Earn extra-money doing yard work

Earn extra money doing yard work

When I was younger (a lot younger), I earned extra money doing yard work.  I remember looking for grass to cut as I pulled a lawn mower down the street along with a rake and a few plastic bags.  I remember how proud I was when I finished a job and got paid.  Back then, I was looking to have a little pocket money, so I could go to the movies and indulge in all the treats that went with it— popcorn, candy, coke…

picture of some of the tools you will need to do yard work

You can earn extra money doing yard work.

 

Fifty years later, yard work or lawn care has become a huge service industry.   You see opportunities everywhere to earn money doing yard work.  You can become as sophisticated as you wish.  You can become a landscaper and design yards and gardens (this will require some education):  or you can take on the task of mowing lawns and pulling weeds or anything in-between.

In the yard work arena, you can easily pick your expertise.  You can specialize or do general work.  You can run a team or go solo.  You can start small and build a real business: If you are looking to make a little more money to become debt freecollege, or start,  an emergency fund,  or just to save money you probably won’t want to invest a lot of money in expensive equipment—at least not at first.  Let your work pay you.

Earn extra money doing yard work

Earn extra money doing yard work or working in the flower bed

How to earn extra money doing yard work

Decide what services you are able and willing to perform.  Your objective in earning extra money should govern this decision.  If you are trying to become debt free, you don’t want to borrow money to buy something like a sky jack or bulldozer.  Later, if this sideline proves to be highly successful, you may decide to make it a profession and make appropriate investments.  Right now, you are interested in turning some extra time into extra cash with the basics.

You’ll have to decide what the basics are, of course.  You probably, already own most of what you need to get started—a lawnmower, trimmer, rake: Items you use to keep your yard in shape.  The more services you can offer, the more likely you are to secure jobs.  But, (again) in the beginning, you’ll want to use only the tools and equipment you have.  Also, you need to be realistic about your area of operation.  Do you have a way to carry your equipment from job to job?  Or, will your neighborhood be as far as you can get?

Now how much to charge?  Talk to people who are in the business; get an idea of how much they are charging.  Or, ask your friends how much they are paying to have their yards mowed and maintained.  By the way, could you offer them a better deal and it gives you a profit?  Friends and neighbors often form the early base of many businesses.

Market your lawn care services.

Market your services.  You have got to let the world you are ready and able to perform.  Don’t get carried away with fancy and expensive advertising plans. You are here to make money.  You can economically design (and print) your business cards and flyers on your computer.

Records

Knowing how to earn extra money doing yard work is step one.  As a business, you’ill need to keep good records are essential to good business.  Keep track of who you worked for when you worked, what you did for them, and how much you charged them.  All this information will help you set up repeat service, and you will need at least some of it when tax time comes. You need to run an honest business.  Good records will aid both in preparing tax forms and in defending yourself if those reports are questioned.

Repeat business = success

Repeat business is essential to any successful business.  Do a great job.  You want your customers to be glad they picked you, not someone else.

Conclusion

Lawn care and yard work is no longer just for kids looking for a few extra dollars.  It has grown into a huge industry.  You need a plan if you are doing yard work to earn money for paying down debt or achieving some other financial goal.  Never forget customer satisfaction is the key to your success.

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Douglas Antrim