Insurance and Other Questions

[sam5570]

That is the second reason I wanted it. I hope it will show some level of professionalism which should mean better job opportunities. The first reason being that I simply cannot afford to mess something up and be financially ruined.

I know several landscaping guys. Occasionally they get asked to do jobs that they simply aren't set up for or even care to do. I am hoping that they could occasionally throw a job or two my way and in return I would do the same.


I'm fairly young, 27, and think that I would eventually like to get into mulching if possible. But that would be a while off. I do know that nothing satisfies me as much as making weeds, brush and trees disappear. Also I hate working UNDER someone. I know you are still working FOR someone, but it's different.


As for the "Other Questions" portion of the thread... As far as business cards and advertizing, what has and has not worked out for you in the past?

DT look at the age group and type of people you want to target. business cards are a must have in our area the most read thing is the trading post and it's free to put add's in. radio is cheap advertising. the thing is if you have the funds to carry you for a little while till you get a few jobs done that you can show people that will be all the advertising you will need. I was in business many years and the only time I bought add's were to help out some school project or non profit. the word of mouth will make you or break and you will determine witch one buy the quality of your work.

 

[DT86]

I believe you are mostly correct Sam, especially about the word of mouth making or breaking you. I feel the need for a little advertising to start things rolling. I'll probably print something on the computer and attach 10-15 business cards to the bulletin board at the stock yard, Southern States, TSC, ect. ......Side note.... One thing I figured out while placing advertising for my previous job is that every Tractor Supply has a bulletin board near the rest rooms.


Dave, I do not live around any cities. Actually with the 15' mower I don't think it would be suited for mowing city lots.

 

[Coyote machine]

Get some magnetic signs to attach to your truck and make your tel # big to be easily read.
Forget radio, it's way expensive and is not effective for someone starting out. Always have business cards with you- I can't tell you how many people I meet first time who can't even produce a card to give me?! It's just stupid for those in business to not carry them with them at all times. I know I promoted my business wherever I went, and 7 days/week. It gives a good impression to your potential customer, instead of them thinking this guy is disorganized right out of the gate- do I really want him working for me? And return phone calls promptly- ALWAYS, NO EXCEPTIONS!

 

[DT86]

Got my first quote today, $720 per year for 1mili per claim, up to 2 mili per year with zero deductible and $60k equipment coverage with $200 deductible.

Good deal? Bad deal?

 

[yellowdogsvc]

Got my first quote today, $720 per year for 1mili per claim, up to 2 mili per year with zero deductible and $60k equipment coverage with $200 deductible.

Good deal? Bad deal?

I think that sounds fair. Deductible pretty low. Make sure that it covers more than just mowing.. you may move some dirt, cut a tree, etc.

You asked about advertising. Word of mouth is great but name recognition AND word of mouth are even better. Get some ads out there. Get your name out there on the web, on bulletin boards, on your truck and in your local papers. Use the same name and keep it out there. Even if you aren't incorporated, start acting like you are and put yourself out there as part of such and such company..
Someone mentioned returning calls.. That's a must. I return 99.9% of calls within half a day. My message states that I'm almost always in the woods. I have my calls go to my home phone. Customers I'm working for get my cell phone number. I don't like talking business while I'm on working on someone's property so I try and do it at lunch or on the way home but certainly when I get home and before I clean up. It's exciting and a bit daunting to come home to 5 or 6 messages waiting for you. I sometimes dread sitting down for 45 minutes to an hour worth of phone calls (luckily it's not always like that) after a long, hot, dusty, day but I have a friend whose mailbox is always full and he sometimes takes a week IF AT ALL, to return a call and he's a tree guy. I can't operate like that.

I started when I was your age... I'm 44 now and actually thinking about hanging it up. Been a good run.. just tired of the hassle and looking for more time with my family. Enjoy it while you have the energy!

 

[sam5570]

Got my first quote today, $720 per year for 1mili per claim, up to 2 mili per year with zero deductible and $60k equipment coverage with $200 deductible.

Good deal? Bad deal?

that don't sound bad in the 1990's I paid $360 a year for 1 mil coverage. in my other post I said trading post what I ment to say was [ trade times]

 

[maxton]

Most companies and all goverment local etc will require a workers comp policy. Even if you are a one employee company!
In NC you can buy a "ghost" policy from most insurance companies that provide wc. It covers absolutely nothing and is as worthless as the paper its written on, per my agent! It will cost you 1200.00 a year in NC and will require an insurance audit every year. They do this to see if you had any subs with out wc, so they can charge you more!

 

[maxton]

On a side note I am in the grading business with a 15 ton excavator and 13 ton track loader. The starting rate for legit policy with no prior claims is 37% of gross payroll. Kind of looks like I will stay small.

 

[DT86]

that don't sound bad in the 1990's I paid $360 a year for 1 mil coverage.

I think that sounds fair. Deductible pretty low. Make sure that it covers more than just mowing.. you may move some dirt, cut a tree, etc.

I'm glad to hear you guys think that's a decent price.

The policy actually is set up for landscapers. It covers just about any out door project you can imagine... dirt moving, fence building, mowing, brush clearing, ect. I do not think it would cover dropping trees in a highly populated residential area, but that's not something I would be doing anyway.

While talking about it I made it very clear that we weren't mowing yards here, he asked about the equipment that would be used and I feel like everyone is on the same page.

Thanks for the info and ideas guys. :thumbsup:

 

[whistlepig]

that don't sound bad in the 1990's I paid $360 a year for 1 mil coverage. in my other post I said trading post what I ment to say was [ trade times]

That's about what I paid during the same time frame. The insurance that I had wouldn't kick in until I was actually sued and taken into court (luckily that never happened). Anything less than that was paid for by me. Watch the fine print on the insurance.