How to Start a Landscape Maintenance Business
Starting your own landscape maintenance business can be profitable as well as enjoyable. Working outside, being your own boss and setting your own schedule are what many Americans dream about doing someday. Fortunately, you do not need a lot of money to start a landscape maintenance business, so the dream may be closer than you imagine.
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Things You'll Need
- Written policy
- Receipts
- Billing forms
- Estimate forms
- Business cards
- Contracts
- Landscaping equipment
- Trailer
- Vehicle to tow trailer
- Introduction letters
- Advertising
Instructions
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Check with your area Chamber of Commerce to find out if specific rules and paperwork exist for starting a landscape maintenance business in your area. You may need to register your business with the state and apply for an employer identification number (EIN). You may also need permission from your township or city to run a small business out of your home. Consider filing paperwork with your state of residence to create a limited liability corporation (LLC) for your landscape maintenance small business. This will help to protect you, your family and your personal assets from loss in the event of a lawsuit.
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Talk to your automobile insurance provider to find out if you need a rider added to your policy to protect your landscape equipment while it is in transit on your trailer between jobs. Ask insurance companies for quotes on a personal liability, injury and property damage policy for your landscape business.
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Create and print your business cards, estimate forms, billing forms, contracts and receipts for your business. If you are not sure what to charge, find a mentor or contact local landscape maintenance businesses and request quotes for service. Purchase accounting software for your business or talk to a local bookkeeper or accountant about handling your books and the documentation you should be keeping for business records and taxes.
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Purchase the equipment you will need for your landscape maintenance business as well as a trailer to haul it.
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Advertise your new business. Purchase magnetic signs for each side of your truck and trailer. Place an advertisement in the local paper indicating that you are accepting new clients. Send letters introducing your landscape maintenance business to local homeowners, new home buyers and businesses and ask them to contact you for a free estimate. Follow up promptly on leads or contacts for clients and be sure to hand out your business cards each time.
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Talk to your customers to make sure they are happy with the work you are doing and if there is anything else they would like you to do. Be prompt in arriving as scheduled and in your billing procedures so that your business appears professional.
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Tips & Warnings
Dress professionally when giving quotes for service. Consider ordering shirts with your business name and phone number printed on them to wear while working.
Follow up on complaints immediately and offer to correct the problem without added charge to keep your clients happy.
Resources
- Photo Credit Julia Fuller
