About the Landscape Juice Network

Founded in 2008. The Landscape Juice Network (LJN) is the largest and fastest growing professional landscaping and horticultural association in the United Kingdom.

LJN's professional business forum is unrivalled and open to anyone within within the UK landscape industry

LJN's Business Objectives Group (BOG) is for any Pro serious about building their business.

For the researching visitor there's a wealth of landscaping ideas, garden design ideas, lawn advice tips and advice about garden maintenance.

Starting a part time venture

Hey allI'm not a regular poster but been doing a fair bit of reading of the last couple of daysFirst of all, I'm a qualified greenkeeper but work for a landscaping company just now, 5 years experience in this game but that's nothing!Basically I'm looking to setup a wee landscaping venture around my work with a view to it becoming my full time jobI know this is the worst time of year to start but if I can get into view over the winter then I could be the first person some people think of in the spring!Over the winter I was thinking about power washing, gutter cleaning/replacement, pruning, tree work and basically anything else I can turn my hand toIt's the business side of things I'm stuck at, best way to advertise, where to go for public liability insurance and what sort of terms and conditions/maintenance packages to offer?Hopefully in the near future I will be asking how to tender!Any advice is greatly appreciated!TIA

You need to be a member of Landscape Juice Network to add comments!

Join Landscape Juice Network

Votes: 0
Email me when people reply –

Replies

  • A good old leaflet drive works best for a new start up.. I'm not sure if it will be as effective now as it would be in the spring time.. but it should generate a few leads. Word of mouth is the most effective and don't waste what budget you have on magazines/yellow pages just yet if you do at all etc.

    I am a hard landscaper, however all the landscape gardeners i know do most of the work on a contractual basis over a 12 month period i believe. I think thats how it works.. one of the LJN regs will soon confirm or deny that that is the best way.

    I took out all of my insurances with barclays.. mainly because i wanted my banking and insurances all through the same place.. Since then i have had to upgrade My public liability so switched and organised it through simply business.

    :) good luck!!

  • my insurance is 5m and 10m public and employers liability, costs me around £45 per month but this is a very high cover due to contractors requiremnts. Before when i was a one man band it was £8 per month public liability - well worth it when i put in someones window with the strimmer!

  • Thanks for the replies folks

    I tried last year with 2500 leaflets and got 1 job that didn't even cover the cost of the leaflets but that was for AV work...

    I'm sick of putting in longgggg hours to line someone else's pockets, time to do it for myself!

    Have you guys bought your kit or do you lease?
  • I started with local paper, do a superb job and the recommendations start, its taken me 5 yrs now i dont advertise :)

    Leaflets imho are a waste of time, also get your van signed and pop cards in post offices, news agents etc.
  • Maintenance is my main focus but hard landscaping is also on the menu :)

    Then hopefully add in things like ponds etc

    It's how to get a regular income, reading various other discussions 12 monthly contracts seem the way to go?
  • PRO

    I don't do monthly contracts myself but would imagine that to be a hard sell this time of the year as the clients will be paying the sharp end now...

  • Hi Gavin,

    Welcome to Juice its an awesome and friendly place.

    I wish you all the luck in setting up your new venture. Ill also dig out the insurance broker I use for Public Liability it's a decent policy and not that expensive will post it later.

    Kind Regards

    Simon

  • Yeah of course it's just what the go for if things go nicely !

    Thanks folks!

    Time to source the right equipment now!
  • PRO

    Just some comments;

    Do not get into the 'Shiny new tools syndrome' (I think it's a Male thingy...)

    Make sure every purchase can be justified, has some form of return-on-investment and constitutes a professional piece of kit.

    Short term, look to hire key, but infrequently used bits of kit and cost into your quote.

    Build a relationship with a good dealer.

    Do not buy cheaply, look for service and support.

    Remember it will be your business at risk if machines fail and you can not work.

  • To be honest I was going to buy a petrol power washer and tank as well as the van just now then use the cash from the work i get to then invest in an etesia mower, stihl strimmer,blower and long reach double sided hedge trimmers

    I've got ryobi short reach and then various other tools like knapsack etc

    No point splashing too much cash just now for gear that will sit till spring not earning their keep, in saying that If there is a few bargains in the end of season sales then I can't miss out!
This reply was deleted.

LJN Sponsor

Advertising

PRO

How Do You Qualify A Sales Lead?


I don't know about you, but our phones and emails are starting to get busy with enquiries. I've learned over the years that it's all too easy to answer the phone, arrange a consultation and then spend a couple of hours with a prospective client…

Read more…
Comments: 0