Can You Make Money Mowing Lawns? Solo Lawn Care

[@benbauer1509]

I just got my first Honda mower wacker and craftsman blower today wish me luck guys

[@CookinWMatt]

You also have to take into consideration how many obstacles are in the yard. being careful around objects adds trimmer time. Usually I’ll ad 5-10 dollars to the base price if it’s a yard filled with obstacles or a lot of curb edging such as a house that’s a corner lot

[@trinitylawncare2329]

You averaged around $124 per man hour rate while on the physical lawns based on price and time. I took notes in a spreadsheet I use to calculate profitability. Your drive time therefore ate into 32% of that. That comes to about 1.8hrs of drive time. To mow 11 yards and drive nearly two hours is a lot. I just looked at a 20 yard day we have and drive time is only 30 minutes on the day. Not sure if your route is super tight or not, but just looking at the numbers and rates... May help some, love the content. Happy mowing. God bless.

[@locked3009]

Damn that's an average of 1min 30secs drive time in between each yard. How do you advertise to consistently get customers in such a small radius? Thanks, and God bless

[@DylanDickson2]

@@locked3009 Maybe he lives near Home owners associations. I live in Melbourne Australia, the homes here are quite small and compact. Door knocking here is legal so we do that, we also hang doorhangers on peoples properties. We haven't looked into lawncare signs yet but that's also a viable option. There is a technique called '5 arounds', whenever you do a property, go knock on the neighbour, cross the street and talk to those three homes then cross back to the other neighbour next to the home you just completed. I'd also encourage getting company uniforms, have trucks detailed and painted with logos and the company brand and also simply waving at people walking past. Being genuinely nice to people, servicing on time and doing high quality work will also get you alot of referrals, some of those will be close. It takes a long time to build up route density so don't feel too bad if it's taking some time. Once your business is established a good website with SEO 'search engine optimization' is critical, as well as making sure your google reviews are doing well. It can be pretty intimidating because there is no correct answer and there are many ways to advertise, but door knocking and flyers/door hangers work well. Let me know if you have any other questions.

[@kronicbudburner]

Sometimes if you have more jobs in an area you tend to cut the others deals… sometimes we charge that much but other times we charge less cuz we got like 10 jobs in the neighborhood. Sometimes we charge more cuz we got nothing around that area so we need to make sure gas and other things make sense

[@Baddicalfcare]

Solo guy here in NE Texas! I need to adjust my prices! Great work!

[@TheSamGustin]

Thank you!

[@curtisturney3467]

Hey Sam, stumbled on to your channel today. Thanks for taking the time to make this video. Inspirational, I'm recently retired after 28 years of law enforcement and have ambition to start a solo lawncare business. Thanks again for videos and for your military service, God Bless...Curt

[@TheSamGustin]

Thanks Curtis!

[@whooptywoo1112]

I have 16 lawns I do on Saturday & sundays. Not as quick as you i think I need to begin practicing to edge with a trimmer, takes extra time switching equipment. You’re very efficient

[@TheSamGustin]

Thank you!

[@fivepointslawn2275]

Good stuff , greetings Ontario Canada. I count my day from the time I leave home in thr morning till I get home at night . Then divide my hours . After 17 years in this business going back to solo next year . Can’t wait !!

[@TheSamGustin]

Best of luck to you, and thank you for the comment!

[@fivepointslawn2275]

That’s an awesome day , in my head I think if u can pretty much do that everyday why would someone want the headache of employees . Not arguing more can’t be made with employees . And maybe it’s a simplistic way if looking at things . But I love doing the work . Even at 52. Keep up the good work . Stash that cash !!

[@JeanGrullon]

One idea that comes to my mind is this could be a great way to provide jobs to friends and family or the community in general. Really looking into this right now!

[@teamtj9032]

Nice job. Enjoyed your informational video.

[@TheSamGustin]

Thank you!! What other content would you like to see?

[@brandonsmith1752]

New subscriber here, we are on our 18th year in business. Looking forward to watch you grow.

[@kevinmartin4496]

Keep up the good work. Looking good 👍.

[@TheBender1000]

Keep it up boss. This was a GREAT video with a clear breakdown at the end.

[@TheSamGustin]

Thank you!

[@paultaylor3856]

I also stumbled across your video today and subscribed. Really good honest break down. Good set up too👍

[@yardmasterslawncare9414]

Great video I love the yards quick and simple

[@TheSamGustin]

Thank you!

[@kingswellkeptlawncareliny6110]

Yooooo. Great video. From New York LI: you really crushing it man. I’m just seeing your channel now man. Great hustle keep it going. Just as a tip or advice keep the route tight and don’t be greedy. Solo operators are the affordable luxury service for residential. If you put your price with the big dawgs with a three man crew then your competing. Look at your local guy’s and work together trust me you will make more. Keep grinding with a smile.

[@brian.coastal.landscapes4456]

Great job. You're fast. Can't wait for more videos. Over view of trailer/shed/equipment would be cool.

[@TheSamGustin]

Thank you!

[@truckingwithchad660]

Loved the video!! Please, keep them coming!! 👍👍

[@RizziRegis]

keep the content coming my guy. great work..

[@TheSamGustin]

Thank you!

[@stevetheyardguy1738]

Great Video and I like the Financial Breakdown. Definitely subscribing!

[@TheSamGustin]

Awesome!! Thank you. Any content you would like to see in the future?

[@shabassdantzler8580]

Do you use any battery powered equipment?

[@stevetheyardguy1738]

@@TheSamGustin Maybe videos on how you started from scratch i.e. past and present advertising methods

[@ermiebfishing]

Loved the video mate.. Awesome!!

[@TheSamGustin]

Thanks, brotha!

[@bobjones6154]

Thanks man, much appreciated. I'm just starting a lawn care business in New Zealand so I'm trying to learn everything I can. If anyone has any advice and/or can recommend and videos to watch I'd really appreciate it! BTW I'm now subscribed my man, thank you for the advice!

[@northernlandscaping]

Troops mowing yea!, I think I see you on another podcast if I’m not mistaken, I wish you the best brother keep hustling, big respect ✊

[@TheSamGustin]

Thank you

[@expresslawnmowing5969]

You're very efficient! Great job mate.

[@TheSamGustin]

Thanks! 👍

[@shootersinsighttv]

hey whats up man love the vids, i see you have the scag 36? i just got mines and love it keepem coming

[@TheSamGustin]

The SCAGs are awesome! For smaller residential properties, we are loving our 32 much more than the 36!

[@JustBuckinAround]

You should do a setup video and go through and explain what all your equipment is and basically just what you use.

[@TheSamGustin]

I think that’s a great idea. Thank you!

[@RAGINGGIRAFF3]

Please make a video showing your trailer set up!

[@TheSamGustin]

Will do, thank you!

[@joshrandolphlawnmaintenance]

Nice video. New subscriber from east TN. Have a great 2022!

[@TheSamGustin]

Thank you

[@tallens5280]

I'm in east TN also. When I watch these videos, I'm always wishing my properties were flat cookie cutters. I'm solo and a long, hard day for me is $350 tops. I spend much more time holding a weedeater than I do mowing, and I utilize a 21" mower to cut back on trim work. I'd be curious to hear your thoughts Josh.

[@ericinhomessi6234]

Great video, just out of curiosity do you mow trim blow every property or just mow ? 25 minutes is super quick for 1 guy/yard

[@TheSamGustin]

I mow, trim, and blow every property

[@ericmckelvey1264]

Great video! Definitely a new subscriber. I wish you all the best!

[@TheSamGustin]

Thank you

[@Lipsey9]

New to the channel.good luck this season.

[@TheSamGustin]

Thank you

[@TopNotchPropertyServiceLLC]

Such a fantastic video thanks for sharing your numbers. It’s great that you are donating to a church and still able to do good. How do you like your setup? Will you continue to work solo like this and how do you like the storage unit/open trailer setup? I am fortunate to be able to park my little trailer at apartment but it’s a pain in the butt unloading everyday and loading. Wish I could get racks instead of tossing my trimmer and blower in truck bed.

[@southernyards2152]

Great Video. I started building my equipment in 2017 working Full Time Freight delivery. Lost my wife to her mother (divorce) battling to e my son, then cancer in 2020. As I recover one thing has remained consistent even while I've been disabled from the horrific Cancer treatments - staying focused on getting those mowers going again. Truthfully I think Lawncare is going to help save my life - and my son's life with me. I'm 57 now. He's 8 I'll only get one chance at getting Southern Yards started. With my motive being my son... We're going to get there One day At a time👊🏼👨‍🦱💚

[@TheSamGustin]

I believe in you man! With God, anything is possible

[@DREWSPROPERTYMANAGEMENTLLC]

Real nice i am solo as well good video :)

[@TheSamGustin]

Thanks

[@bentpinelawnlandscapellc1271]

Great job very sufficient!

[@TheSamGustin]

Thanks

[@TavG]

Nice work and good setup. Im running solo as well, to me its easier to manage and I determine the speed I go. #Salute keep #Pounding

[@TheSamGustin]

Nice! How much are you making per day on your solo route?

[@TavG]

@@TheSamGustin Im usually around $350 to $400 per day sometimes $500

[@sameurotrash]

Appreciate the content your operation is very efficient. As far as equipment what make and model stand up mower do you use? How has maintenance been on that model? Any you recommend thats new on the market?

[@TheSamGustin]

Thanks for the kind words! For our stand on mowers, we are using the Scag V-Ride II. We have a 36" and a 32". Haven't had much issues with the mowers, just the normal headaches that comes along with using equipment every day all day. I wouldn't get too caught up on the brand of the mower though. My recommendation would be to find a solid dealer close to you and go with whatever brand of mowers they are selling.

[@grummshi]

I swear every suburb neighborhood in Texas looks exactly the same 😂

[@IDAG0902]

So.. how do you guys do it, do you guys start by weed wacking or mowing first? I currently do weed wack first and then mow.

[@TheSamGustin]

That’s what we do as well

[@ancientgaming7323]

Can you make a video of your tools and setup ?

[@TheSamGustin]

Absolutely

[@anthonyrojo6552]

Love the channel dude. Keep crushing. What do you use to edit videos for KZbin?

[@TheSamGustin]

Thank you. Simple set up with a GoPro and iMovie

[@tangoblast4751]

Well i charged 140 for trimming but it was a lot I'm new to this and I'm solo as well

[@HOOKEM2024]

So starting a business what did you have to do? Register your business? Insurance? Etc

[@TheSamGustin]

When I very first started off solo, I only bought the equipment (cheapest equipment I could from Lowes) and created a Google My Business profile. It wasn't until I started to pick up some traction (around the 20th account mark) where I eventually created an LLC and purchased some general liability insurance.

[@everybodysjonathan]

Great video. Was just wondering if you charge sales / service charge on top of the prices quoted?

[@TheSamGustin]

No, all of our pricing is baked into the final price the customer sees

[@robertnew8978]

I noticed on a few of the properties you didn't edge them, Was that something we didn't see or did you not edge for those? If you didn't edge them, is that an every other trip thing? Also, how many days a week are you out? Thanks for the video and sharing your experiences/knowledge with us!

[@TheSamGustin]

Hey Robert, We mow, string trim, edge, and blow on every property. The video was just condensed. We are currently mowing M-Th and keep Fridays open for bigger landscaping jobs or rain day rescheduling slots.

[@E.L.C.]

Hey nice work.can you tell me how you established those residential clients ? How did you personally do it ?

[@TheSamGustin]

Hey Sterling, Great question. I will make a video on that to answer your question.

[@jeremybruce654]

What major city are you close to? Where I live most lawns are an acre or more. I wish I had small lawns like that! Only on HOAs do I get to enjoy small lawns.

[@TheSamGustin]

The largest city close to us would be Austin, TX

[@ricardojohnsonthon7547]

Sam, I'm a retiree (Army). Do you have any tips or advice on starting a lawn business? I'm in Maryland. Thanks!

[@TheSamGustin]

If you’d like, we could do a Zoom call and record it and post it for others to learn from. If so, please email me at [e-mail]

[@nickschuster7618]

Wait does your price not even include clearing the clippings off of sidewalk? Asking because me and a buddy are looking to start and we were thinking clearing would be a cost included.

[@TheSamGustin]

You would send one flat rate to the customer for your lawn mowing service. Mowing, edging, trimming, and blowing

[@xDroiiDzx]

You should really do a setup video.. are you running a 32” or 36” stand on?

[@TheSamGustin]

I think that’s coming next. Right now it’s a 36. But we are going to introduce a 32 to some routes

[@markmilan01]

Great job bro. What you running, a 36” or 48”?

[@TheSamGustin]

This video is with our 36"

[@LawnFade]

What’s your setup right now? 36 stander and 30 inch?

[@TheSamGustin]

You got it!

[@LawnFade]

@@TheSamGustinthat’s wassup new subscriber here and I wish you best of luck this season!

[@tomcraven3396]

IRS loves these videos. I wouldn't tell anybody I got cash.

[@kyotohamada315]

Question do you ask your clients to make sure there's no debris in the way like rocks and sticks? Or do you personally remove them?

[@TheSamGustin]

We don’t run into the issue often, we typically remove them prior to service. If there’s a house that consistently has debris in the lawn, we would then have that conversation with the customer.

[@kronicbudburner]

Are you bagging or just spraying?

[@TheSamGustin]

We don’t bag, we use a mulching kit in all of our lawn mowers.

[@brandonquintero9607]

How much did you get that stand up mower for??? I’m interested in getting one

[@TheSamGustin]

We have two Scag Stand On Mowers. The 36" cost us around $8,500 and the 32" cost us around $7,500. These prices are after a military discount was applied

[@warriorlight793]

Hey Sam, do you offer a mentorship program for someone looking to start off in the lawn care business?

[@TheSamGustin]

Hey! Yeah, absolutely. Shoot me an email [e-mail]

[@warriorlight793]

@@TheSamGustin sent!

[@Youtobian234]

6 hours "in the field" how much time did you spend driving?

[@TheSamGustin]

This was a few years ago, not horribly sure. My guess is I had around 20% waste in my day as a solo operator.

[@iancushing1205]

What kind of mower are you using?

[@TheSamGustin]

This video is a 36” Scag V-Ride II and a 30” push

[@fernandezmaintenance1984]

I usually charge between 75 to 100 twice a month solo prop, residential, if you have a client that you do service 4 times a month, do you charge extra if there's 5 weeks in a month??

[@TheSamGustin]

I don’t service “x” amount of times per month. I either do weekly or biweekly frequencies throughout the growing season and monthly in the winter. For biweekly visits there is effectively 2.165 visits per month and weekly would be 4.33 visits per month. I forecast my revenue by using those multipliers

[@roytjm1]

What size is your trailer 🤔 👀

[@TheSamGustin]

Both of our trailers are roughly 6’x10’

[@xmtowntyx]

How many lawns you mow solo?

[@brandonquintero9607]

How much is that stand up mower

[@TheSamGustin]

We have two Scag Stand On Mowers. The 36" cost us around $8,500 and the 32" cost us around $7,500. These prices are after a military discount was applied

[@edynlopez79]

👍

[@CuttaSquad]

🔥🔥

[@yardproky]

Do you blow these lawns or do u just mow?

[@TheSamGustin]

We mow, trim, and blow

[@adamsoutdoors]

How many days week are you currently working?

[@TheSamGustin]

We have our mowing routes schedule Monday - Thursday and big project work scheduled for Fridays

[@MrOzzyosborne88]

So do you eat the cc fees. Or do you pass them to the customer? Thanks

[@TheSamGustin]

I eat the cc fees. I basically wrap them into my variable costs which include gas and the cc fees. Right now, I’m at around 8.5% in variable costs per visit.

[@MrOzzyosborne88]

ok thank you

[@alphacharlie65ms]

What is your main place to advertise?

[@TheSamGustin]

We do not do any paid advertising. We invested knowledge into learning how to create a good website and Google business page presence.

[@Wk32eze]

GREAT VIDEO I HOPE YOU MAKE MONEY FROM KZbin ASWELL

[@TheSamGustin]

Thank you!

[@kasforai]

Which state you live?

[@TheSamGustin]

Texas

[@samheninger505]

Why do I feel like everyone on you tube is full of it when it comes to money it seems like they double what they make,I I've only been in business mowing for 33 years, What about the 25 minutes to load up yer equipment another 25 minutes unloading , I would say that took every bit of 8.5 hrs probably netted $280

[@TheSamGustin]

Hey Sam, This video was from a few years ago, but the hours from start to finish are all baked into the price. I would say if it takes you 25 minutes to load and 25 minutes to unload, you might want to take a look at your processes. That seems quite inefficient

[@cvlogssv898]

Is this weekly or bi weekly?

[@TheSamGustin]

Those were biweekly

[@alecbell7387]

Nice genuine video, couple questions i have, what do you do with the clipping/leaves and such from cleanup? Also it looks like you strictly mow, how do you deal with customers asking if you trim hedges? That is if you do get that question. Thanks!

[@TheSamGustin]

Thank you Alec! We do not bag any of our clippings. We used to offer this last year, but moved away from it for a number of reasons. Instead, we use mulching blades / kits on our mowers. While we do keep our services simple and limited, we do trim bushes and clean up flower beds as well. I hope this info helps!

[@alecbell572]

@@TheSamGustin Appreciate the response, I also thought of another question. Given you are a lawn care business, does that mean you are responsible for keeping their grass green or just groomed and looking good?

[@TheSamGustin]

For the lawn mowing service, we focus on mowing, edging, and blowing. For a green healthy lawn, lawn mowing does play a part in that; however, that would primarily rely on fertilization and weed control services. Two different services.

[@alecbell572]

@@TheSamGustin Gotcha! I am thinking of starting something small and very simple on Sundays since I have weekends off, so I am trying to wrap my head around certain scenarios that may pop up. Thanks for your time and responses.

[@loborobertson7212]

👍👍🤠

[@nelsoninman3678]

Where are you located at?

[@TheSamGustin]

Suburb of Austin, TX

[@nelsoninman3678]

@Troops Mowing LLC awesome I am in Kyle just south of you

[@VexTroviser]

Hey i need some help with getting more customers could you help?

[@TheSamGustin]

Would you be interested in booking a coaching call?

[@deputy_vortexx9623]

Pay taxes…