Never too early to plan for snow.
You can never plan too early for snow related services. The graph pictured above is a best practices procurement timeline, provided by SIMA for an average year. Although some may understandably want to put off even thinking about snow in the summer, there is another factor at play this year that may make things very difficult for those who do. As a snow service provider, we typically start assessing our portfolio based on what is currently under contract. The next step is to try to get returning clients with expired contracts to commit to renewing. Based on these committed numbers, we can then set an attainable sales goal to which we can figure out the amount of material and equipment that needs to be purchased for the upcoming season. Timing is important every year to guarantee equipment and materials will arrive on time for the start of the season. This year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it is more crucial than ever to have everything in order on time. To put things in perspective, we have a great relationship with all our suppliers. Even with that said, we had to place our orders by July 4th to ensure delivery by the start of the snow season. With this step complete we will be able to service what we expect to this year, but may have a hard time taking on any clients beyond that. In contrast; if you were to hire a vendor that did not plan ahead, there is a good chance they may not have everything they need to service your property when the time comes. We have been told there could be delays well into January as is. Delays could extend even longer if another shut down was to occur. These delays apply but are not limited to bulk & bagged ice melt products, machines, plow attachments, & replacement parts. Make sure that you secure a trusted snow vendor, as early as you can. Then make sure that they are planning as proactively as you are. As we all know by now, mother nature will not wait for anyone.
