Maintaining a safe business for your clients begins with a detailed snow removal contract. You can protect your business from customer disputes and miscommunications by securing a snow removal contract.
A snow removal contract is a legally binding agreement between a snow removal company and the customer. It specifies the terms of your business relationship and protects your business from potential legal action.
A generic snow removal contract outlines the services you will provide, the payment terms, and when your customer can expect the work completed.
After determining how much to charge for snow removal, you are ready to create a simple contract.
Commercial and residential snow removal contracts should include the following:
SEASONAL SNOW REMOVAL AGREEMENT: [COMPANY NAME]
Snow removal is part of this seasonal agreement, effective [DAY] of [MONTH], [YEAR].
Between:
| MANAGING PROPERTY:[COMPANY NAME][CONTACT NAME][PHONE NUMBER][EMAIL ADDRESS] | PROVIDER OF SERVICE:[COMPANY NAME][CONTACT NAME][PHONE NUMBER][EMAIL ADDRESS] |
AGREEMENT DURATION: FROM: [START DATE] TO: [END DATE]
PROPERTY:
NAME: ______________________________
ADDRESS: _________________________________
Areas of property: (check as many as apply)
(List the property areas here such as driveways, walkways, loading docks, etc)
SERVICES:
1. SNOW REMOVAL
The following services will be provided by (company name):
2. PAYMENT SCHEDULE
All areas listed above will require salting or sanding: $____
Snow clearing all areas 2″ to 5.99″ on the above list: $___
Snow clearing all areas 6″ to 11.99″ on the above list: : $___
Snow clearing all areas 12″ to 17.99″ on the above list: $____
Snow clearing of all areas 18″ to 24″ on the above list: $____
CUSTOMER: SERVICE PROVIDER:
_________________________ _________________________
(Name) (Name)
_________________________ _________________________
(Signature) (Signature)
_________________________ _________________________
(Date) (Date)
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
The snow removal service agreement between [COMPANY NAME] (the “service provider”) and the customer is effective from [DAY/MONTH/YEAR].
The service provider and customer also agree on the following, in addition to the snow removal contract:
SERVICES
The service provider will perform all of the services outlined in the snow removal contract, including [LIST SERVICES].
We inspect driveways, parking lots, and other paved surfaces before the first service. The owner of the property will be notified of the condition of the surfaces. De-icing treatments such as salt or sand that cause damage to paved areas are not the service provider’s responsibility.
A service provider will determine the depth of the snow by using published meteorological data.
Snow will be cleared as much as possible around any car.
The service provider will not be liable for scrapes, scratches, or other surface damage to driveways, sidewalks, walkways, or curbs.
INSURANCE
All snow plows will be insured per [STATE/CITY] requirements. Workers’ compensation, general liability, equipment, and commercial auto are included here.
The service provider will provide an insurance certificate before the first service is rendered.
PAYMENT
A cost schedule or agreed-upon rate will be listed on the contract.
Snow-plow contracts are due on the first of every month. Other services are billed by the visit. Invoices are due upon receipt. Late fees may apply.
Payments can be made using the following methods: [LIST PAYMENT TYPES]
Make checks payable to [INSERT LEGAL BUSINESS NAME]
TERMINATION
Customers can terminate the agreement at any time if they provide [number] days’ written notice.
The service provider will be paid for the services performed up to the termination date if the customer ends the agreement early.
The parties hereto have entered into this agreement as of [DAY], [MONTH], [YEAR].
CUSTOMER: SERVICE PROVIDER:
_________________________ _________________________
(SIGNATURE) (SIGNATURE)
Property address and description. Make sure you include the precise address of your property and secure all property areas covered under the agreement, including parking lots, building entrances etc.
Customer contact information. Include up-to-date information about your customer.
Company information. Include up-to-date information about your business.
Term of agreement. Discuss with your client and mention the start day and end date of your agreement.
Description of a snow event. Define the amount of snowfall required for services and when services can be completed.
Scope of services and any additional services. Include a detailed description of the services to be provided according to the snow removal agreement.
Payment details. Mention the payment amount, payment schedule, payment methods, etc.
Terms and conditions. Clarify any additional details about your service.
Simply download our printable snow removal contract example into Word or as a PDF which is fillable with your information.
For snow removal companies, this is a good way to get business. Please contact the Home Owner Associations in your area, as well as the condo owners. It pays well to have a company that is organized.
Success is rarely instantaneous or easy. Persistence and our attitude often define us. Your business cards and website should have your company’s logo. Be organized and professional when you meet with a client and dress accordingly. In casual settings, wear your company t-shirt.
Prepare an outline of your plan before you meet with a client. Give real-life examples, such as how businesses that have sustained snow removal crews have increased sales.
Snow removal benefits both renters at rental communities and winter shoppers. Make your service an integral part of solving their problem, and you’ll have clients hiring you in no time.
Listen to your clients. By asking them to point out problem areas, you can come up with a customized strategy together.
If you’re just starting, drive around your city and note the commercial properties you see. Make a list of this information, find the addresses, and if possible, contact the owner. Provide a brief introduction to your business and a bid request if and when their snow removal contract expires.
A snow removal contract is an essential part of business safety. Addressing all the issues mentioned above, you can ensure your business is protected from disputes and miscommunications.
Frequently Asked Questions
In commercial properties, snow removal contracts come in three standard forms, basic event-based, seasonal, and full-service.
You'll only pay if there is snowfall if your contract is per event. In addition to being able to get an itemized statement at the end of the month, large property managers like this since they do not pay for services they do not receive.
A seasonal snow removal contract is typically set up for two to three years at a fixed price, allowing the law of averages to work both in the client and snow contractor's favor. The client will benefit if a particular winter has more snowfall than average, whereas the snow contractor will benefit if the winter is milder.
A full-service contract is also set up for two to three years, and it's the best plan for snow removal. In addition to the season's best options listed below, full-service customers have nothing to worry about for the season. Retail properties that wish to fight local weather with a partner will find this a great option.
During the winter, snow can cause slips and falls for people and loss of traction for vehicles but ice poses the greatest threat. Having a per event contract has the disadvantage of only allowing service when there's a certain amount of snow on the ground, while ice may form without any precipitation.
Commercial properties commonly use salt in addition to liquid de-icer because salt tends to work faster. In situations where snow is rapidly falling, clients don't want to use liquid de-icers, or there's no time to pre-treat the entire property, salt can be useful. Salt, on the other hand, can cause erosive damage to a building when it gets trapped in its porous outer layers of stone or concrete and cause messes and damage when people track it inside with their shoes. As salt leaches moisture from plants, it can damage gardens and landscaping over time.
The cost of shoveling snow varies significantly depending on the size and type of areas to be cleared. For shoveling the average driveway, homeowners should expect to pay $30 to $70 per visit. Commercial snow plowing contracts that include walkways, driveways, parking lots, and loading docks will command higher rates.
