How I bid Snowplowing TO ALWAYS MAKES MONEY

I make MONEY if it snows or NOT! I use different contracts to keep a positive cash flow.

[@jonhale7251]

One thing to add for the monthly or yearly contract is a depth total cap. This allows extra charges if the totals hit a certain depth. 10 years ago we got twice our 100 year average and with out this we probably would have gone out of business. We usually write this as both an event cap and total depth for the season. Also, its a good idea to run a variety of kinds of contracts, so you always have positive income. The monthly is nice for stability but we tend to make more per push.

[@billabongpro999]

@@AdirondackHomesteadI don’t think you understand. He means after a certain amount of snow fall rates went up for every inch after that. For example it’s $20 to plow your driveway up to 12” after that we charge $1 per inch due to excessive abuse on equipment time spent plowing etc.

[@dennislamers986]

To give knowledge like this up is very commendable. You were doing thing a long time so just to helping a possible competitor is unheard of. Your advice might just have saved a person from making a huge financial mistake. I plowed snow a couple years and was paid hourly. Small lots. But like you say being a subcontractor leaves all the responsibility on the contractor. Just send me a check once a month.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Pretty much. Just trying to help 👍

[@isellcatlitter]

if you think a plowing contract is bad, try getting married, then divorced. just once.

[@Dirtmonkey]

😂👊

[@stefano101]

A key point I didn't hear, is that anyone working as a sub should only work for well vetted generals and well vetted owners. Don't just work for anyone at any rate just for the sake of getting in. Have well defined contracts and boundaries.

[@Dirtmonkey]

well said.

[@the1blalock2channel]

Love seeing the bidding and estimating, I have been at it for a few years now landscaping and snow plowing recently got out of snow plowing for now. I’ve scaled my business up a lot in the last year with help from you and other KZbin channels like yours. Your videos help out so much form someone starting out

[@Dirtmonkey]

So glad to help 👊👊👊 thanks for being here!!

[@omnisurplus7326]

​@Dirtmonkey how can I get a one on one with you on snow business

[@MrMesler13]

I've been plowing for 16 years... you're most definitely right when you say snowplowing is a gamble.

[@Dirtmonkey]

it sure is.

[@MrMesler13]

My favorite comment I've heard since I started plowing is... the bigger the plow the faster you get done.... in my opinion "slow is smooth, smooth is fast". Saves from wearing out trucks and equipment

[@johnrisoli2105]

When I started plowing commercial sites 20 years ago we only did hourly. You rarely get hurt doing hourly, but never seem to make a killing as if you were doing per inch. Now we only do lump sums, with or without cap, or per inch. We average 35%-45% better margins with this model. Between the two types of contracts I always have cash flow during the winter and margins are way better than landscape construction..

[@Dirtmonkey]

agreed- The lump sum has WAY better margins

[@kingtaco1472]

I would get the cellular game cam or Security PTZ with solar charging.. You can mount to the light poles for the season. Your phone app gets notifications. You can also pop on the app just to make sure everything is still on site at a glance. Stealing parts of your equipment won't set off the GPS tracker. Just a thought. Everybody hates thieves.

[@Dirtmonkey]

GREAT TIP! Thank you!

[@lonelybison5776]

17 years old getting into snowplowing on my own next year, appreciate the video greatly 🙏

[@clintburt9821]

Good luck. I know you didnt ask but any advice.... TAKE IT SLOW! Things look differnt in the snow and it can be costly when you damage stuff. Take your time and you WILL make money!

[@Dirtmonkey]

Hope it helps out👊

[@jonanderson4474]

He also made a video similar like three years ago.

[@lonelybison5776]

@@jonanderson4474 I'll go look for it, thank you!

[@scottfuchs9793]

make a contract that's easy to read and understand, be easy to get along with but 10% of your customers can be easily replaced. Don't hang on to them.

[@prestonfaust4267]

I live in a small town of 3000 ish and EVERYONE is doing snow removal, it is too competitive, and everyone wants it done dirt cheap

[@Dirtmonkey]

That can happen

[@AliBaba-mp7zb]

Great video, would love to see more videos on bidding estimating. In my nick of the woods contractors are ruining the market undercutting everyone else. Working as sub not always works well, from bad experience general contractors deducts hours, and in the end doesn't pay thousands owed.

[@talanjohn]

Great ideas. I contract snow plowing with a hybrid basic monthly fee that is folded in per push fee when it snows in a month. Because I’m tied up to maintain over a five month period, other contracting opportunities are given up when committing to maintain that property (justifies the monthly fee when it doesn’t snow in a month). That monthly fee is the base which is also used as part of per push fees if it does snow. I’m guaranteed monthly income and covered on the big snowfalls with the per push fee (around here happen in February). Customer still gets the best price when it snows as the monthly fee is rolled into a plowing visit.

[@juenger1701]

couple of other models that aren't as common years ago the company I work for took plowing bids on flat per inch basically anything over a trace lot has to be plowed and pay is determined by total snow fall nice for the contractor with a few big events not so great with a lot of small events after that system was retired they went to what as far as I know is still the current one and that's flat rate contractor bids an amount and that's what they get no caps on time or total snowfall talking to our site's former contractor who decided not to keep the project due to some of the other new clauses it was suggested to them (by corporate) to take the biggest year they had on record and double it for the bid price (company cares more about predictable costs than low costs in this case) It's a contract with a hefty payday but also major requirements that are hard to live up to as evidenced by having the 3rd new contractor in 5 years this year so watch the money but keep an eye on the "oh ands" baked in to the agreement

[@Dirtmonkey]

well said- also sounds like that company modified their contracts after having less than stellar results the old way.

[@ryangibson3022]

I’d love to see more bidding and estimating. In my neck of the woods it’s all contract work with salt included in the price. I moved north out of Toronto and it snow double the amount of times it did when I was in Toronto now. I’m finding the adjustment tricky. Would love to hear some industry standards.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Google past history of local snow events in your area. Or seasonal average of snow and then average total per event and calculate number of call outs. that info is out there of you start to dig.👊

[@njh4473]

Stan great video, just wondering how do your 2 wheel drive backhoes work when pushing snow and also what size push block do you put on the backhoes. Thanks as always stay safe and keep the videos coming.

[@Dirtmonkey]

They get a 12 foot pusher and surprisingly well in snow. As long as the scraper gets down to asphalt the back tires bite fine.

[@omnisurplus7326]

Hey buddy I had pushers and plows stolen from my site in Bridgeport Connecticut last winter. Including my steps and catwalks off my komatsu loader. Scumbag.

[@bradleypatin9235]

What’s the GPS tracker? I’d like 20.

[@angrygaragemechanic]

Interesting Even though I don't have any snow plows or heavy equipment,it's interesting how much money you can make doing this work.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Its my favorite kind of work.

[@thebad300]

Im still new and i gained a new customer i quoted him $100 for his park he said that was to low and said they would do $250 it takes me less than an hour to clear the park

[@ericcrockett479]

I love when you do the informative business side videos.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Glad you like them!

[@iamstevestrough8185]

Stan you're pretty clever the way you market your videos you give us just enough to keep us hanging around till the next segment and I like that the way you jump around is well planned out and methodical and very purposeful good job

[@nickschneider7364]

Mix bag we found is best. Mostly monthly with some per push work to help pay labor and fuel. That way when it snows the per push work pays the bills. while the monthly accounts remain untouched.. seems to work out. We never do hourly only because we can usually beat an hourly rate on a per push. Also give us an incentive to hustle alittle more than hourly... get home earlier and make more $$$

[@Dirtmonkey]

agreed on all points.

[@jasonbeckham6562]

Good morning DIRT MONEY FOUND U BYE ACCADENT HAVE BEEN HOOD EVER SINCE LOVE YOUR VIDEOS GOD BLESS BROTHER

[@Dirtmonkey]

Glad your Here Jason! Stay safe and warm bud.👍

[@keepthinking2666]

Managerial position hahahahahahahaha ha 1.4 million square feet I do my self side walks and parking, salting untill I need a v bed Hopper then it's $1400 a salting lol they do nothing

[@Dirtmonkey]

MOST managers do NOTHING on site But they Organize everything and everyone else

[@tonynewton7902]

Nice one Stan. 👍👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks Tony!

[@christ9460]

reolink camera 4g Network + battery

[@ridgevalleyservices3688]

As a *general rule of thumb*; the fun is in the work, the money is in the paperwork. Don't let those "paper contractors" convince you to sub out to them. I probably get 10 last minute phone calls during a snow event from one of those companies asking to clear a gas station (or whatever) parking lot for them. Local businesses should deal with local businesses! Of course we're in Va, we had just 1 snow in the 2019-2020 season and 4 in january this year alone. If you dont know how to contract properly then get outta here, your done...

[@Dirtmonkey]

You make a valid point. But I like to work for a GOOD general contractor. Im currently with Insterstate and they have been the best by far.They got Good communication and let all their subs wash their equipment at their place! They also have a pretty good management team in place.

[@simonthebroken9691]

Thanks for the info. I'd like to learn more on bidding. Nothing is one size fits all. I just can't afford to lose my shirt the first year I branch out. I'm looking into doing snow in my off season. I don't want employees. I just want to have a couple pieces of equipment and keep myself busy. If I'm 100% responsible though. I can't plan a day off. Need to stay home and wait for snow. A lot of variables to consider. Sorry, rambling. Thanks for the content.

[@jeffmoore2351]

Never sat around eating snicker doodles. Must be a snow thing. Aussie Jeff Moore

[@Dirtmonkey]

😂 Its a minnesota thing

[@robertvannicolo4435]

Stan I do bidding all above seasonal contracts per inch on some sites price per push and the ones I set price and just send the bill depending on what services I perform during a storm always add in for loader to push back snow piles and prepaid contracts only cover up to seasonal snowfall average after that I have ability to charge per push many ways to skin a cat all depends on what fit’s your business model

[@Dirtmonkey]

Perfect! I like those built in cushions.

[@markdixon7320]

What happened to the podcast? I keep checking Spotify daily and nothing new for a while. Hope it comes back

[@Dirtmonkey]

Its still around and more to come!

[@4.0gpa44]

May God bless the Canadian truckers.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Yes! and bless ALL truckers! There are many battles waging that don't get press or publicity

[@aaronward4790]

Thanks stan!!!!!! Have a blessed day! Can I ask what boot you are wearing?

[@Dirtmonkey]

I am testing 3 kinds. Im still liking the keens but also like the Jim greens

[@joesmalski7665]

Plowing since 1985 Please do a video on HOW T O deal with IDIOTS

[@Dirtmonkey]

😂👍

[@toddcromwell]

Use ancient paid off equipment, keep all the same accounts and just increase the quote inline with the cost of living

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thats what I have done but am currently upgrading the equipment.

[@ryandeweese363]

Thanks for the informative video!! Deff. Gives us some insight on what to be thinking about and the pros and cons of each method. Bidding and estimating costs, especially time has been most difficult for me... Partly because sense of time and ADHD don't really cooperate very well, until some repetition gets put into the mix... As always, Great videos, and Thank you for the hard work and time set aside for making them!!

[@samwillett2341]

I didn’t listen to the last episode of landscape disrupters because it didn’t pertain to my business. But is that podcast over?

[@Dirtmonkey]

Its still up and running

[@kevincloonan9787]

we started using 50% flat rate seasonal contract with 50% per push. Im in upstate NY and we get about 130" per season so its critical to get out numbers correct. Great content as always

[@loerber]

What are some other production rates for different machines? I always heard 1 acre/hour with a 8ft straight blade.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Be careful using production rates as snow differs so much. and 3" of fluff is nothing compared to 3" of wet slush.

[@V4zz33]

I'm happy with getting less money for not having to deal with headaches coming from other's incompetency.

[@Dirtmonkey]

agreed. Thats why a big part of my operation is run as a sub contractor. No head aches. But an almost equal or greater portion (depending on if it snows or not) makes me money no matter what and at great rates! BUT I have ALL the calls and responsibility. But I can also make $200 an hour for my plow truck. And been doing that for 30 years. Those incredible profit potentials makes plowing exciting and fun. SOMETIMES your praying for a big snow and other times your praying for it to MISS hahahaha. Just depends on how many of which contracts you have in line for that season.

[@PamelaCumpston]

how much does a asv cost

[@lakeerietreeservice2452]

What the name of the GPS tracker company I been lookin?

[@Dirtmonkey]

galeo

[@rogeriosantos7479]

thank you very much Stan, you have helped me a lot, I live in Massachussetts, I listened to your advice and bought a ford 250 2020, excellent, I am learning how to calculate prices. God bless your life and family.

[@rickybobby9554]

What's the info on these new GPS tracker you like?

[@Dirtmonkey]

Im testing them out right now. Not sure if I like them yet or not.

[@freedomfox8183]

Yeah my biggest mistake was charging the same no matter how much snow and every time there's 6 in or more I kick myself in the ass for it but I'm going to have to make changes next year

[@Dirtmonkey]

Good catch now at least. I base my contracts on 1-3". then 3-8". then 8-12" Then Hourly rates above 12" (this is optional depndeing on your area.)

[@walterhouse701]

What is the GPS tracker you were talking about

[@Dirtmonkey]

more on that coming up.

[@njkay0033]

You must be really good cause I dont see any snow from the last storm!

[@Dirtmonkey]

😂👍

[@huertabrotherslawncareands1014]

Hey we need to get together and get a video I have a New bobcat s770 And John Deere 244k Incompare the power of a 96 hp against a 68 hp machine and so far the power it’s crazy

[@Dirtmonkey]

are you in Minnesota?

[@huertabrotherslawncareands1014]

Yes couple years ago I purchase a Mahindra tractor And we try to get together but didn’t work out

[@bobcat8439]

Little italy fear

[@nathanjamesDewey]

I live in Des Moines Iowa and I did snow removal for Perficut for 12 years before I went off on my own. Down here snow is really a gamble because one winner it could be great the next winter we could hardly get anything at all. I have family in Duluth and my aunt always tells me I need to move up there for the winter because they get so much snow I can make so much money.

[@uncleargyle2615]

Love that you share your knowledge and experiences, I hope Karma returns it to you! Wonderfully interesting to hear and watch these types of videos!

[@bobcat8439]

East rochester

[@CZAnthonyX]

I was hoping we would get a video tonight! Got a little worried for a bit! We are gonna get pounded with this snow event on Friday! Keep up the great work! Stay safe and warm out there! Have a great night!

[@Dirtmonkey]

You stay safe and warm. I love those BIG blizzards! THE BEST playgrounds!

[@bert26a]

I wish Cat would have a rigid track frame option, the 239's are a nice size machine but that suspension bob you get with them is terrible.

[@andrewchitty5453]

@14:20 LOL thats me Stan, gotta love that snow salary

[@Dirtmonkey]

😃👍

[@SuperJlonergan]

stand up guy for the advice videos, on top of that i have to say i watch a wide array of topics. I would have never thought that landscape contracting etc would consume most of my watch time! Keep up the good work stanley!

[@shanemacc]

Thank you, awesome information.

[@Dirtmonkey]

You betcha hope it helps

[@stevebrough304]

These types of videos are always interesting, despite the fact that there's zero snow plowing contracts in Southern California. When you refer to the principal contractor and subcontractors, this is strictly regarding the written agreement contracts correct? There's no Minnesota Contractor's license required for this type of work right? Thanks for the video.

[@PomerleauL]

What GPS tracker do you recommend

[@Dirtmonkey]

galeo

[@MattGHalfGProductions]

Wifi game cameras suctioned to the inside glass

[@braydenlowe2024]

Hello there are you gonna make a visit to the Massimo motor facility in garland Texas usa?

[@Dirtmonkey]

It doesn't look promising.

[@braydenlowe2024]

@@Dirtmonkey why doesn't it look promising?

[@sometimestraveller]

As a resident corporate desk jockey (Software and Server Infrastructure Engineer), I expect I'll probably never be involved in any kind of bid work like what you all do for these jobs, but the business considerations and perspectives are still fascinating to me to learn as much as the landscaping and machine work. Growing my general knowledge base :) I say keep 'em coming, and thanks for sharing!

[@ipod24gaming79]

Awesome Video. Very Helpful. Have a good one.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Grape propel with tonights low set for -15F. How about you?

[@robsmith7681]

Bidding is the hardest thing to learn in my opinion. I’d like more video on it. Stan, you’re the man!

[@Dirtmonkey]

can do!

[@robsmith7681]

@@Dirtmonkey my Facebook has been all messed up lately. I just seen you replied. 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@marktye322]

Stan, Trackers are great but if you have a piece of equipment stolen and you locate it let’s say inside a building or fenced lot, Law Enforcement will have to have probably cause and a Search Warrant in hand to enter the premises. Good luck getting a Judge to issue a Search Warren based upon your word that your tracker pinged a location. SPRAY PAINT with a unique color is less expensive and more identifiable than your cell phone pinging on a piece of equipment. Ask me how I know……

[@jessecurry8553]

Great video! This helps a lot, I'm also in MN north of the cities a little ways, and I'm still learning everything. I'm trying to get into more the commercial side of things. Any ideals you can send my way would be greatly appreciated!

[@scottfuchs9793]

With "Fox Company" I charge a reasonable rate for 2-8" and have the right to charge up to double after 8" and/or heavy wet snow. Also" Fox Co. does not provide plowing for snow accumulations of less that 2"or when the forecast states it may melt with in 24 hours. 5-10% Fuel surcharge over $4.00 Marking and staking is the customers responsibility Damage and claims, The quick word; FC not responsible for anything under the snow, nature of plowing is damage to landscaping. damage to cars/buildings ect, customer must notify FC with in 24 hrs and FC has 5 business days to rectify damage or provide Insurance. And FC is not responsible for ice, slip or falls and to cancel must be in writing and FC back in writing to confirm.

[@Dirtmonkey]

You got it in tight.

[@daversj]

You didn’t talk about insurance. I plowed for ten years in NY but recently got out of it. Most jobs i charged by the hour with a minimum show up fee. $250 residential 350 commercial per hour for diesel pickup and by the pound for salt and sand. Mostly residential some commercial. Liability Insurance company wanted $10k for new plow policy wether it snowed or not. That would might work with many monthly commercial jobs but that wasn’t the bulk of my business. Past few years only had a few snow events per year. Last week we had two feet in one day. With a 10k premium for plow insurance plus 5% of gross for regular liability no thanks. Maybe other states are more reasonable. Business insurance in NY is like a partnership.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Agreed-Plow insurance is crazy expensive.

[@bobcat8439]

U good for little italy we from

[@Dirtmonkey]

🙏 Thank you sir.

[@dougackerman4182]

Excellent video Stanley

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thank you sir!

[@carltonscornerrd349]

What is the manufacturer of the GPS tracker? I have a piece of raw land and plan on eventually leaving some equipment there and have been looking at gps tracking devices. When I have had customers blowing thier budget on unforeseen events I have used that for the monthly fee sales pitch.

[@marcyounker6379]

based on the items you described stolen.. definitely someone familiar with the site very specific itenms.. suggest following the other sub contrqcors or your principal contractor of the site seems fishy... particularly the cab doors you stated.. a trailer not so much so or a skidsteer. follow those guys see what equipment they are running and if looks familiar or not 🤔 this guy is only making 30percent on your money most likely expensive operation obviously a lot if capitol investment.

[@blackopsrocks]

I just bid hourly invoiced monthly. I calculate all machines by blade foot for plow and blade foot for pusher. Salt is simply the machine used blade feet hourly rate and a rate per hundred pound.

[@LAKESIDEBOB1]

I am from Northern Minnesota that Twin Cities area is one strange place; Let me get this correct Interstate Companies is a paper company that hires subcontractors to actually do the work that some how they are awarded with out equipment and crews, is that correct. After all they really do not place asphalt, they do not install water and sewer lines; the sub contractors they hire do that work, with the Interstate State name placed on the equipment like your John Deere wheel loader backhoe you showed, am I correct in my assumption?

[@rustyshackelford2349]

You probably don't do much of it, but what about the guys who do residential driveways per call and by the season.

[@Akalashnik1]

Just as you’re getting to the good juicy information the video. Ends. Come on!! lol

[@chadstewart9999]

Tell us something we don't know. What's your prices

[@tawhodges4222]

I'm very small lawncare but just want to tell you your info is so helpful to so many of us. Thank you so much.

[@chuck2585]

Looks like they could use some asphalt maintenance. I'm available

[@fricknjeep]

hi there interesting back in the early 70s when i did snow plowing i gave a cost based on a 6 inch snow then + - based on amount above or below the 6 . i also did several locations all with different opening times . . my first meyers blade was 250 used . then i got a power angle 500. that came 2 years later . the power angle was something kind of new back around then . snow plows were vert rare back then in the town i grew up in just north of DC good show john

[@chrisegan9670]

Hey so can you tell us about gps trackers you found? Monthly charge? Thanks

[@johnwarren5406]

Good video Stan.47 years of moving snow here..Have been using the per inch method for 30 yrs.It also helps for the person doing the billing.If you have 4 different machines at several different sites..We only get about ten events a year..Not much this year.I have 1 condo that is an annual amount with a bonus if it snows over certain amt..keep up the good work

[@TheZielinskiShow]

What state you located in?

[@Dirtmonkey]

The per inch works great with awesome margins!

[@caleboldhouser478]

Per inch is where it at.

[@capthack3566]

Nice video and info. Can you please share the name of the GPS tracker? I need to get two for our equipment. Thank you

[@Dirtmonkey]

Galeo

[@ohzonemusicgroup]

I’m looking for good GPS trackers for my equipment, can you tell me the brand and part number for the trackers?

[@Dirtmonkey]

Galeo

[@nickunis]

Stan you are the hero we need in these times of snowmageddon. Please save us across the lake in Michigan. Hope you are holding up well there.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Im currently in a snow desert.

[@MrMzr-er7kb]

Do you only use the 310's for snow removal? Never see them on jobs. If they are only used for snow removal, why not remove the excavator component?

[@Dirtmonkey]

They are going for sale- I am getting new loaders and upgrading my old ones.

[@caleboldhouser478]

I would never do any snow work that doesn’t include salt. Salt is where the money is.

[@johnnydunham1]

What type of tracking system do you have for thee equipment?

[@ethanboroski4902]

What is an average hourly rate for a skid steer, pusher, and operator as a subcontractor??

[@ianunderwood5858]

Love the videos

[@Dirtmonkey]

👍 Thanks Ian! How are you doing?

[@treefrog2299]

Yes I like to see more bidding and estimating on snow and how when you do your dirt you like playing and dirt and you like playing in snow so what do we call you a jerk snowball gotcha have a good days and God bless you and your family

[@Dirtmonkey]

God bless you and yours.

[@davedaughertyjr9521]

Is ipod for contractor he pays me $60 an hour is that a good price or shouldn't be higher

[@mattsimon931]

does the property have security camera coverage in the area you keep all your equipment? Would they allow temporary fencing to cover those parking spots, to help avoid this in the future? Would be curious to know more about he GPS trackers as well.

[@Dirtmonkey]

I could install my own fencing if I choose so

[@willydiesel2081]

Stan if it's Apples tracker don't announce it brother

[@grant8846]

If you can I’d like to see one of those gps trackers. I am looking for one for my trailer hopefully with out a monthly subscription.

[@Dirtmonkey]

I’ll try to get that for ya!

[@charlestaylor2480]

Are you planning on buying a backhoe with couplers

[@the902giant]

What a weird coincidence, the truck at 10:17 is from where I live in Woodstock NB, and I applied for a job there a few days ago. Odd coincidence. Great edit Stan! Hahah

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thats pretty cool when it happens

[@blakeiddings12345]

Im a general contractors in North Carolina on the coast and i do work for one of the biggest businesses in my area. EVERYTHING is time and material. I love it.

[@Dirtmonkey]

a big part of mine is well and I also love it.

[@gregterrill9130]

What gps tracker do you like? I sure could use them but not sure which one to choose.

[@mypointofblue5260]

Very helpful! Thanks for sharing!