I know a pest control company that subs off their lawn services. This allowed them to grow and keep the lawn company busy with additional services. Also I see in the future with this current state of labor that lawn services will increase in price to established companies vs the mom and pop businesses. I think what you consider low profit at the moment will change in the near future. Also are you servicing lower income areas or focusing on higher income areas?
Yes, I agree with all of your points. There's definitely a huge opportunity for mowing and all other services as the labor market shrinks and demand grows. We are in a middle to high area. Also, we will most likely try to sub out mowing when we get out of it.
If I'm ever thinking either or, I do both. Maybe decide how often or who to offer mowing services to. Maybe long time customers who have given you other business? But mowing is a huge pro with being a gateway service/ foot in the door!
Actually decided this year that next year all we will do is treatments and pest. Like you said I’ve realized that mowing and teaching people five roles is 95% of my headaches for the lowest profit service in the business
Ha, I've been there for a few years too. Trying to build out our lawn and pest customer base as quick as I can so that I can phase it out. Thanks for commenting and I'd love to hear how that transition goes for you.
It's hard work for little pay. Lawn maintenance is the lowest of the low in that department which doesn't attract good employees. Every other construction field pays more with better benefits. It's almost impossible to care for your family on mowing money. I know you have high capital as a con (and it is high for a serious outfit) but I believe mowing is one of the easiest businesses to get into. Why would I want to compete with someone that can get into the business for $500 bucks (basic push mower, trim, edge, blower). The barrier of entry is too low which causes for a massive influx of businesses every spring. Do they last? Nope. However, there are new ones every year to pick up where the others left off. I believe the same goes for skill. There is very little skill involved (hence the low pay). Sure there are properties that demand the highest quality and your average Joe cannot do that. They will pay a premium for the big guys to take it over. How big of a business is this though? You'll be fine with 95+% of the properties if you show up on time and do a half decent job. Seasonal work is just another strike against the business. There is nothing like trying to make it in a low paying field for 35-40 weeks of the year. Sure there are other services to supplement but still. It just makes it that much more difficult compared to other fields.
I very much agree with all of your points. While you can make some money, is it worth the frustration and hassle when there are easier and more profitable ways? I am leaning towards no. Thank you for commenting.
You're absolutely right. For suburban lawns the margin is not there. For large commercial jobs it's different, at least until low ball Joe turns up to undercut you there also
Thanks for commenting Steve. Gross and net are two very different things and it will become much more challenging when you start to scale and hire employees. Can you build a small, niche mowing business with high owner involvement? Absolutely. Is that the type of business I want. Absolutely not. The beauty of business is that we can all build the one we like.
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I know a pest control company that subs off their lawn services. This allowed them to grow and keep the lawn company busy with additional services. Also I see in the future with this current state of labor that lawn services will increase in price to established companies vs the mom and pop businesses. I think what you consider low profit at the moment will change in the near future. Also are you servicing lower income areas or focusing on higher income areas?
Yes, I agree with all of your points. There's definitely a huge opportunity for mowing and all other services as the labor market shrinks and demand grows. We are in a middle to high area. Also, we will most likely try to sub out mowing when we get out of it.
If I'm ever thinking either or, I do both. Maybe decide how often or who to offer mowing services to. Maybe long time customers who have given you other business? But mowing is a huge pro with being a gateway service/ foot in the door!
Is it though? Maybe. I think I can sell those more profitable services anyways. But, you could argue that's a benefit.
Actually decided this year that next year all we will do is treatments and pest. Like you said I’ve realized that mowing and teaching people five roles is 95% of my headaches for the lowest profit service in the business
Ha, I've been there for a few years too. Trying to build out our lawn and pest customer base as quick as I can so that I can phase it out. Thanks for commenting and I'd love to hear how that transition goes for you.
It's hard work for little pay. Lawn maintenance is the lowest of the low in that department which doesn't attract good employees. Every other construction field pays more with better benefits. It's almost impossible to care for your family on mowing money.
I know you have high capital as a con (and it is high for a serious outfit) but I believe mowing is one of the easiest businesses to get into. Why would I want to compete with someone that can get into the business for $500 bucks (basic push mower, trim, edge, blower). The barrier of entry is too low which causes for a massive influx of businesses every spring. Do they last? Nope. However, there are new ones every year to pick up where the others left off.
I believe the same goes for skill. There is very little skill involved (hence the low pay). Sure there are properties that demand the highest quality and your average Joe cannot do that. They will pay a premium for the big guys to take it over. How big of a business is this though? You'll be fine with 95+% of the properties if you show up on time and do a half decent job.
Seasonal work is just another strike against the business. There is nothing like trying to make it in a low paying field for 35-40 weeks of the year. Sure there are other services to supplement but still. It just makes it that much more difficult compared to other fields.
I very much agree with all of your points. While you can make some money, is it worth the frustration and hassle when there are easier and more profitable ways? I am leaning towards no. Thank you for commenting.
Do your electric mowers break down at all? I’m considering electric as I suspect it comes with less time in the shop.
It won’t be profitable with those ryobi mowers. The guy on a 60” zero turn will always be more productive despite the extra fuel and maintenance.
Is it really more profitable or are you just mowing lawns faster? I've already tried that business model and lost my butt.
You're absolutely right. For suburban lawns the margin is not there. For large commercial jobs it's different, at least until low ball Joe turns up to undercut you there also
Why os your mowing service at such a low margin? I am grossing 100+ an hour as a solo operator with a 21in ego.
Thanks for commenting Steve. Gross and net are two very different things and it will become much more challenging when you start to scale and hire employees. Can you build a small, niche mowing business with high owner involvement? Absolutely. Is that the type of business I want. Absolutely not. The beauty of business is that we can all build the one we like.
What are you charging on average 3/2 home 1/3 of an acre? All electric Im assuming? Thanks