Factors might lead to failure with this specific type of business
Jeremy has worked for a large lawn care company for several years. This lawn care company is located in a sunny climate, providing a stable demand year-round. After receiving an Associate's degree in Business, Jeremy decides that he would like to start his own lawn care service. He is considering if it would be best to start a sole proprietorship or a partnership. Jeremy is considering asking either his father or a co-worker at the current company he works for to be a partner in his new lawn care company. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of a sole proprietorship and partnership in this scenario. Which form of organizational structure do you personally think is best for Jeremy? Justify your opinion with supporting facts.
Part B:
Analyze the resources that the lawn care business owner Jeremy will need to start the business. Additionally, what factors might lead to failure with this specific type of business?
Sample Solution
Advantages of a Sole Proprietorship- Ease of formation: A sole proprietorship is the easiest type of business to form. There is no need to file any paperwork with the state, and there are no ongoing reporting requirements.
- Tax benefits: Sole proprietors are able to take advantage of the same tax benefits as individuals. This includes the ability to deduct business expenses from their personal income taxes.
Full Answer Section
- Control: Sole proprietors have complete control over their businesses. They make all of the decisions, and they are not subject to the input of others.
- Limited liability: Sole proprietors have unlimited liability for their businesses. This means that if the business is sued, the proprietor's personal assets can be used to satisfy the judgment.
- Financing challenges: Sole proprietors may have difficulty obtaining financing for their businesses. Lenders are often reluctant to lend money to sole proprietors because they are not considered to be separate entities from their businesses.
- Personal liability: Sole proprietors are personally liable for the debts and obligations of their businesses. This means that if the business fails, the proprietor could be forced to pay the debts out of their own pocket.
- Shared resources: Partners can share resources, such as equipment, labor, and expertise. This can help to reduce the startup costs of a business.
- Shared liability: Partners are jointly liable for the debts and obligations of the business. This means that if the business fails, the partners could be forced to pay the debts out of their own pockets. However, this also means that if one partner is sued, the other partners are not automatically liable.
- Decision-making: Partners share decision-making power. This can be an advantage, as it allows for more input from different people. However, it can also be a disadvantage, as it can lead to disagreements and delays.
- Limited liability: Partners have limited liability for the debts and obligations of the business, up to the amount of their investment in the business. However, this does not protect them from personal liability for their own negligence or misconduct.
- Disagreements: Partnerships can be difficult to manage, as partners may disagree on business decisions. This can lead to conflict and even the dissolution of the partnership.
- Taxation: Partnerships are taxed as pass-through entities, which means that the partners' share of the profits is taxed on their individual tax returns. This can be a disadvantage, as it can increase the partners' overall tax liability.
- Equipment: Jeremy will need to purchase or rent equipment, such as mowers, trimmers, and blowers.
- Labor: Jeremy will need to hire employees or contract with independent contractors to help him with the lawn care work.
- Marketing: Jeremy will need to develop a marketing plan to reach potential customers.
- Funding: Jeremy will need to secure funding to cover the startup costs of the business.
- Lack of experience: If Jeremy does not have experience in the lawn care industry, he may not be able to provide the quality of service that customers expect.
- Poor customer service: If Jeremy does not provide good customer service, customers may not return for repeat business.
- Competition: The lawn care industry is a competitive industry, and Jeremy will need to find ways to differentiate his business from the competition.
- Weather conditions: The weather can have a significant impact on the lawn care business. If there are frequent rains or droughts, Jeremy may not be able to keep up with the demand for lawn care services.