7 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
7 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

[Moved] Starting a Local SMS/SEO/Mobile Site Business...

by bert81
5 replies
I've become motivated to attempt to start my own business service business due to the enormous amount of info online regarding the subject.

Here's the thing though; I understand getting the clients and selling them my services. My question to all the people who are successfully doing this is what happens at the moment the business owner says 'yes'?

Do you have contracts there to be signed by these business owners? Forms to give them? Did you have a lawyer draw up documents? I'm unsure about the minor details in this idea and would truly appreciate some guidance.

Thank you so much for your time and help.
#business #local #moved #site #sms or seo or mobile #starting
  • Profile picture of the author bert81
    Can anybody answer this enigma?

    Is this like some big secret or something? I've been asking here and another forum, but neither one has yet yielded a response.

    Can anyone help? Does anybody even know?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4014308].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author jimbo13
      Hi Bert

      I would think you get them to sign something then and there if it was a contract as that would indicate it was for a time period rather than a job done.

      But if it was a one off then you could just write them a receipt when they give you a cheque and then send them a nice Invoice.

      I think you need to remember it is Sunday.

      I do what you have done. Write something and then think where has everyone gone?

      This is what I would suggest.

      When this thread gets buried tomorrow as all the Americans start to wake up and post new ones just post something at the bottom to get it back in view and hopefully more people will be around and maybe e-mail you something.

      Dan
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4014409].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author WillR
    It depends how much you want to cover your backside. Some people will just use an invoice, some people will have them sign a little agreement. I personally use a 8-10 page service agreement that covers anything and everything that could arise throughout the project. This agreement is as much about protecting my rights as those of my customer.

    If you are planning on getting into the business on a serious level then I suggest having some form of standard service agreement drawn up to help protect your rights. Most of the times you won't need them but all it takes is ONE customer to ruin things for you in a big way. Better to be safe than sorry.
    Signature

    .


    .

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4014426].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author JamesReynolds
    I would advise putting together a simple services agreement so that BOTH parties are clear on their commitment (there will be things the client needs to provide to make the project a success)

    Example...

    Consultant agrees to:
    (insert scope of work here and make sure your list is longer)

    Client agrees to:
    (insert what you need from the client and by when - that includes payment terms)

    BOTH agree to:
    1. Act in good faith.
    2. Keep all information private.
    3. Communicate honestly, openly, and in a timely manner.

    etc etc

    Make sure you get payment in advance (at least to cover your costs) and then get going. My experience shows that simple agreements work best...no need for lawyers.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4014446].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author WillR
      Originally Posted by JamesReynolds View Post

      My experience shows that simple agreements work best...no need for lawyers.
      I agree with this part. You need to have everything very clear and not too daunting for the customer. If it's too complicated and the customer feels they need to run the agreement past their lawyer first then you know you have probably gone a little overboard. Having said that, you need to make sure you cover all your bases. I have never had a problem as I just explain to the customer that the agreement is there to help protect them as well as me.
      Signature

      .


      .

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4014524].message }}

Trending Topics