Business cards, pointers, etc.

**Jonathan K.** · 07-09-2006 05:15 PM

I'm thinking of starting a lawn business, but I need to get prepared first. I think I should get some business cards so I could go to the neighbors and hand them out or put them in local stores. My sister also offered to create a website for me, which I think is a good idea.

I was wondering if you guys know of any good business card websites?

Also, any pointers would be appreciated. (Publicity, prices, etc.)

I'm thinking of $10 per lawn. I could also shovel snow. Thanks, guys!

**kydo97** · 07-09-2006 05:58 PM

I'd start with plain paper with a list of your services rather than business cards. I have never consulted a web page for lawn care services. Locally, word of mouth is one good way to get more customers.

**lincolnf** · 07-09-2006 06:28 PM

Get your feet onto the pavement... through word of mouth and quality service your business will grow easily. I don't think a website is necessary, until you have 7-10 people working for you!

Good luck though... I hope you do well and prosper!

**Jonathan K.** · 07-09-2006 06:54 PM

So should I just print out a piece of paper on the computer and put it in their mail boxes or walk to their door? lol.

**amesibub** · 07-09-2006 08:21 PM

I'd go around and actually talk to the people and give them a flyer about your services.

Don't over-complicate the flyer though. Heading, services and prices and contact info - perhaps a small graphic.

If you're sister is happy to do you a website, try just doing one with a free place. That way at least you have SOME web presence.

Perhaps put it on your flyer aswell that you have a website. People don't care that much if it's a free website, so long as it looks reasonable

But yeah... Go up to people you may know (or at least look friendly!) and talk to them about their lawn care, etc. and see what their thoughts are. Hand them a leaflet even if they're not interested. It never hurts (unless you've printed REALLY expensive ones..in which case it hurts!)

Also, go around to your local shopping centres and billboards and put a flyer up with your contact number. Even a flyer that has tag pulls with your phone number on it would be good

To start with, maybe offer a 2 for 1 deal? Do their front lawn aswell as the back... that kind of thing. It just helps to get you known a little around the place

Cheers,
Sparky

**Jonathan K.** · 07-09-2006 11:32 PM

Okay, thank you.

...

**Bored** · 07-10-2006 12:41 AM

uhh first of all, I don't think the first thing you should be worried about is business cards.

Think through everything before you start putting any investments in the business. Plan out how exactly people will find out about you, how they will contact you, how you will get to their house, etc.

Only after working out the fine details of how your business works, should you invest your money.

Business cards are kind of boring and small. You won't get anyone's attention with a business card. Try posters or brochers to get attention.

Next, you should understand that competetion is really stiff in this industry. You will be up against low waged workers who will be willing to work for dirt. You really need a creative edge before you even step into this industry.

good luck

**Jonathan K.** · 07-10-2006 01:39 PM

Thanks, bored.

From what I've seen, in my neighborhood, everyone mows their own lawn. I'm thinking that I would get the most business from the elderly, since most of them don't want to, and shouldn't be mowing their grass in 90 degree weather.

I'm pretty sure my mom could drive me anywhere within a 15 minute radius of our house. There's like... four subdivision around my house, which is good. I could put a flyer up in their community center or whatever. I have few stores in mind to post a flyer. I'll have my name, prices, contact info, etc. I'm also going to go to many people's houses on my street and give them a flyer and ask if they're interested. Hopefully that'll help.

Thanks, guys!

**3ntrepreneur** · 07-10-2006 01:54 PM

Also do you have all of the supplies necessary to enter the lawn care business?

**Road2Riches** · 07-10-2006 04:14 PM

I think that is great that you have an entrepreneurial mind. You first notice a service or a product that people will like and be willing to pay for at a reasonable price.

Word-of-mouth is good. And also like some people mentioned here. Since your just getting started you don't have to get all fancy with the cards just yet. Posters and flyers (bright colors to catch people's attention). And it would be great if you can come up with a name for your lawn mowing services.

Once you start getting regular customers and a steady income coming in, you can then decide and choose to getting more professional business cards made. Flyers in people's mailboxes should be enough for now.

It's all about customer service. When your in business, it's always the customer first and how to make them happy and keep them happy so they will want your services again and again and eventually pass on the good services to friends and families. And when your first getting started, what you can do is walk around the neighborhood and go door to door and greet the neighbors and pitch them your idea and hand them a flyer and offer a discounted price for their first yard work....that's just a suggestion.

And when you mow the lawn, pay attention to growing weeds and rake the grass for leftover leaves or grass. I heard someone complaining about that once.

Anyways good luck and may God bless you with your ventures!!

**Jonathan K.** · 07-11-2006 08:35 AM

Thanks, guys.

And yes, I already have the necessary supplies except a leaf/snow blower which I should buy.

**ginginca** · 07-11-2006 10:14 AM

I have seen ads around our city for $10 business cards.

That would be a start for a part time bus.

Vista print also has free cards. (But their ad is on the back of them and the stock isn't very heavy.) You just pay for shipping.

You MUST have some sort of card so that you can get call-backs.

Personally I would recommend fridge magnets that look like a business card.

For most real world businesses I don't recommend these things because they are a bit on the cheesy side. We only recommend cards that have "the click factor". That means the stock is heavy enough to click when you flick it. (And I don't recommend full colour cards or ones you print off your own ink jet printer.)

Another tip ... once you get your cards, look for lawn supplies retailers that will let you leave your cards on their counter.

Yet another tip ... "accidentally" leave your card in the public restroom each time you go for a coffee.

And another ... go to seniors centers and put up a flyer ... offer a senoirs discount even. (But remember a lot of seniors live in apartments).

**LightHouse** · 07-11-2006 12:00 PM

Originally Posted by Bored

uhh first of all, I don't think the first thing you should be worried about is business cards.

Think through everything before you start putting any investments in the business. Plan out how exactly people will find out about you, how they will contact you, how you will get to their house, etc.

Only after working out the fine details of how your business works, should you invest your money.

Business cards are kind of boring and small. You won't get anyone's attention with a business card. Try posters or brochers to get attention.

Next, you should understand that competetion is really stiff in this industry. You will be up against low waged workers who will be willing to work for dirt. You really need a creative edge before you even step into this industry.

good luck

you have got to be kidding me, i suppose next your going to tell him he needs a business plan and to get funding from the SBA....

I agree with everyone on the bright colored fliers. hit the pavement and talk to people thats what will sell them the most seeing as you are young. i dont think that giving discount prices is a good idea becasue people think they can take advantage of you being so young... and they will if you let it happen.

as far as pricing you gotta figure your time mowing to figure the cost, most average sized suburbian lawns go for 20 bux and people will want you todo it ever week or two. repeat biz is good. my peice of advice. dont think about it get out there and do it. even if you cant get fliers go out this weekend and talk to some people and see what kind of work you can get

**Keep3Percent.com** · 07-11-2006 01:38 PM

If you go to http://www.vistaprint.com you can create your biz cards for free all it cost is shipping...

Check out my site http://www.Keep3Percent.com tell me what you think..

**Slevin** · 07-11-2006 03:06 PM

I would, as suggested before, buy a lot of cheap flyers. I would look approach stores nearby (especially smaller family run businesses), and ask if you could put your flyer up for a small price, or leave a bundle of them there. However business cards are also very useful, they would allow satisfied customers to easily pass on your details to friends and family, and afterall, for a local business of this type, word of mouth is what you want.

I really dont think the website is that necessary, however it is just another means for people to spread your information, so aslong as your not paying much, preferably anything, for the domain and hosting then all is good.

May i ask, how would you go about doing this? I dont know how old you are but presumably you will be driving to the customers house, and taking your own lawn mower?

Also how long do you predict it will take to mow the average lawn in your area? Then ask yourself how much gas will cost for the journey. Then youn need to figure out how much you will be getting an hour, and if it is worth it by your own standards. Personally i think $10 is about right (depending on the price of gas, I'm too young to drive a car

), as i wouldn't of thought it would take more than 20 mins to mow the average lawn