Contracting with your Customer
This is one of the most important contracts for any business yet many businesses do not formalise their terms and conditions with their customers. A verbal contract will exist if you do not have written terms and conditions however your statutory rights may not adequately protect your business and should a dispute arise it is difficult to evidence what was agreed.
The contract with your customer should include the following:
- A statement that your contract governs the supply of good or services and reference to any supporting documents (e.g. specifications, quotes etc);
- Price, payment terms and description of the goods or services together with delivery terms (usually in the quote form);
- What will happen if the customer does not pay (interest, late payment charges, right to recover goods etc);
- Statement re: ownership of goods and any intellectual property;
- Any warranties or guarantees you are providing;
- Retention of Title clause and ‘risk’ management clauses.
For more information on terms and conditions please contact our office.