Want Your Own Lawn Care Franchise? Here Are Important Questions to Ask Before Going In
Embarking on any new business venture is a big deal. After all, you’re parting with your hard-earned money, hoping you’ll eventually earn it back and make a profit.
That’s why it can be so important to be well-informed before making such a big decision. If you’re thinking about purchasing a lawn care franchise, consider asking the franchisor or other franchisees some of the following questions:
What Services Will I Need to Provide?
Many franchise businesses allow you to learn on the job, ensuring that a lack of specific skills doesn’t always have to be a barrier to owning your own business. However, it helps if you know about the services you’ll be expected to provide before you sign on the dotted line.
Most lawn care franchises offer lawn mowing as a base service, and some have it as their only service. However, you typically have the freedom and flexibility to provide a wide range of lawn care services, such as:
Lawn mowing
Ride-on lawn mowing
Commercial lawn mowing
Hedges
Tree trimming
Garden clean-ups and help
Water blasting
Most lawn care franchisors will recommend offering a wide range of lawn care services since the demand for lawn mowing services can decline during winter.
Will I Receive Training?
When you start your own business from the ground up, it’s up to you to learn everything about your industry and the products and services you’ll be providing. You’re on your own, and it can be daunting, to say the least.
However, purchasing a franchise within a well-established company can often be a much more stress-free process. You can receive training from your franchisor, mentoring from other franchisees, and ongoing support whenever needed.
Typically, initial training takes around two weeks, but you’re continually learning on the job to become the best lawn care service provider you can be.
What Support Will I Receive From Head Office?
Starting a new business can be overwhelming, especially when you feel like you don’t have any help or support. After purchasing a franchise, don’t be afraid to ask your franchisor about the type of support you’ll receive in the beginning and on an ongoing basis.
Some of the best lawn care franchisors will offer customer leads, marketing materials, and uniforms. You will also be put in contact with your regional manager, who is available to answer any questions you might have.
What Are the Costs Involved In Running My Lawn Care Franchise?
Making money is an important part of running a business, whether you start one from scratch or purchase a franchise. Understanding profit potential comes down to learning the costs of running your business.
Ask your franchisor about franchise fees and other costs you’ll be expected to pay. Some of the best lawn care companies only charge a low weekly fee for marketing and related costs. For your franchise fees, you’ll receive an app, ongoing marketing, and head office support.
There are also many other costs to be aware of, such as your tax obligations, vehicle expenses, and equipment. Starting a lawn mowing business typically requires you to make some of the following purchases:
A vehicle – van, lite truck, or ute
Trailer
Catcher mower
Mulcher mower
Garden bags
Pruner clips
Leaf blower
Petrol cans
Does My Franchisor Give Me Customers?
There are many differences between businesses you start yourself and those you purchase from established companies. However, one of the most standout differences is how you obtain your first customers.
When you own your own business, you must work hard to build up customers from zero. That’s rarely the case with lawn care franchise businesses. Leads that head offices receive are distributed to the lawn care service providers in specific areas. Moreover, if you’re struggling to obtain new customers, your head office can help you create digital campaigns for targeted lead generation.
How Many Hours Will I Work?
Every lawn care franchise owner purchases their business for different reasons. Some people became tired of office jobs and wanted to try something new, while others wanted more flexibility.
It’s only natural to ask how many hours you can expect to work per week before you purchase a new business. Most franchisors will tell you that the number of hours you work is up to you. You are your own boss and can take on as much or as little work as you desire. You can also hire workers if you want to work fewer hours but maintain a busy schedule.
You might work the most hours during summer and the least during winter. However, many lawn care workers maintain consistency during the cooler months by offering services outside lawn mowing, such as garden tidy-ups and water blasting.
Is It Time to Start Your Own Lawn Care Business?
Now that you know about the services you can offer, the support you can receive, and the hours you can work, you might wonder whether a lawn care business is right for you. Now might be the right time to inquire about franchise opportunities with leading lawn care service providers like Crewcut.