How to Shovel Snow for Money

When wanting to make some extra pocket change over the winter, looking into shoveling driveways and walkways in your neighborhood may be just the opportunity that you need. There are plenty of people that are not physically able to complete the task anymore or just simply despise doing the job. Anybody with a few supplies, ambition and stamina can make a nice small side business doing it for them.

Things You'll Need

• Shovels
• Winter gear
• Fliers
• Planner or notebook

Instructions

1. Buy your supplies. When figuring out how to shovel snow for money, this may seem like counting your chickens before they're hatched but you want to be ready when your first job comes in. A few decent shovels and winter gear, are all you need to get started. Don't skimp on your clothing. Make sure that you have a decent coat, socks, boots, hats and gloves that will keep you warm in the bad weather you might be stuck out shoveling in.

2. Figure out your wages. Talk to your parents and others about what they would be willing to pay for your services. You should not set your fee so high that you won't get enough clients but you don't want to cheat yourself either. After deciding about how much you will charge for clearing a driveway and a pathway, think about adding discounts for those that will hire you on exclusively all winter.

3. Make some fliers to hang up around town describing your services. When first figuring out how to shovel snow for money, if need be, have your parents help you with this too. Make sure to include your contact information, prices for a standard driveway or walkway and any extras that you will or not include. (For example say if you will providing salt.) If all you will bring is the shovel, make sure to specify your price is not including the extras that the homeowner will need to provide.

4. Hang up your fliers on all of the bulletin boards available in your area. Also go around and talk to your neighbors in person. Hand them a flier and tell them that you are staring your own business this winter and if they, or anyone that they know, need shoveling done to please give you a call or refer your name and number. If there more people trying to get these jobs besides you, meeting you personally may be what helps them decide to hire you instead of your competition.

5. Organize your time wisely. When figuring out how to shovel snow for money, you may be tempted to take on more jobs than you can handle because of wanting more money. Buy a small planner or notebook that you can write down the dates and addresses you are needed at to make sure that you don't make this mistake. If your business starts growing, you can start thinking about maybe enlisting the help of a friend but always stick to the old adage "If you can't do a job well and on time, do not do the job at all."