Showerthought: I think the standard advice on commercial snow removal contracts is backwards for Detroit.

I switched to a flat seasonal rate instead of per-push billing for my small office lot near Eastern Market, expecting to pay more but get better service. The crew showed up less often than my old per-push guys, leaving the lot a mess after two big storms in January. Has anyone else found that paying per push actually gets you more reliable service here?

2 comments

2 Comments

abby_chen1mo ago

Yeah, that flat rate thing backfired on me too... had the same problem over in Midtown. Switched back to per-push last season and it was night and day. They have to show up and do the work to get paid, so they're just... there when it snows. The flat rate guys had my lot at the bottom of their list every time.

keithbennett1mo ago

Oh man, @abby_chen, you hit on the real issue. It's not just about them showing up, it's about timing. With a flat rate, they'll clear your lot at 3 PM when the snow stopped at 8 AM. Your whole business day is already wrecked. Per-push means they're out there at 6 AM fighting the storm with you, because that's when the money starts.