How to price snow removal.

Most people around here who do commercial plowing charge a set rate for up to 2 inches and more for every inch thereafter.

My question is this:
How do you measure how much it has snowed? I can't see using a ruler because that could easily be disputed. I live in a big city where they usually measure the snowfall at Philadelphia International Airport. Would you go by that amount??

My husband goes by how much has collected on our car. Not very scientific, but we've never had a complaint when he plows that there wasn't 2" of snow. Also, you should notice that there are other people out plowing.

Charge on a per hour basis. This will eliminate most disputes and will in the long run generate more money. $35 per hour for sidewalk crews. $60 per truck per hour. $150 per hour for skidloader work. You make your money on the second trip (clean up work) when you are only at the prop for 15 min and bill the customer $60.00.

We also price per/hr for snow removal, usually $125.00 per hr per truck. $60 per hour for sidewalks. we start plowing at 2-3".