Business Contracts For Project Commitments...

Calibre Designs · #1 (**permalink**) 30-03-2008, 10:35

We are re visiting our business contract forms. It is currently 3 pages long which we feel is a bit too long. It basically covers the commitments from the client and from the contractor, hence serving as a protection for both parties.

As a potential client, if you commission work for a company to undertake, would you be put off by having to read and sign a contract before the work can commence?

Thank you in advance.

Kay

Fuzzy · #2 (**permalink**) 30-03-2008, 10:38

I think it's good business practice to have one and certainly wouldn't be put off by one, but maybe condense it into one page ?

boxby · #3 (**permalink**) 30-03-2008, 10:41

use smaller fonts!

Fuzzy · #4 (**permalink**) 30-03-2008, 10:43

Yeh, make it so it's teeny weeny writing and supply them with a free magnifying glass

Calibre Designs · #5 (**permalink**) 30-03-2008, 10:43

Thanks Fuzzy/Sandra....

Yea, exactly what I was thinking.

Indizine · #6 (**permalink**) 30-03-2008, 10:52

Yes I had the same thought. As much as a customer wants to know exactly what they're getting and how it will happen, when it comes to giving it to them in black and white it can look quite scary to some. I am therefore going to split some of it off into smaller font but kept separat,e whereas at the moment it is kind of entwined. But I believe it is very thorough and protective of both sides with no sneaky clauses.

We hear many times on the forums how someone's project went belly up and when we ask "what did your contract say?" they decalre they didnt get one. So damned if you do, damned if you don't sometimes!

Calibre Designs · #7 (**permalink**) 30-03-2008, 10:58

My thoughts exactly Indi

Inzvestor · #8 (**permalink**) 30-03-2008, 11:01

Kay, It's prudent to have a contract in place explaining clearly the rights and obligations as well as expectations and deadlines each party must meet in order for the project to be a success.

What you have is a positive and many of the rookies/cowboys and amateurs simply don't offer the same levels of comfort and prtection that they should receive by dealing with a bona fide design company with written contracts.

Length isn't really an issue - its the content that counts.

Jeewhizz · #9 (**permalink**) 30-03-2008, 17:25

Ours is quite lengthy, and is based on years of experience. I don't provide a full contract for every job. Some get a 'lite' version