<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=1529661517359828&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">

Landscaping And Snow Removal Blog

3 Steps To Expect From Us During The Snow Removal Bidding Process

Posted by Jerry Schill on Sep 12, 2016 7:30:00 AM
Jerry Schill
Find me on:

what happens during snow bidding.png

In getting from Point A to Point B, Northeast Ohio winters really like to throw down the gauntlet. We know first hand just how much they test your site’s safety and accessibility, not to mention your nerves.

That’s why partnering with the right commercial snow removal company is essential. You need a snow and ice contractor that is dedicated, certified, experienced and prepared with the resources to manage any size storm.

Snow and ice services have a direct impact on your ability to generate revenue and ensure safety. And if you’re reading this, we’re willing to bet you’re in the market to hire a Cleveland snow removal company before it’s too late.

What You Can Expect From Schill During The Bidding Process

If we’ve earned a place on your RFP short list for commercial snow and ice removal this winter, then it’s important to give you a glimpse into the three major steps we take once we’ve received your request for a bid.

Step 1: Conduct Initial Meeting

Once you’ve shown an interest in our commercial snow and ice services, one of Schill’s client care specialists will work with you to set up a convenient time to meet with you and walk your grounds.

Ahead of this meeting, we print out an aerial view of your site using satellite imagery technology. This allows us to familiarize ourselves with your property well before we step foot on it.

When we meet, the discussion always begins with safety. That's because snow removal is emergency response. It’s all about protecting the safety of people who visit, work and live on your property. Then we move on to cover the basics — thoroughly. Basics to us might mean discussing:

  • our salt supply
  • your hours of operation
  • our levels of service
  • your property’s pain points

We also draw a lot of valuable information out during our initial property walk-through. This gives us a chance to see first-hand exactly what you want addressed in the proposal. We also use that time to ask questions and point out areas that may have been overlooked by your previous snow contractors — ramps, delivery docks, rooftops, dumpster areas, pedestrian shortcuts, etc.

We offer our expertise during these walk-throughs and introduce these ideas before we create a proposal — that allows us to discuss them in advance.

Step 2: Develop Site-Specific Proposal

Once we’ve met with you and your grounds — in person — we need anywhere from two days to about two weeks (depending on the complexity of your site) to come up with a plan and proposal that speaks specifically to your RFP as well as any other needs or pain points that came up during our initial meeting.

Within those two weeks, we’re keeping a close eye on your property and the weather. Here’s what we’re keeping tabs on day and night, open and close, rain and shine:

  • traffic patterns
  • parking habits
  • drainage patterns
  • pedestrian flow

What’s the point of all this close pre-winter observation? Think about it: A shortcut in the summer is most likely a shortcut in the winter. Puddles in the summer become ice patches in the winter.

By identifying high-risk areas and understanding how your property functions now, we’re able to head into the winter season with a winter storm management plan that reduces risk, improves safety and also increases your sites ability to remain accessible — even as the snow continues to pile.

Step 3: Submit Proposal For Our Snow & Ice Services

Obviously, the details of our bid will depend on your RFP. And I have to admit, we love a rigorous RFP process.

We believe it is the foundation of a strong, long-term relationship and that’s why we like to lay every detail out on the table. In doing so, Schill can prepare a solid proposal that addresses your Northeast Ohio property’s needs on all levels.

Based on what your property requires, you’ll find in our bids:

  • thoroughly researched estimates for the plowing, salt and level of service
  • a snow management plan (what is plowed, what is shoveled, where snow will be piled, trigger depth, etc.)
  • a contingency plan
  • a pricing plan

And we understand that no one wants invoicing surprises, especially after you’ve hired on a business partner you thought you could trust. That’s why operational and financial details are worked out before a proposal is ever presented.

Need To Hire A Commercial Snow Contractor? Don’t Delay

Hiring a commercial snow contractor in Northeast Ohio can be a challenge; that’s why putting it off is not always the best move.

If you need a starting point, use our FREE e-book — Ultimate Guide To Hiring A Snow & Ice Management Contractor — as a resource you can lean on.

Before it's too late, let’s talk more about how to maximize your commercial snow removal budget, and why it's best to hire industry certified snow removal contractors with proven success stories to share.

Contact us any time at 440.327.3030, or fill out this simple contact form and we’ll get in touch with you.

 

Snow & Ice Hiring Guide

 

Topics: Snow and Ice Removal

Our Pricing Ebook

The Schill Grounds Management pricing ebook addresses the price gap so you can get the service you expect at a fair price. Get your free copy today!

Talk to an Expert