Snow by the visit or by the season?
A season price pays the same in a mild winter or a hard one.
- For
- Pick the snow price that pays you fairly, however much it snows.
- When
- Before the first snow, when you sign
Try it
60 a visit over 14 storms makes 840; a 900 season price pays 60 more.
By the visit = a visit × storms; it pays more past season ÷ a visit.
Put a storm limit on every season price.
Worked out
| Storms | By the visit | Season price | Better for you |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 480 | 900 | Season |
| 14 | 840 | 900 | Season |
| 20 | 1,200 | 900 | By the visit |
| 30 | 1,800 | 900 | By the visit |
Easy to get wrong
- A season price with no storm limit.
- Not saying what counts as a storm.
- Pricing from last winter alone.
- No start and end date.
The tool for it
Questions
What counts as a visit?
Write it down: a set depth of snow, or any time you’re called out.
Which do customers prefer?
Most homes like one price; busy lots often pay by the visit.
What if it snows far more than usual?
Put a storm limit on the season, and charge by the visit past it.
What about salt?
Price it by the visit, or say how many bags the season includes.
When do they pay a season price?
Half when they sign and the rest by midwinter, so you’re never owed for done work.
How do I guess the storms?
Average the last few winters where you work.
Do I need a contract?
Yes: the price, the dates, what counts as a storm and what’s included.
Can I mix the two?
Yes: a season price up to a storm limit, then by the visit.