The Grass Doctor

How much should I charge for mowing lawns?

I'm 13 and i'm gonna mow lawns this summer. I'm gonna make fliers and put them on doors. I live in VA so the lawns aren't that big usually. I make $20 a week with chores but that's not enough for a $1200 iMac. How much should I charge and what should I do?

Public Comments

1. id say between 15-30 bucks depending on the size of the lawn *you hear a voice inside your head saying: Get a Toshiba!!!! Geeet a Toshiba!!!
2. A few things to consider: If you'll be using your own (your parents') mower, you'll have to cover the cost of gas. Figure out how much gas you use for your own lawn and how much it costs so you can factor that into the price. If you will be bagging the grass clippings, have an agreement with your customers so that they will provide cans or waste bags to dump the clippings. Having to haul them away to your house will mean added time and effort. If you will be trimming/edging and sweeping-up the mess from the sidewalks, driveways, etc., keep in mind that that will add time to the job. Come to an agreement with each customer as to whether they just want you to mow or to trim and clean-up, too. My lawn takes me about 30 minutes to mow, without stopping. I use the string trimmer about every two weeks. That takes an additional 10 minutes. Cleaning clippings off of the driveway, patio and sidewalk with a leaf blower takes about 5 minutes; sweeping would take about 15 minutes. I would gladly pay a teenager $20 just for mowing an probably $25 for the whole job if I didn't have time / didn't want to do it myself. Good-luck!
3. If all they want is a "mow the grass" on a regular lot size go with $10 to $14. that would be your profit. Then add your expenses for gasoline, bags and what ever you think you should add. like gas $2. If you charge too much you will make less money. Because not everyone will pay $25 ,30 for mowing. If you do the edging ,that is more. You can mow a lawn in 45-60 minuets, You could do one everyday after school and 4 ,6,7on the weekend. that would be 11x( $10 to $13) (profit after expenses)= $110-$ 140 per week. So, $12 to $16 per yard.