[Nebraska]

We are right in the midst of getting ready for another snowstorm. Predicted 4-8 inches of what looks like going to be wet, heavy snow.

We just started providing our commercial accounts a report with the invoice that shows condition of the property before and after, time, weather forcasts, and equipment used on their property, weather statistics for the event, and other related information.

Anyone else have experience providing such a reporting form to their customers?

How has it, if at all, help retain your customers for a longer term?

[Stonehenge]

Wow. That's impressive.

How much added time does it take to track and generate a report like that for your customers?

I'd think that as a customer you'd love to get something like that. That's a great idea.


JAA? Thoughts?


Jeff

[JAA]

We do it in some markets. In fact, on a couple sites we have hourly observation reports that include ground temps from various places on the site.

Once you get the routine down, it doesn't take much time. It becomes habit and the benefits can be great - especially with PITA customers.

It also keeps your fanny out of the fire when the inevitable 'slip & fall' suit comes down the pike.

[bsf215]

Yes that DOES sound impressive!!

May I ask how you track the information? Is there a program or special equipment needed?

My tracking consists of getting out of the truck and sticking a ruler in the snow!

I do not plow many commercial sites, but you never know what that next phone call will bring!

thanks Bryan

[Mojo]

I'd like to order 8-10 inches of snow, hold the ice, and supersize the customer accounts please.....thank you!! COME ON!!! I'm in Indiana and I haven't had enough snow to reach that special moment yet! A man's got to eat and hunting season is over so that means one thing......a need for cash! Thanks for letting me vent.

[Nebraska]

I understand your predicament MOJO. Others will chime in a say push for seasonal contracts. In my market I have yet to be successful in selling a seasonal contract. Will keep trying though to develop something that's advantageous to both party's involved.

Stonehenge....now that we've been through four storms this season I have a good handle on the time that's involved....Actual billing takes about four hours....all automated based upon accumulations but still go through each invoice to account for pass throughs, return visit charges, and to double check the information.
On the actual reports it includes a print out of hourly accumulations as well as storm totals from our two official weather recording stations in the area. Each route manager provides us with detailed reports on conditions as well as any other issues and concerns observed while onsite. The property owners / managers love the reports because no longer do they have to call to clarify why so and so may be complaining. The largest issue that takes a while to develop is credibility and trust between us and the property owner / manager..credibility in that we have nothing to hide even when we may make a mistake. Mistake as in the last storm a temp took a snow blower too close to a car in a lot and scratched the side...we wrote down the license number, time, all the details and included it in the report. We took care of the scratch for the owner all before the property owner / manager even knew about it. In fact he called a week later and said that they appreciate our diligence in handling the matter so well. Overall the report information record keeping takes about four hours.... That's for 28 mid to large sized commercial lots. In a nutshell the property condition reports have gone a long way to establish our credibility with the owner as well as improve / elevate our image in regards to snow and ice. They see us as experts even though I will be the first to admit I am far from an expert regarding snow and ice.

Now if I could just find a way to get rid of the anxiety that exists the night or day before a predicted storm, get some rest before that storm.....When that ocurrs I will have cleared a HUGE mental hurdle.

[dan deutekom]

Nebraska:

That anxiety before a snow storm will never go away. Been plowing for longer than I care to admit and the minute there is even hinting of snow going to happen I get antsy. Drives my wife nuts.