Commercial Winter Maintenance/Gritting

At GM Landscape, we understand the challenges that winter weather brings to businesses in Scotland and the surrounding areas.

Our commercial winter maintenance/gritting service is designed to keep your premises safe, accessible, and operational during icy and snowy conditions. With our proactive approach and reliable service, we ensure that your business can continue to operate smoothly, minimising the risk of accidents and disruptions.

At GM we offer 2 contract types in relation to our winter maintenance services like gritting, ice clearance, and snow ploughing, these 2 types of contracts are: pay per visit and fixed retainer contracts. Here’s how they differ:

1. Pay Per Visit Contracts

• Payment Structure: You only pay for the services provided when a visit is necessary, based on weather conditions. This is a more flexible arrangement as the provider responds to weather-triggered events.
• Usage: Ideal when you’re unsure how frequently services will be needed. For example, if it’s a milder winter, fewer visits may be required, and you’ll save money.
• Costs: This can be more expensive during a severe winter with frequent visits, as each visit adds to the overall cost.
• Service Delivery: The contractor typically monitors weather conditions and determines whether action is needed (e.g., gritting if temperatures drop below a certain point or snow clearance after heavy snowfall). Visits are reactive and occur only when necessary.

2. Fixed Retainer Contracts

• Payment Structure: You pay a fixed amount (usually monthly or seasonally) regardless of how often services are needed. This covers a set level of service throughout the winter season.
• Usage: Ideal for clients who want cost predictability. You’ll pay the same regardless of whether it’s a mild or harsh winter.
• Costs: Typically, more cost-effective during a harsher winter, as the number of visits doesn’t affect the price. However, you may feel like you’re overpaying in a mild winter with fewer visits.
• Service Delivery: The provider guarantees to maintain your property throughout the season. This type of contract often includes proactive visits when conditions are forecasted to become dangerous (like grit spreading in anticipation of a cold snap), offering peace of mind that the property will be serviced regardless of the number of call-outs.

Summary

Pay Per Visit

You pay only when service is provided. Flexible but potentially expensive if services are needed frequently.

Fixed Retainer

You pay a consistent fee regardless of the number of visits, giving budget certainty and proactive service but possibly less value in milder winters.
Choosing the right option depends on how predictable you want your costs to be and the severity of winters in your area.”