[aubdauban]

Hi there,

I've worked road construction, cottage building, cranberry picking, and my favourite, landscaping. Through out my experiences I have gained many essential skills and good work habbits. Currently im working as a labourer for a landscaping company that keeps me busy when ever they can. I accepted the job knowing my schedule this summer was going to be too busy for another year of full time landscaping. Finally I have some free time on my hands, honestly I would prefer not to sit around waiting for my boss to call me out 'whenever'. My question is, are there ways to work solo in the landscaping field without starting a business? I've been dreaming. I would love to lay sod for people on my spare time. The grading can be tough at times but I find sod laying is easy and goes quickly if you know what your doing. How does one aquire a sod laying contract without owning a business? I have people that would be willing to help me, I have the small time equiptment and the time for small jobs. Just no idea where to start.

Any suggestions, ideas, or tricks would be much appreciated.

[Stonehenge]

I don't know that it would be a wise move to run a business without being a business. One mistake while driving a truck or a "helper" gets hurt and you could get sued, and because you'd have no protection from a corporate veil, if the suit was successful, your home, car and everything you own could be taken from you.

That doesn't mean people don't do it. They do. It's just not a smart move.

If you want laying sod to be your thing, contact the local growers, give them some business cards, and tell them you want to install their sod. Demonstrate to them that you're going to do a quality job laying down their product and they may start to throw business your way.

Good luck!

[Pelican]

As a legitimate contractor, I face competing against what I'll call gypsies on a daily basis, guys who are not really in business. As a legitimate business, I carry liability insurance, workman's compensation, vehicle insurance, pay social security and income tax on my help, collect sales tax and pay income tax on whatever is left, just to mention a few of the expenses I face. Gypsies pay none of this and I try to compete with them.

I'm not inclined to give advice on how you can compete with someone like me without paying the fees you are legally bound to. This struck a raw nerve with me, especially with the market being what it is right now.

[mbongwe]

Why don't you first try doing it in the free time only? You should again "start a business", it doesn't really take that much. Just don't leave your job until you make sure you can go on your own.

[smithule]

Sole Proprietor is a legitimate form of business but it has the risks mentioned above. If you have trouble competing with them you need to re-evaluate your business startigies.