Summer might feel a little early to start thinking about snow and ice, but it’s actually the smartest time to line up a commercial snow removal contract. Getting ahead now helps property managers avoid the stress of last-minute planning once winter weather hits. By locking in your services early, you’ll be confident that you have the right team and plan in place.
WHY PLAN FOR COMMERCIAL SNOW CLEARING SERVICES DURING THE SUMMER?
Making snow management arrangements in the summer provides distinct advantages by the time winter arrives.
ACCESS TO THE BEST CONTRACTORS
Professional property managers recognize the importance of early planning, which is why top-tier snow management contractors get booked early. Equipment and staff procurement and planning take time and resources; the earlier in the process you act, the better prepared your vendor will be to meet your needs.
A CHANCE TO GET MULTIPLE QUOTES
Early planning provides the opportunity to evaluate several contractors thoroughly. You can compare service levels and negotiate terms that suit your budget and site-specific requirements.
EXTRA PLANNING AND PREPARATION
Comprehensive snow management plans require meticulous preparation. When you contract services during summer, your snow management partner will have more time to develop detailed site maps, identify critical areas requiring priority attention, and establish clear communication protocols. This preparation period allows contractors to configure their resources efficiently and develop contingency plans for various winter scenarios.
HOW TO ESTIMATE THE KIND OF SNOW MANAGEMENT YOU’LL NEED
Effective commercial snow removal begins with understanding your property’s needs. You’ll also want to look at different types of contracts and the service providers in your area. With volatile weather patterns becoming more normal, choosing the right contract structure is critical to establishing a win-win relationship with your provider.
YOUR SERVICE REQUIREMENTS
Understanding and clearly communicating your service requirements is critical to forming an effective snow management plan. Property managers must evaluate several key aspects.
For instance, operating hours significantly impact service needs — properties with 24/7 operations require continuous monitoring and frequent clearing to maintain accessibility. Facilities serving high-risk populations, such as medical campuses or senior living communities, demand heightened attention to prevent slip-and-fall incidents. Additionally, consider your expectations for cleanup timing after storm events. Some properties require immediate clearing while others can accommodate more flexible schedules.
These specifications directly influence resource allocation, equipment selection, and ultimately, the cost structure of your snow management program. Providing detailed information about your property’s unique requirements enables contractors to develop precisely tailored solutions rather than generic service packages.
THE CONTRACT TYPE
Your service requirements directly determine the most suitable contract arrangement for your property. Typical options include:
- Pay-per-event contracts: Best for properties in regions with lighter, less frequent snowfall, this model allows you to pay only when snow events occur — either per inch or hourly. It’s a flexible, on-demand option for sites that don’t require constant service but still want access to professional crews when the weather changes.
- Seasonal contracts: These contracts are especially suited for large properties that require frequent clearing and heavy equipment allocation. They offer a flat monthly rate, which makes your average seasonal snow plowing cost more predictable and keeps you ready throughout winter.
- Tiered Contracts – As winters have become more inconsistent, a tiered seasonal approach allows you budget control, without overspending on an unlimited or high-inch range agreement.
THE RIGHT PARTNER
The best commercial snow clearing contractors will ask detailed questions about your needs and offer tailored solutions. You might benefit from working with a company that offers a full range of landscaping services in addition to snow removal. A full-service contractor will proactively get to know your property’s needs and meet them throughout the year.
HOW TO SELECT YOUR SNOW REMOVAL PARTNER
Selecting the ideal snow management partner requires careful evaluation of potential contractors against your property’s specific requirements. Here are some steps to keep in mind.
VET POTENTIAL CONTRACTORS
Begin by creating a comprehensive list of potential contractors serving your region. Then, conduct thorough interviews. Here are potential questions to ask:
- How long have you been providing professional snow and ice management services?
- What is your current client portfolio size during typical winter operations?
- Which commercial property types comprise your primary client base?
- What experience do you have managing properties similar to ours in terms of size, configuration, and service requirements?
- What is the typical size range of properties in your service portfolio, and which property characteristics allow you to deliver optimal efficiency?
- Based on your preliminary assessment of our property, what would your snow management approach include?
- How would you structure your operational plan throughout the season, and what communication protocols would you implement during weather events?
- Can you provide references from current clients with similar properties or service requirements?
- Do you conduct comprehensive site inspections to develop property-specific management plans?
- What relevant industry certifications or accreditations has your company earned?
- What specific communication systems do you employ during active weather events?
- What technology solutions do you utilize for weather monitoring, resource deployment, and service documentation?
Supplement these standard questions with inquiries specific to your property’s unique challenges and requirements. The most qualified contractors will respond with detailed answers.
REQUEST FORMAL SNOW REMOVAL BIDS
Narrow down your top choices and request detailed proposals. A strong proposal should include:
- Detailed service level guidelines outlining response times, clearing thresholds, and quality standards
- Transparent pricing options with clearly defined terms and conditions
- Property mapping identifying priority areas, hazard zones, snow storage locations, and potential hauling requirements
- A complete explanation of contract terms for various pricing models under consideration
- Specific designation of service areas, including entrances, walkways, parking fields, and emergency access points
MAKE YOUR FINAL SELECTION
When you’ve reviewed the proposals, the right partner usually stands out. They’ll be the one who clearly understands your needs, proposes a sound plan, and has the track record to prove it. If you’re still unsure, revisit site assessments or request other services before winter begins. The ideal contractor will treat your property like their own, planning for every scenario so you don’t have to worry when the snow arrives.
NEXT STEPS AFTER CHOOSING A CORPORATE SNOW REMOVAL CONTRACTOR
After selecting your snow management partner, focus on finalizing contract details and establishing operational protocols.
Ensure your agreement includes clearly defined service levels with specific performance metrics and quality standards. The pricing model should be transparently structured with detailed payment terms that align precisely with the services provided. Look for balanced contract provisions that protect both parties’ interests while promoting constructive partnership.
Every term within the agreement should be explicitly defined to prevent misinterpretation during winter operations. Pay particular attention to how snow events are defined — including accumulation thresholds, service activation parameters, and specific treatment protocols for various winter conditions. The contract should clearly designate which materials will be applied under different circumstances and how service completion will be documented.
CHOOSE GREENSCAPE FOR YOUR COMMERCIAL SNOW PLOWING CONTRACT
Since 1987, Greenscape has helped businesses stay ahead of winter with professional snow and ice management services. We’ve removed snow in parking lots and many other spaces in commercial properties like restaurants, hotels, retail stores, corporate campuses, and more.
Our goal is to ensure top-notch service every time, so we use the latest snow removal technology and equipment. We rely on real-time updates on potential weather risks from our dedicated meteorologists.
We also personalize our ice and snow management services to suit each property’s requirements. Contact us today to learn more about how we can serve you.
