[MIKE MC]

I know its late for the 2004/2005 season but I would like to know how to bid on snow plowing and salting in lower Michigan. I have only plowed very small lots and drives, and have no idea how to bid on med. sized lots or condo roads ect. How much salt is needed on a given size lot and so on. I do not what to go out and be the low baller jsut to get a few jobs. I have a one ton with a 8' blade , skid steer and 4500 gmc with a 10' blade and box salter that goes on the dump bed . Please give good detail info and thank you for your help.

[site]

Look up SIMA on your computer. They have a forum similar to this just for plowing.

[PSUscaper]

The other snow plow site forums will be your best bet...

Keep in mind one thing......snow plow pricing is just like paver pricing......don't get locked into 'fixed' per hour pricing, especially in condo pricing.

Examine the areas to be plowed and determine the time needed. If you have little experience, it is going to be tough to calculate your time as you have nothing to work off of in the past.

For condo complex's, its extremely beneficial to find out what the previous bid for the year before was......this way you can at least determine if it is even worth the time to bid on. Condo's and commercial work become a little political, as knowing someone can get you in the door easier than just giving a good price.

[Stonehenge]

Site - SIMA will cost you a few bucks to get a peek at anything. At least that was the case the last time I checked.

[outsideguy]

central indiana pricing is very competive. so sell your professionalism and timely stormtracking and routes. we are at about 1.50-1.80 per minute on lot. however i don't bid by the hr. i bid flat rates. average 2.75 hr jobs ie. apt complexes are about 525 upt o 3 inch. 3-6 pays 650, and after that is 65.00 /hr/truck. i bid ice melt at 1.5 x whatever the snow bid is. seems to be profitable.