[sonnyrizo]

Alright, I am down to two choices, but neither are final until I am fully done researching. Right now, my only option is a low-capital/investment company. This means that I will not need to invest much.

This is what I am thinking of:

Lawn Maintenance - I mow lawns, trim bushes, and possible install lighting and possibly lay bricks.

Its fairly simple in theory, but may become difficult at some point if costumers ask detailed questions only an expert can answer.

I am not an expert in this field, and have no interest in it. Honestly, I would be in it only for the money....of course!

That's the only con I can think of right now.

Computer Repair - Seemingly fairly simple job, for which I'd "repair" harddrives. I am thinking of removing viruses, spyware, and basically whatever that shouldn't be on a computer. You may say "they can do that themselves" but some people are either ignorant or too lazy. In a recent survey by AOL, I think about 70% of computer users had spyware on their computers.

Pros include low, if any, capital.

Can you guys help me out in which way I should go?

[waveformpc]

Lawn business would be most profitable, and it DOES suck! Like I said in the other post, I did it with my cousin this summer, ended up hurting my back, and allergies killed me... Also, people can be a real PAIN when it comes to their lawn... Especially if their house is >$1 Mil, they want it perfect... One guy only wanted us to walk on the tire tracks of the mowers, because he didn't want foot prints on his yard

[sonnyrizo]

lol..That's funny. How did you beat "the big boys" for the service?

[waveformpc]

Just go residential... Most "big boys" (operations costing over $100K) usually do commercial accounts... That leaves the smaller guys residential. Once you get enough cash flow and equipment, you can start doing small commercial (gas stations, etc.), then work your way up. The only recurring cost you will have is employees, gas, and equipment mainainance, which isn't too bad. Keep your bids competitive when it comes to commercial accounts as well, or you will get outbid each time. The best places to target are new commercial buildings (especially if they have sod, that means they care about their lawn), or if it's obvious they don't have a lawn service (i.e. very tall grass), then enquire them about it.

[Brad2332]

Sonny, how about we keep in contact about our businesses. Things like which types of advertising, where, that sort of thing could help both of us out..

[robyang!]

Removing spyware/scumware would be a good idea.
It's very tough to remove.

[sonnyrizo]

Originally posted by Brad2332
Sonny, how about we keep in contact about our businesses. Things like which types of advertising, where, that sort of thing could help both of us out..

Great. I have at least one person to relate to now. But don't come to this area...I don't want too much competition..

No, but really...there's already a lot of competition in my area. You know what's crazy? The prices of competitors. I can't believe they charge for more than $50 an hour for lawn service. I was think of $30, at most. From my perspective, I would never pay someone that much for a service, but I guess some people out there will accept it.

Where are you from? I am Virginia, USA.

[Brad2332]

Ontario, Canada here. And I know what you are saying, when I got the idea of this business I was thinking of 25 dollars an hour, at the most. Then I fo some research and find out that places often charge 70$/hr and HIGHER for a cleaning service. I found that to be insane, and I am definatly under charging I guess at 35/hr, but if it helps me get a customer base then im happy.

Anyways, I am going to look into postcards as advertising, I think I read something on the forums about it. And when I think about it, a post card is sometihng that i would actually look at. How often do people get post cards, how often do people get flyers?

So im going to try and find a place to buy some blank ones in bulk, i'll let you know how it goes!

[pacintl]

Brad,

Now your thinking. Postcards are great even putting a few man hours into going mail box to mail box will turn out higly rewarding. Keep getting your name out there. Half the game is advertising.

Good Luck,

[Karen]

Originally posted by Brad2332


Anyways, I am going to look into postcards as advertising, I think I read something on the forums about it. And when I think about it, a post card is sometihng that i would actually look at. How often do people get post cards, how often do people get flyers?

So im going to try and find a place to buy some blank ones in bulk, i'll let you know how it goes!

You should try to find some cards that have a picture on the front. Imagine sending cards that have a picture of a nicely manicured lawn, a pool, and some people beside the pool laughing while they sip their drinks.

Create a dream in your customers minds.... give them a vision (no don't installed pools ) .... show them how your service will benefit them.

Karen

[Brad2332]

That's a good idea Karen. I think honestly the biggest problem with advertising I have, is that I try to think of myself as the customer and what would make me read whatever it is. Problem is, i'm cheap, I rarely buy anything besides food and gas, and when I do need something I dont need an ad telling me where to go because I already know. So yeah thats something I need to stop doing.

[sonnyrizo]

Are you really thinking about using postcards? I advice against it. Postcards are for people that don't mind reading something for a minute. My family throws away everything that has ads on it. We don't even give a second look. Once we see it looks like a postcard, its in the trash.

We're probably not the only people who think this. You should try exploring other options.

Why don't you create a simple website when you have the time?