William L. Feller
I have had several questions about buying an existing lawn care business versus starting from scratch. Up until just recently my brother and I have grown our business by prospecting.
Remember, prospecting on your own costs nothing other than your time investment. You establish your business relationship with the customer from A to Z.
That's a good thing. Generally there is more rapport and more trust throughout the process. Even though you can build a million dollar a year business strictly prospecting, it can take time and effort.
On the other hand, if you have a little spending capital, you may want to buy someone's route out. Recently my brother and I have been scouring bulletin boards at local lawn mower shops.
Look for people selling commercial equipment. Why are they selling? Do they have some customers that they are just letting go of. We have been able to buy good commercial equipment AND take over existing accounts REAL, REAL CHEAP!
How does 10 cents on the dollar sound? We recently bought a 36 inch Gravely with a sulky for $1,700 a fair deal for the machine alone. We also got about $1,000 a month in residential lawn care work in the deal!
Now, we could turn around and sell the mower for what we paid for it, keep the lawns and have $10,000 to $12,000 a year worth of business for zippo, nada!
Deals like that are all around you. Look for equipment for sale, ask questions and buy right. Be creative and be aware.
I hope this helps.
William Feller is a Past State Board Member of the Texas Association of Landscape Contractors as well as a Past President of the Austin Chapter of the Texas Association of Landscape Contractors.
Today William helps people start and operate their own Lawn Care Business through his site at http://www.MowingForMoney.com
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