Australia has a thriving franchise industry, with more than 1,000 franchise systems and over 50,000 franchisees across all business types. But when it comes to lawn mowing, the big question is whether you’re better off buying into a franchise or starting your own business.
The right choice depends on factors such as your skills, confidence, financial goals, and location. For some, the structure and support of a franchise make sense. For others, building an independent lawn mowing business offers greater flexibility and control. Let's look into it some more.
Lawn Mowing Franchisors in Australia
Jim Penman became a household name after building up Jim's Mowing into Australia's best-known lawn mowing franchise. Today, there is no shortage of lawn mowing franchises to buy into. D
While Jim's Mowing and VIP Home Services are the oldest franchises around. Until recently, they were also the largest in the lawn mowing sector in Australia. However, not too long ago, Reece Arcon's Express Group overtook V.I.P.
The following are some of the lawn mowing franchises you may come across in the lawn care market. The list is not in any particular order of preference, nor is it an exhaustive list of companies.
- Andrew's Affordable Mowing Service
- Boring Chores Property Services
- Express Lawn Mowing and Gardening
- Fox Mowing and Gardening
- Graham's Garden Care
- Grey Army
- James Home Services
- Jim's Mowing
- Mark's Mowing
- Top Cut Lawn Mowing
- VIP Home Services
Advantages of Buying a Franchise
Buying a franchise allows you to own a small business while benefiting from the support, systems, and reputation of an established brand.
- Having the independence offered by small business ownership, which is supported by a larger business network.
- Not needing so much business experience to run a franchise successfully. You will get training from the franchisors so you can learn how to operate it according to their business model.
- Having a much higher rate of success than regular businesses do.
- Having an easier time getting financing for a franchise. It costs less to buy one than it does to start your own business from scratch.
- Having the established branding, reputation, management and work practices that come with the franchise.
- Having the benefit of existing advertising for the franchise.
Disadvantages of Buying a Franchise
While franchises offer structure and support, they also come with restrictions, ongoing fees, and less control over how you operate the business.
- You must enter into a formal agreement with a franchisor. These agreements dictate how you operate the business. You will not have room for creativity. Restrictions are set on where you operate, the suppliers you work with and the products that you sell.
- If you underperform, it can affect your entire franchise's reputation. If you buy a franchise, you have to share the profits with the franchisor.
- Once the term of your agreement ends, the franchisor is not obligated to renew it with you.
Starting your own lawn mowing business is another way to attract customers and grow independently. We’ve also put together 22 practical tips to help you build and expand your lawn care business.
How Much Do Lawn Mowing Franchises Cost?
Lawn mowing franchises can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $50,000 upfront. These initial fees are only part of the total investment, as most franchises also charge ongoing costs such as royalties, marketing fees, and call-centre or lead-generation charges.
Franchises are often sold as new territories, where no one has previously operated in the area. You can also buy an established franchise with an existing customer base and defined territory, known as a franchise resale.
Resale franchises are typically more expensive than new ones because they offer the advantage of generating income from day one. Visit the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission for more information and learn more about the Franchising Code of Conduct.
You will learn how to spot a genuine franchise from a fake one. You will learn about franchise agreements, ending an agreement, resolving disputes, acting in good faith and more. You can even get free training.
Franchise Directories
Franchise directories are helpful. Here is a list of Australia's major directories, which you might like to look over. They have listings of businesses for sale as well as FAQ and informative articles.
- Franchise Expo
- Top Franchises
- Australian Franchises
- Franchise Business
You may also wish to attend the Franchising Expo. This is held annually in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth and is well worth considering.
If you decide to buy a lawn mowing franchise, you are certainly not alone. Thousands of other owners are out there who have decided to do franchising rather than start their own new business.
Likewise, many thousands of Australians have decided to start their own businesses and not invest in franchises and have succeeded.
How to Decide?
Before buying a franchise, take time to assess whether it’s the right fit for you. Ask yourself these five important questions:
- Do I have the commitment and ability to run a business?
- What are my strengths and weaknesses?
- Am I comfortable working within the rules and limits of a franchise?
- Can I handle taking on debt to buy a franchise?
- Am I prepared to work long hours to make it successful?
Mark Thompson
Conclusion
There is no single right answer when it comes to choosing between a lawn mowing franchise and starting your own business.
Both options have helped thousands of Australians build successful, profitable businesses. A franchise provides structure, brand recognition, and support, while an independent business offers greater freedom, flexibility, and control.
The best choice depends on your personal circumstances, including your budget, experience, risk tolerance, and long-term goals.
