The Plowz App: Is It Right For You? You’ve probably been seeing ads for a new app called Plowz. Basically, it’s like Uber for snowplows and this post will give you the pros and cons so you can see if the app is right for you. Wills Mahoney and his former Syracuse University roommate Andrew Englander, co-founded the company to answer a common problem in the northeast, snowplow services. The Syracuse-based company launched last November and has already expanded to 30 U.S. cities. So the way it works is customers use a smart-phone app (or go online) to request snow plowing. They describe their driveway or parking lot and send in their request. Plowz then sends back a price and a timetable to do the work—usually that same day or the next day. Customers can also request immediate service at a premium price. The app sends the request to any service providers logged into the platform, and the company’s software awards the job to the closest provider who wants the work. A GPS system tracks where all Plowz service providers are in real-time so someone is always there quickly while using as few resources as possible. Customers’ cards are not charged until they are sent a photo of the completed job through the app and the pricing usually range between $29 to $57 dollars. Pros · Perfect app for homeowners who need plowing services but don’t want to sign a contract. · Great for new snow plowers who haven’t built a client base. · Can make extra income if your plow is not already being monetized. · Could be used to get extra business outside of the app. · Will be mostly driveways so if you don’t have a commercial plow you can still get jobs. Cons · If your city doesn’t have Uber you probably won’t have Plowz · GPS Tracking is mandatory. Could be a little intrusive on your privacy. · Some providers have complained about not being paid in a timely manner. · Not reliable as a contract. · There is a 70/30 split on the money you make. · Plowing properties you’ve never seen means hidden obstacles. Which means you could break your plow or cause your insurance to skyrocket. If you’ve had any experience using the app please chime in or if you’d like to try them out sign up here Thanks #THINKSNOW � |