Frequently Asked Snow Plowing Questions

How to price commercial snow removal?

Pricing a driveway snow removal job requires many details in order for you to get paid what the job is worth and remain competitive and reasonable for the customers. You need to factor in how long it’s going to take you to drive there, plow the driveway, shovel any walkways (if included), spread salt (if included) clear off any cars (if included), and get the job done to move on to the next customer on your snowplow route. Determine how much your equipment, gas, and time are worth per hour. Multiply your rate by the number of hours/minutes and you should have a good idea of what to charge.

How to start a snow removal business?

Before you start a snow removal business, you should decide on what type of business entity (LLC, sole-proprietorship, DBA, partnership, etc.), what name you’ll operate under (if available), and what equipment/materials you need to purchase to get started. You’ll also concern yourself with how you’ll get and keep customers. Start by making a business plan and crunching numbers to make sure you know what you need to be successful.

How to get snow removal contracts?

Getting snow removal contracts is always going to be a concern for any snow removal contractor. Developing a solid marketing plan for your niche/area and even setting aside a budget to advertise is the best way to attract new leads/customers. The best place to start is word of mouth in your network/family/friends. Taking advantage of free platforms to list your business could even help your word of mouth and attract organic leads as well.

How to bid snow removal?

Bidding a driveway snow removal job requires many details in order for you to get paid what the job is worth and remain competitive and reasonable for the customers. You need to factor in how long it’s going to take you to drive there, plow the driveway, shovel any walkways (if included), spread salt (if included) clear off any cars (if included), and get the job done to move on to the next customer on your snowplow route. Determine how much your equipment, gas, and time are worth per hour. Multiply your rate by the number of hours/minutes and you should have a good idea of what to bid.

What is the best snow removal equipment?

The best snow removal equipment varies by the type of job you’re performing. For small jobs, shovels or snowblowers might be the best option. Typical driveways and even small parking lots are easiest to do with a standard plow (straight, v-plow, etc.) attached to a large pickup truck, but some property owners prefer snowblowers due to the reduced chance you’ll damage the driveway. For large parking lots or private roads, you can plow them with a pickup truck plow, however, you’ll save time by investing in a commercial-sized snow pusher (if that’s cost-effective for your business/client).

What to charge for snow removal?

Quoting a driveway snow removal job requires many details in order for you to get paid what the job is worth and remain competitive and reasonable for the customers. You need to factor in how long it’s going to take you to drive there, plow the driveway, shovel any walkways (if included), spread salt (if included) clear off any cars (if included), and get the job done to move on to the next customer on your snowplow route. Determine how much your equipment, gas, and time are worth per hour. Multiply your rate by the number of hours/minutes and you should have a good idea of what to charge.

Can you claim snow removal on taxes?

If you pay for snow removal for a rental property you own (commercial or residential), you may be able to deduct the costs from your taxes under maintenance. As always, check with your accountant to make sure this is applicable to your specific circumstances.

How do I get more customers for my snow removal business?

A combination of different forms of advertising will help your company gain new customers, complete more jobs, and become a well-known snow plowing name in the local community. Elements such as a website, social media channels, Google My Business listing, paid marketing, and even word of mouth will help you reach potential customers.