If you run a business where you provide any kind of service to your customers or clients, a contract template that outlines the terms of your services could streamline the process and save you time, money and energy in the long run. Having a contract template does not mean you cannot modify the contract to fit the needs of a particular transaction or customer, but it can give you standard terms and conditions that clearly define the basic terms of the contract.
Depending on the type of services you provide, the terms that should be set forth in a template are:
1. The duration of the contract;
2. The scope of the services that will be provided;
3. The identity of the party that will be providing the services;
4. The amount to be paid for the services, as well as any applicable payment terms;
5. A cancellation and/or refund policy, if any;
6. What the process will be if a dispute arises between the parties;
7. Other standard terms, such as governing law, disclaimer of certain liabilities, termination and confidentiality.
If needed, the template can be modified to meet the needs of certain customers or transactions, such as if you want to change the duration of the contract or the services that you are providing to a particular customer. You can also create templates for different circumstances. For example, we work with a client who provides speakers to present on certain topics at both in person and virtual events. We prepared a contract template for in person events, as well as a contract template for virtual events. There are necessary terms that are particular to each type of event which require two different templates.
We also recently worked with a company that provides coaching services to prepare a template contract for the services that they offer that they can now present to each client without delay. The terms include, for example:
1. The terms of the relationship, including a disclaimer of any guaranteed results;
2. A description of the different service packages offered, as well as the price structure for each package;
3. A section for availability and schedule, which details the length of each session, as well as the dates and times, which can be filled in for each client;
4. Cancellation and Refund Policy;
5. Confidentiality and Intellectual Property provisions;
6. Other miscellaneous standard provisions, including termination, limitations of liability, governing law, and force majeure.
Our client can now present this template to each client without having to worry about re-drafting the contract each time. As a small business owner, you can have peace of mind knowing you worked with an attorney to create a custom template specifically drafted to meet the needs of their business. It can save you time, energy and money in the long run!
Disclaimer: The information contained in this post is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls and communications. Contacting us, however, does not create an attorney-client relationship.
