What this service is
Pay-per-push bills you per visit. No seasonal rate, no commitment to a full winter. If the storm doesn’t come, there’s no invoice.
It suits properties where the cost of an occasional late clearing is low and the budget can move month to month, smaller lots, lower foot traffic, businesses that don’t open early, and owners who’d rather carry the risk themselves than pay a premium to transfer it.
The trade is real and worth understanding before you choose it. A heavy Bismarck winter produces a lot of pushes, and the total can exceed what a seasonal contract would have cost. You’re also behind contracted properties on the route, and there’s no commitment to finish before you open. In a storm that pins every contractor in the city at capacity, that ordering decides when your lot gets done.
How it works
We quote a per-push rate for your property after looking at it.
We agree the trigger. One inch or two, the same as a contract. That’s what defines a push.
Pushes over four inches are billed at a 50% increase. Deep snow takes materially longer and moves less per pass, and pricing it the same as a two-inch event wouldn’t be honest in either direction.
Additional services are billed separately - salting, sidewalks, hauling.
Is this the right fit?
Pay-per-push suits you if your lot is smaller or lower-traffic, you don’t open early, your budget can handle a heavy month, and you’d rather carry weather risk than pay to transfer it.
A seasonal contract suits you better if you must be open on time every day, your budget needs a fixed number, you’re a property with several businesses with several opening hours, or you can’t afford to be behind contracted properties in a major storm.
Not sure? Call and describe the property. We’ll tell you which one we’d recommend, including when that’s the cheaper option for you.
What affects the price
- Property size and layout - same drivers as plowing
- The trigger depth you agree to. A lower trigger means more pushes in a season
- Snowfall depth per event - anything over four inches is billed at a 50% increase
- Add-ons - salting, sidewalks and hauling billed as used
When to schedule it
Set it up before the season even though you’re not committing to a seasonal rate. Having your property quoted, mapped and on the list in October means we can service you when you call in January. Calling for the first time during a storm means being fitted in behind everyone already on the route.
Questions
Questions we get asked
Short, plain answers. If yours isn’t here, call or text (701) 390-0630 and just ask.
What counts as one push?
One visit, once snow reaches the depth you picked: one inch or two. If more than four inches falls, that visit costs 50% more, because deep snow takes much longer to move.
Is it cheaper than a seasonal contract?
In a light winter, usually yes. In a heavy one, often no. You’re choosing a predictable bill or a cheaper one, not both.
Do I get the same priority as contract customers?
No. Contract customers get done first. In a big storm that can mean waiting a while.
Can I switch to a seasonal contract later?
Yes, including mid-season.
Get a free estimate
Tell us about your property and we’ll get back to you. Serving Bismarck, Mandan and Lincoln.