Start a Lawn Care & Treatment Business or Franchise

Where there's grass there's brass

There is always growth potential is a service oriented business. Because you are banking on your own skills and abilities, you have a lot more control over things like overhead and expenses. A lawn treatment franchise can be a great way to break into the lawn care business. Why would you make the extra effort to purchase a lawn treatment franchise? Is it worth the extra time, attention and expense to deal with paperwork and expectations? Here we'll address some of the best reasons to consider this business move.

Brand Recognition - A Franchise could be the way forward

One of the biggest advantages to making your lawn business and lawn treatment franchise is the increased exposure you get from brand recognition. This works for every franchise, from the most recognized fast food joint to your local hardware store. While you may have taken the time to get to know the local management, what probably gets you in the door is the national marketing that is done in behalf of all franchise owners. This works with lawn care as well.

Products and Supplies - What supplies will I need for a Lawn Care Business?

Franchises support their business owners with access to a specific product line of products and supplies. Every burger joint in a franchise chain has the exact same sauce, for example. In your lawn treatment franchise, your customers will know exactly what to expect. If your franchise focuses on environmentally friendly products, there will be no question as to what is being put on their lawn. Also, costs are usually reduced in this system, as wholesale prices are passed on to the franchise owners.

Marketing Advantages for your Lawn Care Business

The other advantage to using a lawn treatment franchise is the increase in marketing for your particular service. Most franchises run national spots on both television and radio and refer the clients it generates to the local chains. Even if that's not the case with your lawn franchise, you probably have access to national spots that you can personalize for your market. Also, this doesn't mean that you can't do your own thing. You can take advantage of both marketing tools. Starting a new lawn business has some level of risk involved but thankfully, this risk is minimal if you start out small. There will always be a learning curve as you determine pricing and service. However, using a lawn treatment franchise can reduce these risks and help you be more successful. 

While most homeowners want to have a nice yard, it can be very difficult to work lawn care into a busy schedule. In addition, not doing it isn't usually an option. Many homeowners' associations require at least basic maintenance to be done on a regular basis. For this reason, starting a lawn care business can be an excellent opportunity. It's easy to get started and quite inexpensive, if you follow an incremental plan.

Start Small your Lawn Care & Gardening Business off small and grow slowly

You don't need to invest in thousands of dollars in tools and equipment to begin your lawn care business. In fact, if you have a simple lawn mower and some clippers, you can start soliciting clients. These supplies can be easily loaded into an average sized pick-up truck, so a trailer isn't even needed. As you gain more clients, you can upgrade your equipment and offer more services. Starting small will help you better manage expenses and you will turn a profit sooner than if you begin your business in significant debt.

Offer Incentives to your lawncare customers

One of the best ways to increase your client list is to encourage existing clients to refer their family and friends. Word of mouth is the cheapest, yet most effective advertising method. Offer discounts to those who refer friends. Also, encourage clients to mention your name to their neighbors. Servicing properties that are next to each other cuts your travel and work time, making each job quicker and more profitable.

Don't Under Price Your Service

Pricing is one of the most problematic items for a new business. Many new businesses mistakenly assume that no one will hire them if they don't practically give away their service. Later, they plan on raising prices to compensate. However, this often backfires. It's easier to offer fair prices from the beginning than to increase prices later. Also, your customers will assess your ability and value based upon your prices. Underpricing can suggest less than professional service, and many potential clients will pass your company up altogether if you are under priced.

As you can see, the decisions you make when you are starting your lawn care business will make the biggest impact on your future success. Take the time to plan your strategy and grow your business incrementally.