How to Make Money Mowing Lawns
A well-maintained lawn adds to a residential or business property's curb appeal and may increase the value of the property when placed on the market for sale. Some property owners, however, lack the time, equipment or physical ability to keep up with yard work. If you have an interest in landscape architecture or if you enjoy working outdoors, you can start a home-based business mowing lawns that could grow into a large-scale operation over time.
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Instructions
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Apply for a tax identification number on the IRS website. A tax ID allows you to keep your personal and business financial records separate, which could prove useful when preparing your taxes. You should also read your jurisdiction's laws regarding business licenses and apply for the licenses you need to operate your business legally.
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Service and repair used landscaping equipment. Whether you already have landscaping equipment or buy it used, have the equipment serviced or repaired so that it does not break down during jobs. Generally speaking, you should take your equipment to service and repair shops that specialize in repairing the brand of equipment you own.
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Purchase additional equipment you need at a big box hardware store. Such hardware stores often have landscaping equipment sales and may offer credit accounts to new businesses. You should confirm your credit rating by ordering a free credit report before you apply for business credit. Purchase only the equipment that you need to keep your business expenses affordable.
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Advertise your business. Lawn mowing and landscaping businesses generally advertise by placing flyers on residential and business doors. To save money, type up a flyer in a word processing program and have it printed at a printing company. Include your contact information, rates and special promotions on the flyer. Distribute the flyers yourself or have them delivered by a flyer delivery service. Deliver as many flyers as possible as any residential or business property with a lawn could be a potential client.
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Knock on doors. Make lists of businesses to visit on a daily or weekly basis, including real estate and property management businesses. Ask business owners what they pay for landscaping services and offer a lower rate to get the business. Although knocking on doors in residential communities may be intimidating to some, when a homeowner needs landscaping services, he is more likely to call someone he has met and talked to than a random name out of a phone book.
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Tips & Warnings
You can apply for one free credit report per year at annualcreditreport.com, the Federal Trade Commission's preferred free credit report vendor.
Increase the money you earn by accepting all mowing and landscaping jobs, regardless of the size.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
