Snow and Ice Removal Service

Startup Costs: $2,000 - $10,000
Home Based: Can be operated from home.
Part Time: Can be operated part-time.
Franchises Available? No
Online Operation? No

Depending on your investment budget and on how much money you want to earn, there are a few methods for removing snow and ice during winter months. The most expensive of these is a snowplow and salt spreader mounted on a four-wheel-drive truck. This option will set you back about $2,000 to $3,000 for equipment, less the cost of the truck, but it gives you the potential to do the most work and earn the most income. The second option is a self-propelled snow blower as well as a manual salt spreader for de-icing. Both pieces of equipment are walk-behind models and require a truck or trailer to move from job to job. This is a good option for people wanting to earn extra money on nights and weekends. The third option is the good old Armstrong method. Armed with nothing more than a $20 shovel and bag of salt, you can remove snow and ice. Regardless of the method you choose, snow removal and surface de-icing is an easy service to start, operate, and sell. And even though this is a seasonal and weather-dependent opportunity, it is not uncommon for plow operators to earn $1,000 a day or more when the snow blows.

The Market

Businesses and individuals who need to have snow and ice removed from their walkways and driveways.

Needed Equipment

Depending on how much you want to invest, equipment can range from a simple shovel, to a snow blower and even a snow plow.

Snow and Ice Removal Service Ideas

Gutter Cleaning

Everyone hates cleaning the gutters--so help them out.

Graffiti Removal

Love your neighborhood? Keep it spic and span with a graffiti removal service.

Appliance Repair Service

Are you handy? Help people fix their appliances.

More from Business Ideas

Growing a Business

Turn Crisis into Profit — Why You Should Invest in Distressed Businesses in this Economy

Key lessons and strategies for growing your company through distressed business acquisitions.

Growing a Business

How Motivation Can Turn a Stagnant Team into a High-Performance Machine

Salespeople are the driving force behind a company's revenue, so finding the right people to join the sales team is crucial. However, simply hiring the right employees is not enough to ensure success.

Starting a Business

Ask Co-Founder of Netflix Marc Randolph Anything: How to Watch

How to watch the new live streaming episode of 'Ask Marc.'