going it alone???

[simonm]

ive been working as a tree surgeon 4 the last 10 years now and am thinking about setting up on my own in the leeds area...is it the wrong time to be setting up on my own in the middle of a recession? am just a bit worried that people wont be spending so much espech on tree work.

[DN22 Gardening]

hi simon, i only started in sept on my own and i'm kicking myself for not doing it years ago.

the monies good, the hours better.

 

get it done, you'll love it

[dillsue]

Dobermandave. Like you I started at the end of the summer but am struggling to get regular work. How/where are you getting you customers from- advertising/contacts/mates????

[timtree81]

winter time is a hard time to go it alone,alot of arb firms only tick over during the winter months ,march on is a good time for private work to be found

[simonm]

hi simon, i only started in sept on my own and i'm kicking myself for not doing it years ago.

the monies good, the hours better.

 

get it done, you'll love it

 

where do u get rid of all waste? theres loadz of farms round ere was thinking bout knocking on sum doors and seeing if i cud get permission to tip...also do u advertise in local paper etc?

[White Noise]

Just like TIM TREE says leave it until March . Best O Luck .

[DN22 Gardening]

get 75% of my work from three mags, all bi-monthly glossy things.

 

Retford Life

Gainsborough Life

Bawtry Today

 

brilliant,

 

when i started i did the lot, local rags, free papers etc, the three above, out did the rest by miles

 

the other 25% is word of mouth.

 

although i'd love to be 100% trees, i don't yet have the client base, so i also advertise gardening services, and charge £15-00 p/mh for the pleasure.

 

got 4 contracts now that even at this time of year give me £200 p/w

 

i'm also lucky with the groundie i've got. he's a good mechanic, welder, grafter etc.

 

tried the £30 a day men and they're a false economy, use them occasionally if theres any donkey work, dragging strimming etc, other than that, get a good helper, look after him n he'll appreciate it.

 

one other thing. spend one night/ rainy day on your paper work. you'll be surprised how quick it'll mount up

[DN22 Gardening]

as for waste,

 

get out n ask.

 

i've got three free tips for the chip now.

 

local farmers are good,

 

also when you've got a load on, call in at any garden centers you pass,

 

theres one near me buys the odd load at £20-00 per load !!! ace.

 

gardening waste gets bagged up n taken to the local tip, or burned.

[DN22 Gardening]

also get a bit of work from local estate agents.

 

get an A4 sheet made up, saying what you can do n drop it into em.

 

if you go out n look, do a good job at reasonable rates, there's work out there.

[ledders666]

well im still very young,at 20, im self employed i have spent my saving on essetial equipment, such as chipper, pick up and climbing kit, but a also have kept in touch with people i used to work for so i have work to fall back on by subing of off them, as i dont have anywhere near enough work to keep my self going. as for helpers i have a mate who is a fair but older doing the same so when we need a team we come together, i wouldn't want it any other way, as you can do anything then.