How to Start a Snow Removal Business in 15 Steps

1. Research the snow removal industry

Before you start a snow removal business as your new seasonal side hustle, make sure there’s demand to keep your business afloat. Look at the snowfall patterns for your region, and decide whether you’ll target residential clients or commercial properties.

Here’s what to consider:

• Target audience – Get to know your customer base and what services they need. For example, homeowners will need driveway snow plowing, while commercial businesses will need snow removal from large parking lots.
  
• Local demand – Check the weather history for how much and how often it snows in your region. Look at demographic factors, such as the number of commercial properties, residential neighborhoods, and even the median income in your area. Areas with a higher density of driveways, shopping plazas, or office parks may have more demand.
  
• Customer pain points – Identify the challenges your potential customers face in winter. Many people don’t have the time, equipment, or physical capability to clear snow quickly and safely. While business owners need reliable snow removal to ensure customer safety and access to their premises.
  
• Local regulations – Snow removal often involves heavy machinery and sometimes road clearing, so there may be regulations you need to follow. Some areas may require specific permits for operating snow removal equipment, especially on public property.

Then, gain a competitive advantage by looking at factors like:

• Competitor pricing. Understanding what competitors charge helps you set fair rates and stay competitive. It also prevents you from overcharging and losing customers or undercharging and cutting into profits. Once you know what customers are willing to pay, you can decide if tiered packages make sense for your market. Offering options like good, better, and best pricing can also help you reach more customers with different needs and budgets.
  
• Gaps and opportunities. What services do your competitors offer? Do they primarily serve residential clients, or are they focused on commercial? Research their strengths and weaknesses—by looking through customer reviews, response times, and service descriptions—to help you find ways to differentiate your snow plowing business.

If you already own a lawn care or landscaping business, snow removal can be a smart way to earn income in the off-season.

Start by checking local demand and regulations, then look at your current clients to see who might need winter services. Reviewing local demand and pricing will also help you set fair, competitive rates and grow smoothly into a new part of your business.

2. Develop your service offerings

Start by choosing the types of properties you want to work on, which might be one or all of the following:

• Residential snow removal. Jobs like driveways and sidewalks are smaller and can be a good fit for beginners with limited equipment. These jobs often require speedy turnaround times, since homeowners want clear access after a snowfall.

• Commercial snow removal. Office buildings and shopping centers are larger and require more time and equipment. Clients may need snow removed overnight to ensure the area is clear for business hours.

• Municipal snow removal. Contracts to clear snow from streets and public spaces are often lucrative but demanding. These jobs may require specialized equipment like large plows and salt spreaders.

Here are some of the services you might provide for each unique customer type:

3. Learn how to price your services

Once you know what services you’ll offer, you’ll need to learn how to price them for profit.

The most common types of snow removal contracts are:

• Per push: Your client pays you every time you clear (push) snow, usually based on the size of the area or how much snow falls. This can be ideal if you’re servicing a region known for unpredictable snowfall. Keep in mind that your income can vary.
  
• Per event: Your client pays you for each time it snows, regardless of the storm size or total accumulation. This gives you flexibility in how often you work, but timing and pay are unpredictable.
  
• Seasonal: You and the client agree to a flat rate for the entire snow season. This type of contract gives you consistent revenue. If the season has more snow than expected, however, you could end up working more without additional pay.

If you’re just starting out and only have some basic equipment, residential per-push contracts might be a good fit.

4. Write a business plan

A snow removal business plan defines your vision for your business and helps secure startup capital from a bank or other investor. 

A business plan also shows that you’re organized and prepared, giving lenders and investors confidence in your ability to manage and repay the capital.

Make sure your business plan includes:

• Cover page and table of contents for easy reading
• Executive summary to give the reader a quick summary of the entire business plan
• Business overview introducing your business, including structure (e.g., LLC or sole proprietor), service area, mission statement, and goals
• Services list describing the snow removal services you’ll offer to your customers
• Pricing strategy outlining your pricing model (e.g., by square foot) and how much you charge for snow removal
• Market analysis with an overview of your service area and ideal customers
• Competitive analysis outlining competing businesses, their prices, and what makes you stand out
• Marketing plan with 3–4 advertising tactics you’ll use to grow your customer base
• Employee planning showing what roles you’ll be hiring for and when
• Financial projections, including monthly expenses and income forecasts

5. Register your business

It’s crucial to register your new business with your local and state governments for tax and legal purposes. Here’s how to go about it the right way:

• Business name: Pick a practical, professional snow removal business name that describes what you offer.
  
• Business type: Register as a limited liability company (LLC), sole proprietorship, or partnership. An LLC is a popular choice because it protects your personal assets if you’re ever sued.
  
• Business registration: Head over to your local registry and register your business. If you’re in the U.S., you’ll pay a fee, trademark your name, and register your domain.

If you already own a landscaping business, you can operate under your existing name and simply add snow removal as a new service line.

6. Obtain the necessary licenses and permits

Getting the right licenses and permits protects your business from fines or steeper consequences (like being shut down). Requirements vary by location, so take time to research what’s needed in your area before you start.

Here are a few steps you won’t want to skip:

• Check local and state requirements: Some cities and states require a general business license, while others have specific rules for snow removal services. Start by checking with your local government office (like the Chamber of Commerce or business licensing department) to find out what’s needed. They can also let you know about any special permits or environmental regulations that apply.
  
• Obtain vehicle and equipment permits: Since you’ll likely be using trucks, make sure those are registered. And for operating heavy machinery on public roads, check if any permits are needed. Some areas may have restrictions on plowing roads or require a permit for dumping snow.
  
• Update existing business licenses: If you already have a seasonal business and now you’re starting a snow removal business to make money in the winter, you may need to update your existing license. Many states allow you to expand your services under the same license, but you’ll likely have to update your business description, file an amendment, or pay a renewal fee.

7. Get the right business insurance

The right snow removal insurance can protect you, your team, and your customers in case of accidents. At a minimum, you’ll want to get a business insurance policy that includes:

• General liability covers claims related to personal injury or property damage that took place at a job site as a result of an employee’s actions.
  
• Commercial auto insurance protects you in the event your company vehicle is involved in a collision. It covers personal injury, property damage, collision-related medical expenses, and vehicle damage and theft.
  
• Tools and equipment coverage protects the gear your business relies on, like plows, salt spreaders, and so forth. If any equipment is stolen or damaged, you won’t be stuck paying out of pocket for repairs or replacements.
  
• Workers’ compensation is a requirement in most states if you have employees. It covers any claims or lawsuits if an employee is injured on the job.

8. Open a business bank account

It’s important to keep your business funds separate from personal funds to make bookkeeping easier, track expenses accurately, and avoid tax issues. This also helps protect your personal finances if any legal or financial problems arise with the business.

This step can also make you look more professional and help you build up a business credit history. As a result, you can access larger sums of money for large purchases, repairs, or business growth.

Jobber’s QuickBooks Online integration simplifies your bookkeeping by automatically tracking income and expenses, managing payroll, and integrating with your snow removal software for smoother day-to-day operations.

If you already run a landscaping company and want to add snow removal in the off-season, talk to your bank. You may have options for adding a snow removal service account or setting up sub-accounts to track each line of business separately.

This helps you manage seasonal cash flow, monitor profitability for each type of service, and make smarter decisions about where to invest in growth.

9. Buy snow removal equipment

The type of ice management and snow removal equipment you need depends on whether you’re serving residential or commercial clients. The amount you’ll spend will vary between new and used items.

Here’s some of the equipment you’ll need for your snow plow business:

• Snow blower
• Snow plow
• Hand snow shovel
• Snow pusher
• Ice scraper
• Roof rake
• Rock salt or ice melt
• Salt spreader
• Warm clothing (coat, hat, gloves)

Already have a seasonal business, like landscaping or lawn care? You may be able to repurpose some of your existing equipment for snow removal.For example, trucks can be fitted with plows. 

Start by listing the tools and machinery you already have that can double for winter work, then make a list of what you’ll need to buy.

10. Train your team and plan for breakdowns

Whether you’re the only one plowing or you’re managing a crew, be prepared to provide service when the snow starts to fall. That means tackling your training and breakdown planning in advance.

If you already run a landscaping company, this is the perfect time to cross-train your existing team so they can seamlessly shift from lawn care to snow removal once winter hits. It keeps your crew working year-round and helps you deliver reliable service without having to hire and train a completely new set of employees.

What snow plow training do you need?

You don’t need formal training to start a snow removal business, but you do need a driver’s license to operate a snow plow. Another option is to get on-the-job training with another local plow business owner.

You can also get certified through the Snow and Ice Management Association (SIMA) or accredited through the Accredited Snow Contractors Association (ASCA).

Follow these training tips to stay safe and keep clients happy with your work:

• Learn the best ways to remove snow and where you’re allowed to pile it.
• Know the rules of the road and be ready for the hazards that come with winter driving.
• Dress warm, plan for emergencies, and take steps to stay awake behind the wheel.

READ MORE: 10 snow removal business tips for a profitable winter season

11. Plan your routes

Once your team is trained and your equipment is ready, it’s time to map out the most efficient routes for snow removal. Careful route planning helps you save time, cut fuel costs, and keep customers happy with dependable service.

Before the season event starts, you can also conduct pre-season service visits. The purpose of these is to identify any obstacles or challenges, maintain equipment so it’s ready to hit the road, and make sure you know how to use your tools and vehicle safely

Here’s how to plan snow removal routes like a pro:

• Group nearby clients together: Schedule jobs by neighborhood or area to minimize drive time and maximize productivity.
  
• Prioritize high-need clients: Clear hospitals, schools, and commercial properties first, especially those with contracts that require early service.
  
• Account for timing: Some customers may need service before business hours, while others can wait until later in the day. Plan routes around these time-sensitive jobs.
  
• Create backups for heavy storms: Build flexibility into your schedule so you can handle extra visits when the snow keeps falling.

• Have emergency plans on hand: Even with all your preparation, you may still have breakdowns or other emergencies—especially in heavy snowfall. Have a plan in place to ensure clients still get their driveway or parking lot cleared, no matter what.

Good route planning not only keeps your operation running smoothly, it also helps you take on more clients without overworking yourself or your team. You can plan routes manually, or use Jobber’s routing feature to automatically create the fastest, most fuel-efficient routes for your crew.

12. Create and use a snow removal contract

Before you take on your first job, protect your business with a solid snow removal contract. A well-written agreement can prevent misunderstandings, set expectations for work, and ensure you get paid on time.

A snow removal contract should cover:

• Scope of services: Outline the exact tasks you’ll handle for clients. This could be plowing driveways, sidewalks, or parking lots. Always note what’s not included in the agreement (like applying salt or de-icing chemicals).
  
• Pricing and payment terms: Specify whether you charge per visit, per inch of snow, or a flat seasonal rate. Include payment due dates and which payments you accept.
  
• Timing: Clarify when you’ll start work after a snowfall and if there’s a cutoff time for same-day service.
  
• Liability and safety: Include language that limits your liability for accidents or property damage, and explain how you’ll handle hazardous conditions like ice buildup.
  
• Cancellation policy: Let clients know how to end the agreement if needed, and if there are any fees that apply for last-minute cancellations.

If you already have contracts in place for lawn care or landscaping services, you don’t need to start from scratch. Consider adding a seasonal snow removal addendum or creating a bundled, year-round service agreement. 

This gives your customers a single, seamless contract for all their property maintenance needs, and it helps you lock in repeat business through every season.

13. Get your first snow removal customers

To get customers, you’ll need to make it easy for people to find you for their snow removal needs. Here’s how to get started:

Build your brand

Your business branding will help potential clients recognize and trust your company. To build a brand, start by creating a unique logo—you can work with a designer or use an online logo generator like Looka.

From there, you can apply the logo to your truck, business cards, uniform, website, social media, and more. Here’s an example of what your snow removal branding could look like:

14. Invest in good customer service

Creating and investing in customer relationships will help you become a snow removal contractor that’s in demand. Here are a few ways to build those relationships:

• Hire the right employees with the right attitude who uphold your values. One way to do that is with an employee referral program.
• Create standard operating procedures, systems, and processes. For example, follow up before, during, and after a job to make sure clients are happy.

Offer an online client portal where your customers can conveniently request work, approve quotes, double-check visit details, and pay invoices.

15. Find local business partners

Strong local partnerships can help you grow faster and build a steady pipeline of clients throughout the winter. 

Connect with other home service providers, as well as professionals like realtors, insurance brokers, lawyers, and accountants.

These relationships can lead to referrals, shared resources, and insider knowledge about new opportunities in your community. The right partners might even become loyal clients themselves—helping you grow your snow removal business year after year.