Yardwork: A Timeless Way To Make Money
As a student, you are always looking for ways to make a little extra cash. Yardwork is a great way to do that! I personally have made significant dough during my college years with the timeless classic, yardwork. There’s a reason this student profession has been a Hollywood movie trope in everything from Caddyshack to Outerbanks, it works!
You can earn money by mowing lawns, trimming shrubs, caring for trees, and performing other general garden maintenance tasks. In addition, those with a bit more experience can tackle larger projects such as landscaping and tree removal. In this article, I’ll cover my 5 top tips for yardwork side hustling and share my top tools!
Here Are 5 Tips For Students Who Want To Make Money From Yardwork:
1. Get Started Early In The Season.
The earlier you start looking for yardwork gigs, the better. Most people want their yard with lush plants to look pristine for summer BBQs and pool parties, so start advertising your services in late spring. You’ll be surprised how quickly the work starts rolling in!
That being said, even if you are just looking to make some cash from this hustle once, people are more likely to have an existing lawn care system implemented the later you get in the season.
2. Quantity Trumps Quality When Chasing Leads.
If you are lucky, you may hear a friend or family member complain about needing their lawn cared for. Otherwise, you will need to chase down leads to get work.
To get started, I recommend putting up yard work signs in strategic locations around your neighborhood (near busy intersections always helps) to advertise the space you’re offering for lawn care services. You can also check online job boards or contact local businesses directly.
One of my favorite tactics is to walk down the paths of your street and knock on the door of every house, especially those whose lawns look unkempt. If you want to practice before you start contacting customers, or just want an easy win, don’t underestimate the power of asking your parents. They want you to succeed and probably would be happy to have you take care of the yardwork.
The key here is not to be too picky about the work you take on. It’s better to have 5 smaller gigs that you can complete quickly than 1 large gig that will take all day. Not only will this help you build a reputation as a hard worker, but you will also start making money sooner!
3. Offer Discounts For Referrals.
One of the best ways to get yard work is by word-of-mouth. To encourage people to spread the word about your services, offer a discount for referrals. Something like 10% off the total bill for each new customer they send your way.
This not only helps you get more business and increase your customer base through referrals, but it also helps to build relationships with your customers. They will be more likely to use your services again in the future and recommend you to others if they feel like they are getting a good deal.
4. Be Professional And Punctual.
It is important to remember that yard work is a service industry. This means that your customers are paying you for your time and expertise. As such, it is important to be professional and punctual when working.
Be sure to show up on time for appointments and complete the work in a timely manner. If you say you will be there at 10 AM, make sure you are there at 10 AM.
In addition, take the time to do the job right. This means paying attention to detail and making sure the customer is happy with the final product. If you cut corners or do a poor job, you will not only cheat the customer out of their money, but you will also damage your reputation.
5. Invest In The Right Equipment.
Having the right tools for the job is important if you want to be successful at yard work. At a minimum, you will need a lawn mower, weed whacker, and leaf blower, unless your customer has the tools needed and is willing to share. This will likely be the case for friends and family, though strangers are not likely to share their tools.
If you have the budget, I recommend investing in a riding lawn mower. This will make it much easier to cover large yards and will save you a lot of time and energy. You have to decide on your budget matter, but I recommend the following models:
If you have the budget, I recommend investing in a riding lawn mower. This will make it much easier to cover large yards and will save you a lot of time and energy. You have to decide on your budget matter, but I recommend the following models:
Craftsman M105 140cc 21-Inch 3-in-1 Gas Powered Push Lawn Mower with Bagger
This mower makes the cut. With powered wheels and a 21 in cutting width, the Craftsman M105 140cc 21-Inch 3-in-1 Gas Powered Push Lawn Mower will get the job done with minimal maintenance. If you’re looking for a mower that won’t break the bank, but will get the job done, look no further.
18V Li-Ion Cordless 13″ String Trimmer/Edger and Jet Fan Blower Combo Kit by RYOBI
We know gas is expensive and loud. You may not be able to get away from it with a mower, but you defiantly can when it comes to weed whackers and blowers. Lucky for you, RYOBI has you covered. The Ryobi 18V Li-Ion Cordless 13″ String Trimmer/Edger and Jet Fan Blower Combo Kit gives you the battery-powered RYOBI string trimmer and jet fan blower in one great package.
Now It’s Time To Go Make Some Money, While Working On That Tan
If you’re looking for a way to make some extra cash as a student, yardwork is a great option. There are plenty of opportunities to get paid for mowing lawns, trimming hedges, and performing other general yard maintenance tasks including shrubs and tree trimming. In addition, those with a bit more experience can tackle larger projects such as landscaping and tree removal. To find work, simply spread the word among friends and neighbors or check out online job boards. Just be sure to agree on a price before starting any work!
