You know how homeowners take pride in their well-manicured lawns and lovely landscaping. If you have decided to capitalize on this market and start a lawn care business, you need to be prepared and have a plan to be successful. Here are some tips to help you as you start this new business venture.
Decide What Services You Will Offer
Your first step is to determine which lawn care services you will provide. The answer to this question will help you decide what tools and equipment to buy, how to market, and even what truck to purchase. Mowing and weed eating are the minimum services customers will expect.
You may want to add mulching, fertilizing, and planting to your services. You could even sell fertilizer and other products for the lawn to your customers. To have income all year, you might want to include raking leaves and snow removal. Each of these additional services will require different tools and equipment.
Purchase Your Equipment
Once you know how comprehensive your lawn care business will be, you’ll want to figure out which equipment and tools you need. Shop around to determine the best pricing and the right features. Don’t rush through this step because the choices you make will have a direct impact on your business.
To get to your job sites with all your equipment, you’ll need to have a truck or van. The vehicle may be the biggest investment for your business, but it’s one you will need to make early on. You need to determine what kind of commercial vehicle is right for you. For instance, you may need a truck that can handle a snowplow if you plan to offer snow removal. If you will be mulching and planting sod and plants, you’ll need a truck with a bed and decent towing capacity to carry everything you need.
Get Insured
You’ll need a variety of insurance coverage for your business. First, make sure you have a commercial insurance policy for your vehicle since you will be using it for work. You also need liability insurance if you damage your customer’s property or if they are injured and you are deemed responsible.
As your business grows, you may hire employees. You’ll need to have workers’ compensation insurance in case they are injured. You also need business equipment protection insurance for any equipment you have. It can protect you if the equipment is damaged or stolen.
Market Your Services
Once you’ve set up your business and are ready to start work, you need to market your services. One easy way to do that is through advertising on your commercial vehicle. You can put your company name and phone number on the side of the truck where everyone will see it as you drive around Oklahoma City, Norman, and Edmond.
If you’re looking for a commercial vehicle for your new lawn care business, stop by Bob Moore Ford Commercial. We’ll help you find the right vehicle for the work you do.