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sinatraslandscaping-blog · 7 years ago

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Salting Service Contractor

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Salting Service Contractor ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Why Employ Professional Salting Services:Every commercial property that has parking areas, parking lots, driveways, sidewalks, and walkways are required by the local ordinances to keep these areas clear and free from ice during the harsh winters. Western New York (WNY) and especially those areas in the Great Lakes region are severely affected by ice and snow often resulting in injury. Study after study shows that the use of ice melting products plays a significant role in preventing slips and falls. READ MORE: Snow Plowing ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The use of ice melting products, such as road salt for these areas is an integral component of the Complete Salting Services at Sinatra’s Snow Plowing LLC and an important part of the overall snow removal plan. READ MORE: Snow Plowing Contractor ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ However the use of a de-icer like road salt and other de-icing products requires a high level of understanding as to their proper use. The areas of a commercial property that vehicles and pedestrians traverse are made up of a variety of materials and typically require that different products be applied depending on the makeup of the surface it is being applied to. For example, a product that works well for a parking area may not be appropriate for a sidewalk. Lawns, trees, shrubs and even flower beds must be taken into consideration when using any of the commercial de-icers available today as rock salt can be harmful to these areas. READ MORE: Snow Removal ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Other variables that must be considered include the current temperatures, forecasted weather conditions, time of day, and the type and severity of expected storms and so on. Condominiums, apartment complexes, medical facilities, office parks, and other commercial properties have a responsibility to address the hazards that ice covered surfaces present on their property. A de-icing plan for sidewalks, parking areas, walkways, entrances and so on should already be in place that handles the inevitable icy surface conditions that a winter in Western NY brings. READ MORE: Professional Ice Management Your business needs the Complete Salting and De-icing Services from Sinatra’s Snow Plowing LLC in order to conform to the local ordinances as well as to be protected from civil liability that may result from slips and falls. Call the experts today at Sinatra’s Snow Plowing LLC and get your complete salting and de-icing plan in place. Sinatra’s Snow Plowing LLC has over 20 years' experience dealing with snow and ice in the Buffalo and Western New York area. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ CALL THE EXPERTS IN WNY, SINATRA'S SNOW PLOWING LLC: Phone: 716 998-1225 Visit: http://www.sinatraslandscaping.com http://www.sinatraslandscaping.com/snow-removal.html

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blackpjensen · 7 years ago

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Balancing Customer Service With Contract Terms

Keeping customers happy during unpredictable snowstorms is no easy task. When phone calls and emails start coming in with complaints or requests for more services or issues, do you go above and beyond? As a contractor looking to run a profitable business, where do you draw the line when a customer continues to demand services beyond the contract agreement? See how this PlowSite member handled a difficult situation while maintaining professionalism.

BILLIOUS: My company took on a larger corporate customer with a number of properties this winter, which easily doubled my number of properties. I’m well equipped for it, and we’ve been providing good service. This customer is a nonprofit organization that has retail outlets, a corporate office and a number of residences.

We’ve definitely serviced this client above and beyond the terms of our (well-written) contract, but they are starting to demand services in excess of our contractual terms. I get the impression that since their account manager knows we’re a smaller company and they represent a large amount of business for us, they are pushing us.

Has anyone else been in this situation? The relationship isn’t beyond salvage, yet — but I’ve put my foot down recently, and out-of-scope service requests are being met with T+M billing. Any helpful hints on how to stand firm without damaging the ongoing relationship?

EDGEAIR: Just keep the communication open, maybe have a sit down with the director and review their needs vs. the contract inclusions. Approach things from their needs first, make them feel important. Then compare that to the contract and offer to make an amendment to the contract for $X. Don’t rely on just sending them invoices for extras without the communication to go with it. That will build their resentment and may cause problems over time.

MAXWELLP: Sounds like it is time for a face-to-face sit down to reaffirm what is in the contract and what is not. I think to do this by email, text or phone is just not the same and leaves too much room for misinterpretation. Plus, you cannot read body language to see if it is sinking in.

BILLIOUS: Several face-to-face meetings have been had. Seems reasonable face-to-face, then I get hit with emails that act like nothing we talked about actually happened. I feel like somehow there’s some game happening on the client’s end.

We had an 8-inch snow last week, and we were very proactive plowing with the storm. No fewer than four visits (and we don’t bill per visit, but per depth) to their retail locations. In the afternoon I get an angry phone call saying, “Our retail people are saying you’ve never shown up.” I responded with the times and durations we have visited, and was faced with, “Well, you still need to go over there right now and meet with our store managers.”

Next day, I get called to one location because “It’s drifted, and why did you go out starting at 9 p.m. last night knowing the wind will blow all night? You should go out no earlier than 4 a.m. and be done by 7:30 a.m. on a storm like that.” (Nine inches, and we service 20 properties of theirs). I show up at the site, there isn’t a single drift, things look great, the store manager’s complaint is that there is still some hard-pack on the pavement at a loading dock. Hardpack was melted by 1:45 p.m.

A few days later, we get a panic phone call that a fire hydrant has been buried at a different location. I show up, dig it out and send a photo that reflects that the neighboring property’s snow contractor pushed a pile onto my client’s property, covering the hydrant.

Client has a 1.6 acre lot at a corporate facility, where they want the entirety of the lot to be pushed to one corner where there is a drain field. Problem is, for most of the winter they’ve kept a semi-trailer parked where to the drain field is. So, with the 9-inch storm, we pushed to another corner and now they are demanding we move the entire pile at our expense (nothing in our contract says that all snow must go to the drain field). Same property, they keep storage containers parked at the end of the lot. Our contract says we don’t plow within 3 feet of a parked vehicle or obstruction, but they are demanding our walk crew clear a whole line of parked storage containers every storm at no additional cost.

We provide top-notch service, and our prices are competitive. But I feel like I’m caught up in some corporate power struggle game, and I don’t appreciate it.

EDGEAIR: Sounds like you are beyond the face-to-face damage control. Maybe the next step is to make a professional letter outlining all the things you have listed and handdeliver it to this person, and cut and paste the sections of your contract that apply to each instance. Explain what happened, and show why they have to pay extra. Let them know that you can provide a copy to each manager, but he should issue a company memo indicating what is not included. Stick to your guns, otherwise they will keep walking over you.

MARK OOMKES: Sounds like someone had a preferred contractor and that contractor lost out to you and the contact person isn’t happy. Been there, done that. I fired the customer. I’d go with another face-to-face and be blunt. Tell them what you see vs. what they request.

BILLIOUS: I’ve been proactive about logging contacts, taking pictures, etc. As I’ve said before, I have no doubt that our service has been above industry standard. We’re a small company, and it would hurt to lose this customer going in to the growing season and for subsequent snow seasons. But I have to put my foot down and defend our right to bill for work above and beyond contract terms. For what it’s worth, here’s a redacted version of what I emailed him this morning:

CLIENT, I’m sorry to hear there are still lingering concerns, as I was under the impression we had addressed these items during my site visit last Thursday? Regarding your bullet point items:

As to the snow pile at the northeast corner, we discussed that snow was piled there because a semi-trailer had been parked longterm blocking access to your drainage field. We do not have the capability to move your trailers, and we have had our hands tied in choosing where to stack snow. You have a very large lot, and any comparable lot we’ve ever cleared has had multiple storage points, as well as mid-lot piles. It’s commonly understood that in snowmanagement, some lot space will eventually be lost to snow piles — unless arrangements are made for post-event pile management.

When we receive a 9-inch snow fall, the existence or lack-thereof of previous snow accumulation becomes moot. With 72,000 square foot of parking lot, 9-inch-deep — with drifts up to 4-feet-deep, all pushed to one area, we are going to lose storage space. It would have been good to use the drain field to the east of the building, but once again your organization had completely blocked our access to push snow there.

That being said, on Monday the 2nd we mobilized with the skid-steer and cleaned up some piles in the lot at no charge to CLIENT. When I met with you in person earlier that day, I asked if there were any other piles that needed to be addressed. I specifically mentioned the snow near the shipping containers, and the response from you was “No, it’s OK, we have a snowblower.” No mention was made of the pile in the northeast at that meeting.

Tuesday the 3rd, I received an email from you with concerns from your transportation manager — regarding the pile in the northeast. I sent several responses asking if we could meet, and mentioned I could get a skid-steer mobilized same day — and received no response.

Thursday the 5th, we met in person, and you pointed out that you expected the snow pile in the northeast to be moved or managed, and that the snow in front of the shipping containers needed to be cleared. We discussed in the company of your transportation manager that the drainage field was being blocked by a trailer, and developed a plan to make space for that trailer elsewhere. I then cleared a space in the grass for that trailer and used my plow to stack and relocate snow at the northeast pile. Once again, I did not charge CLIENT anything for this.

I followed up Thursday with an email where I stated the following: “I used the plow to clear out the northeast pile — hopefully enough to make things accessible for your trucks. Please let me know if that is not sufficient. I did all I could with a plow, but if we need the skid-steer I will move the pile for the 1-hour minimum price listed on the contract and will eat any additional time/cost past an hour. I hope you recognize that trucks have been getting repositioned frequently, so we’ve been trying to anticipate traffic patterns in a very dynamic environment.” I re-sent this email after a phone call on the 9th as well with no response.

The point I would like to make is that we have been extremely responsive AND proactive with your accounts, and I’m having difficulty accepting responsibility for addressing conditions that are not of our making. When we initially met in October, I told both CLIENT and yourself that working with CONTRACTOR will represent a good balance between service and cost. I believe we have gone far above and beyond on a number of occasions, while providing service at a cost that is below market price for a lot of such size and challenges. I’ve always done my best to be flexible and reasonable, without nickel-and-diming my customers. But with the goal-post constantly moving, I think I need to be clear about some of our contract provisions:

“Unless otherwise specified in writing, service areas are to include all parking lots, driveways, city sidewalks and entranceways. All snow will be retained on-site. Skid-steer service for management of drifts and piles available at $150 for the first hour, and $130 per hour thereafter (1-hour minimum).”

“CONTRACTOR will not plow or sand/ salt within 3 feet from any parked vehicles, equipment or other obstructions in parking lots, drives or other areas being cleared. Please attempt to move obstructions prior to our services being completed.”

We have already — on two occasions — come to move piles around at the CORPORATE OFFICE, with no charge. We have mobilized to your RETAIL property to uncover a firehydrant that was covered AFTER service by the neighboring property’s contractor, at no charge. I have come by for a number of site inspections and meetings at no charge. I’m happy to ensure that you receive quality service, but that service must be within the realm of the reasonable and based on contractual obligations.

I will be happy to honor my offer from last week to bring by a skid-steer to manage the northeast pile based on a 1-hour minimum charge. As part of that service, we will gladly remove the snow that’s in front of your parked containers. As far as ongoing service, we can have our walks crew maintain clearance in front of those containers from here on out — but as that was not factored into the cost of our original bid (“We will not plow within 3 feet of a parked vehicle, equipment or other obstruction.”), we would ask for the following price increase:

0-3” – ($15 more than original price)

3-6” – ($21 more than original price)

6-9” – ($30 more than original price)

9-12” – ($42 more than original price)

This is a very modest increase that will reflect the added labor time for what was out of scope of our original bid.

As always, I’m here to provide exceptional service and will do all that is in my control to ensure that you get the best value for your money.

EDGEAIR: It’ll be interesting to see their response. Well done.

BILLIOUS: If their response is anything other than “You’re right, you’ve been awesome to work with, I totally remember our in-person conversations right now, let me take you out for a beer,” I’m probably going to cancel their service.

Mark Oomkes: I’ll put $100 on the fact that you were lower than the other guy, the contact was forced to accept your bid and he doesn’t like it, just like I said in my first post. He is making your life miserable so he can hire the other contractor back when you quit.

EDGEAIR: I’ve had that happen before, and I was even a tenant in the building. The lot has looked like crap ever since, but one of the other tenants was a good friend with the “other guy.”

DEREKSLAWNCARE: My hat’s off to you. I think you have handled this situation with the utmost professional and patient attitude. I think I would have lost my cool some time ago. I will say that I do have one customer that is a church. Very nice to work with, but it seems like just about every bill ends up with a phone call and me having to explain/defend everything that was done, even though it is explained clearly on the bill. I think that “not for profits” honestly feel as though they are owed something for free just because. Don’t know if that might be part of the issue here for you, but [it’s] just my opinion.

CAMDEN: Nice job on that email. I’ve never had a customer be that needy, so my hat’s off to you for handling yourself in such a professional manner.

BILLIOUS: Customer has since responded to other matters. But this email hasn’t been responded to yet.

I take a lot of pride in providing an honest service, and doing the right thing — even when it comes at my expense. But I can honestly say we’ve given this customer the VIP treatment, and that their expectations have been completely unreasonable.

ALLAGASHPM: Honestly, it is guys like you that are doing good things for this industry. That was a great email, well thought out and well written. You keep documenting like you are and keep everything in writing. Don’t let them try to push you around because you’re a “small company.”

SNOCRETE: I’m dealing with an unreasonable manager. I’ve decided to go over them, to corporate, and file a complaint. I found summer contractors that do work for this facility and are willing to write a letter describing the manager’s rudeness and unreasonable requests outside of agreed terms.

BILLIOUS: Customer never responded to this email. But all interactions since have been amicable, and we are meeting tomorrow morning to sign the contract for warm-season services. We’ve only had two snow events since this all went down, and services were met with no complaint.

Sorry to give such an anti-climactic response, but that shows that my email did what it needed to do — set the relationship with the customer into balance without damaging said relationship. At least that’s how I hope it ends up!

DEREKSLAWNCARE: Good job for handling it like a professional and glad it worked out for you.

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sofialandgren · 7 years ago

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Last night @societen 🎻❤️ loved playing with @sbentertainment @danblaax @littlemiss_abi @snowmanagency 🎶😝🎤🎷 📸 @daniel_ahlqvist (à Societen)

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snowxinc · 3 years ago

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SnowX had another successful season this past 2019-2020 winter highlight. We couldn't do it without our hard-working team members and our trusty fleet of equipment. Take a look at this video to watch some of the highlights SnowX had this past winter. To learn more about SnowX and the snow management work we do each winter.

for more details visit at our website: https://www.snowxinc.com/

#snowmanagement #snowremoval #Snowplowing #snow

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snowxinc · 3 years ago

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What is the Best Snow Removal Equipment?

Snow-filled mountains, valleys, and pathways are wonderful sites to see. A driveway full of snow and the sight of snowflakes falling look very inviting, but when one needs to take the car out of the driveway, it becomes a herculean task. Clearing the driveway to venture out becomes very important as there is a risk of slippage and skidding.

Removing snow may seem very simple, but in reality it is quite a tricky job. The right kind of equipment and tools are required to remove the snow properly. Before the winter sets in and there is heavy snowfall, it becomes very important to be fully prepared for the cold season.

Driveways, sidewalks, and parking lots require the right kind of equipment, tools, and machines in order to clear the snow. Let us discuss some of the snow removal machines which will help in clearing your path and the surrounding areas, making them free of excessive snow.

Skid Steer Loaders

Skid steer loaders are one of the known vehicles for removing snow. They have the right kind of attachment which is easily able to tackle heavy snowfall. These vehicles can easily adapt to all kinds of Snow removal requirements as they can work with several types of add-ons. They are most appropriate for removing snow from enclosed and small spaces.

It becomes important to choose the right kind of skid steers, whether its one with tracks or one with wheels.

All-Wheel Steer Loaders

All-wheel steer loaders are more advanced than skid steers and have more functions. They have wonderful traction on slippery surfaces, are easy to operate, are able to navigate small areas, and can easily turn. They are ideal for clearing larger spaces or a heavy amount of snowfall.

They cause minimum damage to the ground and grass, as well.

Backhoe Loaders

Backhoe loaders are very safe and smooth to operate, especially during extreme conditions. They are able to lift compact snow, as well. These machines can easily be paired with several kinds of attachments for snow removal.

Wheel Loaders

Wheel loaders are one of the most powerful kinds of equipment for snow removal and can easily tackle a large amount of snow. These machines are most appropriate to be used in areas where there is a consistent amount of snowfall. They have large windows which enable the drivers to have a clear view of the area from which the snow needs to be removed.

However, they are not suitable for snow removal in compact spaces.

Utility Vehicles

Utility vehicles are perfect for snow removal services on rugged terrain and unpaved areas. Four-wheel drive and snow tires make it easier to work on slick terrain and they help you have better traction.

Mini Track Loaders

Despite being small, mini track loaders are ideal for snow removal from narrow walkways and sidewalks due to their size. They can easily lift and compact snow, as well as store it in tight spaces.

These loaders require the crew to walk behind them rather than drive them.

It may not be possible to totally avoid now, but the snow removal equipment mentioned above will definitely help to make it easier to get rid of excessive snow. They will help in making the difficult winter chores of snow removal services after a heavy or excessive snowfall easy and hassle-free.

They will definitely help in making your winter season safe and happy, which will enable you to enjoy the sights and celebrate the festivities without worry.

#snowremoval #snowmanagement #snowplowing #snowxinc

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snowxinc · 3 years ago

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Check out the drone footage our team recently shot of our fleet all lined up at our yard in West Milford, New Jersey!

This is only part of the fleet that SnowX uses during the winter to battle snowstorms. Thanks to our hardworking mechanics, these machines were prepped just in time for the shoot. To see the rest of our fleet, visit our website at:

https://www.snowxinc.com/

#snowx #snowmanagement #snowremoval

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snowxinc · 3 years ago

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Watch this video to learn more about SnowX and the work our team does each winter! The services we provide are tailored to fit our client's specific needs so that their property receives the snow management it deserves. Here at SnowX, we value our client relationships and make them our top priority. SnowX is a family-owned snow and ice management firm that has been offering inexpensive snow management solutions to its clients for more than 30 years. During the hard winter seasons, we serve the New Jersey and New York areas, providing our commercial clients with high-quality, worry-free snow and ice management solutions

#snowmanagement #snowremoval #bestsnowremoval #snowexperts

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snowxinc · 3 years ago

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What Are the Best Ways to Get Rid Of Snow on the Driveway

Having a driveway enhances your homeowner experience, but when heavy snowfall happens and covers your pavement with a big layer of snow or ice, life becomes inconvenient. Top of that, an icy driveway can be risky to walk over as it becomes slippery while driving down that ice rink is not easy.

That’s why we have come up with some best ways to get rid of snow on the driveway.

Shoveling:

Perhaps the most common way to get rid of snow on the driveway is shoveling. However, it might not be ideal for someone with back pain. This snow removal method calls for time as well as physical ability. During a huge snowstorm, it might be necessary to shovel several times to clear your driveway.

Salt:

The use of salt is also one of the cheap snow removal methods anyone can try. Although salt can melt ice or snow accumulation, it might not work for larger storms. Top of that, the frequent use of salt also comes with some drawbacks. Be careful with this method if you are a pet owner. This is because salt can harm your four-legged friend if ingested. These products can contain urea or magnesium chloride which can be harmful to your pets.

Snow Blowing:

If you are looking to achieve efficiency and save on time while removing snow, you can consider a machine called a snow-blower. It can make a difference when using a shovel is not a practical method for heavy snow removal. A snow blower will clear your driveway within minutes, saving you a lot of time and hassles on snow removal. In fact, a small snowblower can remove up to 650 pounds of snow within a minute or two. Great, huh?

But snowblowers can cost you $2,000 plus maintenance costs. Moreover, they are driven by fuel or electricity which also adds to your cost.

That’s why money is the only concern that comes with this snow removal method.

Surface Heating Mats:

Outdoor surface heating mats are not that popular. However, they can be used on any surface. They are placed before snowfall, plugged in, and left to do the job.

Snowfall can happen anytime, especially when we are not at home. Therefore, having a solution that needs application each time and manual activation is not functional. Moreover, the manual activation and lack of a temperature sensor can eat up a large part of your energy.

Heated Driveway:

A heated driveway system is installing resilient tubing or rods under the driveway’s surface. In other words, it is a flooring heating system. They can melt upwards of 2 inches of snow per hour, keeping your driveway free of ice and snow all winter long.

But they can cost you $5,000-$10,000. Sure, the convenience of a heated driveway causes a significant cost. But it is worth the investment if nothing works to remove those huge layers of snow.

Professional Snow Removal Services:

Snow removal professionals are familiar with the problems and the ways to deal with them. Simply put, they know better how to remove snow than any DO IT YOURSELF person. The snow removal services generally include shoveling and snow blowing depending on your space. It can cost you $50-100 an hour.

Conclusion:

So these are some best ways to get rid of snow on the driveway.

While sometimes challenging and unpleasant, it is for sure that snow removal has become a lot easier due to the availability of many methods. Whether you are at home or work, removing the snow is important for the safety and maintenance of your property. Make sure to plan for snow removal if you live in a city with extreme snowfall.

#snowmanagement #snowremoval #snowexperts

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