Although some mistakes are unforeseeable, you can prevent others. Every dollar you spend in your landscaping business matters, so ensure you spend it on worthwhile assets. Rather than risk a blow to your budget, note these profit mistakes your landscaping company is making. With a couple of changes, you can prevent monetary setbacks.
Not Understanding a Project
Before you take on a new job, evaluate the site. While doing this takes time, it allows you and your workers to gauge whether the task is worthwhile. Likewise, you can estimate:
- How long it will take to complete the task
- What tools and resources you’ll need
- How much it will cost to do the job
Without understanding the project scope, you risk taking on a job that’s too challenging or takes longer than you initially expected—both situations will cost you money. Evaluating a site also allows you to manage your time better to complete as many jobs as possible.
Poor Communication
No matter what type of business you run, communication is always among the most important aspects. While solid communication ensures your landscaping company thrives, unclear or mixed signals could confuse workers, which slows down a job and may lead to unnecessary work.
That could be another profit mistake your landscaping company is making. Luckily, this mistake is easy to prevent by delegating tasks to all employees with a clear description of the work ahead. Similarly, encourage team members to communicate with one another. Some jobs may take longer than you initially expected, and when this occurs, workers should inform you and fellow team members.
Misusing Business Assets
Take time to train all workers on company protocol and safety procedures. Misusing tools is dangerous and could lead to your assets breaking down sooner than they should. But machines aren’t your only assets, as other things like fuel are essential to your business.
One of the many benefits of automated fuel tracking systems is that you can accurately determine what workers use fuel and when, which can help you save money. For example, some drivers may take gas for personal vehicles, which impacts your pocketbook.
Investing in the Wrong Tools
You don’t need to buy every piece of equipment you expect to use; you’re better off renting some heavy machinery. However, industry professionals recommend that you purchase basic hand tools like shovels, rakes, and other items you’ll use regularly.
Pro Tip
Knowing what essential landscaping gear you need may take some analysis. A business that focuses mainly on residential work will regularly use different tools than those targeting larger companies.
Not Training Employees
Safety is among the most important aspects of your training program. While educating employees on how to use tools does prevent equipment from breaking down sooner than expected, it also keeps your workers safe.
Not Planning Ideal Routes
Driving from site to site doesn’t have to waste time and gas, especially if you plan ideal routes. By using GPS, you can put workers on quicker paths to lessen traffic stops or other roadblocks. The shorter the commute, the more work you can do, and that means more money!
Van Rundell is a writer and author who specializes in transportation, travel, guidance, health & fitness. With over 10 years of experience in the industry as a driver and an entrepreneur, he has seen it all. His tone is professional but friendly with a dash of humor thrown in for good measure. In past, he has been advising, educating and writing about transport for the public and professionals alike.
A qualified fitness instructor with over 5 years’ experience as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, Van brings his deep knowledge of health and exercise science to his articles on health & fitness.
