Revisiting my Terms and conditions

interesting take Colin about the service aspect, - a couple of years ago I put my prices up and included plant feed, ties etc as I couldn't find the time to invoice people for a few pounds at a time, so yes there is some compromise.
I'm trying to do the sheet with the basic guide prices and then have the t & c's on the back, - what i've found is that with some of my clients I give them advice, and then they come back to me 6 months to 2 years later for more advice or work, and often don't know about all the other things that i do, or the prices, so really it's a form of advertising all my services, and give a starting price for them.

I know that 99% of clients clear up their dog mess (or in my experience maybe 90%), - but it's those that don't that cause the most stress, - I too have lost/given up on a client because the garden was revolting, and although I wanted to improve the garden, I wasn't prepared to deal with the mess.

colin said:

i find t&c a little harsh a phrase. i just use a footnote outlining payment methods (with online acc. details), payments to be made within 14 days or £10 to be added to the bill, and all materials are mine until paid for in full. 99% of customers have the sense to clear dog crap access and parking is sometimes beyond customer control.
i do have a printed out sheet with basic price guides which if i think someone will be picky they get, so then they are charged for every little detail of their garden which can add up the way some people like to add extras on over the months it can work out advantageous
before anyone says theyre in business and its there terms or nothing, i like to think im a service aswell and that service includes compromise!

Replies

Busy Bee Garden Services Limited August 25, 2010 at 5:00pm

Mine are:

Access especially locked gates when they know we are coming!

Cancelling with little or no notice.

Payment within 30 days or I'll fine you!
PRO

Paul @ Ashgate Garden Care August 25, 2010 at 5:13pm

Disposing of other peoples rubbish and hidden cables / manhole covers for me.
PRO

Gary RK August 25, 2010 at 6:17pm

For anything other than a small job, we either quote the work in sections or include in the T&C's the ability to do 'Progress Invoicing' if our works are delayed due to issues outside our control (such as weather or "other" works).

So you can invoice for works to date and don't end being a line of credit for the customer and hurting your cashflow or your relationship with your suppliers...

As always it utlimately depends on how you 'read' your client.....
Claire Brown August 26, 2010 at 9:33am

interesting take Colin about the service aspect, - a couple of years ago I put my prices up and included plant feed, ties etc as I couldn't find the time to invoice people for a few pounds at a time, so yes there is some compromise.
I'm trying to do the sheet with the basic guide prices and then have the t & c's on the back, - what i've found is that with some of my clients I give them advice, and then they come back to me 6 months to 2 years later for more advice or work, and often don't know about all the other things that i do, or the prices, so really it's a form of advertising all my services, and give a starting price for them.

I know that 99% of clients clear up their dog mess (or in my experience maybe 90%), - but it's those that don't that cause the most stress, - I too have lost/given up on a client because the garden was revolting, and although I wanted to improve the garden, I wasn't prepared to deal with the mess.

colin said:
i find t&c a little harsh a phrase. i just use a footnote outlining payment methods (with online acc. details), payments to be made within 14 days or £10 to be added to the bill, and all materials are mine until paid for in full. 99% of customers have the sense to clear dog crap access and parking is sometimes beyond customer control.
i do have a printed out sheet with basic price guides which if i think someone will be picky they get, so then they are charged for every little detail of their garden which can add up the way some people like to add extras on over the months it can work out advantageous
before anyone says theyre in business and its there terms or nothing, i like to think im a service aswell and that service includes compromise!
PRO

Phil Voice August 26, 2010 at 12:28pm

Hi Claire

It's a good idea to keep business documents under constant review; each new experience can be cause for modification.

I've added an index of downloadable business forms which members might find useful (most of these have been discussed/modified on previous occasions but have never been accessible from one spot before)

There is also now a permanent link on the front page.

Please note that each member should carefully modify each document to suit their own needs. If in doubt, get a lawyer to run through your version. LJN accepts no responsibility for their (mis)use.
Lawnman August 27, 2010 at 5:01pm

Phil

Most useful index my T&Cs now have a more professional look
PRO

Phil Voice August 27, 2010 at 5:48pm

Pleased they were of use :)

Tim Chislett said:
Mine are:

Access especially locked gates when they know we are coming!

Cancelling with little or no notice.

Payment within 30 days or I'll fine you!
Sir Digalot August 29, 2010 at 7:33pm

I was advised recently by a client (very nice business man!) to add on the E and OE to every quote and onto my T&C's.
"Errors and Omissions Excepted" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E&OE

It has certainly helped me out on at least one occasion so far!

Andy
Cesare Harradine August 29, 2010 at 8:45pm

My t&c's run to three pages of small print. I've looked at them again and again but I'm reluctant to drop any of them. They have all come about to address issues that have come up in the past.

Take a look and see what you think.