Since the start of the new year, this snow season as been very interesting, to say the least. However, as March approaches and we enter the final phase of Winter 2014-15, here are some thoughts, observations and musings to consider.
Getting paid
Every once in a while, you hit that year that is the budget buster for your clients. The East Coast is experiencing this scenario right now. With nearly record snowfall already occurring, budgets are going to be squeezed. While this is especially true on the east coast, this collecting your money applies to all snow and ice management companies. Sitting here at the end of February, be careful of accounts that are getting stretched out to far, or the ones that are seeing larger bills than ever before and are disagreeing already.
In some cases, the snow was so intense in such a short amount of time many of you may be behind on billing.
Here are some suggestions on getting paid:
- Make sure your billing records are accurate and clean (this should have been set up before the season!)
- If you are behind on billing because everyone has been working around the clock, find a way to catch up. Clients often have memory lapses when it comes to services performed. The quicker they get the invoices, the fresher their memory will be and less chance of dispute at a later date.
- Keep close track of your accounts receivable as you close out the winter.
- Communicate with clients NOW if you are concerned about getting paid.
- Your best leverage is cutting off an account that needs service. If clients are behind, demand a check before you service their account again. This leverage goes away once the snow stops flying, and these accounts can drag payment out for months when they don’t need you.
Salt Supply
Well there are two different stories going on right now. The East Coast and the rest of the country. Salt has become scarce on the East Coast. This is too be expected with the winter they have experienced.
At the same time salt pricing has eased slightly in the Midwest. Those companies that over purchased, or suppliers that bought much more than past years have begun to ease pricing to get rid of inventory.
This is a good thing for Midwest contractors, However, winter is not over yet. Expect East Coast contractors to expand their horizons in looking for salt, and begin to reach into supplies anywhere they can find it. Winter has not come to end yet, and with temperatures below zero in much of the country, salt supply will continue to be something to keep an eye on.
Safety
The past two winters are two of the coldest we have seen in a long time.
- Make sure crews are dressed appropriately and have changes of dry clothes on hand.
- Give more frequent breaks in a warm and safe place.
- Insist on crews getting rest.
- Make sure crews are getting appropriate food breaks.
- Keep crews positively motivated (as difficult as that can be at times!)
It is also the time of the season, as crews are exhausted, that they can cut corners on important equipment maintenance and procedures. Make sure that your safety procedures for equipment are being followed after each event and prior to heading out for the next event. It is easy to cut corners when crews are tired, and that can lead to unncecssary equipment failure resulting in safety and productivity issues.
Stay safe out there!
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