[cutntrim]

Seems that builders/developers play it tight-to-the-vest when contracting for snow as well as landscaping as others have pointed out.

This will be the third time that I've quoted plowing/salting prices for a high profile local developer. He's becoming a fairly big player in our little market, but I'm only quoting on 5 of his smaller properties in the city.

Price is king with this guy, so I doubt I'll end up landing them, but you never know. Any one else plow for developers? Or do you stay away? I've heard enough stories about experiences with landscaping to be wary, but at least there are no "change orders" to dicker over where snowplowing is concerned. I've quoted flat-rate pricing which includes salting, so no surprises hopefully.

[Lanelle]

I would think that their biggest gripe would be 'too much' service, that is, complaining that you really didn't need to plow. I would have a very definite trigger specified in writing and a superintendent's phone number. I'd ring him just prior to sending out a truck to confirm the service or fax him if possible.
The main thing is to be able to justify the bill and get paid.

[Pelican]

I've done it for a while. I sell service over price and have been successful in that respect. Just make sure you do a good credit check on who you work for, contractors are notorious for being deadbeats.

[cutntrim]

I keep thorough records of all services performed, mostly to protect against slip-and-fall claims, but also for billing disputes and to accurately track my costs to provide the services.

I've never run a credit check on a potential customer before. The larger the customer though, the more likely they are to be s...l...o...w payers.