A landscaping business can be profitable, as there are a lot of homeowners who do not have the time, energy or skills to take care of outdoor spaces and design the features of the garden. In addition to basic gardening services such as mowing, weeding and fertilizing, you can work as a landscape designer or do advanced planting and cultivating. If you have a green thumb and can do the heavy lifting, finding out how to start a garden design business is the first step towards a job you love.
Steps
Step 1. Analyze skills, experience and training to understand what kind of services you have to offer
Starting with small assignments on basic mowing, trimming and weeding of flower beds can be profitable. However, if you have the skills and experience as a landscape designer, you will be able to sell various gardening services.
Step 2. Find a target market and specialized service to help you stand out from the competition
Some ideas are the design and installation of flower beds, vegetable gardens, ponds and water gardens.
Step 3. Remember that garden design is hard physical work that sometimes requires you to work in extreme conditions
Make sure you are in good physical shape. Take out insurance in the event of accidents or if you need treatment. Invest in the right type of clothing to protect yourself from uncomfortable conditions. Plan to have to contact those who can help you with the most demanding jobs or in moments of redundancy.
Step 4. Purchase the necessary equipment
At a minimum this includes the lawn mower, lawn mower and hand tools. You may need backhoes, mowers and other large equipment depending on the services you offer. You will be able to rent some of the larger equipment as the business grows. Check costs and availability to rent everything locally.
Step 5. Advertise to get customers
At first, you'll be better off lowering prices to build a reputation and get some portfolio work, but make sure you cover expenses and time. Post ads in local newspapers and put flyers on doors. See if you can put decals or have your business name painted on your trucks and vehicles. Ask for permission to post company name and phone number signs on lawns where you have provided gardening and landscaping services.
Step 6. Call your municipality to find out which licenses you need
Permits may also be required to do certain architectural work, such as stairs and concrete, so ask what the requirements are. Make sure you register your business with the Chamber of Commerce and the Revenue Agency.
Step 7. Talk to a lawyer, accountant or other serious consultant about starting a landscaping business
You need to know how to set up the tax structure and how to manage accounting and taxes.
Step 8. Take out the necessary insurance for your vehicles and collaborators, as well as civil liability insurance that covers the damage that may occur during your gardening services
Step 9. Hire someone to do the paperwork or learn to manage the business basics like accounting and marketing
Use a printer and Office software to manage orders, correspondence and other business activities.
