Snow contracts

camigda lawn service · #11 10-08-2007, 08:47 AM

To the 2 posts, thanks! I will not be doing decorating for Halloween. That is a pretty new concept for me and a bit late in the game, so not this year.
I may however drive around and see what's out there for ideas.
To Billz, I'm curious why the customers would go with another business if they are so happy with your lawn service? Could it be cost only? If that's the case you must be pretty cheap with your mowing rates so they expect that with your snow removal too. They must not see the value in the snow removal and figure anyone can do it. Also, last year was a freakish snow year and we can't be everywhere at once, so they would complain regardless.
So back to the question(s) I'm asking about: how do you charge? I get the bid part, but is it a monthly fee regardless of the amount/times of snow or a fee everytime it snows? I would figure a combination depending on the clientele. Also, how much? Say for a normal sidewalk no steps monthly rate? Then normal plus steps monthly, etc... Do you measure or just guesstimate, and based on what?
Thanks!
Cmig

Billz · #12 10-08-2007, 04:09 PM

Lawn care business tips

I charge for the season $250 for most 2 car drives(225 for lawn customers)...2 inch trigger, last year I plowed my residentials 25 times and my commercials 31 times. I charge about 25 per week to mow most of these 10,000 sq ft lawns...that is about the going rate here, although most say my work is far superior to their former lawn companies.

Steve · #13 10-08-2007, 04:48 PM

Hi Bill,

Can you explain that a little more to me?

$250 for the season for unlimited plows?

Can you explain the 2 inch trigger more?

What about sidewalks, sanding/salting?

Billz · #14 10-08-2007, 08:03 PM

250 for unlimited plows. I plow only when we get 2 inches of snow, so if we get a 1 inch storm I do not go, but as soon as it hits 2 I start to plow. I don't do salting really, and most of the cities here plow the sidewalks. I do add shoveling the walk to front door, and in front of the garage for 100... so with that they pay 350.

Steve · #15 10-08-2007, 08:10 PM

Very interesting! Thank you for your insight!

Can you share with us some of your thoughts on how best to bid on commercial jobs?

Billz · #16 10-08-2007, 11:08 PM

best way I found is to only attempt to get the ones already on your route. I took an enterprise job one year with 4 different locations, and I took so long getting those done with all the driving, that my other customers suffered.

camigda lawn service · #17 10-09-2007, 04:20 AM

Thanks Billz for the info. Can anyone else add some info about bidding for sidewalks and driveways only? Denver (at least my part of town) does not remove snow from the sidewalks. I am also assuming I'll be salting the walkways. Lots of kids catching the buses!

Billz · #18 10-09-2007, 07:51 PM

how does everyone else bid? I am higher than some here, and most people want a full season price...winter can get too unpredictable here.

camigda lawn service · #19 10-10-2007, 08:53 AM

Yah, how does everyone else bid? I am thinking monthly billing like my lawn service but the seasonal bid sounds more effective to lock people in for the year. Plus, if there is no snow say in November and they get a bill anyway, well.... Better out of sight, out of mind in that case. Perhaps a monthly billing would be a higher charge, so upon presenting the seasonal option they are getting a better value (win-win) and we are not possibly chasing money, etc...
So maybe I need to figure out costs myself. Based on Billz info and my lawn contracts info with mainly front sidewalks and porch steps, I'm thinking around $125 monthly or $500 season (Nov thru Mar).
Anyone care to jump in and give their opinion of this?
CMig:0

Snow contracts

Outdoor Power Equipment Discussion, Repairs, Buy or Sell