So you probably want to earn a bit of cash for spending or saving during the summer but you’re not sure how. Perhaps you mow your parents’ lawn and get a bit of money for that. Well, that little lawnmower can turn into a full-fledged business that can make you quite a pretty sum of money.
First things first, you need to find out about the competition. There may be other kids mowing lawns in your area, or if you live in a development or neighborhood a company could be hired out to do the job. Whatever the case is, you need to find out who it is and how much they charge. The key to a good business is charging less and doing a better job than the competitors.
After you’ve found this out, you need to decide on a price to charge. I recommend anything within the 25 to 40 dollar range (preferably on the lower end of that spectrum, but it really depends on how much your customers are willing to pay). You also need to consider whether you’re going to be mowing lawns just once, or going back over them to create a “golf course” pattern. You can charge more for the criss cross pattern because it’s harder work and requires double the time and effort. You could also pull or cut weeds along with your lawn-mowing.
Once you’ve got your prices and services figured out, you need to start advertising. The easiest way to do this is to type up some flyers with your name, some contact information, prices, the services you’re offering, and an attractive picture (a clip art lawn-mower works fine). Print out as many of these as you think you will need, fold them up, and put them in mailboxes around your neighborhood. Alternatively, you could find opportunities to offer to mow your neighbors’ lawns. Be wary though, if you do this they probably get to choose how much they pay you (although they may make you an offer instead of following your prices anyway). Once you have customers ready for you to mow your lawn, we’ll move on to the next step.
If you’re going to be mowing lawns often, you need a schedule and a budget. Write out who’s lawn your going to be mowing on what day of the week and at what time. A budget is critical here because you have to buy gasoline for your mower. I recommend purchasing a large plastic gasoline tank and filling it up at a nearby gas station. You also have to consider that once the first frost arrives you won’t be able to mow peoples’ lawns anymore. You may want to alert your customers to when you are going to stop, and then ask them again in the spring when it is time to start mowing again.
Now it’s time for the actual work. Grab your mower, gas, and whatever sustenance you may be bringing and head on over to your customer’s house. You may want to inform them before-hand that you will be coming by that day. Get to work mowing the lawn. Taking breaks is OK, especially if it’s hot outside, but don’t take too many and don’t take too long. If your customers want and are paying for it, mow the lawn again in the golf course criss cross style. Don’t ask me about it though, I’m not an expert on grass styles. After you’re done mowing, move on to any sweeping, weed-whacking, trimming, or watering that you’re being payed to do. After you’re done inform your customer. They may pay you directly or pay you in a while after you’ve mowed their lawn a few times.
Good luck with your new business, and make sure to ration your money to buy gas. Remember, summer days can be hot so stay hydrated. Have fun with all that money!
