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PRO MemberPermalink Reply by David Cox on June 26, 2012 at 15:27

There are dozens of similar posts on this topic going back several years - try the search function above.

Good topics to research are;

Advertising,

Pricing;
 and most importantly the CORRECT tools for the job.

Once you have an understanding of what is actually involved in being a professional gardener - then you will be able to ask more detailed and specific questions - Asking for general advice -

Every business is different.... so not possible to give.

Apart from; Good luck.

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PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Gary RK on June 26, 2012 at 16:05

As David eluded to - use the site google function and some lateral thinking and you will get a good spread of threads, views etc.

Also, go back to the home page and look for a box entilted 'business information' on the left hand side as you scroll down. This links directly to some useful articles.

Have a read, let in settle in and come ask some question on the forum or on chat. If anything, there is too much information on here :-) so you will need to be specific in what you want to find out by searching or asking.

The majority of members and established businesses will be happy to discuss concerns or issues with you and are generally very helping, polite and a laugh.

As well as place to find information, please do contribute. If it's a conern to you then it is probably a valid question SO ASK. No body is likely to divulge financials to you, but that should not be your concern at this stage.

Absolutely do not worry initially about what other people charge/earn or boast they do. Your costs are unique to you and your charging rate should reflect that fact.

You will see arguments about how to charge - hourly rate or fixed job pricing. It's a good one that argument. For the record I'm 100% for fixed job pricing ;-).

One good question,which members like me and Mick G like is .. "What mower should I buy?" :D ...always a good one...( only joking...)

Remember forums are like real life, you'll find some good people and some sour people. Do not let it put you off.

Good luck.

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PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Mick Gammage on June 26, 2012 at 20:16

Hi ken and welcome to the landscape juice forum

I don't do any garden maintenance myself but there are a lot of good guys on the forums who specialise in garden maintenance, weeding and of course grass cutting

as already said use the search on the home page as a starter and then feel free to ask questions on anything your not sure about

good luck in your new business :)

cheers

Mick

Driveway Contractors

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PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Dan Frazer Gardening on June 26, 2012 at 20:48

Ken, I did the exact same as you in 2009 and couldn't have made a better decision. You will come up with specific questions to ask as you go along; come on here and search for answers, and if you don't find them just ask either on the forum, pr in the Key Business Objectives group if there are business-sensitive issues to discuss, and you will get help.

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PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Brian www.mibservices.co.uk on June 26, 2012 at 20:52

Hi Ken, as above, and welcome to LJN, another thing to think about before you jump in to the world of self employment, ........................how much competion is there around you, by that I mean how much well established outfits are there operating AND how many mondeo men too. That shouldn't put you off, but be aware of your competion. And remember, winter is a very trying time in domestic garden work for a new business set up.

Gid luck

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