How to estimate for snow removal?

[banton]

Heya all, as you know winter is approaching, so is snow. Here in Canada we often get snow. I would like do offer snow removal as a service but I dont know how much to charge for it to my customers? I would be using a snow blower and a shovel. How do I estimate for snow removal? How do I charge? Do I charge per day? Do I charge per hour? Do I charge for the season? How much do I charge? Thank you

[Steve]

Lawn care business tips

Hi, Have you experimented removing snow before with your snow blower and shovel? Do you have an idea of how much area you can remove snow within a certain period of time? If you do, then you could use that as a base to compare other areas you want to remove snow on. I'd figure you would want to base your estimate on time but not tell that to the customer. They would just like a price per snow fall. I am guessing you won't be using any kind of contract for your first season?

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[banton]

Originally Posted by Steve

Hi,

Have you experimented removing snow before with your snow blower and shovel? Do you have an idea of how much area you can remove snow within a certain period of time?

If you do, then you could use that as a base to compare other areas you want to remove snow on.

I'd figure you would want to base your estimate on time but not tell that to the customer. They would just like a price per snow fall.

I am guessing you won't be using any kind of contract for your first season?

Yes, I know how much snow I can remove in a certain period of time.
I would probally charge per snow fall, being so I dont think I will use contracts for my first season.

With these questions I should be able to find out how much to charge.
Thank you

[SECTLANDSCAPING]

I wont do a driveway for less then $60 and thats with a plow. Takes 10 seconds to do.

[banton]

Originally Posted by SECTLANDSCAPING

I wont do a driveway for less then $60 and thats with a plow. Takes 10 seconds to do.

thats some nice profit...do you actually get alot of clients?

[SECTLANDSCAPING]

Originally Posted by banton

thats some nice profit...do you actually get alot of clients?

I turn down 90% of the people that call. It might sound good but its very little when you add in travel time, gas and repairs. Snow prices should be triple your hourly mowing rate.

I try to stick to commercial since you can make hundreds to several thousand at one location in just a few hours. Ill only pick up a driveway if its close to my house or next door to a lot I'm doing.

[banton]

Originally Posted by SECTLANDSCAPING

I turn down 90% of the people that call. It might sound good but its very little when you add in travel time, gas and repairs. Snow prices should be triple your hourly mowing rate.

I try to stick to commercial since you can make hundreds to several thousand at one location in just a few hours. Ill only pick up a driveway if its close to my house or next door to a lot I'm doing.

Oh, thats good, thank you,
I will try to do my best. Now I just have to find a way to market my snow removal service.

[ringahding1]

If you are performing snow services for commercial sites, you should always have a contract. A service agreement structured to your needs and is fair to the business.
You do not want to be responsible for damage, injury or death, right?

Personally for residential customers, we do not offer contracts at all.

Marketing your business is easier than most know. Steve has plenty of info here that can point you in the right direction.

Flyers, website & social media outlets(FB, Twitter, G+, Craigslist)are great ways to get your word out....

How one company runs their operation, should not dictate how you run yours.

[banton]

Originally Posted by ringahding1

If you are performing snow services for commercial sites, you should always have a contract. A service agreement structured to your needs and is fair to the business.
You do not want to be responsible for damage, injury or death, right?

Personally for residential customers, we do not offer contracts at all.

Marketing your business is easier than most know. Steve has plenty of info here that can point you in the right direction.

Flyers, website & social media outlets(FB, Twitter, G+, Craigslist)are great ways to get your word out....

How one company runs their operation, should not dictate how you run yours.

Thank you for the great advices, I will use them wisely