Garden Services - What do you think?
Discussion
Although not a poster, I always read the business boards so thought I'd see if anyone has any advice or tips on the best way to progress.
Myself and a friend are looking to start a garden services business offering anything from maintenace such as grass/hedge cutting to full landscaping of residential proprerties to start with. We both have experience on a personal level of decking, paving, fencing and the manual jobs from doing friends and families gardens and have access to a qualified electrician for lighting and features.
Initially we will look at leaflet dropping and have a few contacts in old peoples homes with private gardens that should provide some work, although only maintenance to start with.
We are at the stage of looking into insurances and costing, does anybody have any experience of this kind of work or think there could be a market to make initially a bit of money on the side as we will both remain in full time employment for now.
Also any tips on generating more awareness other than leaflet drops? Also any good websites that can advise on small startups?
Thanks,
Myself and a friend are looking to start a garden services business offering anything from maintenace such as grass/hedge cutting to full landscaping of residential proprerties to start with. We both have experience on a personal level of decking, paving, fencing and the manual jobs from doing friends and families gardens and have access to a qualified electrician for lighting and features.
Initially we will look at leaflet dropping and have a few contacts in old peoples homes with private gardens that should provide some work, although only maintenance to start with.
We are at the stage of looking into insurances and costing, does anybody have any experience of this kind of work or think there could be a market to make initially a bit of money on the side as we will both remain in full time employment for now.
Also any tips on generating more awareness other than leaflet drops? Also any good websites that can advise on small startups?
Thanks,
Edited by MaceV6 on Monday 11th August 13:51
Unfortunatley we don't have any formal qualifications and the only experience we have is 4/5 gardens we have done, but can provide examples such as before and after pictures.
We are hoping that if we can get a few jobs to start with word of mouth will provide more work.
As for tools we have all your usual power tools, jigsaws, nail guns, power saws, drills, circular saw and through my friend we can get access to some heavy duty tools such as a whacker plate and mini digger.
I'll look into the franchise option, but we are hoping to start small and build up from there.
Thanks for the input.
We are hoping that if we can get a few jobs to start with word of mouth will provide more work.
As for tools we have all your usual power tools, jigsaws, nail guns, power saws, drills, circular saw and through my friend we can get access to some heavy duty tools such as a whacker plate and mini digger.
I'll look into the franchise option, but we are hoping to start small and build up from there.
Thanks for the input.
Some random jottings, and I don't claim to have the relevant market experience.
First, I'd focus on basic garden maintenance. I suspect that this is where the market lies for getting the business up and running. So that's mowing lawns, basic tree management etc.
From a marketing perspective, this:
I think there's a very handy market opportunity in medium-sized projects - the unfulfilled gap between mowing the lawn and full landscaping. I have several such projects, which are slightly beyond my abilities or commitment. If I had the impetus and support of someone more capable/confident, I might authorise you to do some of the back-breaking work so I can finish off with the glory stuff.
In that vein consider the option of a cost-limited project service. I have several jobs I'd like to do, but I can only justify spending a grand. If we walked around my garden with a cuppa, chatted about projects, and you told me which you could do for the budget, I'd probably write the cheque there and then.
Think about the different market segments, and market yourself accordingly. I'd divide the market into:
Can you work weekends? It might seem a pain, but your van (and work) will be seen on the streets when your prospective customers are around. And some customers will prefer to have you in when they are at home.
Finally (for now), know your stuff. Particularly, know your plants. There is perhaps a suspicion that some workers are just labourers, there to just cut & chop. Others are at the other extreme, somewhat OTT "exterior designers". But pitch yourself right in the middle, as a right old Alan Titchmarsh. Read up, watch Gardeners World (always a good talking point with customers). You can suggest different plants/varieties, particularly the more obscure, "not from Homebase" types. You can tell them why the plants are dying or what's eating the leaves. In that way, you are providing the value-added advice that their allotment-owning grandad would have given in years gone by. Every nugget of wisdom you pass on will pay back immeasurably in extra jobs or new customers.
First, I'd focus on basic garden maintenance. I suspect that this is where the market lies for getting the business up and running. So that's mowing lawns, basic tree management etc.
From a marketing perspective, this:
- Gets you seen on the streets. If you are seen regularly, neighbours will start asking about you.
- From the customer's point of view, it's a low-risk entry - a few quid a week, and they can get rid of you at any time. Do a good job and their trust will come for the bigger jobs.
- Appearing regularly, you build up a communication with the customers. They may ask you about bigger jobs. You can suggest bigger and bigger projects (Why don't we reshape the lawn to make a bigger bed here?")
- Seen regularly, trusted by the customer. That's going to lead to word-of-mouth, the cheapest and best marketing you can get.
I think there's a very handy market opportunity in medium-sized projects - the unfulfilled gap between mowing the lawn and full landscaping. I have several such projects, which are slightly beyond my abilities or commitment. If I had the impetus and support of someone more capable/confident, I might authorise you to do some of the back-breaking work so I can finish off with the glory stuff.
In that vein consider the option of a cost-limited project service. I have several jobs I'd like to do, but I can only justify spending a grand. If we walked around my garden with a cuppa, chatted about projects, and you told me which you could do for the budget, I'd probably write the cheque there and then.
Think about the different market segments, and market yourself accordingly. I'd divide the market into:
- Chore gardeners: This may include grannies, blocks of flats. They need to maintain the space but have neither the wit nor commitment to do it. They want to pay you to remove a problem.
- Interesteds: (like me). Have an interest, but feel pretty hopeless. We want some guidance, and help with the big stuff, but we still want a hand in the work.
- Keen & Decisive: They know what they want. It covers two groups. The first are keen gardeners - they will give you a brief and you just need to do it. The second is the classic upper middle class family - they have clear ideas and the money to spend. They will also set you a brief.
Can you work weekends? It might seem a pain, but your van (and work) will be seen on the streets when your prospective customers are around. And some customers will prefer to have you in when they are at home.
Finally (for now), know your stuff. Particularly, know your plants. There is perhaps a suspicion that some workers are just labourers, there to just cut & chop. Others are at the other extreme, somewhat OTT "exterior designers". But pitch yourself right in the middle, as a right old Alan Titchmarsh. Read up, watch Gardeners World (always a good talking point with customers). You can suggest different plants/varieties, particularly the more obscure, "not from Homebase" types. You can tell them why the plants are dying or what's eating the leaves. In that way, you are providing the value-added advice that their allotment-owning grandad would have given in years gone by. Every nugget of wisdom you pass on will pay back immeasurably in extra jobs or new customers.
Excellent, thanks for the advice.
I must admit that planting is really our weak point but I have a few books and know a few people who can really help me along.
I have been thinking about the 'grow your own' explosion that seems to be going on about now, but was thinking more of allotment clearing and preperation. But as you say, I don't see any reason why this can't be incorporated into gardens.
Starting up we will mostly be aiming at maintenance as I think that is where the constant work and exposure can be had, then start looking to progress onto larger projects.
Some really useful points for us to consider, thank.
I must admit that planting is really our weak point but I have a few books and know a few people who can really help me along.
I have been thinking about the 'grow your own' explosion that seems to be going on about now, but was thinking more of allotment clearing and preperation. But as you say, I don't see any reason why this can't be incorporated into gardens.
Starting up we will mostly be aiming at maintenance as I think that is where the constant work and exposure can be had, then start looking to progress onto larger projects.
Some really useful points for us to consider, thank.
I suppose you could get plenty of "contract" work, or similar - i.e regular, and hope that people require more work out of the regular maintenance visits. Do you know your soils from your spades, and your daffodils from your John Deeres?
Are there many business parks near you? Often nice regular maintenance contracts available through the agents/developers
Are there many business parks near you? Often nice regular maintenance contracts available through the agents/developers
i would be looking more towards the elderly that injoy a nice garden but are no longer able to do it themself, and like said busissnus parks etc
for the genreal joe blogs i belive when money starts getting tight they will be the first to try save money where they can by doing it themself
for the genreal joe blogs i belive when money starts getting tight they will be the first to try save money where they can by doing it themself
MaceV6 said:
Although not a poster, I always read the business boards so thought I'd see if anyone has any advice or tips on the best way to progress.
Myself and a friend are looking to start a garden services business offering anything from maintenace such as grass/hedge cutting to full landscaping of residential proprerties to start with. We both have experience on a personal level of decking, paving, fencing and the manual jobs from doing friends and families gardens and have access to a qualified electrician for lighting and features.
Initially we will look at leaflet dropping and have a few contacts in old peoples homes with private gardens that should provide some work, although only maintenance to start with.
We are at the stage of looking into insurances and costing, does anybody have any experience of this kind of work or think there could be a market to make initially a bit of money on the side as we will both remain in full time employment for now.
Also any tips on generating more awareness other than leaflet drops? Also any good websites that can advise on small startups?
Thanks,
Get a good, distinctive and memorable graphic.Myself and a friend are looking to start a garden services business offering anything from maintenace such as grass/hedge cutting to full landscaping of residential proprerties to start with. We both have experience on a personal level of decking, paving, fencing and the manual jobs from doing friends and families gardens and have access to a qualified electrician for lighting and features.
Initially we will look at leaflet dropping and have a few contacts in old peoples homes with private gardens that should provide some work, although only maintenance to start with.
We are at the stage of looking into insurances and costing, does anybody have any experience of this kind of work or think there could be a market to make initially a bit of money on the side as we will both remain in full time employment for now.
Also any tips on generating more awareness other than leaflet drops? Also any good websites that can advise on small startups?
Thanks,
Edited by MaceV6 on Monday 11th August 13:51
Do a round of flyers.
Signwrite your van.
Spend late morning through to early afternoon on saturdays shopping in Sainsburys. Make sure you leave the van parked conspicuously by the entrance.
That's what they do around here, anyway.
Edited by dilbert on Monday 11th August 18:32
Thanks for the advice everyone.
We are going to start by targeting the elderly who are unable to maintain the gardens themselves and just basically need the maintenance taking care of, as we'll still be in full time employment (although flexibleish) I think business parks and new builds are for further down the line but is the kind of direction I would like to go.
As for soils from spades this is where I really do need to get up to speed, so I may be dropping a few PMs to a few people above. I think knowing the gardening side of things will take away from being labelled 'labourers' if we can drop a few tips on planting and possible problems such as disease and insects into conversation. Also does no harm in being recognised.
One last thing, haven't got a van yet and don't have masses of money available to purchase one. Will having an older van put people off? say a 2000/2001 plate? I'm just a bit worried about first impressions putting people off, or will clean and presentable be enough.
Thanks.
We are going to start by targeting the elderly who are unable to maintain the gardens themselves and just basically need the maintenance taking care of, as we'll still be in full time employment (although flexibleish) I think business parks and new builds are for further down the line but is the kind of direction I would like to go.
As for soils from spades this is where I really do need to get up to speed, so I may be dropping a few PMs to a few people above. I think knowing the gardening side of things will take away from being labelled 'labourers' if we can drop a few tips on planting and possible problems such as disease and insects into conversation. Also does no harm in being recognised.
One last thing, haven't got a van yet and don't have masses of money available to purchase one. Will having an older van put people off? say a 2000/2001 plate? I'm just a bit worried about first impressions putting people off, or will clean and presentable be enough.
Thanks.
Mace,
Speaking of books - I saw a book at "Books, etc" at the weekend - in the business section (not the Gardening section) about starting up your own gardening and landscaping business. I can't recall the specific title - but it was along those lines.
I don't know if it is any good or not - more an FYI.
Good luck with it
K
Speaking of books - I saw a book at "Books, etc" at the weekend - in the business section (not the Gardening section) about starting up your own gardening and landscaping business. I can't recall the specific title - but it was along those lines.
I don't know if it is any good or not - more an FYI.
Good luck with it
K
MaceV6 said:
Haven't decided on the van size yet, but I would like to think something like a VW Caddy would be sufficent in size. Something else we need to look into.
I would be worried if my gardner turned up in a shiney new van! It would look to me that they are expensive..Just be very fair with prices. Base it on time - not how much can these people afford...£20 per hour working 9 to 5 equates to only around £40k per year...not much when you then need to take out all your expenses and travel time as well as seasonality.
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