Are you thinking of starting a topsoil business? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’ll go over everything you need to know to get your business up and running.
We’ll discuss what topsoil is, how to price your products, and where to find customers. So whether you’re just getting started or you’re ready to take your business to the next level, this post has got you covered.
What Is Topsoil
Topsoil is a valuable natural resource. It is the uppermost layer of soil containing organic matter and essential nutrients mixed with tiny particles of rock or minerals found on the ground.
Topsoil comes from the weathering and decomposition of rocks and minerals. Without topsoil, plants cannot survive because they cannot get enough nutrients to grow properly.
Topsoil usually forms over many years, but erosion can occur when not protected from some form of natural vegetation or artificial means such as farming. Human activities, including deforestation, construction, mining, agriculture, changing climate, tilling the land for crop growth, and more, can contribute to topsoil erosion.
Why Is Topsoil Screened
Topsoil uses include landscaping, construction projects, and farming. Screening topsoil removes rocks and other large particles. After screening, you can sell it as “screened topsoil” for a higher price.
Topsoil is often stored in bulk piles at landfills or recycling facilities until ordered by a landscaper, farmer, or contractor. You need to keep the material dry because it can become infested with insects or develop odor problems due to decomposing organic matter. In addition, topsoil with too much moisture may not produce healthy plants when used in landscaping applications.
How To Build A Top Soil Business
Now that you know what topsoil is and why you need to screen it let’s dive deeper into building a business around it. Keep in mind that without passion, the company will not flourish.
Know Your Product
You can’t expect to get a topsoil business up and running if you haven’t researched to know what types of topsoil are best for which landscaping applications. Know your product and have samples on hand so that you can talk knowledgeably about it with potential customers.
Know Your Market
As mentioned, people who buy topsoil often fall into four categories: farmers, homeowners who do their landscaping, landscapers, and contractors. To whom you sell will depend on where you locate your business and how many competitors are in the area.
Find A Location For Your Topsoil Business
Space is less of an issue if you’re selling topsoil by truckload. However, if you’re selling in bulk at a recycling facility or landfill, location is crucial if you want to get top dollar for your product.
Create A Competitive Advantage
Sell topsoil that is screened and ready to use. That will set you apart from many of your competitors, who may sell unscreened topsoil or topsoil with a mix of small rocks and organic material.
Work Out Your Topsoil Business Prices
Price your topsoil by the cubic yard if you’re selling in bulk. However, if you’re selling it per bag or scoop, then price your topsoil based on volume. An easy way to calculate your prices is by using a revenue calculator.
When it comes to large landscaping jobs, they usually buy a truckload at a time, so buy a truck and fill it with topsoil for one landscaping job rather than loading a dumpster or renting a chipper. Your time and equipment cost for this type of job will be much less in the long run.
Sort The Legalities Of Your Topsoil Business
Topsoil is a regulated substance and must be disposed of properly. Check with your city or state government to find out where and what the laws are of selling topsoil. Make sure you get any required permits before opening up the company.
Get Your Topsoil Screener
A topsoil screener is an essential piece of equipment for any topsoil business. They come in many different sizes, from small enough to fit on a tractor to large enough for a semi-truck.
At EZ-Screen, we have a wide variety of topsoil screeners, perfect for any business, big or small. Here are a few of our options:
- EZ-Screen 100: It is our smallest machine. You can use this nifty invention as a Skid Steer Attachment and screen each bucket of soil you pick up.
- EZ-Screen 800: It is one of our more common models. Perfect if you want to keep your screener in one place and deliver a massive amount of topsoil at a time.
- EZ-Screen 1700: It is a stationary model that packs an enormous punch. It will get all your topsoil screening done in no time.
Plan Your Topsoil Business Storage And Packaging
You can pack topsoil in bags, bulk bins, or boxes. The amount of topsoil you can store will depend on the size of your business lot and how much space is available for storage. When it comes to packaging, know your market and what works best for them. Ask yourself these questions before you buy any machinery:
- How much topsoil will I need?
- What type of topsoil do I want to sell?
- How heavy should the bags be?
- Will customers re-sell my product?
- Do they need portability?
- How many jobs will I do per day (for larger pieces of equipment)?
Arrange Your Transportation
If you’re selling in bulk, then your topsoil can be transported with a dump truck. For tractor-trailers or smaller vehicles, make sure they are covered to protect the topsoil from rain and sprinkler systems. Also, ensure your vehicle is clean when you deliver topsoil to keep your customers happy.
Do Marketing For Your Topsoil Business
If marketing is your forte, develop a plan to get topsoil customers. If not, consider hiring a business that can assist you in this.
Some marketing options are to set up a website, create social media accounts, distribute flyers in the neighborhood, call around to existing customers for referrals, and advertise on billboards or through other forms of advertising.
Open For Business
Once you’ve completed all of these steps, your topsoil business should be ready to open. But, perhaps the most important thing of all is passion—topsoil businesses can’t succeed if their owners don’t love what they do.
If our guide has given you what you need to start your business, visit our website for the best topsoil screeners money can buy. Alternatively, you can continue reading exciting posts on our blog.
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