Every company needs a service agreement or contract. Even small services need to have clear expectations that are agreed upon by not only the client but you as the business owner. Nothing is worse than being on a job site and have a client expect more from you without having a way to explain what was agreed upon from the beginning.

Not only are service agreements great for day of service disputes, it also helps maintain a relationship with a client built on understanding and will allow them the choice to accept your services at your price or find a company that might be a better fit for their needs. Not every customer is right for your business. Defining the expectations from the beginning will help you find the right client and them the right service provider.

So what goes in a service agreement? Well everything. Defining what you do, what you don’t do and what you need from them to fulfill the job is just as important as the scope of work specific to their job. Your service agreement should walk your customers through what they expect the day of service(s) and have a place for both parties (you and your client) to sign so that there isn’t any confusion when you are there.

This can seem like a daunting task, but I can assure you with the right experience a service agreement can be painless and provide the protection both you and your clients need.