New, Used, or Lease? And WHEN?
As a small business owner it has been nothing short of challenging to build a business from nothing. I came from nothing and have built this thing from the ground up. I didn't have a lot of money. When I first started I couldn't afford company vehicles. I eventually bought used vehicles in the $20K-$30K range and financed them and that was fine until I unexpectedly slowed down and had to sell off my trucks just to survive. Once I rebuilt from the slow down I decided to buy used vans around $9K to $10K cash. Right now I have 6 vehicles. One of those vehicles needs major work done. And the others are all 100K miles or more and I feel like they are just ticking time bombs. I want the reliability of newer, or leased vehicles but the risk intimidates me after my struggles in 2022. Is there a formula for when you should go from paying cash for used, to financing newer/new, and to finally leasing? Is there a revenue metric, a number of vehicles in your fleet, or some other sign that going one route over the other is more advantageous or less risky? Thanks for taking the time to read this and share feedback!Is anyone finding it hard to get a cap cover for their pickup?
I have been looking into getting a cover for the bed of my truck and a lot of places here in Toronto are saying their inventory is gone! And it will likely be a year before any new ones come in. Even used ones are being bought up for resale or even modified to fit the more popular trucks. Has anyone been looking for one and found the same supply issues?
What's one Jobber feature you wish you had started using sooner?
I've been exploring how different home service businesses use Jobber, and it's interesting that two companies can use the same software in completely different ways. What's one feature, workflow, or habit that made you think: "I wish I'd known about this six months ago." Whether it's scheduling, quoting, invoicing, client communication, reminders, or something else, I'd love to hear what's made the biggest difference for your business. Hopefully this thread helps newer members discover some hidden gems too.Is Jobber's dedicated business phone number a game changer for small businesses?"
So i had a brake and was watching reels and saw that Jobber offers a dedicated business phone number that lets customers text and call while keeping everything tied to your business. That's definitely A game changer 💪... For those of you using it: • Has it helped you win more customers? • Do clients respond more when they recognize your business number? • Is it better than using your personal cell phone or services like Google Voice? • Would you pay extra for this feature, or is it something every CRM should include?
Does anyone have input on how to leverage business certifications for profit?
I know certifications can open doors, but I’d love to hear how people are actually turning them into revenue, stronger partnerships, or new opportunities. What’s worked best for you in scaling with certifications like WOSB, SDVOSB, 8(a), or others?What Equipment Should a Small Landscaping Business Invest in First When Starting Out?
Hi everyone! One thing I’ve committed to since starting Mowing With A Purpose Landscaping is reinvesting back into my business whenever I can. Recently, I was able to get my Ferris back up and running, which was a huge win. Along the way, I’ve also been building out my Echo PAS-225 system with attachments like the edger, blower, tiller/cultivator, chainsaw, and pole saw. Having one powerhead with multiple attachments has been a great way to expand the services I can offer while keeping costs manageable. I also recently purchased a Gravely mower, and now I’m trying to decide how to best use both machines. Would you: Make the newer Gravely your primary mower and keep the Ferris as a backup? Continue running the Ferris as your main workhorse and save the Gravely for backup? Rotate both throughout the week to balance wear and tear? I’d also love to hear what equipment has been the biggest game-changer for your business. If you could recommend one piece of equipment every landscaper should invest in early, what would it be and why? I’m always looking to learn from those who’ve been in the industry longer. Thanks in advance for sharing your experience! — Elisha Mowing With A Purpose Landscaping 🌱💪
