contracts

[Groundlevel]

Hey Thillteamsource, I was just wondering so dont get mad.

Let me tell you that you are very lucky that you only had two incidents,I understand that everyone here wants to do quality service, and have a good customer base,but some customers want to try to get over on your business because they think you have tons of money.
I bill my customers on the 1st of the month to and it is due on the 15th or there will be a late fee and they expect this because its in there contract ( That they signed)and we are on the same page on everything including what services they expect from me, so they can't say you were susposed to do this and this and did not do it.then i'll look in the contract and show them.

I'm just saying people nowadays expect contracts on everything
including lawn care,and if they are willing to pay then they should't have a problem signing it.
Also it helps in keeping customers during the winter months so I can make money year round and not just during the summer when they call you for services. They know how many times a month I should be there, and if they need more/less times a month then we will work somthing out.

Do you know if they did really file for bankrupcy or was just telling you this so they could get out of paying?

Do you have contracts for landscaping work?

You can do all the work expected(for the price quoted) and they say your not finished because the back yard has not been soded and they arnt going to pay you until its done, so you lost 400$ you are going to do it because you dont want a bad reputation.

I'm just saying CONTRACTS FOR ME!!
If you dont need them then good for you mabye you dont,but I warn you WATCH OUT! or you might get bit in the ass.

[CCLS]

I use the term "Proposal" because I propose a price for my services. If the customer accepts my "Proposal" by signing, then it is a contract. The contract then clearly lays out all obligations of the customer as well as the contractor. Every thing fits nice and neat on sheet of paper. If you get too detailed, you will scare some people a way.

As far as the one year cancelation goes, you need to give the customer a way out. If you back the customer in the corner, they get intimidated and don't want your services.

[truegreenscape]

contracts

I try to explain it like this,

This protects you first and me second. I show them why it is important in today's world to have more then a verbal aggreement. I personally think if they are so worried about it, then find out why it may be because they are planning on moving or have had a bad service provider in the past. If thats the case then alter the contract so that both parties are happy. If they can't give you a logical answer then don't take a risk on it, it may come back and bight you.

[thillteamsource]

Groundlevel,

I sure nuff did not mean to sound angry. Sorry.
Now on to your other questions.

Is the former client BSing about filing bankrupcy? I don't know for sure but do expect a creditor letter soon. Time will tell.

Yup, we use the same proposal format for landscaping projects. They have everything in writing but are not required to sign. It has worked well thus far.

I should admit that we have tacit approval since over 90% of the prosals and client acceptance are done via email. We even send the sketches and/or layouts electronically.

Again, sorry if I sounded less than cordial.

You may be right - we could just be lucky so far.

Thanks for your interest.

Tom

[Groundlevel]

No prob.

I think you have been lucky so far,guess all your customers have been trust worthy so far.

everyone has their way of doing things,as long as it works.