The landscaping industry is facing rising costs, labor shortages, and economic uncertainty, all of which directly impact OPE dealers. Here are some key stats from the 2024 State of the Industry report:
Key Lawncare / Landscaping Industry Stats from 2024
- Revenue Trends:
- Median revenue for landscaping companies was $1.26 million (up from $1M in 2023).
- Mean revenue rose to $2.44 million (from $2.32M in 2023).
- However, customer spending slowed, especially on larger projects and new equipment.
- Biggest Challenges for Landscapers:
- High fuel costs, material prices, and inflation remain top concerns.
- Labor shortages are forcing businesses to increase wages.
- Many landscapers are delaying new equipment purchases and keeping old machines longer.
- Equipment Demand Shifts:
- More landscapers are holding onto older equipment to save money.
- Interest in battery-powered equipment is growing, but adoption is slow due to higher costs and charging limitations.
- Automation and robotic mowers are being tested, especially by companies looking to reduce labor costs.
- Economic Uncertainty & 2024 Election Impact:
- Many landscapers expect business to pick up after the election but are currently being cautious.
- Larger companies are acquiring smaller ones, showing a trend toward consolidation.
Data Pulled from Lawn & Landscape Survey
With landscapers spending less and looking for cost-effective solutions, OPE dealers need to adjust their sales strategies to maximize revenue. Here’s how:
1. Offer Leasing & Flexible Financing
👉 Landscapers are hesitating to buy new equipment outright due to cash flow concerns.
- Set up lease-to-own programs so they can pay over time.
- Offer seasonal payment plans where they pay more in peak months and less in the off-season.
- Promote 0% interest financing options (if available) to make high-ticket purchases easier.
💡 How this makes you money: More landscapers will upgrade equipment sooner instead of waiting years to buy outright.
2. Expand Parts & Service Offerings
👉 Since many landscapers are keeping old equipment longer, they will need more repairs and replacement parts.
- Stock more repair parts for popular mower and handheld tool brands.
- Offer seasonal service packages (winterizing, blade sharpening, engine tune-ups).
- Create a subscription plan for landscapers where they get regular maintenance for a fixed monthly fee.
💡 How this makes you money: More service work = consistent revenue, even if equipment sales slow down.
3. Sell Used & Refurbished Equipment
👉 Many landscapers can’t afford new machines but still need reliable equipment.
- Start a certified pre-owned program for well-maintained trade-ins.
- Offer dealer-backed warranties on refurbished units to build trust.
- Market used equipment at a lower price point to landscapers trying to cut costs.
💡 How this makes you money: Used equipment has higher profit margins since dealers get trade-ins at low cost.
4. Prepare for the Electric Shift (But Don’t Ditch Gas Yet)
👉 Some landscapers need battery-powered equipment due to new regulations, but most still rely on gas.
- Stock both gas and battery-powered options so landscapers can transition at their own pace.
- Offer electric equipment demos so landscapers can test before committing.
- Provide charging solutions and battery recycling services to support landscapers switching to electric.
💡 How this makes you money: Early adoption of electric builds dealer credibility and attracts new customers.
5. Sell Technology & Automation Solutions
👉 Labor shortages are pushing landscapers toward robotic mowers and fleet management software.
- Become a distributor for robotic mowers and offer setup services.
- Offer GPS tracking and fleet management software to help landscapers monitor equipment usage.
- Provide training workshops on how automation can reduce labor costs.
💡 How this makes you money: High-tech equipment has strong profit margins, and landscapers will pay more for labor-saving solutions.
Final Takeaway: The Smart Dealer Wins in 2025
The landscaping industry is tightening budgets, but OPE dealers can still grow revenue by adjusting their sales approach. Instead of focusing only on big-ticket sales, dealers should:
✅ Offer flexible payment options to keep landscapers buying.
✅ Make service and repairs a major profit center.
✅ Provide budget-friendly used and refurbished equipment.
✅ Stay ahead of electric equipment trends without abandoning gas options.
✅ Sell automation tools to landscapers looking for efficiency.
By adapting to landscapers’ changing needs, OPE dealers can turn 2025 into a strong revenue year—even in a challenging market.
