The Grass Doctor

how to build up clientele in the lawn care business ?

my hours have gone down at work very very much and I want to start a part time lawn care business on the side you know mowing yards, trimming, blowing and I have no clue on how to start building up clientele I have Zero customers I need some tips Thank You

Public Comments

1. Place posters (Ask Permission) at garden centers, public billboards, and other places likely to be seen by busy people with yards and money. A little late for this year but see if local businesses such as state offices, libraries, malls etc have an open bid each year for a contract. Same with Real Estate companies. Once you start getting jobs, do exceptional work, always. Have a clean operation, if you look like a bum and use a dirty smoking mower you are likely not going to be as welcome to return as if you were presentable. Have sharp blades to cut rather than break the grass. Do a little more than you are paid for. Develop related skills and equipment. If one person wants a tree trimmed, it is likely there will be others, get the equipment and knowledge (in some areas the license) to do so. Sprinklers, drip systems, rototilling, right-of-way management, pavers, block and rock work can all be tied in. Just keep the quality up. Word of mouth will spread business like this faster than anything.
2. advertise in local newspaper and make posters
3. I own a lawn care business and I did the same thing you are doing just last year. I also got a late start in May. The thing that worked the best for me is to go door to door asking if people would be interested in me giving them a quote for lawn care. A lot of people were curious as to what I would bid and why not? It doesn't cost them anything. If you can make up a business card to give them with your name, number, and quote it can go a long way. Especially with older people as summer is starting to get hot, they won't be able to mow themselves much longer. Just be very nice, positive, and respectful. I started with noone last year and now have 8 residential accounts with 2 commercial accounts, and 2 sets of apartment buildings. If you do a good job for a good price people will talk.