[Dave88LX]

Let me know what you think about this, and what your reaction/thoughts would be if you were approached...

Driving around my neighborhood, I've noticed LOTS of houses that don't seem to mow their lawns, or better yet, clean out their gutters. Lots of them I can see overflowing with crap from the road, and some even have stuff growing out of them!

I don't claim to be a landscaper or the greatest lawn keeper, but I'm smart enough to know to cut grass no more than 1/3 of it's length at a time, operate a weedwhacker, and pull junk out of gutters.

I'm wondering if I threw a ladder, lawnmower, and weedwacker in my truck, and stopped at some of the houses who obviously need some work/help, and basically just knocked on the door and said "Hi, I'm Dave, I live down on XXX road, I noticed your lawn/gutters/whatever needed to be mowed/cleaned etc., if you'd be interested in having it taken care of for a very fair price?"

Pricing would be something very reasonable...enough to make it worth my time, but cheap enough that they'd not want to say no, and just get it taken care of.

Only real issue I can think of is some people might be worried about the liability of having someone on the roof or cleaning their gutters. However, I'm in the USAF, I'm fully insured.

Thoughts?

 

[Jamauk]

We've had people knock on our door before. We always politely declined, but its worth a shot!

 

[Dave88LX]

I should clarify, I don't mean every house, just the ones with 1'-2' tall grass etc.

...

 

[Darlene]

Nothing ventured, nothing gained, go for it! :thumb: A lot of homes have 2 people working & the last thing they want to do on their day off is yard work.
Most people are wary of people coming to their door. But if you do get a taker, when done & they are thrilled, ask them to please recommend you to their neighbors. Word of mouth is a powerful thing.
Also put out a flier at the market & post office and anywhere else you can think of.
Good luck!

 

[Its_Donna]

I think it's worth a try..the worst they will tell you is No. When I was a single woman I gladly payed someone to do all my "Honey-Do's"

 

[Frugal Nurse]

I think it's a great idea! Especially since you live on Triple Ex Street. That would definitely raise my eyebrows.

Seriously though. When I was single.. hell ya! if some nice gentleman wanted to do it.. for a reasonable fee- and I had the money. Yes sir reee!!!

During the winter of 92/93 the snowstorms were unrelenting! and I had a double wide drive... with no man. So, when a nice gentleman with a plow offered to plow for $25, right here, right now... ! I ran in to get the cash from the grocery money. So worth it.

So, although most people may not want to commit to a longterm.. weekly mowing- lots just might say.. Sure! this one time (cuz this week they're feeling real lazy or they're real busy).

Give it a whirl! A whiz! a whack!

Innovation! :biggrin: the American Way

 

[FrugalMomof3]

I say give it a try. Make up some flyers on the computer and put them in their mailboxes, etc.

 

[Ali Lee]

...wear your ASAF t-shirt.. Good luck! (sounds good to me, be sure to set the price before starting, do they keep the grass clippings/trash or are you hauling it away? many trash services won't take clippings)

 

[emily_hope]

My DH has a lawn service. Sometimes when he is doing a lawn other people in the area see him and ask him to do theirs. I would think this would be a good idea for you to try. You may do a couple and people see you and see what a great job you are doing and how great it makes their yard/house look and want you to do theirs. Good luck!

 

[Darlene]

Oh something like this on your truck might help too http://www.magneticsignsontime.com/
http://www.magneticsigns.com/

 

[[email protected]]

Great idea Dave! Go for it. Why not also make up some flyers with your services listed and your number that you can leave with them in case they change their minds later or want to refer your services to someone else (ie. an elderly parent).

I too think wearing your AF t-shirt is a good idea. People will feel more secure about you.
Good luck! :thumb:

 

[janelane]

Personally I'd be a little wary if someone came to my door, but, eh, that's probably just me and my general distrust of people.

Some people have suggested flyers, I'd also suggest slapping ads on craigslist.

 

[duckduckgoose007]

My oldest Son does lawn work on Saturdays, the rest of the week he works at his reg. job. He does very well. Most times it is word-of-mouth that gets him jobs.
My Grandson who is 17 does lawns, he uses the homeowners mower & gas and still gets $20 an hour!!!! It seems to be a pretty lucrative trade....Good Luck

 

[nelia48]

Lawn mowing here in Florida is a big business. You would be surprised at how many people would be willing to pay you for mowing their lawns. I have a friend who makes his living at it and doing very well, I might add. A small ad in a local newspaper, one of those stick=on signs on your car, etc., will quickly get you business. Go for it!

 

[FHTM Devin]

Mowing yards part time can be a nice supplemental income. You would be amazed at how many people would pay to have someone mow their yard.

 

[Dave88LX]

Thanks for all the input! It sounds like it will be worth a shot then once I catch up on work around this house. I've got a promotion test coming up in early June, so first priority is to study for that (~$500-$600/month raise). After that I need to finish installing my hardwood flooring, bedroom drywall, garage floor epoxy, and moving all my stuff out of storage. Maybe I can fit in a few lawns here and there. :lol:

 

[baronmom]

My dh use to work for a guy that cleaned gutters on houses. He made lots of money doing it. (the guy that owned the company). Many people don't want to be bothered or just don't have the time to do it. I say go for it if it is something that you want. I hope it works out for you.

 

[Frugal Nurse]

Dave- I think that waiting until the end of the summer is a good thing too.

Why? people are sooooo sick of cutting their grass! yep... they'll pay you.

and if nearing the fall.. getting those leaves out of the gutter.. although I think the best time to offer that service is in the spring. People wait for the build- up and pay/do it once.

wait.... you could sell is as.... they need to get the junk out of the gutter to clear the the roof from ice damns.

wait.. do you get snow there in Maryland?

I've got some homework to do. I skipped my sophomore year in high school. That was the year Geography was offered. in:

 

[Holly]

Go For it. You may end up with a great side business.
Thanks Darlene,
Doug has been looking for some signs like that.

 

[BetterLateThanNever]

MY dad was approached years ago by a guy who painted barn roofs. He and his crew were working on barn down the road. The guy stopped and chatted with my dad and pointed out that his roof REALLY need painting. Said that since they had paint left over from the job they were doing and they were in the area he'd do it for $200. My dad whipped out his check book with lighting speed.

Moral of the story GO for it! Sounds like a good idea to go to people who look like they need it!