How to Get Snow Removal Contracts

What is a snow removal contract?

A snow removal contract is a legally binding agreement between a snow removal contractor and their client. This written agreement covers the services you’ll offer, when you’ll deliver them, and what your payment terms look like. 

A snow removal contract also outlines what your client needs to do to help you work efficiently, such as moving their car to clear the driveway before you start working.

Whether you’re just starting your snow removal business or have been operating for years, having your customer sign off on a snow removal can help:

• Set clear expectations and avoid arguments or confusion between you and your clients on the services you’ll offer or when you’ll provide them 
• Minimize late or missed payments from clients by clearly outlining your payment terms, due dates, and late fees
• Reduce your liability for property damage and other unexpected events

Different types of snow removal contracts

There are four common types of snow removal contracts: 

• Per-inch contract: Clients pay based on how much snow has fallen, with set pricing tiers like 1–3, 3–5, or 5–7 inches.
• Per-event contract: Clients pay after each snowfall, making it more profitable in heavy snow seasons but unpredictable if snowfall is light.
• Per-push contract: Clients pay a fixed rate per visit, giving your business predictable income and the chance to earn more during back-to-back storms.
• Seasonal contract: With this contract, you’ll offer a set price for the entire snow season. This contract is often multi-year agreements, which can provide steady, reliable revenue.

Choosing the right contract type depends on your business goals, local weather patterns, and the services your clients need most.

READ MORE:How to bid snow removal jobs

How to get general snow removal contracts

Getting snow removal contracts is key to growing your client base and securing income all winter long.

Try these strategies to find and secure new snow removal contracts:

Distribute snow removal flyers

Delivering flyers within local communities is a great way to attract new residential snow plowing customers. Drop flyers off door to door, or post tearaway flyers on community bulletin boards in grocery stores or libraries. (Make sure to ask permission first!)

A good snow removal flyer should always include:

• Your business name and logo
• A description of your services
• Contact information, such as your email, phone number, and website URL
• Time-sensitive discounts to encourage people to inquire or book

How to get commercial snow removal contracts

A commercial snow removal contract can bring in steady revenue and give your business more predictability throughout the winter months. They also offer higher revenue potential and opportunities to upsell services (like salting or deicing). Plus, these contracts provide consistent, long-term work since these agreements are often multi-year. 

To land commercial property deals:

• Network locally by connecting with business owners, property managers, and community leaders.
• Join business associations like the Chamber of Commerce to meet potential clients.
• Leverage happy clients for referrals and introductions to other businesses.
• Show professionalism with clear proposals, detailed service plans, and reliable communication.
• Build relationships year-round so you’re top-of-mind before the first snowfall.

With a strong reputation and consistent outreach in your business community, you can secure long-term contracts that help your snow removal business grow season after season.

What to include in your snow removal contracts

Every snow removal contract should clearly outline the agreed-upon services, conditions, and payment terms. This not only protects your business if disputes or legal issues arise, but it also helps ensure you get paid accurately and on time.

Here’s what to cover in every contract:

1. Business information

Make it easy for your clients to get in touch with you by adding your snow removal business information to the top of your contract. Put your: 

• Snow removal business name
• Contact person
• Email address
• Telephone number

2. Property address

Provide the complete address for the service location, including:

• Street number
• Street name
• City/Town
• State
• Zip code

3. Customer information

Include any information you may need to get in touch with your customer, such as:

• Customer name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Mailing address

For commercial properties, you’ll also want to include:

• Company name
• Business address
• Contact person name, email, and phone number

4. Terms of agreement

Clear, detailed terms of agreement protect both you and your client by outlining exactly who is responsible for what and when services will be provided.

For example, you might agree to clear a set amount of snow each winter for the next three seasons, covering both the driveway and walkways. In return, your client might agree not to hold you liable if someone slips or falls on their property.

When writing your agreement, include the start and end dates of your services, the specific work you’ll perform, and details on what’s covered—like how much snow you’ll clear and whether you’ll handle ice removal. You can also list any extra services, such as salting or emergency visits.

The more specific you are, the easier it is to manage expectations and avoid misunderstandings.

5. Payment terms

Outline how much the snow removal services will cost, when payment is expected, and how payment can be made.

6. Description of the property

Include a description of the property areas you’ll be servicing, like parking lots or driveways, entrance ways, sidewalks, etc. Note any areas you will not be servicing, such as areas that are too dangerous to access.

7. Scope of services

List in detail the services that are included in your snow removal contract cost. This may include:

• Snow blowing
• Snow plowing
• Shoveling
• Snow removal (removing snow from the property)
• Ice removal
• Salting
• Sanding

8. Terms and conditions

Clarify any additional details about your service guarantees, insurance policy, payments, and termination policy. Putting these things in writing can help make sure there’s no room for confusion.

Answer the following questions:

• When will you provide your snow removal services?
• Are there any added charges for snow removal? Such as for a large property or after a heavy snowfall?
• Are there any days you won’t clear snow? Such as Christmas Day or New Year’s Day.
• What type of snow removal insurance coverage do you have? Such as workers’ compensation, liability insurance, or snow removal equipment insurance.
• Do you charge clients for late payments? How much? 
• How much notice does your client need to give to end the agreement?
• Are there any fees for ending the agreement?

8. Box for signatures

You’ll need to leave a space at the bottom of your contract for both you and your client to sign off on the contract to make it legally binding. Add a box for printed names and the dates you both added your signatures. 

Remember that your snow removal contract is legally binding. That means that one of you could take legal action if the other doesn’t hold up their side of the agreement.