Hi everyone,
I managed to talk myself out of starting up the lawn mowing business after talking to some of you in person on here. I guess i was looking for a way out, which i was very successful in doing, however I have been talking to people about it within my network, i told them that i liked the idea yet in practice its not ideal, and how i still find it difficult to cut ties with my corporate world.
To my amazement, the feedback was that i should go for it (they have seen my lawn). It seems as though people in my area find it difficult to get reliable people and also people that do a good job? I couldnt quite understand that, how hard is it to cut grass?!
From word of mouth that i was 'looking' at doing this, i seem to have got 5 clients booked already, based on knowing me, my lawn, and the fact that i wanted to break free from corporate world and look at doing something for the next 20 years that keeps me fit, gets me out and meet people.
They also think grasslines is a cool name.
So it looks like i am actually going to do this after all, starting very very slowly. Im still connected to a global business which i am developing and so although i want to dominate the world in anything i touch still, i realise that this venture is very much a local thing, yet at least i still have my fingers in other pies.
its strange how you try and talk yourself out of doing something, tell people why, and they tell you why you should do it. I think the moment came when a women said to me... David, you have to be good at it, understand grass management, and i said, i know, but im not at that level yet, and she said, not yet - but you will be. That's the moment the torch was lit.
I have alot of respect for you guys on here, its made me realise that just like a hair salon i own, its a profession and you have to invest in proper tools. Take for instance my hair salon, scissors cost £1,400.
And so the story starts, im going to give it a go. im 48. I would be more than happy to see if i can grow this and do it for 25 years.
Now the bad news... im going to be asking you thee most stupid questions going, starting with.... what van do i buy?!
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Replies
Good luck on the new venture :)
I use a Ford transit custom, but ideally id like to go for the next size up, crafter, sprinter or if I had the money MAN
i see some guys on here use pick ups, like ford and navara, yet i think there is a security issue with these when you have your mowers out in the open. fine of if your clients are in private estates but not very good if you are in an urban area.
hi, maybe an electric van and battery powered lawnmowers
Nothing like lighting the 'blue touch paper' with that type of question 😀
Everyone's going to have a different answer based upon what they currently have, so I'm going to duck answering this by saying;
- you're about to buy near the top of the market price-wise. 2nd hand Vans are running at 20-30% premium based upon pre-covid prices.
- New prices are reasonably stable, but few discounts and long waiting lists. We've got specific new vans on 5-6 months lead times at the mo.
- Buy the best you can afford, especially if you're going to use privately.
- If cheap, look carefully and understand why - is it a Euro 4 or 5 van being sold cheaply that can't access town centres? Maybe not a problem if yourebased in the countryside.
- Size wise, no one ever traded down a size, but many end up trading up to larger vans
- Think about what you plan to do, what equipment you'll need to carry and what 'supplies/materials/ green waste you'll likely carry.
- Consider security and where you'll overnight the vehicle.
To put into context, we have 4*4s, small car dervied vans, Medium sized panel vans and high roof/lwb vans, so can see pro's and con's of each approach.
This should be a fun post and is only bettered by 'What Mower' 😂
Ps good luck in your new venture
Just had a Vivaro LWB 64 plate low miles, also invested in side & rear security gates custom fitted.
Buy what you can afford
Thanks for the reply. Im not looking at expanding. Just keeping it very small in the beginning and so im looking at a van with side entrance. Not a big van, a small one that can cater for 2 mowers, a Strimmer thats all. Like a small royal mail van.
The mower is a different question. I will focus on small/medium lawns. So im wondering what size to buy.
I dont want to expand because of security issues plus its not core business. If it becomes bigger then i will buy a property with outside buildings.
Ive got a workshop where i am so can store enough, but im worried about security.
Good local place for you to browse and recommend for service:
https://www.anchorvans.co.uk/vans/anchor-vans/small-vans/over-2000/...
We have a couple of Fiat Diablo/Vauxhall Combos ( same van, different badge/trim, lwb with two side doors), as well as larger vans. Ends up as a useful configuration for us.
Thanks 😊, i will take a look.
Have you brought vans from there?
Yes, we've had 5 vans from there over recent years.
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