How can you make a profit mowing lawns?

Answer 1

As with any business, you have to charge more than the expenses incurred. Many people operate cut-price operations just to get business but this isn't wise in the end. There may be a professional association in your area that can help with specific advice on charges and services as well. Also beware of people who blackmail you into charging too little - 'my friend's- second- cousin- twice- removed gets his local football field done for $20 less than you're charging for my backyard!'

It is good if you offer more than just lawnmowing as this can broaden your profit base, employability and variety in the work. For example, pruning, fertilizing, rubbish removal, weeding, spraying, and even more specialized areas like irrigation and tree removal protect you from competition and give you an edge over other contractors. People will always ask if you do other things as well as the job they originally wanted you for. If you live in an area affected by harsh winter weather that reduces work in those months, a yearly contract is one option. Or offer a service like snow clearing etc.

Keeping your customers close together geographically saves travel costs.

Don't be afraid of giving unreliable or abusive customers the flick! Everybody gets them, no matter how good a job you do.

Be worthy of your customer's loyalty. Many people complain of unreliable contractors - either in workmanship, or punctuality. Doing little extras and using common courtesy goes a long way towards success, as well as just being right in itself.