When I was growing up in the Great White Northeast of New England, we looked forward to snow storms, and not just for the obvious reasons (sledding, snow forts, snow balls, and cancelled classes).
A good snow storm meant cold cash.
The kids in our neighborhood would fan out the moment the last flake fell (and often before), ringing bells and offering to shovel sidewalks for money.
It occurs to me that in this neighborhood, where the average house doesn’t even own a snow shovel (or you would certainly be forgiven for thinking so, judging by the state of the sidewalk this past week), that would be a fine tradition to renew.
I’d like to hear from you all: would you welcome a youngster ringing your bell after this week’s snowstorm and offering to take care of the shoveling for you? What do you think is a fair price to pay?
I don’t remember exactly, but I seem to remember that when I was growing up, back in 19<cough><cough>, we would let the customer suggest the amount, but it was generally around $5 – $10, and I could expect to go home with $50 or so in my pocket and a healthy appetite in my belly. I imagine inflation will have changed that some.
I also wonder whether people would welcome the shovelers on Saturday, after this first snowfall, or do you think it makes sense to to hold off until Monday and Tuesday deliver the second blow? My opinion is that we’ve all got to walk on Sunday and Monday, plus it will make Wednesday’s job easier if the main of it is cleared already.
What do you think?
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Awesome post, +1
Adjusted for inflation the $5/house I got back during the Blizzard of ’78 = $19.26 in current dollars
I would welcome this! Also, given the predicted hard freeze on Sunday, the shoveling should definitely happen on Saturday or all they could hope to do is take the snow off of the layer of ice!
That would be great, although I do my own and my older neighbors’ walks, but if any kid shows up before I get to it, they will have the job. Full background check, business license, bonding, insurance, etc. required, of course…..
I’d love someone to come by and offer to shovel. As someone who can’t easily get out and shovel due to a health condition it is always nice to have someone offer to help than have to ask for assistance constantly. I think $20 seems like a reasonable amount if just doing the sidewalk. If doing a driveway then adjust accordingly. I also think Saturday or Sunday would be better than waiting.
Yes please!!
Definitely! We would easily pay $20 for someone to shovel the snow.
Have a flat shovel to lend to any kids that want to shovel anyones sidewalk in the neighborhood.
What is a good hourly rate we’re talking here for the kids? I just finished ours in about 10 minutes,
but it was mostly melted… so $20 per house might be about $60-100 an hour?
Tomorrow thats a different story possibly and if we add ice it’ll take longer!
What is the general consensus for an hourly rate for kids?
I think a few kids at Off the Wall might be interested, I think they would be excited to help.
Another comment had me thinking, it might be good to put together a list of elderly neighbors to help out that can’t shovel the snow or need other assistance.
This is important. Elderly people may need help removing snow, help getting to store or plain old companionship as their favorite places for friendship– gyms, yoga studios, centers volunteer efforts etc.. will be closed or on limited hours. ( c re c)
I would definitely hand over $10 to get some snow cleared. I wouldn’t expect bells and whistles, just a quick clearing of the snow. Saturday would be great. If the snow is there it needs to be cleared, the sooner the better.
I would happily fork out for this if someone wanted to get my sidewalk and stairs on Saturday! 🙂
I am an apartment dweller. I swept all the snow from a long block this afternoon. It is midnight covered again in ice and snow. I am entranced by the beauty of this never-ending drifting, mystical show of natture’s surprise humbling to our city and our sacrosanct routines. Can Wallyhood update us on who/what is open o r closed ( unexpected changes) please? ( c re c)
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/844048ff9334b8c3b596a74ccda4f0bda15865dacf0622b1f81c9fb2f16443d3.jpg Working for his first customer!
I walked perimeter 45th to 41st .. Midvale N to Whitman N… only 1 set of homeowners doing their sidewalk then. Kids’ gonna get rich over here. ( c re c)
Hello, we just got info that Seattle Schools will be closed, tomorrow, Monday February 11, 2019. Maybe Wallyhood wants to help share info for parents. ( c re c)
+1 I would’ve LOVED to have had a young individual shovel my sidewalk for me! IfI be a fan of ASAP shoveling and happy to donate $20 to the cause!