Driveway/Landscape startup

[*Dill*]

Hi All

I am currently on the verge of packing in my high pressure, high stress management job. In favour of what i truly want to do. That is start up a landscaping company. I'm am fully experienced in this line of work and have limited financial backing.

I just have a mental block when it comes to taking the plunge. I worry about everything.

I would struggle with a part time startup given my current job. Just too busy.

How have others found taking the first steps? Did you just hand your notice in and go for it? How much work is enough to get going? I was thinking, advertise get a few jobs lined up and go for it. All or nothing type thing. Have others done it like this? Did it work out?

 

[Alan]

Well many have been thrown into their own businesses (by redundancy or similar).

I would say, that at some time, you have to take the plunge, but there is a lot of 'prep' work you can do whilst in a full time job, that will speed up getting that important first client and payment.

Simple stuff like deciding self employed, or limited company. Working out where you will work from, what plant you will need and how you will get it. Deciding on brand, business cards, first entry level website etc.

And, ideally, getting your first customer, if you can do it, before leaving, even if it is just Landscaping a mates at cost price. Because one of the biggest hurdles is getting references to start with (in my opinion)

 

[*Dill*]

Thanks for reply.

I think the first job is in the bag. I have a large driveway and front garden that someone is waiting to have done.

I think my main problem is just going for it. Cutting loose from secure employment and guaranteed income is very worrying.

 

[N8rbos]

The only way of knowing is by going for it! Has said a lot of people are pushed so not really an option. I would get cards,leaflets,website done first,get a 1000 leaflets out and wait whilst working,when (positive thinking)work comes in if you can't do it along side your main job you have a big decision to make but with the knowledge that you have got a business to go to. A lot of people are doing both drives/landscaping so you need to think about what you can offer that they can't! Good luck.

 

[*Dill*]

Yea that is one of my main concerns. I know i can offer an exceptional service because i am a perfectionist and hopefully word of mouth will mean a lot. I hope this would set me apart from others.

I have a large array of skills to offer but wouldn't want to seem like a jack of all trades master of none.

 

[S-Marketing]

Yea that is one of my main concerns. I know i can offer an exceptional service because i am a perfectionist and hopefully word of mouth will mean a lot. I hope this would set me apart from others.

I have a large array of skills to offer but wouldn't want to seem like a jack of all trades master of none.

Being a perfectionist in your line of work is bad for your bank balance, and bad for business. You will have to snap out of that.

If you need any pointers about any aspects of running a landscaping business, and in particular finding clients and making money from it, feel free to ask. Id be happy to chat.

 

[*Dill*]

I get what your saying Stretchy i suppose because the line of work I'm in at the moment revolves around customer satisfaction it has become an obsession.

Are you in the industry? How is business at the moment? Is it a good time to start up? My gut feeling is that people are more likely to spend on home improvement and less likely to move home. So things may not be as bad as they seem.

 

[MorrisChesterfield]

I would suggest getting a website up and running first, while your working you can always pass the jobs on to another landscaper and take a cut until you are ready to do them your self.

It could take a while for your website to get into a good position to gain work from it.

That's what I wished I had done anyway.

Good luck

Ben

 

[N8rbos]

One of my brothers and a couple of friends have had block paving businesses but had to expand into other work to keep going,too many people are getting into it and offering stupid prices to get the work (as with other trades to be honest) you say you have other skills,you could use these alongside your original business. I'm a bathroom/ kitchen fitter with associated trades,I'm now setting up as a handyman which will cover all that I advertise,there's a market for a good all rounder.

 

[*Dill*]

Right looks like i've got the nod from my wife. Think i will take the advice and get a website up and running. Is there any reason not to register the business as a limited company? Or do i just get a name, advertise and go self employed? Excuse my ignorance been employed my whole life.

 

[Alan]

There are many that recommend starting as self employed. However I have always gone the limited company route, as my theory is when starting a business you have unknown risks so why risk your personal assets. Setting up a company costs pennies and there are a lot of formation companies e.g. http://www.setupacompany.co.uk/ google for others.

There is some formalities in running a company in terms of statutory filings, but normally an accountant will cover those for less than a grand a year.

 

[Billmccallum]

Right looks like i've got the nod from my wife. Think i will take the advice and get a website up and running. Is there any reason not to register the business as a limited company? Or do i just get a name, advertise and go self employed? Excuse my ignorance been employed my whole life.

I would suspect that its a bad time to start an exterior business!!!

I have run a landscaping business during summer months for a couple of years (usually 2 lads doing the labour and me doing the driving), it brings in good money in the summer/autumn, but next to nothing in colder months.

Anything with concreting is a nightmare when it starts freezing.

 

[*Dill*]

Thanks Bill for your reply but i was thinking now would be the best time as i have a bit of time to get set up before spring so as the weather improves i can hit the ground running. I have a drive and garden i can start right away so shouldn't be too bad.

 

[*Dill*]

Thanks for the link roibot all seems very easy. I take it i can register the company and do nothing untill everything else is in place to start trading.

 

[emotion-2003]

Hello Dill,
I registered as a self-employed and still working at Horticulture Nursery as a supervisor.I am in this industry about 15 years.But i decided to start my own business.I think its best time to start your landscaping business.because you will have enough time to set up everything as web site,leaflets,business cards...etc
my first step was business cards and website.it will not cost you much.website was easy to set up.first month is free and after free trial £3.98 monthly.(if you need i ll be happy to give you more info about it).second step was leaflets.i did order 6000 leaflets and paid someone £100 for distributions.(but you have to find right person.if not you will find your leaflets in skip )
and next step was registered as self-employed.
from web site already got 3 customers.and i have about 6 regular customer.i am working weekends.
any question i will be happy to help