Comparison
| Aspect | Per-push | Seasonal |
|---|---|---|
| Payment | For each event or visit | One agreed amount for the season |
| Busy winter | More income for more wear | Same income for more wear; contractor carries the risk |
| Mild winter | Less income, less wear | Same income, less wear; contractor may benefit |
| Client’s cost certainty | Lower; depends on snowfall | Higher; a known amount |
| Incentive on service | May encourage more visits | May encourage fewer visits unless service levels are defined |
| Edge-wear pricing | Built into the per-visit rate | Built into the seasonal price, with a buffer for a heavy winter |
Questions for each side
For the contractor
- What is my average wear per push, from my own records?
- How many pushes could a heavy winter bring, and can I afford that?
- Is there a cap or a snowfall band that adjusts the price?
For the client
- Does the contract define service levels so that fixed price does not mean less service?
- Is there a mechanism for a very heavy or very light winter?
- Who pays for damage to surfaces?
Hybrid options
Some parties use a seasonal base with a per-event charge above a defined number of events, or a snowfall-banded price. These share risk, but they need clear definitions and records.
Limit
Terms and enforceability vary, so have the contract reviewed by a qualified adviser.
An illustration, with invented numbers
Illustration only, with invented numbers: suppose an average push uses 1 unit of edge life and a normal season has 20 pushes. A heavy season of 30 pushes uses 50 percent more edge life. A per-push price covers it automatically; a seasonal price does not unless a buffer was included.
Boundary: This is not legal advice; contract terms and enforceability vary by jurisdiction. No price or snowfall data is given.
Further reading on this site.
Clamp-On and Bolt-On Snow Blades for Seasonal Fleets ↗Seasonal Changeover: A Workshop Workflow for Blade Swaps ↗Carbide snow plow blades ↗Service-Level Definitions in Plow Contracts: Trigger Depth, Response Time, Clear Standard ↗Subcontractor Equipment Standards: A Minimum List for Edges, Shoes and Damage Liability ↗When a Plow Damages a Curb or Surface: Documenting Edge Contact for a Claim ↗
