- Jim’s says most Jim’s Mowing packages cost $25,000 to $35,000, including territory, trailer, equipment and training; territory-only starts from about $9,999 in some regions.
- Fees are mostly fixed, with lead fees as the main variable cost.
- A Pay for Work Guarantee commits the franchisor to provide a minimum level of paid work or compensate for the shortfall.
Jim’s Mowing started in Melbourne in 1989 and is the original division of Jim’s Group, which now spans more than 50 services. It has more than 2,100 franchisees and very high brand recognition.
It’s a low-cost, owner-operator business. Your income depends on the hours you work, your pricing and how efficiently you schedule rounds.
Jim’s Mowing franchise at a glance
| Sector | Lawn mowing and garden care |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1989, Melbourne |
| Network | 2,100+ franchisees |
| Typical start-up cost | $25,000 to $35,000 (territory, trailer, equipment and training) |
| Territory only | From about $9,999 in some regions; with customers from about $19,999 |
| Fees | Mostly fixed, plus lead fees (about $16 to $19 per lead quoted) |
| Pay for Work Guarantee | Minimum paid work or compensation for the shortfall |
Figures come from the public sources listed at the end of this guide and can change. Treat them as a starting point and confirm current numbers in the franchise disclosure document.
How the Jim’s Mowing model works financially
A mowing business earns from recurring rounds plus one-off jobs. Revenue per hour depends on pricing, travel time between jobs and how many regular clients you hold. Costs include fuel, equipment maintenance and replacement, insurance, vehicle costs, fixed franchise fees and lead fees.
The Pay for Work Guarantee helps in the early months, but read the conditions: what counts as offered work, how it’s measured and when it ends.
The numbers to test before you buy a Jim’s Mowing franchise
- Realistic billable hours per week after travel and quoting.
- Average job price and regular client numbers.
- Fixed fees plus expected lead fees per month.
- Vehicle, trailer and equipment costs, including lease-to-buy options.
- The terms of the Pay for Work Guarantee.
- Seasonality: slower growth in winter.
Buying an existing Jim’s Mowing franchise
Some Jim’s Mowing franchises are sold with an existing client base. Ask for a client list with frequency and price, check how many are regular, and reconcile income to bank statements before paying for goodwill.
How Franchise Co. can help with a Jim’s Mowing purchase
We work with buyers and owners of franchise businesses across Australia. For a Jim’s Mowing franchise we can:
- Review the numbers before you sign. Our business due diligence starts from $2,000 + GST and tests the price, client list, fees and guarantee terms.
- Set up the structure and the books. Entity choice, GST, payroll and a chart of accounts that tracks income per hour and fees per month. See accounting and tax and bookkeeping, BAS and payroll.
- Check your franchise fees. We reconcile fixed and lead fees to the sales they’re calculated on. See royalties and franchise fees.
- Plan the next franchise. If a second site is on the cards, we model the cash flow and funding first. See multi-site reporting.
Jim’s Mowing franchise FAQs
How much does a Jim’s Mowing franchise cost?
Jim’s says most packages are $25,000 to $35,000 including territory, trailer, equipment and training. Territory-only options start from about $9,999 in some regions.
How do Jim’s Mowing fees work?
Fees are mostly fixed, with lead fees as the main variable cost, rather than a percentage of income.
What is the Jim’s Pay for Work Guarantee?
If Jim’s can’t supply enough paid work in your territory, the franchisor is required to compensate you for the shortfall, under the terms of your agreement.
Is lawn mowing seasonal?
Yes. Growth slows in winter, so plan cash flow and fixed costs for the quieter months.
Franchise Co. is an independent accounting practice. We aren’t affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to Jim’s Mowing or Jim’s Group. Jim’s Mowing is a trademark of its owner and is used here only to identify the brand this guide discusses.
Sources and further reading
- Jim’s: How to start a Jim’s Mowing franchise
- Jim’s: Jim’s Mowing franchise fees explained
- Jim’s: Own a Jim’s Mowing franchise
- ACCC: Franchise disclosure document
Sources checked November 2026. Franchise costs and fees change. Confirm current figures with the franchisor before acting.
This guide is general information for people considering a franchise in Australia. It doesn’t take your circumstances into account and isn’t personal tax, legal or financial advice.
Talk it through
Every franchise is different. Ask us how this applies to yours.
