[MyThreeJJJ"s]

Hello! I am currently in the process of possibly making a decision of a lifetime. I was offered first crack at buying equipment for landscaping and snowplowing. The deal is enticing because with the equipment come the accounts. The equipment is in excellent shape, and with it comes endless opportunities for not just the landscaping and snow plowing-but also concrete work and other various construction jobs. I have a decent job now and have construction skills and i guess you can call me a "SKILLED HOBBYIST". I've always wanted to have my own business-and this is what i see myself in. I know there is alot to learn and am prepared to do whatever it takes to make it a success. But is it worth the risk? Even if the price is right?

[GLAN]

Honestly...........I can't answer that for you.


I don't know you.


I don't know what you are getting as far as accounts are considered. Don't know the reputation of the business when you take over. Far to many "don't know" to give you an honest, clear answer.

[Stonehenge]

I can tell you that for me it's been worth it. But my situation may not be like yours, and I started with nothing, so I was able to learn as I grew.

I wish you luck in your decision.

And welcome to the site.

[Paul]

I wonder the same myself. By taking on the accounts and the equipment you have a head start but accounts can leave (biggest problem). How are your people skills? Lots of customers like one landscaper over others just because of their people skills. Much to think about here I hope you enjoy the forum!

[MyThreeJJJ"s]

Well I do have great people skills be cause i am a crew leader for a major utility co. in the construction dept. so I deal with customers on a daily basis. So as far as being professional everyday is no problem. I know a lot of people within construction trades whether residential or commercial because of my field of work. I am confident that I can be successful because of my social skills and work ethics. My eagerness and willingness to learn about running a business is going to be a challenge and I am up to it.

[trees]

Sounds to me like you've already made up your mind. Best of luck to you. Keep checking this site for a wealth of good info on all aspects of the business.

Hit the marketing hard & make sure to give a personal appearance to your inherited accounts. BTW, don't let them know you're a little unsure. Go to them with self-assurance and maybe a hint of bravado.

I'm wrestling with this same issue right now. Again, best of luck!

[HardDaysKnight]

There are risks in every aspect of life as there are in business.
The decision can only be yours. Because the accounts come
with the equipment, doesn't obligate that prior client to
employing your business. I would suggest maybe the first
weekly maintainence visit is FREE so they get to see you
perform and it's an ice-breaker.
Start small and get bigger comfortably.
There is nothing like being on your own, but it can be
at times stressful. The good thing about that is you are in
control and with hard work and spirit you can turn things
around. Welcome, and the best of luck in your future!

[Stone Art, Inc.]

Old thread, thought I'd reply for the sake of seeing my own words on the screen.

Is it worth the risk? Depends. Had you asked me that question during the first winter ... I would have probably said no. Foregoing my own pay for 5 months in order to keep my key employees in hours was a hard thing to do. My savings had dwindled to nada, my debt to family members who loaned me enormous amounts of cash to keep the biz going and the many sleepness nights inventing alternative avenues to generate revenue took its toll. (Thanks family for believing in my ability and integrity.) I had the luxury of knowing what I was getting myself into. Mom and pop started their own company when I was 11, which gave me an excellent education on the advantages *and* disadvantages to being self-employed.

Ask me that same question today YES!!!! It is worth it. I've never worked so hard in my life, but the rewards are immeasurable.
Keep in mind, there are still many sleepness nights. I wake up in the 4-6 hour time span I actually get to be horizontal with my to-do list swimming around in my brain. Labor issues are never-ending and skill is hard to find, appreciate it when you have it. Our production cannot keep up with the demand. As of today, we are booked through the end of September, running 3 4-man crews, projects ranging from 2-days to 20-days with countless delays due to heavy rains and new contracts coming in in droves and the telephone ringing non-stop. These are good problems to have and I count them as blessings daily.

The lessons I have learned throughout this endeavor include:

Hardwork, integrity and high standards for your work are justly rewarded, but these rewards require patience, forethought and planning; pride is a wonderful thing, but never get cocky;

Be honest with yourself, your clients and most importantly your employees, you rely on these people to invest their skills into you and your company, in turn you must invest your own heart into them, but choose wisely. I am so fortunate to have the group of guys I have and make a point to show them and tell them everyday that I do appreciate them and their skills;

Don't be afraid or too proud to ask for help. Humility is a not a character flaw. Through the years I've built excellent relationships with the 'competition' and have been able to pick the brains of some brilliant people within our industry. Share your knowledge and insight as well. Karma, in life and in business does exist.

I will step off my soap box and you can now return to the regularly scheduled program.

[CleanField2]

I find our very small company in much the same situation as you but we have most of the equipment we need and some customers. However, we need many more we are going the way of advertising but we need to move faster.

We have an opportunity to purchase twenty or so clients from an individual that is leaving the business and is willing to sell the clients separate from his equipment.

The real problem is determining what a customer is worth. These are all small residential accounts with current mowing rates between $25 and $40 per mow. I think we can do a very good job for these accounts so I believe that we retain most of them into the future. The question is what is this worth per account. I believe that the current asking price of $450 per account is way over priced but having no idea its hard to set a more realistic price.

If anyone can give me an idea it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

CleanField2