Anyone give an "Uber for Plowing and Lawn Mowing" a try?

Question

So it seems like these days a lot of companies are popping up following the uber business model. Today I ran across the http://plowzandmowz.com/ app. I was wondering if anyone has given them or a service like that a try?

Seems like you can request a quote, or just schedule the work, and the app will just charge your card on file when the work is done, and then a  picture of the finished lawn or driveway will be sent to you.

Kyle Blake · Answer

As someone who owns a landscape and snow removal business, this business has been around for about two years now. You're going to get new guys, and the small operations that will take anything they can get. It might work out, but myself and every other reputable company wont touch these type of jobs because the pay is not even close to the worth.

So keep that in mind that you're hiring guys who do it on the side (no insurance, no real business most the time) or just too inexperienced to know it's a screw job. So results may be very hit and miss for these type of services.

Sunny- NJ is the absolute worse when it comes to insurance for snow removal, extremely high and many have a lot of contingencies. So keep that in mind.

Kimberly H. · Answer

I didn't use the company you mentioned since I don't think they are in our area, but a similar  Uber concept for grass cutting every other week at one property. It's more expensive than it should be but I didn't have time to figure out who to hire in a new area when I was dealing with family health emergency at the same time the grass started growing. The one I use always sends before and after pictures which is nice.

Matthew Paul · Answer

exactly .

Kyle Blake · Answer

Well said. I have a $100 minimum as well, when you factor in all expenses there's really no benefit for doing it for less. If I can't turn a decent profit, then I'd rather sit in an office doing 9-5 instead of working in the worst conditions for 10-30 hours at a time.

Granted there are plenty of guys who are happy breaking even or making a few dollars. Those are the ones who don't know how to properly run a business and are known as the working poor guys. They figure being busy = successful but they're always broke. Those are the guys who respond to discount service sites like plowzandmowz.

Matthew Paul · Answer

I dont show up and drop a plow for less than $ 100 . I also carry a release form , I dont know whats under the snow , bushes etc . I am not responsible for any damage . I wont take a check , you get a reciept , but its cash only  unless you are on contract . may seem expensive to some , but you are driving a $40,000 truck with a $ 6000 plow running 24 hours or more , in bad weather and road conditions . wear and tear on the truck . If someone doesnt like the price , there is always a shovel .

There is more to plowing , there is prep time for the truck and plow , salt damage to the truck . It could  seem expensive to some , but you have a short time to make the money , it either freezes up or melts .

The big snow in Feb , I was on the loader doing driveways that hold 4 cars for $ 250 . One guy stopped me and I told him the price , he thought it was too much . I told him thats fine with me , and I asked him how many loaders has he seen go by his house ? he said I was the only one .    And I said , thats why the price is $ 250 .    Basic supply and demand .    he paid

Kyle Blake · Answer

They lowball the contractor and over charge the home owner for one time on call service. Same goes for mowing, so anyone that uses it don't expect the cream of the crop. I and other business owners I know, wont perform any work without a contract. If you wont sign to agreed upon terms then you aren't serious and getting payment will be pulling teeth. Not to mention those wanting on call service seem to think they're priority when in reality you are absolute last, and if it's a big storm good luck getting service within a day.

Can't fault anyone trying to save a buck but this falls under the "get what you pay for" umbrella.

Michael Noto · Answer

I can see this working for lawn cutting but not snow removal.

Kevin Manz · Answer

There was a blog awhile back on these types of businesses on the Internet.  Does anyone remember what this is called? Maybe sharing community?? Just curious.

Colleen F. · Answer

I can see this working but not as something you rely on for regular snow removal at least not  here. When I lived in NJ not as much snow but my brothers had a plow business there and they only did contracts. A big storm they were busy and wouldn't have time for extra jobs. A plow guy left us in a lurch beginning of last season and I might have considered something like this then if I couldn't find coverage but I would prefer to set up in advance.

I think for occasional work I would see it being useful.  Like we usually mow our own lawn and will be gone for two weeks and you order a single mow.  Or I need something and the regular guy doesn't do it.  Say roof or walkway shoveling as needed for personal stuff more then business. I could see kids doing walkways on a snow day making a killing with this app.

Interesting to see if it works.

Anyone give an "Uber for Plowing and Lawn Mowing" a try?

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