A Hybrid Snow Removal Pricing Model For Tahoe Donner
Talk about an endless winter! It was both amazing and brutal for homeowners and businesses alike here in Truckee. We learned a lot this season and are already preparing for whatever Mother Nature does next winter.
One thing is certain, we need a new pricing model for Tahoe Donner that is fair to you, our loyal customers, for the light and average winters, and also fair to Elements to be a sustainable business in heavier years.
Our base rate is increasing by $100
Moving forward, we will also charge a per-clearing rate (starting at $20) for each clearing we do after our 32nd clearing of the winter. Before you let that stress you out too much, we have cleared your driveway 28 times per year on average, which makes this plan only go into effect on big winters for us to keep operating as your partner in snow removal. (see graph below)
TO REVIEW: The base cost of $1,200 covers up to 32 clearings and at 33 clearings and after – we will charge an automatic minimum of $20/per shift
WHAT’S THE CATCH?
The only thing we ask is that you complete a full season. There will not be a benefit for signing up late, as our snow shift clearing count will be tracked for the entire season, regardless of your sign-up date. If you want to end your season earlier in the spring than our contract end date, it will indicate to us that you no longer want to work with Elements for any service.
SIGN UP FOR TAHOE DONNER'S MOST FLEXIBLE SNOW SERVICE
By using industry-leading equipment and forward-thinking technology Elements keeps our clients informed and educated better than any other service in the Truckee-Tahoe region.
NEW HYBRID PRICING FAQs
Why did Elements move to this pricing model?
Snow removal companies take a massive hit on winters like the previous one. In order to stay operational on future big winters we need the protection of a per-clearing rate after an above-average number of clearings. Similarly, we don’t want to raise our base pricing significantly and have our customers be punished on below-average, or average winters.
What if I sign up late, how does that work with 32 clearings?
Late sign-ups are a challenge for our operation and can cost us more: putting up snow poles, changing routes, and possibly even hiring more staff that we are training late. Because of that, we cannot reward signing up late. All clients will be on the same overall shift count calendar that starts at the beginning of the season, regardless of the sign-up date. Depending on conditions at the time, we may charge a late sign up fee.
What if I don’t need service at the end of the season? I want to avoid potentially paying anything extra for additional snow shifts.
Our operators commit to the entire winter season, and we ask our clients to do the same. We will be compensating operators in a similar hybrid method and it would not be fair to them, or us to not have everyone stay with the partnership.
Why charge after 32 clearings?
On average over the last 10 years, we have cleared your driveway 28 times per winter. We landed on 32 clearings because we believe you should only be charged more on abnormally large winters, rather than your typical above-average winter.
What if I want to cancel anyway?
If you are unhappy with our service and would like to cancel, we will prorate up until January 31st. Starting February 1, there will be no refund on base rates. If your home is in escrow, we will work with the title company and hopefully the new buyer. There will not be any penalties for customers who are selling their homes.
How did you land on my per-clearing rate?
The per-clearing fee after 32 clearings will be $20 for all Tahoe Donner residential driveways. We landed on $20 because we believe it is a fair rate for our customers while also helping to cover our additional operational costs (fuel, overtime, tractor parts, etc.).
What is included in my base rate?
Your base rate includes one driveway clearing per 24 hours for every 4 inches of snow that Tahoe Donner receives (on average throughout the neighborhood). This rate covers from October 15th until April 30th, or until we reach 32 total driveway clearings for the winter (at which point we will charge an additional $20 per clearing). Installation and removal of snow poles are also included in your base rate.
