Snow removal for lean winter months

Many lawn services, landscapers, trucking companies, tree services, cement companies, and other construction trades who slow down during the winter have found that snow removal is a perfect way to earn extra money in the off season. You already have a truck or trucks, a phone line, and paid overhead to keep your business alive over the winter, so why not use your off-time to earn extra income with resources and equipment you mostly already have?

Snow removal works best for contractors

You could get paid big money to plow parking lots, homeowner’s driveways, or be a snow removal subcontractor for your city, county, state, homeowner’s association, or another removal contractor. Decide up-front the type of snow removal business you want to perform.

Consider factors like the time the snow is to be removed, the rates you can charge, and the customers you will serve. Not knowing the type of snow removal contracts you want and getting stuck in contracts that are burdensome will be a problem for you. For instance: most businesses want their parking lots cleaned before they open. Most cities, counties, and states want their roads cleared as soon as possible also.

Sometimes the timing of the snowfall works in your favor for this, sometimes it doesn’t. Residential customers and apartment complexes usually don’t want to be plowed overnight as the noise could wake them or their neighbors up. 

Make sure you can service the contracts you commit to before you get yourself too spread (and stressed) out. Even though removal is not your main business, your reputation is still on the line and you don’t want to cause problems with customers and hurt your good name. 

Start looking for commercial snow removal contracts late summer or early fall. Most importantly: let your existing customers know you offer snow removal services and personally ask for the chance to bid their work. You can earn even more money by salting or sanding their walks and drives. If they like you or your work in your main business, chances are they will like your snow removal also. Bid removal work like you would any other service. Give your customer a proposal or an estimate customized to their name and location. Be specific about the charges and how you will bill. If they commit to you, ask them to sign the contract and make sure you give them one and keep one for your file. 

You can charge by the hour, by the depth of the snowfall, or a set amount each time you plow their property. You can even get a set retainer paid to you each month, like the $20,000 per month my friend Ben gets whether it snows or not. This is a great way for a property owner to know what to budget, and it gives you guaranteed income. Your market will dictate what to charge. Do some market research to find out what other snow removal contractors are charging by being a “mystery shopper” and ask them about their rates and services. 

Ben plows many of his lawn customers’ snow. He brings a worker with him to blow the sidewalks and shovel the front entrance while he plows the driveway, all of which takes about 10 minutes. He charges $45 each time for the average property. 

For even more ideas on this success snapshot and many others, get a copy of my book, Illegal to Legal here.