Is My Child Old Enough to Run a Lawn Mowing Business?

I recently had an email conversation with Rhonda. She was inquiring whether her son is old enough to run a lawn mowing business. Let's look at what she said:

At what age do you recommend starting a lawn mowing business? I have a 10 year old son that would like to start next year, since it's now August. If he's too young now, do you have other suggestions on what he can do until he reaches a good age?

Awesome question Rhonda. I'd first figure out the answer to these questions:

a) Can my son perform the duties necessary for a lawn mowing business?

Basically, he needs to have the stamina and skills to be able to use a lawn mower. Does he mow your grass at home? If so, then he probably can do other peoples' lawns, too. He also needs to be able to deal with maintaining the equipment, for example, tuning up the lawn mower at the beginning of the season and when the blade gets dull.

b) Would he be comfortable dealing with customers?

Your son will need to be able to set up methods of communication with potential customers. For example, he may need to create an email address that customers can contact him at. Home phone works too.

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c) Can he be consistent?

Consistency is vital to a lawn business. You have to be out there every single week (especially in the spring) keeping the grass at a reasonable height.

d) Can he be financially savvy when business costs arise?

If he needs to buy a lawn mower, weed eater, or blower, he needs to be able to put the money together to obtain these items. Also, maintaining equipment costs money.

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Basically, I've tried to give you a small idea of the kinds of things a kid has to think about when running a lawn mowing business. If your son is up to the challenge, then by all means, he should go right ahead.

However, if you don't think he's quite ready yet to start a lawn mowing business, you might suggest he have a small leaf raking service in the fall. Leaf raking does not require the tools, the consistency, or costs that a lawn mowing business requires, and a leaf raking service can also be a launching pad for a lawn mowing service in the spring. He could learn a lot about hard work and dealing with customers on a smaller scale. Not only will he learn skills, leaf raking can also establish contacts for clients that he could potentially use when starting up the lawn mowing business in the spring. Also, a leaf raking service does not require a huge amount of time and effort. If he decides he really hates yard work, then he has an easy way out.

So essentially, if you think your son is ready, go for it. If he's not quite ready, he can rake leaves (shoveling snow in the winter is another good option) to build the skills and contacts necessary for a lawn mowing business.

Best of luck to your son!

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