Winter is just around the corner, and there is no better time to start looking into a local residential snow removal service or snow removal company. No one wants to wake up one morning to find that their driveway and sidewalk are buried in a fluffy white mountain and not have an exit strategy. There is more to receiving great service than simply calling whatever company can reach you the fastest – you have some homework to do if you want to know with absolute certainty that you will receive the quality service that you deserve.
Get An Estimate and Understand Pricing
If a price sounds too good to be true, chances are that is because it is. Avoid any ‘bargain’ pricing no matter how tempting those numbers might be. Going with a snow removal company that offers these kinds of price packages will, more likely than not, lead to you having to call in someone else later on. Bargain price packages are just another way of saying that the work they offer is going to be ineffective in the long run, the equipment that they use is inefficient, or their insurance is not up to par.
While most companies charge by the length of the driveway and how difficult it will be to remove snow from that particular area. Others charge based on total snowfall, with a flat rate for the depth of the snow and additional charges for every extra inch. Then are those that use a flat rate for the season as a whole no matter how many times you need to use their services. Some will also charges extra for doing your sidewalks or handling ice removal. Anticipate how often you think you will need to give them a call, and calculate the expenses for the worst-case scenario (multiple blizzards, an ice-covered driveway, etc) to see who is best suited for both your needs and your budget – without sacrificing one for the other.
Ask For References and Read Reviews
When customers are dissatisfied with the service they receive -whether it is at a restaurant, clothing store, or from a snow removal company- they are quick to take to the internet about it. Check out sites such as Yelp! and read Google business reviews to see what others have to say about a company before you hire them. Of course, not everyone who takes to the internet to share their opinion is to be believed, but if a company has numerous poor reviews and one or two-star ratings, consider someone else.
If you would rather get feedback from someone you know personally then talk to your neighbors and ask which companies they prefer, and why. Not only do you get insight from someone you know and trust, whatever companies they recommend might already be doing work in your neighborhood. You can keep an eye out for their vehicle and watch them work to get a feel for how capable and reliable they are.
Look At the Snow Removal Company’s Equipment
No matter how reasonable the pricing might appear there are still ways that snow removal companies can try to rip off unsuspecting customers. One such way is to charge by the hour for their services, only to show up with snow shovels. Ask about the equipment that they use and, if possible, try to see it for yourself. Is the equipment safe for your yard? Does it appear to be in good shape, or is it looking clunky and ready to fall apart? You want to make sure the company you hire is taking your particular yard into consideration. Victory only uses shovels and light equipment to ensure we don’t ruin anything in your yard. Where big trucks and snowplows have a tendency to rip up lawns and can damage surfaces.
Make Sure the Snow Removal Company Is Insured
Consumers are prone to prioritizing their budget over their needs, which can lead to making some more judgment calls in the interest of saving a few dollars. Just remember that you get what you paid for, and if paying more for a snow removal company guarantees to work with someone who has adequate insurance coverage then there can be no doubt that they are worth every penny. Ice and snow can be very risky and the gamble simply is not worth it.
Learn The Emergency Snow Removal Plan
What works for removing a few inches off of the pavement is not going to cut it during a blizzard, and it certainly is not going to work with a storm so intense that the entire block loses power. Make sure that the snow removal company you hire can suit all of your needs, not just satisfy your immediate concerns. Different weather conditions will call for different equipment, driving routes, and other resources. Aside from learning what their plans are, see if they have a policy for updates and communication regarding these types of events. The more informed they are able to keep you, the better.
Excellent Communication
Communication is at the heart of customer service. Excellent communication is at the heart of excellent customer service, and Victory Lawnscape is committed to providing you with nothing short of excellence. We guarantee our customers upfront pricing with no hidden or unexplained fees, scheduled appointment times, and a free estimate. Contact us today by phone or email and tell us how we can help you with your lawn care needs, any time of year.