Quote:
Originally Posted by GrumpyOldMan
Yup, me too, I mowed neighborhood lawns for $0.25 with a push mower until I was old enough to build a powered mower for myself. I worked a deal with the local hardware store, I cleaned up at the end of each day - mopping floors, garbage etc. in exchange to being allowed to dig through his junk pile of old worn-out lawn mower (he did lawn mower repairs on the side). I collected enough pieces to put on together that worked. It took awhile since I had to learn how to take them apart and then learn how to put them together - LOL. I think I was 10 or 12. I then charged $0.50 per lawn using my Brandie new powered lawn mower.
When we moved here I purchased a DeWalt electric mower, and mowed for a while. Then decided that was against the code of retirees. And sold it. I have regretted selling it ever since. We are on our 4th or 5th lawn care service now.
What I want is a "time shared gardener". Someone that does everything a private gardener would do, which with these postage stamp yards would take a few hours per week.
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Amusing parallels. However, I bought a book, probably used and learned how to repair lawn mowers, At .50 a lawn I would have hired you. Around 1965 I was charging 7.50 for a mow and edging. I still remember one lady would always give me a cold soda.
That made up for the fact that her lawn was loaded with toads. Great, "fun," removing dead toads from a rotary lawn mower.
In ten years we are on out third mowing guy. No fourth. First one his guy quit so he turned us over to a younger guy. He was great, personable and did a good job. We have always paid at the start of the month. He took our money, cashed the check and disappeared. Next guy was not as good but also a nice guy. He lasted ???? two or three years and then he quit-family issues. He when I found him did return our money.
Current one is also a nice guy. Work quality is the worst so far. For me, good enough is good enough.
Someone posted her 90 year old mother does sprinklers. Huh, If I get annoyed and start mowing we can start. Don't rush us we are the oldest mowing watering team in the villages. Complaints? Sorry we do not hear so good.