How to start a Lawn Mowing Business as a Teenager

A lawn mowing business is a straightforward business to start especially as a teen. Chances are that you already have all the equipment you need in your home garage. It is also quite easy to build your clientele from homeowners in your area. 

However, do not get it all wrong. It can be a lot hard work and grueling at times but the business pays off big time only if you do it correctly. 

Starting a lawn mowing business as a teenager

A business, whether run by a teenager or an adult is still a business and it needs to be operated with the seriousness it deserves. Starting and maintaining a lawn mowing business is challenging as it is; making it even harder for you to start as a teenager. 

However, it is not impossible. Matter of fact, many teens have done it before and have managed to run a successful lawn mowing business therefore you can too. 

To help you get started, we have highlighted three easy steps that will help you as a teenager get your business started.

Step 1: Plan out your business

A simple but elaborate plan is a key factor in your business. This helps you to highlight and figure out all the nitty-gritty aspects of your business. When mapping out your business plan, you need to consider the following;

• Business name

A business name is a vital component of your business. This is how you are going to identify yourself with your clients. Before settling on a name, make sure to search to confirm that it is available. 

• Location

You need to ensure that you are in proximity to your clients. This helps to save on fuel costs and labor costs that may come up due to ride time. 

• Target audience

As you are starting, you might want to consider working for homeowners around your neighborhood. Later, as the business grows, you can expand your reach to find more long-term clients who will work with you on contracts such as hospitals, shopping centers and schools. 

• Startup and operating cost

If you are lucky enough, you might already be having all the necessary equipment at home. You can ask your parents to let you use the equipment for your business (either for free or at a small fee). In case you don’t have the equipment at home, you can go purchase some budget-friendly equipment from your local hardware store with the help of your parents. Similarly, you could do some easy online tasks, such as surveys, that will help you earn money for your startup business.

Besides a lawn mower, other tools you might need include; trimmer, leaf blower, pruner and a rake. Ensure to always carry your safety gear and most importantly, an extra can of gasoline. 

Step 2: Market your services

Getting your first client is probably going to be the hardest part of executing your business. One easy way to do this is by going door-to-door advertising your services to your neighbors. Ensure you leave them with your business cards so that they can be able to contact you whenever they’ll need your services. The details to include in your business card include; your name, contact number and email address. 

You could offer to trim the hedge of a potential client for free to help them see how well you can do the work. This also goes to show that you are serious about your business. 

Step 3: Sustaining your business

Now that you have everything in place, the next big responsibility is making sure your business remains in operation. Sustaining your business involves;

• Taking charge of your finances

Open up an account for your business. This will help you to differentiate your personal and business expenses, builds the credibility of your business and makes it easier to save your hard-earned money which can be used later for raising capital for your business or making investments. 

Accountability is an important aspect when running a business. If you are not able to balance your books by yourself, ask for help from an adult. 

• Plan your working hours

As a teenager, you have other commitments such as school assignments, helping out at home, you would also want to hang out with your friends. Therefore, you need to make a good schedule on your working hours to help you maintain a good work-life balance; failure to which it can all get too overwhelming.  

• Building and maintaining your client base

The success of a business is largely based on its relationship with its clients. Running a lawn mowing business as a teenager can be a bit of a challenge; On one hand, you will have clients who will be skeptical about your ability to do the job while on the other, you will have those that are happy and willing to work with a young entrepreneur. Either way, you will need to prove to them both that you are quite capable. To be able to build a good rapport with your clients and encourage repeat business you need to ensure that you;

• Arrive to work on time and well prepared
• Have good and professional customer service
• Only take work that you can handle
• Provide the best lawn care service to all your clients as you possibly can; satisfied clients are more likely to market your business through word-of-mouth.

How much can one make from a lawn mowing business

On average, teenagers usually charge about $10 – $28 to mow a lawn; it could be more. The rates depend on many factors such as; the size of the lawn, location, extra work such as picking out weeds and removing animal feces. If you put in the effort you can easily turn this into a very profitable niche. As your business grows, you can also consider creating monthly and VIP packages for your clients. 

In Conclusion

Having your own business as a teenager can be incredibly rewarding. Keep in mind that there are ups and downs of starting a business therefore you need not be discouraged. Success is not achieved overnight; however, every day you are going to get new experiences and learn invaluable skills that will be beneficial in the long-run.