How to Run a Successful Snow Removal Business

1. Prepare for the snow season

Running a snow removal business isn’t just about waiting for the winter weather to hit—there’s plenty to do beforehand. Here’s how to prepare for your upcoming snow season:

• Conduct pre-season site visits: Visit your clients’ properties before the snow starts. Let your snow removal professionals get familiar with the layout of driveways and parking lots. Not to mention obstacles like curbs, fences, and landscaping. This helps avoid accidents when the time comes.
• Make sure your trucks and equipment are in good shape: Change the oil, check for worn parts, and make any necessary repairs. It’s better to deal with these issues now than to have something break down in the middle of a job.
• Train your crew on how to use equipment: Make sure everyone knows how to repair things like broken hoses. And how to attach plows and other gear to the trucks.
• Stock up on last-minute snow removal equipment: Replacement blades for your plows, ice melt, spare tires, and more. Having these on hand can save you from delays during a storm. It’s better to be over-prepared than to get caught without the right tools when you need them most.

READ MORE: How to write a snow removal business plan

2. Set up your marketing strategy

Marketing helps get you in front of new customers and reminds existing clients to book your services before the snow hits. Develop a plan on how (and when) you’ll educate potential customers about your snow removal services.

Reach out to existing customers at the right time

If you already have a lawn care or landscaping business, you likely have plenty of potential leads for your snow removal services.

The key is knowing when it’s time to start talking to your customers about snow removal.

Chris Senger of Mow Town Edmonton suggests following nature’s cues. Start marketing when the leaves are falling because that’s when people start thinking winter is coming.

Senger learned this the hard way. He started emailing clients about his snow removal services in mid-September. “They weren’t ready to have that conversation, so I didn’t get as warm a reception as I could have,” he says.

When the weather starts turning, use email marketing to reach out to your existing customers about your snow plow services.

Jobber Campaigns make it easy to connect with customers and promote your snow removal business with just a few clicks. Set up your campaigns just once, and they’ll send in the background while you focus on your snow removal company.

3. Make it easy for customers to request snow removal services

Let new or existing customers request plowing jobs through your website, social media, or client hub, their online self-service portal.

With Jobber, you can customize your request form to capture all the information you need to create an accurate quote. This includes info like services needed, lot size, or driveway material.

4. Send professional snow removal quotes and upsell your services

Create a snow removal estimate template in advance to speed up your quoting process and win more jobs.

Your estimate template should include:

• Your snow plowing business name, logo, and contact information
• Your client’s name and contact details
• A breakdown of the services you’ll be providing
• Snow removal pricing, including labor, materials, discounts, and sales tax
• How long the estimate is valid for
• Your terms and conditions or snow removal contract
• Space for the client’s signature

You can create an estimate by using a snow removal estimate template.

Or use quoting software like Jobber to send professional snow removal quotes that include images from the site assessment—before you’ve even left the customer’s property.

You can also suggest packages, like monthly or seasonal contracts, or additional services, like salting or sanding directly, in the quote. Your customer can select the snow removal services that best suit their needs and watch their quote total automatically update before they approve.

5. Create a snow removal contract

Setting expectations with your customers from the onset can help avoid disappointments or conflicts down the road.

For example, Mow Town tries to be there within 24 hours of a snowfall but guarantees it will be there within 48 hours.

6. Dispatch and route your team efficiently

When a snowstorm hits, you don’t have time to manually route jobs and email schedules to your crews. You need to be ready to immediately dispatch and route your crew efficiently.

Jobber’s service routing software automatically generates the most fuel-efficient schedule for your snow removal crews based on the location of each service.

7. Update clients automatically

Sometimes, a big snowstorm means the snow starts accumulating quickly. You don’t have time to contact customers one by one to let them know when they can expect your services.

Automated text messages and emails in Jobber saves you time and keeps customers informed about their snow plow service.

Here’s how you can use Jobber’s automated customer reminders and follow-ups:

• Before the snowfall, send your customers an email about the anticipated snow event that includes instructions for your visit—like removing cars from the driveway.
• On the day of the snow event, send a quick text message telling customers you’re on your way or running behind schedule. This can prevent a flood of phone calls from impatient customers wondering where you are.
• After the snow removal is complete, send a follow-up email to make sure your customer is happy with your snow removal service. Ask them to leave a positive review.

READ MORE: How to ask for a review [with free templates]

8. Automate your invoicing and get paid instantly

Running a successful snow removal business means late nights that turn into early mornings. The last thing you want to do after a long night in the cold is spend hours in front of the computer invoicing.

With Jobber, you can automate your invoicing and send professional invoices to your customers. When the job is complete, simply click “Create Invoice Now” to convert your job details into an invoice that’s ready to send to your customers.

9. Plan for financial stability

When you run a snow plow business, it’s essential to review your finances before the snow starts falling.

For instance, you’ll want to check if you have enough cash reserves to pay your crew even after a big storm when overtime hours can add up quickly. Equipment repairs are another factor. If a truck breaks down or your snow blower needs parts, you need to have the funds ready to fix them. Unexpected expenses can also pop up, like replacing a damaged plow or stocking up on salt.

It’s also smart to plan for winters that don’t have as much snowfall.

If you have a few weeks of light snow (or worse, none at all), having a financial cushion can keep cash flow steady. You won’t struggle to cover the basics, like fuel or paying your employees.

10. Strengthen team management and communication

Clear communication—especially during intense snow events—prevents confusion, missed jobs, and accidents. Here’s how to improve team management and keep everyone on the same page when running your business:

• Use clear instructions: Everyone needs to know their role before the snow starts falling. Assign shifts and routes ahead of time.
• Check in regularly: During snowstorms, hold quick meetings or send updates to keep everyone informed about changing conditions or new priorities.
• Use communication tools: Equip your team with radios or group texts to make communicating easy.

Keeping people happy and motivated is important too. Here are some ways to do it:

• Recognize hard work: Acknowledge when someone goes above and beyond. A simple thank-you can go a long way.
• Offer incentives: Provide snacks or meals during long shifts. Offer bonuses for jobs that are challenging beyond the norm.
• Foster a positive work environment: Encourage people to work as a team. Create a culture where employees feel valued, such as starting an “Employee of the Month” program.

Looking to take advantage of custom snow removal workflows this winter season? Jobber’s success team is here to help with free 1-on-1 product coaching and unlimited support via phone, email, or the app.

READ MORE: How to start a successful snow removal business in 13 steps

Originally published in December 2017. Last updated on October 11th, 2024.