What should I check before buying a lawn mowing route?

A mowing route is a set of customers, a sequence of stops and the machines that serve them. What you are buying is that sequence working smoothly. Because the pieces are simple, small gaps in any one of them show up quickly, so it pays to look at each.

Route density and drive time

A tight route means more stops in a day and less fuel and labour spent between them. Ask for a map of the stops and the order they are cut in. Note any outliers that add a long drive for one small lawn. Ask whether the seller has dropped or added stops to tighten the route over time.

Per-cut or seasonal agreements

Some customers pay each time, others agree to a season. Each has its own risks. Per-cut customers can leave without notice, and seasonal ones may expect a fixed schedule whatever the weather. Ask how each customer is billed and how often they have left or been added.

Written agreements and handshake ones

Sort the customer list into written, emailed and spoken arrangements. Spoken ones are not worthless, but they depend on the relationship with the seller. Ask your lawyer how a written agreement can be assigned to you, and ask the seller to introduce you to key customers.

Mower hours and a ride-along

List each mower with its age, hours and repair history, and read how to assess equipment condition. Then ride the route with the seller for a full day. You will see the real pace, the tricky properties and how customers greet them.