Don't Go BROKE ► Bidding Snow Removal & How To Charge Prices

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Hopefully this snap shot helps you guys with figuring out how you want to do your snow contracts. How do you guys do yours? Per Push or Contract? Let me know with a comment down below.

[@sheerlawnmaintenance7872]

Brian's Lawn Maintenance does your residential price include sidewalks?

[@brianfaust4311]

Brian's Lawn Maintenance and get soft weather for your back of your truck Brian

[@albertolawncare5563]

oops, i made a comment instead of replying, you'll see it. I have a few options or residential (i am not ready for commercial yet).

[@robrob4316]

Is there a salting version? Only 2 years late. 😎

[@preferredlandcare1127]

How much is everyone charging for a min per push with shoveling? I'm seeing anywhere from 40-75? How many times per season?

[@josiahcanterbury1741]

I started a snow removal business in Arizona. Not sure why I quickly went out of business.😎

[@CallTyroneok]

there's pretty funny lol

[@VLHHWOOD1626]

Depending on where in Arizona you could have done pretty well. The Flagstaff/Grand Canyon area guys do pretty well.

[@gdolphy]

Start a sand removal company.

[@clearcutlawncare7954]

😂😂

[@devinfrederick6220]

Lmao

[@aldonco]

I have been plowing commercially for over thirty years here in Buffalo, so we know snow. Pricing is hard to quote because of the different factors in each area. Bottom line is time is money. The most important advice I can give to anyone is. YOU HAVE TO HAVE BACK UP. Your truck will break even if it is a new one. What I mean for back up is have an extra truck. Yes I know it's hard to do. If not have a good friend and I mean a real good friend in the business or someone with a truck that you could call in the middle of the night and will bail you out. Even after plowing for thirty years I still get a nervous feeling in the pit of my stomach everytime it snows and you will be used to it. But I still love it gets in your blood.Good luck.

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Totally agree!

[@jonathansalinas4788]

aldonco I really like your comment. I personally subcontract to big companies because I don’t have trucks but I do get people with trucks and I paid them and that’s how I get to make some money. I have only done it one year and this is my second year doing it but now I know more what’s going on, last year I was supposed to make at least $30k in profit but like I said I did not know exactly how to handle things and I had to be paying stuffs I did not supposed to pay for, like hours my guys would have to work for free because they missed half of the properties or things like that, In fact I was lost but I was learning.

[@MrDJC92]

That feeling in the stomach is ole so real.

[@ryerob741]

.......are you really in the snow removal business if you have a couple commercial lots and a clutch of residential drive ways? I suppose the young fellas gotta start somewhere, but after being in the bizz for almost 40 yrs. I urge you to get away from residential as soon as you can! there's too much degree of difficulty for the time and effort, and you will be eating up much of your family time if you are the only one doing the work. For your own long term sanity learn the commercial side of this business and use your youthful energy there. Always have back up vehicles/equipment to get you thru breakdowns during snow events, period. Never rely on your buddys or fellow contacts in the business to cover your ass! what if they're experiencing break downs at the same time as you? I recommend getting to know your market, making contact with potential accounts for "off winter" services and so what if you under bid some landscape maintenance services in the meantime your gaining valuable knowledge if you talk to your customers about their current snow and ice control service/contractors, ie... ask them how and what they do/dont like about their snow service, they may give little hints about how much its costing and flaws in current service! Its trial and error early on, get involved with local associations and affiliates to get helpful info. As far as big corporations go, look out for the management companies that force a snow service provider to "sign" their own contract form! They will make every attempt to hold you hostage over "all their ridiculous terms" and make you responsible for them. Another words, they will tell how and when and where you are to perform your services, but hold you(the one who will perform the service) as the responsible party if there should be any kind of legal claims! use the art of the deal to negotiate some! cover your bases and remember your truck/equip. are tools, dont throw yourself over a cliff trying to have all the latest gadgetry, "tacti-cool trucks" will only make for more cost/failures going forward. Its hard enough trying to get warranty service from your dealer just because "there was a plow" put on it. Try getting your warranty breakdowns paid after you throw a lift kit on it, change all the techey stuff on your dash and all over your trucks electric system. Most service depts. fail at trying to diagnose why your charging system keeps failing when there's $10,000 worth of aftermarket/upfits installed, just saying.....so go get er done! always keep ur promises and stick to ur guns no matter what!

[@ryerob741]

thats great advice, "time is money" exponential factors make straight line pricing in-effective at best, almost 40 years of plowing service here in se. Michigan....... and when I first started my business, the old timers would tell me back then.....try to make a 80 bucks an hour for a truck/driver and you should be able to make it?!?!........Lol what the heck are the young guys gunna do now? trucks cost 50 grand but they'll give dude a 7 year loan....... and they think 80 to a 100 bucks an hour and they will make it!?!?.........the miracle of depreciation I say......

[@Carita027]

The more Info we can get, the better educated decisions we can make! Salt sub contractor video would be great!

[@TopNotchPropertyServiceLLC]

Thanks for sharing! Im super excited, my lawn care landscaping business is doing well and I’m most likely going to be ready to get into snow removal next season!! So excited.

[@MrDJC92]

I go on a per push system for both commercial & residential. Been plowing for 12 yrs. Started as a subcontractor ($60hr)then picked up my own. Appreciate the videos too.

[@dguiley]

I used to do a 3-way plan for my commercial and residential customers. I had contacts the were pre-paid seasonal. I had contracts that were flat-rate monthly and I had per push contracts. I tried to get an even mix of them so that no matter what the weather I couldn’t lose too badly. All salting was charged per bag. I also had a large church that got different sections of the lot plowed depending on what was needed. That was charged hourly per truck. Moving and stacking snow was always additional per hour.

[@bigkeatin394]

Great video again Brian! Would love to see a video on subcontracting in general, from ice management to hardscaping and everything in between. Thanks

[@truckguyjoe]

I prefer per event. If you bid seasonal you have to expect the worse and cover your a**. Also, if it ends up being a light season, customers will want you to reconcile (even though nowhere in the contract it states you will). That's not your fault...that's the risk of going seasonal...if it snows like crazy they make out...light winter...you make out. Per event is fair for both parties. If you know how to budget, you will not need to rely on winter to survive. You must go into winter assuming it will never snow, anything's possible!

[@FerrariTeddy]

We contract for a certain smaller number of plows and then charge for anything over that. We always meet the contract ammount so custiner is happy and we get paid for our work so we are happy, and in case of a REALLY light winter it saves our asses from starving

[@20wildfan]

@@FerrariTeddy hey im just woundering tyour comment is what im looking to consider. i have a monthly contract but im loooking at setting a max amou t of snow falls for the contract then having a smaller few once the amount is match is this what you are saying you do?ex. i charge 350/month unlimited right now but want to but a max of 10 time then a per snow fall charge on

[@curtiscomes9754]

Simply put,.. "we are not in a price renegotiating phase."

[@VestDZN]

Out here in michigan i know thats where you are at i have around 19 customers at 500-700+ for a 12 push contract at 2 inches or more!

[@albertolawncare5563]

i'm nowhere near the same level (yet) in the snowclearing game, only 30 residential clients, no plow, just snowblower and shovels. But I have options for clients: Flat rate starting at minimum $100 per site, more for larger sq/ft drives or if they want me to clear their paths around the house or in the back as well. I also offer a "pay as you go" option, it might make less when there's no work but it is more expensive if it snows a lot. This has a minimum $25 per visit. I also offer a PREMIUM option, where (my helper, if applicable) and I come in the middle of a long snowfall. We sell it as an option for our clients to avoid getting stuck getting in their driveways when they have things to do. We don't offer sand/grit, only salt ice patches.

[@joe476122]

I do seasonal but am switching to per push. The nicer subdivisions around here average 600 to 850 for 15 pushes including shoveling the walkway in seasonal contracts.

[@marcusbenson3652]

I really liked your video Brian. Simple , well articulated and informative. I bought a 2019 F250 with a nice V-Plow and a salt spreader to boot in July. I never plowed before and I bought the truck on the spur of the moment because I wanted to have one for the obvious reasons, to make money. I'm a CDLA truck driver and procrastinated in doing my research into snow removal but your video has helped me a lot. Thanks.

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Thank you

[@richardkulig2104]

20 years plowing Southern Ontario, we get snow 12-14 good clearing events on average.. per clear $$ you can starve, I price out 5 mth seasonal, based on previous 5yrs of weather data.. it’s common up here, I sell like it a insurance policy, we pay insurance regardless, snow bidding is similar it’s insurance to the customer, equal payments/budget no surprise, salt is usually extra If it snows 10 times same price if it snows 15 same price, gamble yes.. but bidding on previous seasons data works well. Salting is extra, pre-salting helps out a lot. Works well

[@robkennedy9313]

I can't find insurance in southern Ontario to plow snow! Any advice?

[@chiefcitypropertymaintenan6759]

Really awesome to see someone lay it out for all new comers to the snow and ice industry! Great video!

[@guillermosuarez5538]

commercial only for the past 10 years last season had 25 accounts all-inclusive contract pricing and 10+ per event contract accounts turned out really profitable

[@BentheMARTIAN_]

could you explain more your business model

[@bishopparfait1728]

What do you mean exactly by all-inclusive? I’ve just got in the business and I’m having trouble quoting.

[@r.fabbro957]

us we have about 450 residential contracts 4 trucks with 8 ft fisher plows, 4drivers, we charge 600$ a driveway with stairs and tempo 350$ my dad started the business 27years ago and i am carrying it on..... no commercial not sure if i should really get in to tht type of industry and were from Montreal

[@woh4664]

where do you live and how large are the driveways? assuming you live wayyyy north?

[@MrItalianfighter1]

Tempo $350? What is Tempo?

[@ericgenrogues7292]

I live in Connecticut and most people here charge 40 to 60 dollars a driveway,up to 6 feet of snow then 10 dollars more every inch after

[@paulreints2279]

I'm starting snow removal this season & plan to start with a big snow blower & shovel, strictly residential. I'll purchase a plow truck later on if this proves lucrative. I'm thinking a seasonal contract is my best option, since here in WI the snowfalls range from none to way too many snowfalls every season. I need to ensure there's something coming in for the season either way. If I work too many storms, I'll adjust next season.

[@iree3508]

Any updates on how it’s been for you?

[@paulreints2279]

@@iree3508 I decided against snow removal, as I still maintain a day job plus lawn care, so winters are covered financially. But winter 2023 I plan to start residential snow removal. I'll most likely quit my day job next spring. This season the lawn care business grew over 50% from 2021. Still less than thirty weekly customers, but seven are commercial & I've turned down several other commercials because I'm working alone & got scared of the contracts. What if I get injured, sick, have breakdowns? I basically talked myself out of it & got cold feet. I hindered my own success, so lesson learned. Next year I'll be ready. It's been a great adventure & learning curve so far & I don't regret the choice to become self-employed. I wish I'd done it earlier.

[@TopNotchPropertyServiceLLC]

@@paulreints2279im about where you were when you wrote this two years ago! How is your current position? Did you grow!? Hire? Get more. Clients and start snow removal/quit your job?? Very curious. Im working on getting into snow next season. I missed the boat this year but coming in hot next season.

[@mulchmate]

We always did hourly here in MD. We had around 60 commercial properties including the ATF building in DC. Absolutely love working in and with the snow. Great video Brian. I would love to do a video with you one day to help other guys out being that I have done this type of stuff for 16 years.

[@randyvelasco9617]

Hey bro thanks for the video. I know its an older video but I would like to say down in Toronto Canada our snow removal is around 500 to 800 per driveway. And commercials we usually do unlimited plows per month and salt would be extra as your variance to make extra money. Usually small commercial lots range between 500 to 1500 per month for unlimited snow pushes. Salt applicatios are usually charge per ton per properties as we get a lot of ice development after snow falls. Generally speaking usually around 120 to 130 per salt application.

[@jhughes6.7]

This lot is how I found ya last year and sub'd lol. I was bored anxious for snow and seen your plow vids. Love what you do keep up the great work

[@jhughes6.7]

Where*

[@wellkeptgroundsinc.9656]

Thanks Brian for the information. We do per push on Residential & commercial. Residential driveway $75 - $100 with salting. Commercial $250 - $1500 (depending on the size of the lot) per push up to 6 inches, 6+ additional half of what we charge. Gas station in our area $150 per push which takes 15-20m

[@gurbindersingh3242]

This price is for one visit ?

[@landscapingmaintenancesnow4675]

We charge per season covered up to 48 inches it’s around 80k for a commercial lot and additional snow over 48 inches is billed per hour

[@landscapingmaintenancesnow4675]

Yes and I figured out all cost material and labor and I make pretty good profit. It’s a win win situation

[@landscapingmaintenancesnow4675]

Willie's Lawn Care Service L.L.C. Yes it is white gold.

[@putemintheboat6784]

I get 40-50 per push for driveways and walks. I dont have a truck yet, it's my first year out on my own. Were running an ATV with plow, and a blower. I bill once a month, just turned in first invoices and I'm pretty happy with it lol. Next year I'd like to have a truck and hire 1 more guy. Appreciate the help!!

[@miguelmorales6723]

We do mostly residential all per push from 2 inches and up from 6 inches we may plow a second time and if we push 6+ inches the rate is double. there is tons of residential snow out there.. I think $350.00 is still way low not sure where your located. im in Northern IL. a small driveway is $35.00 plus small walk is additional $10.00. thats minimum. most are more $ every season we plow about 10 times so yeah.

[@geordanpasztor6359]

I'm getting minimal $450 a contract up to $6-800 depending on size of the lane. I don't do sidewalks as in my area it opens you up to liability. I live in around the middle of Ontario Canada. We get on average 3-6 inches over night and fairly often get dumped on with a couple feet over night and over 5 months of "winter" I get in ATLEAST 100 or more plowing days.

[@woh4664]

holy plowing days lol

[@CoBrAChiCKeN948]

Except for when it's cold like it is now. Sudbury is -46 today lol. What equipment do you run?

[@95SLE]

How about a video rating snow blowers for residential properties? Enjoyed this video.

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

I've only used Toro's for now. But if I get access to more blowers, sure!

[@kyledolovacky]

My residential seasonal rate starts at $315.00 for plowing, I have some driveways that are $525.00. To shovel the walk to the front door is an additional $75.00 seasonally. First year offering shoveling and realized I should either not offer it because it adds way to much time to my route or I should be charging way more. Salting driveways starts at $20.00 per application. I also have 3 commercial accounts that are per push one is $50.00 another is $75.00 and it gets salted for and additional $50.00 and the last one is $80.00

[@kyledolovacky]

Update within the last 8 days. I live in Northeast Ohio for anyone who is interested. I bought a hitch mounted salt spreader that is new to me. Saltdogg TGS02 it pretty much brand new, only had a few bags of salt run through it. Big ice storm came through the day after I got it hooked up and wired up, was awesome not having to get out of the truck to walk with a push spreader.

[@rickyjennings8627]

@@kyledolovacky at that season price how many pushes are you doing roughly? whats it break down to about $25 per push ?

[@kyledolovacky]

@@rickyjennings8627 about 12-20 pushes a season is what I average. I know 11 years ago I only did like 7 or 8 pushes and then the next season I did like 30 or so pushes. It's crazy how much it changes. But when I'm out plowing my route I average about $1.10-$1.25 revenue per minute I'm out between all my per pushes and salting. That's also including all my drive time as well.

[@Smoke3488]

I do 60 residential places by myself with the pull plow and 5 commercial that take ok avreage 6-8 hours. For residential our lowest seasonal price for a double driveway is $750. We have a couple driveways that can fit 6-10 cars and we charge anywhere from $1500-$2500 a season. We are in Alberta

[@girukwishyaka]

I'm in Edmonton AB thinking of starting this season. Can I connect with you for some guidance?

[@larryfine4498]

I only do residential. It's a flat fee per push (fee based on size of driveway). I push every 2 to 4 inches. Customers like it because they don't get hosed on the small storms and they know how much the bill is going to be on the large storms. I don't like the seasonal pricing. How many guys have argued with their customers over the fees when it was a mild winter?

[@Brian-StarGazer-77]

How do you price commercial? Do you charge per parking spot? So $5 per spot to plow and/or $7.50 with salt is what I’m use to but that was several years back

[@joshbaker7914]

Residential per push, commercials we do most and getting out of residential, I do contract for the winter I include my salt and sand and plowing all in one and they pay a percent each month of the total and usually in ny where I am we have up to 18-25 snow falls so to make sure I do it out of 30 plows and sanding I do half the the plowing so 30 plows 15 sanding.

[@jacobwoodlief4689]

I know this is a old video but I always did per push the last 3 years but been thinking of doing a seasonal price for my residential i like the idea to keep bills covered just in case. But salting will be a additional price per storm.

[@donaldcostello8312]

For legal reasons we put snow plowing not removal ,less exposure to law suits if someone slips and falls insurance is to expensive for small co. for removal great vidieo

[@workingshlub8861]

same here..guy i know that does alot of commercial work and has been guiding me and giving me tips...i just do residential for now and he said do not even mention removal because they will expect a front end loader if needed...

[@jorgequijas1783]

That's a good point.. thanks!

[@PCGonline]

im delving into residential removal a bit more this year. i dont charge per event i do one lump sum payments or payments stretched out. either way ill make my money. i dont spend heavy in the winter anyway so. my average lump sum payments are around $600 a pop. i did snow removal with a truck for a few years but last year some dude decided to slide through a red light and total the regular cab dually cummins i was plowing in. shook me up a bit and im avoiding plowing with a truck in general for awhile

[@greinertrucking7396]

Thank you for making this video Brian! I am trying to decide if I should go per push this year or residential pre pay. I have 0 overhead besides gas and some salting on specific properties. I am just using a fourwheeler and a shovel this year to kind of dip my toes in and see if I can make this a winterly income! This video really helped! Thanks again!

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

You bet man that’s why these videos exist! Good luck!

[@expressfashionman89]

Thinking of doing same thing, how has it been for u since u posted this 3 years ago?

[@dewaldjacobs86]

CAD similar here in pricing Ontario...About 55 to 60 CAD per driveway to cover gas, labour, expenses etc

[@codybojorquiz4353]

Sidewalks, whats the standard for pricing

[@JosephArcuri-l5g]

In upstate new york, we do seasonal contracts because of the amount of snow we get. A 4 car driveway is on average $450 for the winter.

[@davidwynne5062]

could i text or dm you i would love to get some more info, just starting out in buffalo new york

[@antony7713]

Thanks Brian for helpful pricing video. You said $40 driveway for 15 mins with the boss plow. How much can I charge if a use a 26 inches snow blower?

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Same price!

[@ethanwilliams1825]

I make sure I have enough money to get through the winter without snow because I count snow as bonus income. I don't have seasonal contracts yet, in my area you only get that with large commercial accounts. My base driveway price is $50 for under 10 inches of snow over 10 the price doubles. Commercial I do per push for plowing and per application for sanding. I try to have the truck make $150 an hour, but I do tend to peck around on my commercial accounts and big driveways during storms because I get too wound up to sit home and rest.

[@superflynavyboy]

It’s a gamble in western Washington. I don’t know if it’ll be worth a plow for two to three worth of snow

[@evank7444]

Hey Brian nice video. And definitely do a video on fall cleanups. How to charge and the whole 9 yards. Thanks!

[@jamesbedell7261]

Hey Brian, Awesome video!!! I have 3plow trucks and 6 guys on the road in the winter and it’s stressful!!! I have 98% of my winter properties on contract! #1 due to insurance and slip and falls #2 guaranteed income Up here in just east of Toronto Canada if there’s no snow no one wants to pay! We started our season Nov 15 and it runs for 5 months which is roughly 22.5 weeks so we price properties at one push per week and if we get more then 100 cm over the season we charge hourly after that and we charge for salting properties per application as well. We have 50 residential that are priced starts at $600. A season for 4 car driveway and front walk no sidewalks And they pay at the beginning of each month Commercial are invoiced and all priced hourly rate!! Thanks again

[@nathandoucette8345]

Located in ontario and looking to get into snow removal, is that $600 / month for one driveway? Sorry if that's a stupid question, I am still in the learning process of pricing.

[@m.mcnally4534]

Not a stupid question, I’m wondering as well.

[@michaelticchione2430]

What truck did you want before plowing?

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Same truck with a diesel, and the V-Xt plow vs the DXT.

[@mikegriffin2904]

Great video Brian. Always 1st Class!

[@tysonalsum7082]

Hey Brian. I am planning on starting snow removal winter of 2021 in Wisconsin and lawn care starting 2022. Your videos are great and I have a lot of work and figuring out to do on everything and prices for customers. Thank you for the videos.

[@shawnhenry7871]

Great video Brian! Thanks for sharing pricing info...many people don't! I just watched both your and Stan's videos! Great videos! 💪👍👍

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Stan's what helped me start to figure out my pricing and what to even do. I owe a bunch to his videos even the older ones he put out.

[@grnmtn1615]

Per push on some where others are on seasonal price with cap clauses. If we hit x amount of plows. Any plow after that number is per push at the agreed upon price. Salt is all pet or TNM

[@grnmtn1615]

And thanks for the vid!!👍🏻

[@GetItDonewithGunn]

Mike's a whoot! Fun meeting him. Great advice Brian! Every comercial contract has different expectations so knowing you numbers and time it takes is a necessity. In my area salting is 80% of our sales over winter with "zero tolerance" accounts. We make sure we net $200 an hour per truck and $65 per man hour on walks. This doesn't include machine use etc. We do 90/10 comercial/residential. Well actually.... this sparked a new video idea so thank you for the inspiration!

[@MrItalianfighter1]

I tried residential plowing for the first time last season. My unlimited was at $300 seasonal. I found out after a few weeks of quoting that I was to high and couldn't get many contract's without giving in to $200. My market area is flooded with low ballers doing $100 a season. It was very discouraging so I'm uncomfortable with doing it this season. I probably won't. I do work a well paying part time driver job early mor, so it helps, but I'm very frustrated with winter pricing in my area because it hinders me from growing into a complete independent business. Basically, because of winter pricing, it keeps me locked into my "day job". Maybe I just didn't get into the right customer base? It's hard to determine, but I fished for them throughout last fall and was countered with low ball pricing. I would have customers actually show me the low ball contract's others offered. My mind was blown away. I'm northeast Ohio with heavy lake effect snow so I thought for sure it would work out, but everyone and their grandpa seems to have a plow and this is just beer money.

[@MrItalianfighter1]

I also offered $25 per push which was okay, but most already had extremely cheap unlimited contracts. So I didn't get much in per push accounts. Others did $20 per push. Crazy market in my area, especially for how much snow we get.

[@mustangshelby4423]

$250 😱 per season no no no We charge per snow storm 1 to 3 inches is $80 to $100 that depends on how big the property is 6 to 8 we charge $150 to $ 180 A foot and up we charge $250 to$ 450 depending on the property side if we get a good snow season we can make around 1500 per house in the season and on commercial property we charge per the season and prices start at $5000 and it goes all the way up to $30,000 again it depends on the property side. And if it doesn't snow at all in the season we get 1/2 of the money that how we make our contracts

[@DavidGarcia-sh5ti]

Hey man I need help pricing a lot of 18 cars apartment and side walk.

[@mustangshelby4423]

@@DavidGarcia-sh5ti hey are you doing a contract ?? For the season

[@DavidGarcia-sh5ti]

@@mustangshelby4423 yes

[@DavidGarcia-sh5ti]

@@mustangshelby4423 they want price for each visit,

[@mustangshelby4423]

@@DavidGarcia-sh5ti well if you are doing contract i will start charging for each time $250 between 1 inch to 3 inch and go from there the more inches you get the price goes up by 20 % because remember you need to put salt on the sidewalk and entrance of those apartments they need to be clean before anyone get up to go to work or before they come home from work you don't need a lawsuit if someone felt do to snow not being clean up on time you need to be on top of the apartments that's why you got to price right .

[@coreyadkins4274]

We do mostly commercial, the only residential we do is like whole neighborhoods doing the streets. But we do 24-7 gas stations so that keeps us very busy lol.

[@boomer1049]

Hey Brian if your customer prepays 250.00 what happens if it doesn't snow or only one or 2 times etc. ?

[@Fencearmor]

Nice job, Brian! Great to see you already growing from last year. Being prepared is the key to success!

[@steved.5628]

Seasonal and per push is the way to go for me, salting on top of that is a never lose situation

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

True unless there’s no snow falls, and we have had those winters where there isn’t any snow for months or even only 3-4 actual snow events all winter. That’s always the gamble. You may make a few more bucks but I personally needed that safety net, especially when my over head went up with the new truck payment. Just my story.

[@steved.5628]

Yup l agree, my seasonal contracts pay in full up front, and in Traverse City they love it

[@greencutsguelphlandscaping7980]

This year I made a mistake in adding a few commercial clients with pre paid contracts. I have residential clients that pay more than my commercial clients. Don’t make the same mistake I did, regardless of the size you need to charge more for commercial sites!!

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Yeap

[@toddbehrends1373]

I have 1 commercial account. I only have a snow blower right now and with the last snow it took me a LONG time to get it done. Long driveway and a medium size lot. I am seriously thinking of buying my neighbors cub cadet with a blade just for that account. I charged $60.00 for the commercial property. I do my mowing clients sidewalks and driveways, so I do have the income from that. Here in Illinois where I live we have not had that much snow for the last 3 years. I jumped in big time mowing this year, and am looking at my income/expense to see how I did this year. It is a learning curve for me so your videos are a big help for me. Thanks. Todd from Behrlawn Mowing & Yardwork.

[@woh4664]

you do a commercial lot with a snow blower for $60?.........

[@toddbehrends1373]

@@woh4664 Well today I borrowed a neighbors rider with a blade. I worked about 2 1/2 hours. Charged $120.00. I am still learning.

[@CoBrAChiCKeN948]

Have you looked into an actual plow and truck?

[@toddbehrends1373]

@@CoBrAChiCKeN948 I now have a rider with a blade. This last snow was easy with that.

[@tlcsnowteam]

hey buddy I charge 250 for the season I just Residential and I use a snow blower

[@ronblock9138]

This is going to be my first season as owner operator.(I plowed for several years working for someone else). I only do residential and I am only taking 20 contracts and the rest will be per push when needed. The reason why is I only have one truck and one plow. I can get another truck and finish with a snow blower if something were to happen but I can't get another plow at my disposal. This way I'm not in terrible shape if things take a turn for the worst and I have contract money to help with any issues.

[@javoncarter321]

Ok what is per push I’m new gonna be my first season

[@ronblock9138]

@@javoncarter321 Basically, plowing once. Or one visit.

[@javoncarter321]

@@ronblock9138 thank you

[@frankpeck1448]

Great advice...but use extreme caution while plowing parking lot with concrete wheel stops. If hit hard and fast enough, it could bend your truck's frame!

[@jasonwertz8896]

I am currently a one man owned and operated business, but building that bank account to get a team this coming new year. I am one of the few 'Handy Dad's' in the US. With that being said, I have handyman/contracting work to fall back on but it does die down quite a bit. This is not my first time plowing but its handy dads first year plowing if you know what I mean. Last year I snow blow all of my residential accounts (as I heard you did) and I only charged a plowing rate per push/visit plus salting. Otherwise, I would have never had any customers. This year, I have every single customer returning, plus 3 new residential and 3 new business. With learning, and the help of guys like you and Stan, I've taken the safe route to propose each customer a per push contract. I could see the benefit out of the yearly contract if I could predict the future but I'm not that good. Besides, I live in new england, and raised in the adirondacks of new york, I still haven't found an accurate way to predict the winters.

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

That’s awesome pal good luck with things

[@bradmyers3327]

Are you going to talk about insurance requirements that you have?

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

We’ve done an FAQ video on insurance yup

[@bradmyers3327]

@@BriansLawnMaintenance cool. I just saw your video and subscribed. Where I live.....the first question commercial businesses ask is....how much insurance do you carry. Cool videos so far!!!?

[@grigoriosbellos9859]

Great Video Brian. A lot of useful information is there any chance you can do a video on salting applications? How you charge or do your estimating.

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

I hope to this winter. My friend Mike subs for me

[@grigoriosbellos9859]

Ok cool. I was just curious if you had any tips that you learned from him. I bought a small spreader last year still learning on how to charge based on expenses and estimating.

[@blackhoodiefitness5862]

Thanks for the video man. What i do is a mix of per push but my seasonal driveway/sidewalks is $375 to $500!

[@schafflandscaping]

Good videos. Nice rig. I have been in the landscaping business for 15 years or so. This year I am finally getting into the plowing side. I like your logic about getting a base of customers first. I already have 25 or so residential contracts ranging from $275-$700 for the season. I have 2 trucks. I had a chance to get a couple commercial properties but they were "zero tolerance" and required salting. As much as I wanted to do them, I didn't want to over due things the first year. Then my side plan for the extra money will be one time trips. I am going to buy a local vanity number that is easy to remember and target advertise on facebook and craigslist. Offering one time plows and shoveling. I think the hardest thing to remember at first is be careful of your radius as far as where you decide to plow. It's exciting chasing the business but before you know it you can be so far spread out that its counterproductive. I'm anxious to get under way but nervous at the same time. You only get one time to make a first impression and you don't want to mess it up. I am thinking of getting a SnowEx with the speed wings for my first plow. Figure I can use it more for bigger things cause it expands to 10'. Good luck with your plowing season!

[@SledgeHammer43]

Diversify Do Residential It will take up slack in Heavy years, also Commercial keeps you afloat in lesser years. For Residentals I did per event and per push it was up to the Homeowners. Per event at todays cost standard driveway would be $60.00 per push was 2 to 4 inches $25.00 and for each 2 to 4 inches afterwards was the same. And a additional $10 for the front sidewalk. A additional 5 to 10 dollars depending on salt cost Preseason. And $5 for the sidewalks salting. I had a Original Diamond V snowplow. Meyer now calls it the Super V2. Same design mainly did some smart changes to the trip springs. Brian get yourself a emergency repair kit for your Boss. This should include Hoses, Hydraulic Fluid, and Springs. They are invaluable for when your working and parts places or services centers are far or closed. Commercial I don't remember my exact figures of the top of my head. and Subcontractors rates same story. Have to look them up.

[@YSaenz]

Hello I am helping my dad with his landscaping business and we are submitting a bid of commercial property. Did you do the video with your sub contractor regarding deicing?

[@andrewmaher5743]

I charge per storm for both commercial and residential. I give a price for: 2-6 7-11 And I charge per inch for anything over 12. I like to do it this way because I can plow a driveway multiple times if the snow is heavy to minimize wear and tear on my truck. Also because our rates start to go up about 45% for anything 12 inch or more so we are very profitable in the few large storms that we get per year.

[@JacobAHull-nx6rx]

Do you just stick a measure stick in the ground to check snow inches at the property?

[@andrewmaher5743]

I have an flat area in my backyard with no trees that I stick the measuring stick in

[@CoBrAChiCKeN948]

You must charge quite a bit for 2-6 seeing how that's a big enough gap. I'm curious why you didn't start with 1-3, 3-6 type of deal?

[@andrewmaher5743]

Yes, for the 2-6 range I charge the equivalent of it being a 6 inch storm. The reason I do this is so that it is more profitable for me on the smaller storms. It’s been working pretty well. I have never had any one complain about the price

[@joshburkhardt3511]

What do you do for salting on your commercial properties?

[@jaimebell9205]

So when u pre pay monthly what if we get no snow that month

[@jamiefeyen7316]

Were at $450 for a seasonal driveway double stall normal length..

[@danstankiewicz8222]

What do you consider a normal length? (Curious)

[@shanef7751]

What do I charge for snow removal?? Hmm well figuring that snow is not existing in the 90 degree Tampa Florida weather imma say nothing lol keep mowing though grass keeps growing keeps raining then leaves in like December -February months plus mulch

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Lol

[@groot7776]

Thanks for everything it is very helpful God bless you Brian

[@robmetzel845]

First year here. I am doing per event for residential this year. $10 per car length for the first 2-4”. $10 more per additional 2 inches. Averaging $35 a driveway for 2-4” right now. Yearly contract I’m doing $45 x 15 events for the average $35 driveway. So $675 for the year. I did bid a commercial property. 9k sq ft, and L shaped. I bid for the year, including salting, $2750. Per push was $150 for the first 6” and $225 for 6-12”. Even $300 beyond that. Friend of the family owns the property. They went with a local crew, who does a ton of plowing, for $900 for the season including salt. So I may just hang back on commercial and build my residential. Hard to compete with 1/3 the price regardless of showing the value. :/

[@dt3550]

Where did you get the rubber deflector from?

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Our dealer!

[@ray_banz5899]

How do you bid for using snowblowers? Ever snowfall, or the whole season? From Chicago IL. Any help would be great, thanks.

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Same prices when I did it by snow blower for the residential drives!

[@hartleyhomesteadmichigan6041]

I think salting information would be good too.... Always like your videos!

[@ehexzs10]

Per push in columbus, oh. $85-$100 an hour plus salt/calcium. $30 a driveway. Maybe i should increase to $40??

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

$30-$40 sounds fair to me.

[@Ajkendallmindsetmentor]

We charge about 200 per hour per truck and it seems to be a good price range in omaha nebraska

[@colinhuyck3834]

I would say 50 a push should work. More for dirt driveways. Im in midewst. I charge for than 50 dollars, but in a wealthy area with people making over 350,000 a year. So, 50 a push would be fine for a middle class area.

[@ryerob741]

@@Ajkendallmindsetmentor that's about right for most areas, 150 to 200 per hr/plow truck, remember you re depreciating a $50,000 truck and providing an emergency service, in 5-7 years the truck will only be worth "salvage" value and you should have saved enough money to by a new plow truck, during the 5-7 year period, so on and so forth for every truck and piece of equipment you put into service......

[@TommyPizzavonni]

I’m just about to go into business doing this. Thanks for all of the help.

[@mikenorton3377]

question are you thinking or planning on getting a backblade this year?? i know you were kind of thinking of getting one. what i have seen is they work really well. but no idea of the cost vs income. yes i know you can budget and get more accounts. but even last year your sleep was lacking.

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

I personally can't justify the extra 7-8 grand with the type of properties I only do. But I think a back blade would be great if you have loading docks, condos, etc. And a slightly larger business.

[@connerschultz3350]

was filling up on clients , so got $900 per residential pre pay

[@revfred2008]

Residential Accounts: $45 per push/ $35 Snow Thrower and Shovel to clear porch and walkways

[@ozzyr333]

What if you don’t plow enough in residential do you have to give back

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Nope it’s like insurance I tell them. One year it goes my way one year it could go their way. In the end it all balance out.

[@snoopluke54]

$250 a season???? Here in Minnesota we do $640 a season minimum. Most of my residentials are up to $720 a season. I don’t understand how the market can be that much a difference. I’m in the city btw too.

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

I’ve heard that and yeah totally. The next city over some guys get $350-$450 a season. It’s all over the place. My new customers it’s $350. Existing customers $325. Trying to not shock them by going up a full hundred in one season. Next season will be at the $350 minimum for everyone though.

[@semajniffirg230]

Same here in New england, $500-$800+ a season delending on the driveway, up to 15 events over 2", 2" trigger, and thats no salt, no shoveling. After 15 events it's 10% of the contract price per event, so on a 500 contract it's $50 charged to credit card on file, or invoice in the mailbox and payment due within 7 business days. I allow them to do two payments, half due by Nov 1st, half due by Jan 15th. I also allow select repeat customers to pay it monthly the year before the season so they can spread the cost out, I simply give them a payment schedule and have them keep a credit or debit card on file and that's worked well. I'm also pretty lenient on the 2" trigger, depending on certain customers, I have a handful of elderly people I'll go scrape their driveway real quick if it's only 1-2" or so just to keep them safe and happy and I don't count it as an event.

[@stellarlawncare]

I'm only doing residential right now and charge per push starting at $30. I bill for 8 removals in advance and then whatever goes over that I bill again at the end of the season. To me this way neither I or the customer is gambling with the seasonal contract rate. And I haven't went out less than 8 times even during a light winter here in Michigan.

[@nwarner22190]

For your unlimited seasonal, how many times do you go to the property for a 6 inch storm? Do you go out at 2in and then again in like 12hours to cleanup? I want to use a snowblower but obviously can’t in the middle of the night due to excessive noise. Any feedback would be great! Thank you!

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

We would visit before mid nite and then back at 6am, for example.

[@nwarner22190]

With a snowblower as well? Maybe the 4 stroke Toros a quieter. My Toro 2stroke rattles windows!

[@nwarner22190]

@@BriansLawnMaintenance Brian, I just checked out your website and would be happy to pay for the snow plow package. Do you cover pricing and procedure on salting?

[@ClutchTFS]

Hey Brian, im curious about insurance. Here in Ontario, Canada, We are required to have insurance for commercial snow removal. It runs about 8,000$ just for liability for the very short-lived winter season. Im wondering how your insurance works? Do you pay for year round since you do landscaping throughout the non-winter season?

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Jeez that’s crazy. We pay same rate monthly year around but that quote includes snow. I pay a fraction of what you quoted above. Sorry bud not sure on CA stuff!

[@robkennedy9313]

Were do you get insurance? I can't get insurance at all and I'm claim free! No insurance company I can find in southern Ontario will touch snow removal with a 10 foot pole for a reasonable rate and the ones the will want $20 000 premium minimum!

[@k.y.kconstruction1323]

I’m 17 years old and have a 05 powerstoke we don’t work much in the winter and don’t want to stay home during the snow also want to make extra money. So basically I was thinking of snow plowing this winter with my truck (I need to buy plow) and salter I believe and a snow blower. Just need help don’t know how to make the contract and I personally I think I need to start advertising it right now so I can get customers I don’t know. NEED HELP oh yea also thinking of doing roof snow removal because I work as a roofer with my father idk if it pays of. HELP

[@ramos208]

40 bucks a drive way, how big are these driveway?

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Small subdivision driveways. Are new base scrape is $60.

[@ramos208]

Thanks man 👍🏽

[@runningscout14]

Just a head up. You might want to research the labeling requirements for your truck. For sure by law you need to have your company name on the side of your truck and depending on the GVWR you may need a DOT number on your truck. The tickets get really expensive really quick

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

We are totally compliant, no worries. Good looking out!

[@ryanzimmer6763]

Dot # are only required if your vehicle is 10,000lbs more by them self. Plus there are no laws in Michigan that say you need to have a company name on your vehicle. So Mike you may want to do your research! lol

[@motivepower1]

In Michigan it's 26,001.

[@edgardomatos7742]

Hey Brain. Need some advise on pricing .. i see alot of your comments are from 3 to 4 yrs ago ., im assuming prices are higher due to gas , time ,and service. Im using a quad with a 4 foot plow and 2 snow blowers . Just wondering whats a good pricing rate . I dont want to under cut myself. Thank you in advance

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

$125/hr+ or $60 a driveway, $175+ for a 1 acre site 1.5-3", it goes up from there.

[@edgardomatos7742]

@@BriansLawnMaintenance sounds great .. thats what i quoted, and got the job. Thank you so much .. Safe travels, best of luck 👍 this snow season

[@benhood4248]

What are you upstate NY guys averaging for season residential this year? (2023-2024)

[@patrickkeefe3679]

Pricing is an individual's preference. Do you want to do ten driveways at $40.00 dollars Or twenty driveways at $20.00 to make the same money? I do mostly commercial accounts, but do a few residential and i have had people tell me that the other guy does it for $10.00 less etc... I just tell them that i can't do it for that and leave. I'm never rude, i just tell them i can't do it for that and run a business With equipment and insurance. I never get angry when i get out bid on something. There are a lot of accounts out there and i usually get plenty.

[@grasshoppercrews1296]

awesome job ! thanks so much for all your help this season 😊

[@stevenclark5450]

Brian, great video. Do you have a current residential pre-pay video for snow blowing? And, are there any other snow blowing business related videos that either you have or might recommend that others have created? I am in Rhode Island and thinking about entering the snow blowing residential business this season for the first time and need some guidance. Many thanks!

[@edferoz8835]

Can u tell use what the best tires for snowplow f350

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

I personally run the Nitto Ridge Grapplers, they've been great.

[@martinezfamiliamartinez261]

Thanks Man great video But I think $250 per season is low prices

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Agreed

[@wannabejeeper]

Per push. $50 for 2-12", $100 for 12-24", $150 for 24-36". All residential. Generally don't plow 2" or less. Just a side gig for me. I work a normal 9-5.

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

Sweet!

[@wannabejeeper]

Mind you, my goal is 10 customers, and just invested $14k into a new Fisher EZ V. Lol

[@Jadacream98]

Make a video discussing liability in snow removal and Ice management contracts

[@BriansLawnMaintenance]

One day, sure!