Metro Snow and Ice started off the season as Appleseed. We had hired Appleseed for several years and were always happy with the service. In fact, they were the predominant snow removal company in our neighborhood. This year, they were taken over by Metro, and the service is atrocious! They don't show up, they show up way after the city plow has gone by, and way after other snow removal companies have cleared their clients laneways. It is impossible to reach them during a snow event - they outsourced their calls to a company in the US who didn't even know where Ottawa was - nevermind where my address was and how much snow had fallen. No one ever returned calls or emails, and the service was so unreliable that we just ended up shoveling ourselves so as to ensure we could get out for work etc. We have also spoken to many of our neighbours who were similarly displeased with Metro. None of them will be resigning a contract with Metro next year.
Finally, to add insult to injury, they sent out an email today advising clients that because 250cm of snow has now fallen, they will be charging us for any subsequent snow removal visits. 250cm may have fallen, but I'd be surprised if they removed anywhere near half of that.
Lots of companies out there do a much better job - Not recommended!
- Approximate cost of services:
- $400.00
- Company Response
I owned both Appleseed and Metro for the past few years. The only thing that has changed was the name to Metro, and added features such as email bulletins, GPS tractor alerts and other benefits that you may not have been receiving prior to the name change and 'rebranding'. As to the 'surcharge' limit, this is clearly in the contract signed at the beginning of the season, standard industry policy and most credible, reliable snow clearing companies include and enforce this to insure continued service.
Yes, during busy times we 'outsourced calls' to a larger centre where you 'left your info' and we immediately rec9eved the email of your issue to respond faster.
Sorry you feel this was not up to your standards but the vast majority of our clients prefer the systems we use to react, inform and deliver the service.
Ken Dale