:
weevil wrote:There's forums for that?

/sarcasm

Eh, it grows on you.

Ba-dum-tssssssss

Finis · Post by **Finis** » 11 Mar 2010, 22:03

If you dig a hole in the wrong place it's a gas.

froo · Post by **froo** » 11 Mar 2010, 22:35

yeah, things can heat up real quick if you're not careful. Just don't smoke on the job...

v3rd3 · Post by **v3rd3** » 12 Mar 2010, 02:35

Good luck with the new business Finis.... Without watering this down too much, I hope you are raking in the dough soon.

Finis · Post by **Finis** » 17 Mar 2010, 21:34

Thanks everyone.

I hope I can trim expenses to make a profit. Hey! JamesMC, this is your kind of humor.

I made a website for the business. http://www.lawncare.phosphorgallery.com/"

It just a rough draft now. It will be http://www.jackrabbitlawncare.com" soon.

Steinie · Post by **Steinie** » 18 Mar 2010, 01:00

I like the header on your web page, looks great with the fresh grass.
Try to convey the message that you will beat any price by $5.00 a week to get a competitor's business until you build
a client base.
Once you work for someone ask if they have lawn equipment they
want to get rid of.
I used to always charged by the job for private jobs and used yearly contracts with businesses.
You have to decide ahead of time if your Eco friendly regarding pesticides.
Always have backup equipment.
The rain is your enemy. No pay.
The rain is your friend. Grass grows.

Finis · Post by **Finis** » 18 Mar 2010, 02:22

Thanks for the advice Steinie!

I intend to charge a little less than the big boys. Glad you pointed out that I should convey that it is cheaper. That seems obvious now but I didn't think of it.

Lawn equipment: Good idea! After I have some money I'll especially watch for customers who might sell trailers or old big trucks. A big truck and hauling trailer would be great.

I'll only have the borrowed power equipment until I can get more. I'm thinking buy my own home level stuff when I can, then the borrowed is backup. Then get pro stuff with the home stuff as backup and return borrowed tools.

Yep, rain.

Finis · Post by **Finis** » 07 Apr 2010, 22:45

I'm in business. No customers yet. I've got all the tools I need to start. Everyone is spreading the word for me. Maybe I'll try some fliers or a cheap add somewhere.

The manager/owner at a local waffle shop let me put some business cards by the register since I'm a regular there.

http://www.jackrabbitlawncare.com"

v3rd3 · Post by **v3rd3** » 08 Apr 2010, 09:11

Good to see you are under way.

My 2 cents would be to put an ad in the Holloman newsletter or base paper.

You might consider an incentive then for military personnel and seniors.

You probably have a fairly large population of retired air force folks still living around the base that can become good customers. One ticket that might work is a $5.00 coupon for the first service call at a military household and 5% off for seniors buying a 3 month bi-weekly contract.

Sometimes a "dual" qualifying promotion can be that little extra push to get customers to pick up the phone.

Good luck Finis....

PS You might consider a logo at this time as well as it will assist in early brand recognition. Keep the design solid without too many tiny details so it looks good sewn into a golf shirt.

Finis · Post by **Finis** » 08 Apr 2010, 15:42

Thanks V3rd3.

Working on a logo.

Yeah, plenty of retired people here, lots of military, and German Air Force too. Many of them live in town but have no time to maintain their yards.

On-base housing yards might be an opportunity but I think one big company does all that and there is an incredible burden of regulation to work on-base. If not though ... I think some companies have some personnel who can't get on base due to criminal history, illegal aliens, etc. I'm "Captain America, Mr. Clean" so no problem with access.

I'll try real estate companies. Lots of houses for sale have overgrown yards.

Discounts and incentives ... good idea. Holloman newspaper might work. Really cheap but effective advertising is the problem now.

If I don't get customers soon I'll be eating jack rabbits.

bitkar · Post by **bitkar** » 09 Apr 2010, 09:51

as a graphics designer (i suppose you have somethig to do with graphics :D ) you could add some extra services to this green bussiness:

3D:

or 2D:

or color 2D:

:)

marcel · Post by **marcel** » 09 Apr 2010, 10:26

Lawn is not only garden:

RAYMAN · Post by **RAYMAN** » 09 Apr 2010, 14:32

Dont forget that you grow with your work........ !

Please dont say I have bad ideas !

compPanda · Post by **compPanda** » 09 Apr 2010, 21:07

RAYMAN wrote:Dont forget that you grow with your work........ !
Please dont say I have bad ideas !

Correct me if I am wrong, but that kind of "growing" could land you in jail in many countries...

marcel · Post by **marcel** » 09 Apr 2010, 22:02

smoking idea

v3rd3 · Post by **v3rd3** » 09 Apr 2010, 23:28

spyfrog wrote:
RAYMAN wrote:Dont forget that you grow with your work........ !
Please dont say I have bad ideas !

Correct me if I am wrong, but that kind of "growing" could land you in jail in many countries...

To be blunt.... yes!

If it becomes a problem tell the authorities that you are there to take care of the grass not the weeds....

Finis · Post by **Finis** » 09 Apr 2010, 23:57

No customers yet. Have to think of free or super cheap publicity.

Many yards here are rocks instead of grass since it takes a lot of water to have grass and the rocks are low maintenance. Some rock yards have designs made with different color rocks. They aren't as complicated as that sports logo though.

v3rd3 · Post by **v3rd3** » 10 Apr 2010, 03:47

Suggestions:

- Hook up with Home Depot as one of their contractors. They subcontract a fair bit of work and you can get discounts on your supplies.

- Look in your local Real Estate Sales web site and find properties with messy yards.... call the real estate agent with an offer of what work you will do and a quote to fix the place up.

- Turn your yard into a showcase... take pics and load on your web site.

- Knock on doors of homes that might need the help. Check with the cops first to see which neighborhoods should really stay that way.

- Put fliers into beauty salons. Remind the ladies of the joy of a beautifully landscaped garden.

Best I can think of for now... More later.

Finis · Post by **Finis** » 12 Apr 2010, 01:01

Thanks V3rd3.

Lawns for real estate companies... yeah! Going door to door is illegal here but I think there is a permit to get for that.

My yard is no showcase and that's the way I like it. My house and yard would need a lot of work for showcase photos anyway. Good idea so I'll see about showing some of my good yards in fliers, on the website, and someday put little yard signs where the customers will let me. That's if I get any customers.

I'm discouraged now. It is unlikely that I'll get customers soon enough even though it only takes a few for me to get by. I can't get a job. Next month is doomsday. Every thing has to be paid then ... car insurance, property tax on the house, everything. I can't pay any of it. My friends and relatives are broke too. Even the ones that used to be better off.

I made fliers for bulletin boards with pull off tabs for contact info. Wal-Mart's big bulletin boards don't have public stuff anymore. Sure there are other places for them but missing out on those super high traffic ones was disappointing. I'll look in the phone book, make a list, and call places (like beauty shops!) to ask if they have any place for my fliers or business cards. Considering the flier-worthiness of places I see in town: the senior's center, restaurants, karate schools (mom's with money pick up their kids there), library (anti-business, unlikely to help), the college branch campus (marxist's, definitely won't allow fliers).

A newspaper ad is what I need but an effective one costs money.

I started the process to apply at a place where I used to work. (Have to go through the Dept. of Labor) They are hiring. I really didn't like it there but ya gotta do what ya gotta do. At least I get PI license and decent pay there.

Finis · Post by **Finis** » 12 Apr 2010, 01:14

I had this gardening success. My irises are blooming.

v3rd3 · Post by **v3rd3** » 12 Apr 2010, 04:41

I hate to say it Finis but if you are in the lawn care business your yard is your showcase.

People don't get haircuts from barbers with bad hair.

People don't go to mechanics that don't have a running car.

People do love to eat food made by fat guys.

The irises are lovely and a wonderful start.

Finis · Post by **Finis** » 12 Apr 2010, 15:48

You are right V3rd3. It is unlikely anyone who can afford lawn service, or food, or anything else, would be in my neighborhood to see my yard but making it a showcase is certainly a good long term strategy. That isn't something that will happen before doomsday next month.

Update: I got a economical newspaper ad for Wednesday and Thursday. There better be water in this pool because I just jumped in the deep end.

bitkar · Post by **bitkar** » 13 Apr 2010, 11:35

maybe you could use truespace and make some good garden designs (vizualizations) and try to sell them. Make a catalogue and ppl could choose which garden they like. Then you can make them the garden they selected.
btw: no parks, soccer field or other? this could be a good long term job.

Finis · Post by **Finis** » 13 Apr 2010, 16:47

Bitkar, thanks. If I get this business going then I plan to learn things like landscape and garden design and gardening. There is software specialized for that but TS could probably make better visualizations. The large grassy areas, parks, ball fields, belong to the city and city employees maintain them. The golf course has its own crew and seldom hires anyone new. There is a dog training school that has an acre (.4 hectares) of grass. Maybe I can get them as customers.

froo · Post by **froo** » 15 Apr 2010, 02:33

Hi Finis.
Dang I was going to ask if you have tried going door to door. We have gotten quite a few flyers here
for lawn and garden improvement.

Is it possible you could offer to do some jobs at a significantly reduced rate? Get your name out there,
by word of mouth? Not sure if that has already been suggested though.

what about the chamber of commerce? When I was unemployed I would go to the Richardson Chamber
of Commerce (Texas). Every Wednesday morning they had this get-together. Each business owner would
stand up and give their '30 second commercial'. The goal was to network for more business opportunities:
the other business owners would hear the pitch, and oftentimes would get each other connected with
opportunities. Since I was an unemployed software engineer, I'd do my 'lookin for a job' thing. I got some
short term projects that way. That may get you in touch with business owners needing lawn care. Entrepreneurs
like that oftentimes look for ways to cut costs since they are operating on shoestring budgets anyway.
But they still need the product or service.

Give that a shot; you will most likely have to attend more than one of those weekly / biweekly meetings if they have
them there, to continue networking with business owners there. Each time there will be new faces and
new opportunities.

I hope that helps Finis.

Froo

Finis · Post by **Finis** » 15 Apr 2010, 03:46

Networking with the influential people. I have everyone I know, including the previous mayor, spreading the word. The chamber of commerce idea might help.

Finis · Post by **Finis** » 18 Apr 2010, 20:00

I've got one mowing customer, every two weeks, and a clean up job. That's good but I don't know if there will be enough customers before doomsday. Various free advertising will hopefully bring in some customers.

One guy called from my brief newspaper ad hoping I could hire him. I'm getting discouraged. There aren't any jobs to get and I can't start my own business and so on. There's just no point in trying.

Although I really want to have my own business and hope this works out, I'm applying to every regular job I can find.

v3rd3 · Post by **v3rd3** » 19 Apr 2010, 05:04

Sometimes that is exactly what you have to do to make it through the dry spells Finis.

I realize that it can be discouraging trying to get projects like this working but the only cure is hard work.

When I was younger I was going out with a terrific girl (at least I thought that at the time) and I wanted to help her get through school. I worked a regular day job that often had an overtime requirement, M-F I was a roast cook at a chicken joint and on weekends I helped a buddy with a networking business pull cable etc. I made enough to cover the gaps she had paying tuition and books. It was one of the most desperate times of my life. When I didn't get any weekend work I ran around like a madman trying to find it.

Good thing we split before I killed myself.... LOL.

Times are tough all the way round Finis and I hope you find your way through this. Persistence pays off and I know you have that in you.

Good luck.

bitkar · Post by **bitkar** » 19 Apr 2010, 08:27

yeah, times are very bad... Ive had bad times some two months ago and iam still struggling hard to get the situation under full control. So I understand what you are experiencing these days. You need strong will and luck. Take every chance to get money, even the small ones. I resolved the situation by getting a new job in "one minute to 12". I hope you will get that luck too and it will not be "after 12".

Tommy · Post by **Tommy** » 19 Apr 2010, 16:54

I miss some pictures of your gardening. If i was you I should take pictures of gardens i haven't done and put them in the website and say this is what I can do. Nota bene: Be shure you can do it.

A costumer who is satisfied with you are gold worth and tells his friends how good you are . A costumer not satisfied tells his friend how bad you are and you are missing a lot of clients.

I can't find any "keywords" in the code for your site. This is a quote from a book from Wrox how to taking your site live "The keywords property supplies a list of keywords that a search engine can use to index the site. If somone types in one of the words or a combination of the words you use as your keywords then a search engine has a better chance of returning your site."

Maybee this should be in the head:

<meta name="keywords" content="fertilizing, weeding, trimming, lawn, plant, detaching, spring, fall, cleaning, rock yard, (your place)">

and everything else your business take cares of.

I wish you a good luck and don't give up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tommy · Post by **Tommy** » 19 Apr 2010, 16:59

I have googled "Lawn Care Alamogordo" and didnt get you on the list! You should be on the top of the list.

Finis · Post by **Finis** » 19 Apr 2010, 21:01

My truck door magnet is here! Now I'm somebody! That will be some cheap publicity.

Well, I'm less pessimistic today. We'll see. I think I need to do something creative. I haven't had time for TS or such lately.

I'll get an application in today on a regular job and I think (have to go through a government office so it is not clear) that I'm a candidate for another regular job.

Thanks for the support everyone.

V3rd3: "... what you have to do to make it through the dry spells ... only cure is hard work." Yep.

Bitkar: "... getting a new job in "one minute to 12" That is what often happens for me. I try and try and when all seems lost, at the last minute, something happens to fix it. Not make it wonderful but make it good enough.

Tommy: Yeah, my site is on page two of the google search. Right, I do need the meta tags for the searches. I'll add 'em. Once I've done some good yards I'll use photos on the site and on brochures.

bitkar · Post by **bitkar** » 20 Apr 2010, 06:16

meta keywords is only one but not the most important parametr for google indexing bot. Read more about how google indexes pages and about SEO in general, if you want to be near top.

marcel · Post by **marcel** » 20 Apr 2010, 06:42

1 - The number of sites with a link to your site is more important than keyword.
2 - change each month your index page (only a word or a color, it's ok). the robot like that. that mean your site is not dead.

Finis · Post by **Finis** » 20 Apr 2010, 17:06

Thanks for the advice about the search result placement. I'll add the meta tags but I'm not really that concerned about the placement. I expect very few customers from people finding me in a search. Many of the retired people, prime source of customers, are not on the internet. Some do not have a computer.

For this business the website is a supplement to business cards and other publicity, a place for details, and it makes me look more professional just to have http://www.jackrabbitlawncare.com" on my business cards, etc.

If this business looks like it will thrive then I'll get a phone book listing for it. That gets you in the section at the top on several searches. Most of those lawn care businesses here that are in the top section don't have websites at all so they aren't there because of SEO.

If they will ever approve my Google Adwords ad then that will appear based on search words and location targeting. I expect few results from that either.

Tommy · Post by **Tommy** » 20 Apr 2010, 18:46

Have you done a market analysis? Which coustomers are interested in your bussiness? What are your pros compared to the others? Maybe you can do a plan in 3D to show the customer how it should be.

I would guess from my point of wiew as a Swede go for the people in the middle class occupied in the career. People who are concerned about their apperance and could afford to hire people to take care of their gardens.

Which area do they live in. Spread leflets.

About your website: when I go for look after help with something and google I often stay at the first side and start calling. The second side possible. The third side no. I shouldn't been satisfied before I was first on the list.

I really hope you will have sucess in your business and to be your own boss.

Tommy · Post by **Tommy** » 20 Apr 2010, 19:18

After my last post i have googled SEO and have learned a lot. Thanks all in this thread for this discussion about Finis business.

Finis · Post by **Finis** » 21 Apr 2010, 01:20

Thanks Tommy.

Potential Customers:

Most are elderly retirees.
The most profitable customers tend to live in big houses around the golf course. They are either retired, too busy with work to tend to their lawns, and some just have winter houses here but live somewhere else. They want everything nice and can afford it.
Busy Air Force and Army people who live in town could provide customers too. I will give them extra great service and probably a discount.

Finis · Post by **Finis** » 22 Apr 2010, 15:42

Google is evil. I signed up for AdSense, where you have Google ads on your site. The won't approve my site. Reason:

"Difficult site navigation: During our review of your website, we found
your site difficult to navigate. Potential navigation issues include:
redirects, pages behind a login or restricted access, broken links,
excessive pop-ups, dialers, and pages under construction or not yet
launched."

The site's navigation is standard. Millions of Wordpress blogs, many of which have AdSense ads, use this navigation. Thousands use the same theme that I am using. It is not difficult.

Redirects: So what? http://www.jackrabbitlawncare.com" does redirect visitors to http://www.lawncare.phosphorgallery.com" . So sorry I'm not rich enough to afford another hosting account instead of using a subdomain. First, the redirect does not cause difficult navigation. Second, there is nothing troublesome, deceitful, or otherwise bad about it.

Pages behind a login ... really? Think about that. I have to let all visitors have access to the admin area? That is stupid beyond words. So they are telling me that there aren't any sites that have a restricted access admin or members area and also have the ads?

Dialers, broken links, pop-ups, pages under construction: none.

So all those ba-zillions of free Wordpress blogs, which are all subdomains of wordpress.com, can't have AdSense ads? Oh right, Wordpress isn't Blogger (belongs to Google). A little Microsoft-ish isn't it? (Strange how all the MS haters could care less when Google or Apple use the same tactics.) Have to wonder why they wouldn't want all that ad presentation space though.

Whatever, even high traffic sites make little from the ads. If ever get Phosphor Gallery going again I'm switching to Yahoo and Bing based ads and quitting Google. (Ads to promote it. The gallery will have no ads on it.) Probably a better class of clientele available on non-Google searches/ad networks anyway. I quit using Google as a search a long time ago.

marcel · Post by **marcel** » 22 Apr 2010, 19:34

If your blog was on blogger, Google would not have the same attitude. Internet is divided into sealable block (Google, Apple, Microsoft) instead of making the world more free and objective. More and more they force us to choose sides. Maybe in the future, we can no longer move from one world to another. Not only internet but also for the phone, shopping, etc. ...
Tomorrow we will have two identities: that of the country where we live and the Internet ID. Passport requirement for both and visa to change world. Maybe another will come to eat every three...

Finis · Post by **Finis** » 22 Apr 2010, 21:44

I just got a job for a local plumbing company doing lawn work! I thought "yard man" meant keeping the supplies in order but they mean weeds and lawn work. The work is at their building and their two houses which both have huge yards. 30-40 hours per week with decent pay. Start on Monday.

That is as their employee not as my own lawn care business. So if this works out I'll close my lawn business and get back on Phosphor Gallery and other similar ideas as possible future self employment.

froo · Post by **froo** » 22 Apr 2010, 21:53

Holy Lawn Fertilizer Batman!!!

That's great Finis! A full time employee gig is great!

Good job!

froo

marcel · Post by **marcel** » 22 Apr 2010, 22:04

Good luck!

v3rd3 · Post by **v3rd3** » 22 Apr 2010, 22:58

Congrats Finis.....

bitkar · Post by **bitkar** » 23 Apr 2010, 06:12

seems like this is the minute to 12 save :)

Steinie · Post by **Steinie** » 23 Apr 2010, 10:55

Good luck Finis!

Finis · Post by **Finis** » 23 Apr 2010, 23:06

Thanks everyone but it was too good to be true.

Just can't win. The guy from the plumbing place called today and said he found out his partner had hired a guy before I was interviewed. They'll let me know if that guy doesn't work out.

Well, back to getting my own lawn care business going.

Update: I got a call about mowing from a neighbor of my current customer. Maybe that business will get going.

bitkar · Post by **bitkar** » 25 Apr 2010, 19:31

oh... nevermind, keep fighting!

marcel · Post by **marcel** » 25 Apr 2010, 20:26

It is difficult to start his how buziness but it can be more interesting later than to be an employee.
It depends on your needs now and that you really wants. keep the good way.

v3rd3 · Post by **v3rd3** » 26 Apr 2010, 11:35

Sorry to hear the news Finis. I hope things work out with your new client.

Finis · Post by **Finis** » 01 May 2010, 00:44

I might get a part time job washing rental cars. We'll see. That would provide some income while I get more lawn care customers.

So I'm trimming a shrub in a lawn I cleaned up earlier and a woman, an employee of the resident there, shouts from across the street, "Hey! You lookin' good over there!" Further statements revealed that she meant I did a good job on the yard.

spacekdet · Post by **spacekdet** » 01 May 2010, 06:47

Easy, killer.

bitkar · Post by **bitkar** » 01 May 2010, 08:19

i hope you asked her if she needs something :) maybe a lawncare or something else ;)

Steinie · Post by **Steinie** » 01 May 2010, 13:16

"Finis Gigolo Service" has a nice ring to it...

froo · Post by **froo** » 01 May 2010, 13:58

hahahahahahahahahahaha heheheheh ohh hahaa funny man!

v3rd3 · Post by **v3rd3** » 01 May 2010, 22:35

I must exercise some restraint.... this is one of the ultimate straight lines.....

Finis · Post by **Finis** » 11 May 2010, 02:13

No car washing job. I got two messages from potential new customers. Playing phone tag. I hope I get their business.

Finis · Post by **Finis** » 11 May 2010, 20:40

I got a one time mowing job. The amateur she usually uses can't do it this time.

I also got a one time job to roto-till and seed part of a yard. The whole yard is a huge double lot. I though I'd won the lawn service lottery until she said her friend mows it. Too bad. Easily $60 or $65 each time.

bitkar · Post by **bitkar** » 12 May 2010, 08:09

Tommy · Post by **Tommy** » 14 May 2010, 14:15

You haven't been so lucky with your business. Keep on working with it!. In time the customers will come. It's important to get customers who are very satisfied with your job. They will tell their friends how good you are and in the end give you more customers.

Maybe I will open a new thread with my work to be my own boss. I'm thinking of using my scills i TS and building websites. I'm working with a website for a garage. If they go for my design I will start a new thread about the whole thing.

I had to think about the website and went for a walk in the sunny weather for inspiration and I got it. I would like to work like this. The freedom.

Finis · Post by **Finis** » 14 May 2010, 15:43

Thanks Bitkar.

Good luck with your self employment efforts Tommy. I've seen that people with their own businesses are often happier than others. The freedom is a big part of that of course. I like the possibility to have more time not working to hike, do TS, and work on other projects. Marcel often writes of his self employment situation allowing him to have free time and not work all the time. The opportunity to make plenty of money is there when you are in business for yourself too.

I'd like to get my gallery business going but that will have to wait. http://www.phosphorgallery.com"

"They will tell their friends ... give you more customers." Right! Some people I've worked for said they have been doing that.

If the weather will ever warm up then the mowing season can start. Most years it already would have. Mowing is where the money is. The warm season grasses used here need plenty of heat and sun in the day and warm nights. Getting there. Two yards needed mowing so far and plenty of weeds and clean up to do.

Tommy · Post by **Tommy** » 15 May 2010, 22:05

I am not in for the big money.I would like to have the freedom of decide of my own time and what to do. I will only enjoy my last years of my life in doing things I like. Like working with TS and explore Dreamweawer Photoshop, travelling, sit outside in the sun with a knitting, be with my children and friends more and decide about my own life without 9 to 5 job..

I am also a knitter and a member of Raverly community I have got a contact with the largest yarncompany here in Sweden to do designs as a consult. I had a meeting with the boss last week and it turned out well. I am going there for more discussions next week. It's not big money for me but I have the possibility to do what interests me.

If a customer is disapointed. Do everything to make things right. A disatisfied costumer will tell everyone how bad you are and you lose a lot of costumers.

Despite this last sentence I wish you good luck!!!!!

Finis · Post by **Finis** » 20 May 2010, 02:14

Not so good this week. Several referrals from previous customers but no definite work yet. One customer has slow growing grass and said she'd call me when needed. Another isn't watering hers, or not enough, so I don't know what will happen there. They would be regulars except for that stuff.

Still, I think I'm barely keeping ahead of doomsday, maybe. I need seasonal mowing customers. Have to get more free/cheap advertising.

v3rd3 · Post by **v3rd3** » 20 May 2010, 03:19

Do you have a camcorder you can use to create a quick Youtube video?

The next viral star could be you!

Finis · Post by **Finis** » 07 Jun 2010, 22:17

Still not good but things are getting better. I've got two repeat/seasonal mowing customers now and might get another soon. That is the most profitable. I get one time jobs mostly by referral. I did weeds and clean up for a breakfast cafe and might get that as semi-regular. I'll do a roto-till and seed next week. I'm working on an estimate for removing some oleanders.

Now to do some bookkeeping and ... drum roll please ... deposit checks!

I'm using Quickbooks for bookkeeping. The estimates, bills, and such I could make made me look more professional to customers but now I'm out of printer ink. There won't be any more ink unless I win a lottery.

v3rd3 · Post by **v3rd3** » 08 Jun 2010, 02:24

Finis, where is the donate button on phosphorgallery .... I will buy you some ink...

Finis · Post by **Finis** » 08 Jun 2010, 03:25

Thanks V3rd3. I'll get by until I can get some ink. Some customers seem impressed with the printed bills and estimates but I don't think it is a big factor. They can be emailed too.

v3rd3 · Post by **v3rd3** » 08 Jun 2010, 03:53

Ok, good hunting.

Finis · Post by **Finis** » 13 Jun 2010, 02:43

Business has been picking up. Mostly from referrals. I got a one time job digging up some oleanders and got calls from two new customers in one day. I've got 5 repeat scheduled service customers now.

RAYMAN · Post by **RAYMAN** » 13 Jun 2010, 12:11

Thats great Finis !
Peter

v3rd3 · Post by **v3rd3** » 13 Jun 2010, 12:40

Awesome.... congratulations... I hope this trend keeps going

Steinie · Post by **Steinie** » 13 Jun 2010, 13:25

This type of business usually ramps up. Your doing one job and the neighbor
wants to know how much to do this or that. If you can survive the initial start-up
you'll be ok.

Make a sign to post while your working a job with your phone number on it.

I started cutting lawns when I was a kid in grade school. When I went to High School
those lawns became Estates with private tennis courts. If my Dad hadn't been transferred
because of his job, I'd have a huge Landscaping Business today.
Keep at it Finis. I think your business will grow.

Finis · Post by **Finis** » 06 Jul 2010, 20:52

I need some more regular customers. Picking them up slowly. No one has any money to spend so the folks who can usually afford lawn service are scrimping. I need to get my own tools and return borrowed ones, get more tools, pay bills, save for the winter, ... Everyone I know who used to be better off in money is already supporting their formerly independent kids so they can't invest in my business.

I have to give 7.5% of everything I get, before expenses, to the state for gross receipts tax even if I'm loosing money. They are about to raise that rate. So I'll have to pay more tax, everything will cost me more as other businesses have to raise prices to pay it, and customers will have less money for me due to paying higher prices.

I had to take the line trimmer to mechanics today. It's nothing I can fix and they are swamped with work. Two weeks until they work on it. Maybe I can get a new one and return this borrowed one.

Edit: Shorter and less negative.

Finis · Post by **Finis** » 08 Jul 2010, 01:00

I got my own line trimmer.

With the state income tax refund, two quarts of assorted change, and the $25 I found under furniture I've got some more time to get those needed new customers.

I've got 7 regulars, 2 intermittent customers, and one intermittent commercial customer. I get one or two temporary jobs per week too.

bitkar · Post by **bitkar** » 13 Jul 2010, 09:00

great, i hope it will only get better.

spacekdet · Post by **spacekdet** » 13 Jul 2010, 15:52

From the looks of that photo I'd say that New Mexico lacks only one thing for your business.... actual grass!

Finis · Post by **Finis** » 15 Jul 2010, 00:07

Thanks everyone for the good wishes.

I've started bidding higher prices and being less generous about doing extra things. Trim a shrub too? No problem! Trim a huge hedge? That's its own job with its own price. So far people are happy with that. Still have the first regulars who get cheap prices but a deal is a deal. They usually give me a bonus anyway. The repair bill for the borrowed trimmer wasn't too much.

Steinie: Yep, if I get past the start up things will be ok. I realized that although I have few customers now I am making a lot per hour on most jobs. If I had a full schedule of customers I'd make more than almost all the other jobs I've had.

V3rd3: I got a new printer. No lottery win but a high profit job did the trick. It was only a little more than one ink cartridge for my other printer, came with cartridges, and its ink costs half as much.

Bitkar: I think not getting that private groundskeeper job was a "last minute save". Although I'm struggling to get this business going I am enjoying how good it is to work for myself. Not getting that job saved me from going back to working for a boss. It kept me on the right path.

Spacekdet: Hey that's my yard! Monsoon season is starting. That will green up everyone's grass and I hope produce more business for me. Oh that's why it was sweaty today. 100 degrees plus some humidity.

If it stays warm the grass might grow until late October. There will be lots of leaves to clean in Autumn. I might even hire a temporary helper then.

I've got a Paypal button on the website now. Most of the retirees I work for don't have computers or aren't on the web though.

Finis' Lawn Care Business

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