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Question about offline clients - contract or no contract?

by Alex Mensah
6 replies
hi warriors,
I have a question about offline clients. The question is
do you personally use a written contract when dealing with offline clients and also what if your offline client requires a receipt for tax purposes. I need some help on these two questions.

thanks in advance
#clients #contract #offline #question
  • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
    Unless you're ready to fight legal battles should they become necessary, a contract is only as good as the people agreeing to it. If both parties are honest, a handshake and a memo is good enough. If one party is going to cheat another, a contract won't stop them.

    The only time a tight contract is any good is if you are willing to pay whatever it takes to enforce it...

    Edit: As far as receipts go, I always furnished them if requested...
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  • Profile picture of the author mr2monster
    Depends on the service you're offering really... Most purists will say use a contract 100% of the time... but the reality is, many business transactions stray from their contractual obligations a vast majority of the time.

    If you're doing a recurring type thing, yeah.. outline an agreement. But understand that in practice it might waiver from the original terms you set.

    If it's just a one time service, a lot of times an itemized invoice works perfectly fine.

    I run my businesses with relationships... not pieces of paper.


    DISCLAIMER: I AM NOT AN ATTORNEY - DON'T LISTEN TO ME.
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  • Profile picture of the author VegasGreg
    I have used written contract on some clients, but most of the time I just provide a very detailed email breaking down the services. I feel that is my "proof" and it is timestamped with their replies.

    For receipts, I always type up an invoice and send it to the client. They can use it however they choose.
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    Greg Schueler - Wordpress Fanatic... Living The Offline Marketing Dream...

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  • Profile picture of the author Vincenzo Oliva
    Always make an agreement as to what is expected with any client (unless your doing it pro bono) and provide them an invoice of your services if possible.

    You'll be happy you did if there is any dispute.
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  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    I use a contract.... its called a "receipt".
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  • Profile picture of the author Scott Voss
    Have a letter which clearly outlines:
    • What services you will do/provide
    • What your timelines will be
    • When you will start work
    • Any requirements you have of them (especially if it will delay your work)
    • Any agreed upon results (if any)
    • Total payment and structure (ex: 50% up front, 50% upon completion, etc)
    • Any refund or guarantee policy (if any)
    • Your company name and theirs
    Just send them the document for their review and feedback.

    As for the receipt, that is relatively simple. There are tons of receipt templates available online, such as this one.
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    Get My FREE Report on Getting Clients for Your Offline Marketing Business [No pesky opt-ins!!]

    WSO: Find Low Competition Markets for Your Offline Marketing Services [$7]
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