snow plow bids

[VALLEYWIDEPA]

i have placed 4 bids on snow removal ranging (total) from $1200 per storm for as little as 2 inches to $12,000 per storm for 17 inches or $165k for seasonal. all have said that their budgets will be set in november and to call them by mid november. should i wait to call around november 15th or call them now and keep an open line of communications. i do not want to nag them to death but on the same side i wanna know whats going on with the bids

[gvlawncare]

:headwall

[JCurtis]

:confused: How long have you "been in Business"?

How can you seriously ask us questions like the ones you have been asking?

Someone once said that there was no such thing as a stupid question.... Obviously, that person never read some of yours!

Most places ( unless they are a new business in the area know what they budget for snow removal) perhaps they mean they will make their decision as to the contractor by mid november.

I just gave two proposals out and I will check with them to see if they received it and have anyquestions. I will then ask when they will make a decision, when that day comes I will wait for their call. If it doesn't come, I will call the next day to see if they made the decision.

But then again, anyone that has any business acumen woill know how to handle this situation.

[BRL]

You have harrassed many of us ad nauseum about these 4 bids. I say start calling them about them because frankly, I'm not sure just how much more we can take. There is a company that gained 1200 + sites around the country a few years ago, and in all that time there are less questions & posts about that huge contract at 4 different snow plowing message boards than your 4 bids that you started posting about last month at this site. :rolleyes:

BTW, you answered the question in your post, look deeply.

[bud16415]

Member 1 month
Thread starts 10
Number of posts 41
Driving 2002 members nuts ……… Priceless


“The tribe has spoken”

Bud

[snowjoker]

Are you for real? :rolleyes: Or just a kid that keeps opening these can of worms:headwall The best advice i can give is Sit down, shut up and just read and learn and think about what you are typing in your posts. If you are placing over 100,000 dollars worth of bids and dont know what you are doing, then you would be better of using a STICK PLOW:soapbox

[VALLEYWIDEPA]

OK ILL LISTEN TO YOU ALL
HAVE ONE ROUND ON ME :drinkup
:drinkup
:drinkup

[bud16415]

nuff said

[BRL]

Valleywide,
You have been asked several times to please stop posting in all caps (considered yelling). At least once that I know of, you said OK & that you would refrain from that practice. What is the problem?

[Mick]

Your first post is kind of confusing, but $165,000 for the season?

Apparently, I'm doing something wrong.

[John Banks]

Come on Mick, stop joking. You must have at least 8 or 9 accounts like that by now :grinz

You have that one account where the $165k is just the first month's payment...and that contract runs 12 months :cash

:grinz :grinz :grinz

[Mick]

Gee, I was just trying to be modest and not brag about all those high-dollar accounts. Actually, that's the smaller one. I use that payment (that should be here tomorrow) to pay for my new 5500.:rolleyes:

[VALLEYWIDEPA]

Just to let everyone know i was notified today that my 4 bids were accepted and the contracts will be signed on friday and i will have all 4 checks that day totalling 165k. and now its off to see the dealer for a brand new truck. all i need now are subs

[Mick]

Originally posted by VALLEYWIDEPA
Just to let everyone know i was notified today that my 4 bids were accepted and the contracts will be signed on friday and i will have all 4 checks that day totalling 165k. and now its off to see the dealer for a brand new truck. all i need now are subs

Congratulations. How many subs do you need? Do you have any lined up already?

[snowjoker]

Originally posted by VALLEYWIDEPA
Just to let everyone know i was notified today that my 4 bids were accepted and the contracts will be signed on friday and i will have all 4 checks that day totalling 165k. and now its off to see the dealer for a brand new truck. all i need now are subs

:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[Alan]

Originally posted by VALLEYWIDEPA
Just to let everyone know i was notified today that my 4 bids were accepted and the contracts will be signed on friday and i will have all 4 checks that day totalling 165k. and now its off to see the dealer for a brand new truck. all i need now are subs

You're new at this.

You put in four bids for what seems to be big money.

You got all four jobs.

You are under-equipped and have no subs.

And you're not wondering how it's all gonna happen.

PUT THE PIPE DOWN!

[snowplowjay]

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

[BWAMX]

Gonna be a Looooooooooong Winter!!!!

:headwall :headwall :headwall

[bud16415]

I’ll bet you can buy one heck of a plow truck for 165k

:help :wah

[John Banks]

I'd probably go for the new International 7600 Quad Cab and put a 7 1/2' blade on it. That way, with $165k the truck is paid for and I'll still have money for beer left over. Wa Huuuuuuuu

[bud16415]

Anyone interested in a new icon to go by his name. I think I may have found the perfect one….. :D

[Waterchikn]

Not sure which side of the fence I am on for this one, but if it is true, I would like to see the pics of the new truck as soon as you order/buy it. I just hope you don't bite off more than you can chew here.

Good Luck?
:confused:

[bud16415]

Ok I’m pretty sure what side of the fence I am on here. But let me ask a question of the old pros here.

Is it common practice or have you ever heard of someone paying for a whole seasons snow removal in advance 100% in early November to a new company without references of ever producing before? Not to mention not having equipment yet and with knowing their money is going to finance this new company.

I read a lot on here about people being owed money and stopping service sometimes as a means of giving an attitude adjustment. If I owned these properties I doubt I would give my best friend or brother such an offer without some very close control over the outcome.

I would think the more normal form of payment would be at best a small retainer fee and then a payment plan, time or event based with clauses to protect both me and the contracted in the event of unforeseen things.

Like I have mentioned before I’m not active in this business now. But if I knew I could easily land deals like this I would be. In a heart beat.

Bud

[wyldman]

Most big $$$ contracts are not all paid up front.They are split up into smaller payments over the course of the winter.

Some of the smaller contracts will pay up front.With $160 K worth of contracts,I would highly doubt you will see all of it,if any of it upfront.

I know you have talked to a lot of people regarding these bids,and a lot of them threw you an outrageous price,both high and low,not thinking you were serious.Take it all with a grain of salt,and make sure your really ready for this.I really do hope your not yanking anyones chain here,as from your past (and short) record here,you will not be very highly reagrded around here anymore.

I have no choice but to be on only one side of the fence.As a moderator I am here to keep things clean and on track.Let's try and keep it that way.No more throwing insults,as we have no way of knowing what is true or not.Lets keep this professional,and on track.If it's just going to be a bashing thread,then I'll just shut it down,or remove it.

[CPSS]

Sorry, but I just don't see it as being real. I've had my share of "big" contracts, and NEVER have any of them ever agreed to pay up front, I'm happy to get three equal payments throughout the winter. I've always been asked for references, business history, etc......:huh

[JCurtis]

I have been doing this a very long time. there are a few things that smell here !

Eventhough I am a seasoned veteran in snowplowing, I still don't get ever job I bid on or send a proposal to! This kid is batting 1000% and he is new to all this.

He got all these jobs and he has no subs, no help, and possibly no truck. sorta wanna make you say HMMMMMMMMMMMMHHH!

I have also never been paid 100% up front , NO ONE DOES THAT !!! EVER !!!!

The fact that this person was tossing figures around saying that they were national averages and that we could pro rate them for our areas , but could we also post prices for Magic Salt while we were at it!!!


This person is a phoney to be polite. If he keeps this up the moderators should slap him with a warning at least. Thats all I am gonna say on this matter !:rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[TLS]

Anybody meet him at the BBQ?

He said he was there.

:confused:

[JustUsDe]

I am doing something wrong is all I can say. I know we don't get much snow here in Delaware but I have several subdivision accounts, A few shopping centers. My biggest account I have landed took me over 4 months. Now that everything is signed and I have everything in my hands I can now announce my great news on my new account it is with GM for their Saturn plant. Even with such a large account I don't see 165k coming in. If we don't get a normal or above normal winter I don't see 165k coming in from all my contracts.

Valleywide please help me!!!! I must be doing something wrong.

Ray,

P.S. no advance pay on any of my accounts.

[Mick]

Ray, congratulations on the Saturn plant. I guess we're both in the same miserable predicament - don't know how to grow a business. I just figured it up today - about 50% increase over the start of last year. So far, I've managed to grow the potential income from plowing each year since I started (2000). I think I'll slow the growth after this year.

But I must admit - I have gotten 100% payment up front for a seasonal. It was an out-of-state camp owner. I got $100 one time up front to keep about 20' of his driveway open to park his truck. Took all of two minutes on the way from one account to the next.

[BOUNDS-ELECTRIC]

Anyone other than me that would like to see that check?
I would like for him to post that great check for all to see!
I think thats one big snoooooooooooooow job!

[JustUsDe]

Thanks Mick. Now you and everyone know why I have been selling all my toys. I have taken a very large risk, But I think it is a well caculated risk. I took some major loans out thats why all the storm damage really hurt me with little insurance assistance.
I got every account back this year that I had last year. As a matter of fact I offered all of last years accounts a no price increase if they sign for 2 years and everyone took it. I am still waiting on a few subdivisions I placed bids on. If I get them I will have alot on my plate. If I can keep everything I do have and get half of the ones I am still waiting on I think I will stunt my growth for a couple of years. Don't want to over extend. I want to see a couple of years with money coming in more than going out.

Ray

[John Banks]

Congrats Ray, sounds like you worked hard to get where you are. Strategic decisions and some good old fashion balls to do it. These are the types of success stories that inspire me to forge ahead. Thanks for letting us know the good news.

:drinkup

Does anyone else think we were all snowed with Valleywide? Not to be too nosey, but I'd like to see copies of the cancelled checks...

[Chuck Smith]

Originally posted by TLS
Anybody meet him at the BBQ?

He said he was there.

:confused:


I saw him talking to sonjaab. I did not get a chance to talk to him though. Those two chatted a while....

~Chuck

[bud16415]

Congrats Ray on the Saturn plant. And its easy maybe for me as an outsider to see how much you guys pour of yourselves into these businesses you run. I had the opportunity to meet a lot of you at Fred’s install in Erie and saw a great bunch of guys with similar goals and I see this forum as a place that bonds this all together. For the largest part I see the young members looking up to the more successful men here and it’s a form of internet mentoring for them. They learn to do thinks the right way and by the book and like I said the other day in a post 99.9 % of the contributions by the recent members has really impressed me. I often pull up the profile and look at the birthday / age and am more impressed at where these young guys are at on the learning curve already.

To Wyldman and Chuck Smith and the rest of the moderators :

I want to let you all know I would never normally call anyone out and openly ridicule them in front of the group for a minor mistake or being overly eager about what they were asking or trying to do. I have spent many years teaching young men the tool and die design trade and enjoyed watching people grow in their fields.

But I have a low tolerance when I see someone making a mockery of all this hard work I see others doing. And I truly believe that is what some people like to do. If there is one drawback to the internet it’s the fact its to easy to hide behind all this cyberspace between us and amuse ourselves at the expense of others.

I have seen several pleas go out to this guy to just be honest and they all come back to ok yes I will and then they are followed by something more far fetched that the one before. If all his plans are accurate and truthful I will be the first tell him I’m sorry.

But I think it was Lincoln that said “full me once shame on you full me twice shame on me”

Bud

[digger242j]

Maybe SMG could use valleywide's services as a consultant?

[Lawngodfather]

Originally posted by VALLEYWIDEPA
i have placed 4 bids on snow removal ranging (total) from $1200 per storm for as little as 2 inches to $12,000 per storm for 17 inches or $165k for seasonal. all have said that their budgets will be set in november and to call them by mid november. should i wait to call around november 15th or call them now and keep an open line of communications. i do not want to nag them to death but on the same side i wanna know whats going on with the bids How did you come up with this $165k price?

$12,000 would get you about what 120 hours of plowing

So you would need about 20 subs to plow this at 6 hours per a truck.

even at half that 10 subs at 6 hours.

If you get more than 2" of snow, you will be screwed, and 8" storm will wipe out all your resources.

It will take 24 hours of plowing to work that on this kind of contract.


I have a lot that's $1200 to plow a 2" storm, it takes 2 trucks 6 hours to plow it, the reason it's $1200, is it has a lot of islands.

Somereason, your numbers don't add up. You went up like $10k for 17" of snow. If you keep adding $1200 for each 2 inch incriment I get $9600 for 16".

[Lawngodfather]

Better start a thread in the Networking forum, you're going to need about 10-20 subs....

I think they want to be paid in advance also...

I'll sign up

[Pickering Snow]

I agree with Bud hes making total mockery of all of us and i woudnt waste time even answering these ass questions whats the next one gonna be how many flask s of boose it takes to do them . My answer would be hell with the boose if someone was stuipd enough to award contracts of that size and not ask for exper or list of equipment then a good bottle of valium and a 9mm a new truck would be what you should use that money for!!!

[Pickering Snow]

forgot the rest

The new truck to start trying to plow that much property the valium your gonna need when yours nerves go over after subs tell ya to eat the peanuts out of there **** this late in the season and of course the 9mm to put yourself out of misery when those propertys sue your ass of for no shows

[Jerre Heyer]

Valley wide, The masses have spoken.

There are alot of holes in you story that won't hold water.

Take the advice offered and think before you type.

If you are truly signing that type of work and don't have a vehicle, plow or subs it will be a long winter for you.

Homework is due at the beginning of class.

Jerre

[VALLEYWIDEPA]

Originally posted by wyldman

I know you have talked to a lot of people regarding these bids,and a lot of them threw you an outrageous price,both high and low,not thinking you were serious.Take it all with a grain of salt,and make sure your really ready for this.I really do hope your not yanking anyones chain here,as from your past (and short) record here,you will not be very highly reagrded around here anymore.
No more throwing insults,as we have no way of knowing what is true or not.Lets keep this professional,and on track.If it's just going to be a bashing thread,then I'll just shut it down,or remove it.

well since i have came to this board. i have been yanked around and it was unfair. i asked alot of questions so i can do this right and not be a low baller that everyone hates:headwall. by all means shut down and remove this. i have not insulted anyone but yet i was so. i have made mistakes in the past 2yrs and im trying to work them out as i go along. yes i have underbid and over bid on bids. dont want to be stupid either. but im no longer going to post for help from anyone on this board as i will read past posts and get my answers that way. thank you everyone for all your non help. so no i didnt get the bids yet. it was a joke :p

[snowplowjay]

The best way to learn on here is to read and read and read information...........its all there for you......but you need to take advantage of it. Then if you have an INTELLIGENT question thats when you ask it...................

No one has "yanked" you around..............You have yanked yourself around by throwing out false and largly inflated numbers all over the place from day one......................

There are a lot of knowledgeable persons here on this site.........trust me there has been great knowledge shared here for a long time before you came here and there will be for a long time following.................So I really dont think anyone pulled your name out of a hat and said HEY LETS "Yank" this guys chain......

Think about what you have said in chat/posted on here before you go accusing anyone of "Yanking" you around..........

Originally posted by VALLEYWIDEPA
so no i didnt get the bids yet. it was a joke :p


Posting false information..............definitely grounds for being suspended if not banned....................


Jay

[Pelican]

Yes it is Jay.

VALLEYWIDEPA, consider yourself warned. This Board is for the use of snow management professionals, your display here since you've joined has been anything but.

If jokes are what you are here for, then I suggest you leave. There's another snowplow board where you should fit right in. Another episode like this and you will have no choice in leaving.

[wyldman]

Originally posted by VALLEYWIDEPA
well since i have came to this board. i have been yanked around and it was unfair. i asked alot of questions so i can do this right and not be a low baller that everyone hates:headwall. by all means shut down and remove this. i have not insulted anyone but yet i was so. i have made mistakes in the past 2yrs and im trying to work them out as i go along. yes i have underbid and over bid on bids. dont want to be stupid either. but im no longer going to post for help from anyone on this board as i will read past posts and get my answers that way. thank you everyone for all your non help. so no i didnt get the bids yet. it was a joke :p

I have tried to help you,both here,and off the board.So have many others.When you post inaccurate information,and joke around with everyone,how do you expect them to take you seriously ? And now this one is a joke ? :mad:

In my post above I even gave you the benefit of the doubt,asked people to not bash you anymore,and you pull this again.You will only get out what you put in.Whether you wish to post again or not is up to you,just make sure it's genuine.

[Lawngodfather]

Dude, I just had a million dollar contract fall in my lap this afternoon........

First thing I did was run this stuff privitely by a few people from this board before I progress further on this.

I like to kid around too, but don't waste peoples time that were genuinely wanting and trying to help you.


Blizzard plows and Dodge Ram CTDs rule

[Chuck Smith]

Let's try that one with a little light on the subject...
:burnout

~Chuck

[VALLEYWIDEPA]

Boy, just when you thought this topic was over with it just keeps going and going will someone please pull the energizer batteries on this one. one final note tho. i still have not heard from these 4 companies on the bids. i probably over bid them anyway. so at least there is next year. "if at first u dont succeed try try again" im still hoping i get one bid

[JCurtis]

:confused: Did anyone hear something? :confused:

I thought this thread had ended.

Someone please shut this one down PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

[Alan]

I'll all for letting it run and seeing just how much more of a fool he wants to show us he is.

[Mick]

Originally posted by VALLEYWIDEPA
one final note tho. i still have not heard from these 4 companies on the bids. i probably over bid them anyway. so at least there is next year. "if at first u dont succeed try try again" im still hoping i get one bid

I thought you said they were a joke:beatsme

Overbid? What if the winning bid signed them to a three-year contract? That would kind of knock out next year. I think you should call them right away and ask if they want you to adjust your bid. Call tonight. Call the board chairman at home.

You're still hoping to get one of the four?

[Alan]

I'm always impressed by the intelligence of someone who can't remember what lies he told yesterday.

[sonjaab]

GUYS.........If this was the fella I was talking to..............
Hmmmmmmmmmmmm

He was asking about diesels vs. gas.....

No name tag either...............

[Lawngodfather]

Originally posted by Alan
I'm always impressed by the intelligence of someone who can't remember what lies he told yesterday. Even worse, when it's in print......

[TLS]

Originally posted by sonjaab
GUYS.........If this was the fella I was talking to..............
Hmmmmmmmmmmmm



At least we know he's real and not a figment of our imagination! :shades

[VALLEYWIDEPA]

ok so the joke was i got all 4 worth 165k cant i at least dream and the bids around here only go year for year. yes these were actual bids.

sonjaab: did i seem fruity 2 u

[Pickering Snow]

Valley

Theres another site for dreaming and bs i hink you would fit right in there perfect.!! Fruity mmmmmmmmmm what did you think
Geo fruity or making just another victim of huffing spray paint???

[snowplowjay]

Originally posted by Pickering Snow

Geo fruity or making just another victim of huffing spray paint???

Yea Fred...........

He does sorta have that "Krylon Touch" LOL

Jay

[Prosno]

Eurothane clearcoat mmmmmmmmm that'll do the trick:headwall

[atgreene]

If nothing else, this thread is entertaining.

[sonjaab]

VALLEY........That was you...........

Anyhoo..Good luck with those bids............

If I were you...... a new GM 6.0 gas 2500 pickup with a Blizzard plow and your ready to go !

Now sit back..... READ all you can at this site and follow the great advise you were given............Good luck............geo

[Pelican]

I've got VALLEY pegged. There was one guy at the BBQ who looked lost and out of place. Now that I think of it, he resembled John Belushi just a bit. He stood out from the crowd with note pad in hand, bouncing from booth to booth. Red shirt, blue shorts.

[Lawngodfather]

Steve Bushemie

[Alan]

Originally posted by VALLEYWIDEPA
sonjaab: did i seem fruity 2 u

Where are all these damn, little FLIES coming from?

[BOUNDS-ELECTRIC]

I hope this does not mean I do not get to see that check!
:huh :mad: :headwall

[Alan]

Originally posted by BOUNDS-ELECTRIC
I hope this does not mean I do not get to see that check!
:huh :mad: :headwall

I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for it.

[Got Grass]

How about a copy of the submitted bid sheet so we can help you prefect that for next time?

[Mick]

Originally posted by Got Grass
How about a copy of the submitted bid sheet so we can help you prefect that for next time?

Maybe it's the same as the guy who bid against me for the Post Office here. Seriously, I requested and saw the bid submitted. It read:

"Snowplowing - $10"

So, maybe this one should read:

"Snowplowing - $165,000"

[Got Grass]

Mick, does your post office consist of one drop box on a 2ft slab at the end of your driveway?

[Mick]

Just about. One of those "postcard Post Offices" you see. Wooden building that probably measures 28'x60' with 20'x50' parking on one side and 20'x100' on the other. One rural route carrier.

Oh, yeah. We do have an outside drop box.

[VALLEYWIDEPA]

Originally posted by Mick
Maybe it's the same as the guy who bid against me for the Post Office here. Seriously, I requested and saw the bid submitted. It read:

"Snowplowing - $10"

"choking" on my own shockness

i hope thats a 10inches by 10inches lot

[Mick]

Not sure, but I think you're reading it wrong. The " sign is used as quotes - not inches. The whole line is in quotes. That was all that he wrote for his bid.

[Pelican]

Ground control to Major Tom........:headwall

[VALLEYWIDEPA]

BID #1 CV
SPECIFICATIONS:
Snow cleaning services sall commence when depth reaches 2 inches. if at all possible, all services will be completed prior to 7am. during major events, all plowing and sidewalk clearing etc will be performed on a continuous basis (usually every 4 hrs). Valley Wide maintains a 24hour/7days a week availability during snow season. All contract clients will have cell phone numbers. our goal is to achieve dry/wet and clear pavement/walking services as quickly as possible. all fee's include unlimited snow plowing and rock salt


SNOW PLOWING & SALTING
0.1 - 2.0 = $580
2.1 - 5.0 = $1400
5.1 - 9.0 = $2520
9.1 - 13.0 = $3510
13.1 - 17.0 = $4590
over 17.1 = $250 per inch of snow

SIDEWALKS
0.1 - 2.0 = $200
2.1 - 5.0 = $625
5.1 - 9.0 = $1013
9.1 - 13.0 = $1430
13.1 - 17.0 = $1700
over 17.1 = $100 per inch of snow

Seasonal Package is Available at $55,000. This includes unlimited snow removal and rock salt and must be in full at contract signing

Payment Schedule - per snow event

We bill you within 48 hrs after every Storm. On or about the 1st business day of the month you will recieve a monthly bill. That will State the Time we were there and how many inches of snow per storm, Cost per storm and the total Amount Due. Payment is due within 15-30 days

Payment Schedule - Seasonal Package

We will Notify you within 2 days of the storm How long we were there and how much snow was recieved. On or about the 1st business day of the month. You will Recieve an itemized Statement showing How long we were there and how much fell

INSURANCE
the policy is for one million ($1,000,000.00) dollars. however it can be raised by request at time of Contract.

The Contract shall last 365 days from date of signing. Should a snow storm occur on the 365th day. it will be extended until the clean-up is done

BID #2 GW
Snow Removal for 2004/05 Winter Season

Specifications

Snow clearing/Removal services will commence when snow accumulation depth reaches 1.5 inches. If at all possible, all serviceswill be complete prior to 7 a.m. During Major snow events, all plowing will be performed on a continuous basis (usually every 4 hours). Valley Wide will maintain a 24/7 days a week availability during the snow season. Primary Goal is to achieve a clear and dry pavement as quickly as possible. Anything under 1.5 inches shall be treated with rock salt. Fees are as follows and include Rock salt & unlimited snow removal. In the event of a blizzard our trucks will be pulled off the road untill the intensity lets up. it is the sole descretion of our drivers during heavy snow to pull themselves off the road

Per snow event. Every 24hrs
0.1 - 1.5 = $300
1.6 - 5.9 = $900
6.0 - 11.9 = $2000
12.0 - 17.9 = $3000
over 18 inches is $200 per inch of snow

Seasonal Package is Available at $30,000. This includes unlimited snow remval and rock salt and must be in full at contract signing

Payment Schedule - per snow event

We bill you within 48 hrs after every Storm. On or about the 1st business day of the month you will recieve a monthly bill. That will State the Time we were there and how many inches of snow per storm, Cost per storm and the total Amount Due. Payment is due within 15-30 days

Payment Schedule - Seasonal Package

We will Notify you within 2 days of the storm How long we were there and how much snow was recieved. On or about the 1st business day of the month. You will Recieve an itemized Statement showing How long we were there and how much fell

INSURANCE
insurance the policy is for one million ($1,000,000.00) dollars. however it can be raised by request at time of Contract.

The Contract shall last 365 days from date of signing. Should a snow storm occur on the 365th day. it will be extended until the clean-up effort is done

BID #3 CC
Snow Removal for 2004/05 Winter Season

Specifications

Snow clearing/Removal services will commence when snow accumulation depth reaches 1.5 inches. If at all possible, all serviceswill be complete prior to 7 a.m. During Major snow events, all plowing will be performed on a continuous basis (usually every 4 hours). Valley Wide will maintain a 24/7 days a week availability during the snow season. Primary Goal is to achieve a clear and dry pavement as quickly as possible. Anything under 1.5 inches shall be treated with rock salt. Fees are as follows and include Rock salt & unlimited snow removal. In the event of a blizzard our trucks will be pulled off the road untill the intensity lets up. it is the sole descretion of our drivers during heavy snow to pull themselves off the road

Per snow event. Every 24hrs
0.1 - 1.5 = $300
1.6 - 5.9 = $900
6.0 - 11.9 = $2000
12.0 - 17.9 = $3000
over 18 inches is $200 per inch of snow
Seasonal Package is Available at $35,000. This includes unlimited snow remval and rock salt and must be in full at contract signing

Payment Schedule - per snow event

We bill you within 48 hrs after every Storm. On or about the 1st business day of the month you will recieve a monthly bill. That will State the Time we were there and how many inches of snow per storm, Cost per storm and the total Amount Due. Payment is due within 15-30 days

Payment Schedule - Seasonal Package

We will Notify you within 2 days of the storm How long we were there and how much snow was recieved. On or about the 1st business day of the month. You will Recieve an itemized Statement showing How long we were there and how much fell

BID #4 WW
Snow Removal for 2004/05 Winter Season

Specifications

Snow clearing/Removal services will commence when snow accumulation depth reaches 1.5 inches. If at all possible, all serviceswill be complete prior to 7 a.m. During Major snow events, all plowing will be performed on a continuous basis (Apprioximately every 3-4 hours). Valley Wide will maintain a 24/7 days a week availability during the snow season. Primary Goal is to achieve a clear and dry pavement as quickly as possible. Anything under 1.5 inches shall be treated with rock salt. Fees are as follows and include Rock salt & unlimited snow removal. In the event of a blizzard our trucks will be pulled off the road untill the intensity lets up. it is the sole descretion of our drivers during heavy snow to pull themselves off the road

Per snow event. Every 24hrs
0.1 - 1.5 = $700
1.6 - 5.9 = $1200
6.0 - 11.9 = $2300
12.0 - 17.9 = $3500
over 18 inches is $200 per inch of snow

Seasonal Package is Available at $45,000. This includes unlimited snow remval and rock salt and must be in full at contract signing

Payment Schedule - per snow event

We bill you within 48 hrs after every Storm. On or about the 1st business day of the month you will recieve a monthly bill. That will State the Time we were there and how many inches of snow per storm, Cost per storm and the total Amount Due. Payment is due within 15-30 days

Payment Schedule - Seasonal Package

We will Notify you within 2 days of the storm How long we were there and how much snow was recieved. On or about the 1st business day of the month. You will Recieve an itemized Statement showing How long we were there and how much fell

INSURANCE
insurance the policy is for one million ($1,000,000.00) dollars. however it can be raised by request at time of Contract.

[Alan]

That's a lot of work to make up a phony bid!

[76chevyman]

ROFLMFAO


Rich:burnout

[Mick]

Oh, come on. "If at all possible",? "the policy is for one million ($1,000,000.00) dollars. however it can be raised by request at time of Contract." ??? Spelling, wording, "$55,000 for seasonal" ??? "Payment is due within 15-30 days"???

Alan is right.

[bud16415]

_____________________________-
VALLEYWIDEPA
http://www.snowplowing-contractors.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4534
“Well "BUD" im not the sharpest pencil in the book. sometimes i dont know what im doing and not everyone here is perfect. people do make mistakes and you do learn from them. i started 3yrs ago with zero experience. i had a car and a mower, weed trimmer and blower and a shovel in the winter months. i broke even my first year. i then went and bought a truck my 2nd year so i wouldnt be a "scrub". with the drought one year and high gas prices this yr and enormous amounts of rain it has hurt me alot. rained 5 of the 7 days a week. but you know what i refuse to become that 70% failure statistic. i do the best i can do and if i make a mistake on a property i fix it no matter what it costs me. id rather lose some money then lose a customer. i do hope this winter season and next mowing season will be better then these past two years. most lco's in my area have failed during the first yr but i refuse to give up so go take your judgements elsewhere???”
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------


I have had a chance to think about this whole Valley thing the last few days. The above post he sent to me on another string and of everything I have read from him I still believe this one to be his truest
writings to date. What has been bothering me is I do believe he came here because he was and is attempting to make a go at some sort of landscaping and snowplowing business.

But here is what I’m thinking. I surfed into this page just like many of you have I was looking for information on buying a new plow and found Chucks page and linked to here. And a year later I’m still enjoying all the company and information here. But I could have very well been looking for a snow removal contractor in my area or I could be a snow removal contractor looking to scope out my competition in my area. I would hate to be a guy that comes across as someone that doesn’t take his profession seriously pulls dumb jokes on a professional forum. Tells half truths and non truths. And then when caught up in it doesn’t live up to his mistakes but makes another joke of doing it. If I was looking for a contractor I would never pick him from what I have seen here. If I was his competition in his market I would be using all this against him at bid time. Why would anyone jeopardize his business by acting this way? That’s what I don’t understand.

Valley if you want to be a professional then you first have to start acting like one.

I was hesitant to even make this post tonight and I was wishing this whole string would go away along with about 10 others. But I keep thinking there must be some good hidden in all this someplace. And that is what I think I have found. It’s a classic example of what not to do for one.
Over the last month I have been seeing the huge influx of new members and the young ages of the new members. Many of these guys are starting into this for the first time and I think somewhere hidden in these asinine posts is a message to them on what being a professional is and isn’t all about.

Hoping this is my last post on the subject but I never say never around here.

Bud

[4evergreenlawns]

Valley Wide,

I am so impressed. You actaully took the time to leand us all this outstanding example of how to bid large jobs. But I do notice something. The rates are not in line with the National Averages you posted. Why did you deviate from those rates?

Congrates on the great work. I am sure you are becoming well known at your local dealership, upfiter, and salt supplier see how you have so much equipment to buy now. What plows are you going with?

Oh, yeah, how much are you paying for salt, and how much are you on comment for?? Seeing how these are seasonal and you have included unlimited salt I am sure you have lined up a few thousand tons of salt. Of course you have two or three large salt trucks, you did pick them up at the local muni auction to spread the salt.

Just trying to help you along with the story seeing how you are going to have to come up with some conversation pieces as the story goes on.

Oh, and since this is all a JOKE as you previsouly stated, when are we going to get the punch line?????? I can hardly wait.

I was actually thinking the punch line incluced you getting thrown of this fourm tarred and feathered and left out in the next blizzard waiting for someone from ******** you pick your butt up.

[Lawngodfather]

We bill you within 48 hrs after every Storm. On or about the 1st business day of the month you will recieve a monthly bill. That will State the Time we were there and how many inches of snow per storm, Cost per storm and the total Amount Due. Payment is due within 15-30 days

That won't work and leaves so many holes.

Seasonal Package is Available at $55,000. This includes unlimited snow removal and rock salt and must be in full at contract signing
never, I mean never use the word unlimited. You will get burned.

Now next question, how are you going to bill them after each storm, after they pay you all the money up front?

The Contract shall last 365 days from date of signing. Should a snow storm occur on the 365th day. it will be extended until the clean-up is done if snow storm last an entire week after your contract expires, you will be doing it for FREE!!

In the event of a blizzard our trucks will be pulled off the road untill the intensity lets up. it is the sole descretion of our drivers during heavy snow to pull themselves off the road NO you can't pull your trucks off the lot in the case a blizzard is there, you are giving them unlimited snow and rock salting, and are available 24/7 and will be on the lawn every 4 hours.

SNOW PLOWING & SALTING
0.1 - 2.0 = $580
2.1 - 5.0 = $1400
5.1 - 9.0 = $2520
9.1 - 13.0 = $3510
13.1 - 17.0 = $4590
over 17.1 = $250 per inch of snow

I don't get your price scale.

and that includes salt.....

Sorry man, you will be out of biz in a year with contracts like this.

[Got Grass]

What does the actual contract look like?

[VALLEYWIDEPA]

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SNOW PLOWING & SALTING
0.1 - 2.0 = $580
2.1 - 5.0 = $1400
5.1 - 9.0 = $2520
9.1 - 13.0 = $3510
13.1 - 17.0 = $4590
over 17.1 = $250 per inch of snow

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


I don't get your price scale.

and that includes salt.....

Sorry man, you will be out of biz in a year with contracts like this.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2 ton rock salt cause of the 4 hills will take a ton in itself
0.1 - 2.0 - $375 3 ton salt, $205 wages
2.1 - 5.0 - $875 7 ton salt, $525 wages
5.1 - 9.0 - $1125 9 ton, $1395 wages
9.1 - 13.0 - $1500 12 ton, $2010 wages
13.1 - 17.0 - $2000 16 ton, $2590 wages

if this is wrong please pm me lawngodfather

[chtucker]

165k in contracts and he can't even pay a lawyer $500 to draw up contracts.

Your english sucks and it shows a lack of professionalism. I am not bidding on 165k of work, but if I was I would be certain to have a better contract than that.

You have left out terms, liability and a whole lot more.

I really do believe you. You are a JOKE.

Good luck.

Howard

[Got Grass]

If thats the actual contract I'll sign up any day. I'll take the seasional at $55,000.
BTW: I am requiring you to get a $20,000,000 insurance policy, provide me with the proof. After the first 2" of snow you will be required to plow every 0.1" of snow, and apply unlimited rock salt on a constant basis. I will hire two stippers to come to my building and preform her services for my guys. One of them will trip in a puddle in the lot and make the first insurance claim. The other stipper will come into my office and while preforming her services will trip on a peice of rock salt one of the guys tracked into my office with his boots. It will make the news, our wives will leave us adn we will all sue for $20,000,000 a peice for the mental stress it has caused us by causing our wives to leave us. Even tho we want our wives to leave us anyways we will need the money to obtain new ones of the same or higher standard.
LGF will also sue you for the stress is has caused on his family becasue his wife was one of the strippers.
Unfortunatly at that point your incurance company will cancle your policy thus voiding the contract and putting your out of business becasue you will be forced to sell your truck and your house to pay for my attorneys fees that are not covered by your liability policy. So I'll make sure I have someone lined up ready to roll.

And ya know what, in reality we would most likely all win the suits.

[BOUNDS-ELECTRIC]

Valleywidepa!
Sign Me up to push for you! I will take $150,00.00 cash
up front for the first 10 weeks! I work 8 hours a day, monday-friday, 12:00am-8:00am. ( 3)10 min. breaks (1) hour lunch
I will supply fuel! I will supply 1 truck & 1 plow!

Contract renews every 10 weeks unless one of two parties
breaks contract in writing!

[Got Grass]

Watch out subcontractors will also be named in the suit....

:cash

[Lawngodfather]

Originally posted by VALLEYWIDEPA
quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SNOW PLOWING & SALTING
0.1 - 2.0 = $580
2.1 - 5.0 = $1400
5.1 - 9.0 = $2520
9.1 - 13.0 = $3510
13.1 - 17.0 = $4590
over 17.1 = $250 per inch of snow

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


I don't get your price scale.

and that includes salt.....

Sorry man, you will be out of biz in a year with contracts like this.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2 ton rock salt cause of the 4 hills will take a ton in itself
0.1 - 2.0 - $375 3 ton salt, $205 wages
2.1 - 5.0 - $875 7 ton salt, $525 wages
5.1 - 9.0 - $1125 9 ton, $1395 wages
9.1 - 13.0 - $1500 12 ton, $2010 wages
13.1 - 17.0 - $2000 16 ton, $2590 wages

if this is wrong please pm me lawngodfather I still don't get it?

You don't have a scope of the work, any limits on the amount of any materials.

Nothing is spelled out at all, if I can't make heads or tails of this, how is a customer..

If you want help why don't you buy John Allins CD and book with contract templets. Join SIMA. (did I just say that?)

You need all the help you can get.

I can't help you, it would not be right for me to help you.

If you were to pay a fee I would. I can't do it for free on this one.

I would be giving up all the stuff I paid for for free.


Alright guys this should be the end of this thread, someone please close it.

Whether or not he is a joke, or serious, or made a joke, this will bring us down as a pro group of snow pros to continue posting on this thread. We don't want to do that..

Becides, I don't think I have ever bit my tounge as much as I did in this thread. LOL:cash

[snowjoker]

I agree with you LGF. This clown is getting off on every post made in this thread. If he thinks we are going to stoop to his level he has a suprise coming. If I could find my Ignore user button he would be definately outta here:D VALLEYWIDEPA you have way too much time on your hands to be posting all this useless information. Grow up and come back in a few years.:rolleyes:

[Alan]

It seems that the oinion is to shut this down. Consider it done!