Chicago winters are pretty harsh, which prompts many people to stay indoors instead of patronizing local businesses. Instead of grimacing and pulling your hair out over the change in revenue, you should make sure that your storefront is inviting and safe from snow and ice for anyone who chooses to venture in.
The more accessible your business looks, the more likely people will be to favor you over the competition. The best way to combat the issue is to find a qualified company to clean up the ice and snow around your property. Here are a few questions to ask a commercial snow contractor when you are trying to make a hiring decision:
How Long Have You Been In Business?
This is probably one of the most important questions, yet many people fail to ask. There is nothing worse than hiring someone for a job only to find out later that they have no idea how to proceed. While it is important for amateur contractors to earn a solid reputation, the last thing you need is to be their practice run.
It’s also a good idea to take the extra time to research the company on Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Google in general to see if there is any good or bad feedback out there you should be aware of today. With the free-flowing commenting and reviewing available on Google and social media, it’s tough to hide a bad reputation.
What Areas Do You Service?
Just because a snow contractor is in Chicago, this does not mean they are able to assist you in a timely and effective manner. Many of them have a solid list of places that they are willing to service, and it is your responsibility to make sure that your area is included. Ideally, you should ask this right away to avoid wasting any time speaking with people who are not available to you.
If a snow contractor is trying to represent a gigantic service area, ask questions about their fleet and staff to determine if they are over committing. Be certain they have an experienced crew to service your company well and monitor weather before it hits. The best snow removal companies are working hard BEFORE the storm to proactively prepare for snow removal and ice management.
Do You Offer Emergency Service?
Many business owners take the guesswork out of plowing by having someone help them on a regular basis, but what happens when the area is blanketed with snow that eluded the local forecast? You should hire a snow plow company that is willing to offer around-the-clock service, even if you do not need it initially. Also ask how they communicate with you before, during and after the storm. You should know what’s happening every step of the way.
When you are in the process of hiring a commercial snow contractor, asking the right questions will make it easier than ever to find the right one. We would be more than willing to answer these questions and any others if you take a moment to contact us.