How to Start a Small Gardening Business
Garden Clean ups, Lawn Care, Landscaping and Maintenance
Nov 2, 2009
It sounds simple enough. Just buy a lawn mower, some hedge clippers and get started, right? Although a lawn service or gardening service seems like an uncomplicated business, there are issues such as insurance, licensing, tax, start up loans and advertising that need to be considered.
Small Business Start-up Loans
A loan may need to be obtained to purchase gardening equipment such as mowers, shovels, clippers, saws and a vehicle to transport equipment and/or employees to different locations.
Personal credit history is relevant to getting a small business loan especially if the business has been operating six months or less. When applying for a small business start up loan, be sure to bring proof of credit history, financial statements, detailed projections of what the business will be worth in the future and a business plan to present to the lender.
Banks typically award small business loans to those who have everything well planned and organized.
An online search will reveal the best places to get quotes, rates and comparisons from financial institutions.
Licensing, Insurance and Contracts
An occupational state license is a requirement to practice any business. Professional and occupational license requirements vary from state to state. A Tax ID number will also need to be obtained.
Although the business may be restricted to lawn service or clean ups only, a gardening business owner could consider taking a horticultural course and passing exams enabling him or her to obtain a horticultural license or a landscape contractor's license. This will add to the business owner's credibility.
Worker's compensation insurance will need to be purchased if there are employees. Liability insurance will protect against damage to the client's property in case of an accident.
Draw up a contract that will be signed by both parties. Clients sometimes assume or expect more will be done than the service sets out to do. A contract will avoid problems and misunderstandings.
Advertising and Marketing
Virtually no business is taken seriously these days without a web presence. Set up an attractive website with contact details, information and references and/or links that will be appealing to the client. Consider sending out regular e-mails with some seasonal gardening information which will serve the purpose of advertising and reminding the client of the ongoing need for garden clean-ups.
Have business cards printed and leave these at nurseries, on community boards, at outdoor furniture stores, etc. Visit landscape architects or landscape contractors and leave cards with them, they may be willing to pass on work they are too busy to do.
Compile a portfolio, with professional photographs of work done so far. Add to this as time goes on along with references.
Do an excellent job and be reliable. Referrals will follow and satisfied clients will do the advertising for the business owner.
A garden maintenance service is a great small business to have, as many homeowners are too busy holding down jobs themselves to want to worry about working in the garden on weekends or after working hours.
More Articles on Small Business Info that may Interest the Reader:
Ever wondered what budgeting software packages are available? How to Find Small Business Budgeting Software answers this question.
The article How to get Business Loans with Bad Credit examines how to go about getting a small business loan, even with a less-than-perfect credit history.
Small Business Debt Collection looks at how to go about choosing a reputable agency in recovering outstanding debts.
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