Snow removal services. (Teenagers not pros)?
So my dad got a big snow blower and i want to start a thing were i clean my neighbor's driveways and sidewalks but i have no clue what to charge and if i should remove the snow from on top of their cars too, my dad says don't do that because i might scratch the car and i would have to pay them. People in my area have a driveway that is normally 2 cars wide and 2 cars long, some of my neighbors have 3 cars long. If the snow is like 6 inches how much should i charge and should i clean their cars while im at it.
Update:is 50-100 bucks reasonable?
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I wouldn't do the cars. Not worth it with the liability issue.
Best way would be a survey. Have all of the neighbors fill out a questionnaire asking some questions. Examples:
-Would you utilize the service if it were offered?
-How much would you be willing to pay for this service? (Give them a range for you to set a price after figuring in fuel cost. Could also send some money your dad's way to pay for the extra wear on the snowblower.)
-Would you be willing to install reflective markers or allow us to place them in order to guaranty the protection of landscaping? (People don't like when snow melts and they see their grass all chewed up or concrete curbs chipped from the snowblower going off the drive.)
-What time of day do you clear your driveway after an overnight snowfall? (If people need it cleared to get to work by 6am are you still willing to clear it for them? Maybe add a $10 premium to hours before 7am.)
Add more as you see fit but make it brief enough and easy enough to answer (multiple choice) to encourage the completion of the survey.
You shouldn't have to worry about snow depth but you could add a charge for >10in. If a blizzard hits and you spend twice as long on a driveway I'm sure the neighbor will tip you for your added time and effort. (As long as your original price is reasonable) I would make the price per driveway and avoid hourly rates.
The question was addressed to teens and not pros, but what's wrong with being professional? The more professional you go about it the better results you will get. You never know, it could take off and turn into a lifelong snow removal business.