Virtual Assistant Forums | Work from Home

Hour11 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-28-2010

Do you guys always get your clients to sign a contract? Are there any here that don't?

I have always received my work via word of mouth (friend of a friend type thing) so have never had to bother with contracts, and now that I'm getting a proper VA business up and running, I want to do it right. Do clients mind you asking them to sign a contract? Or are they happy to?

PamH53 · #2 (**permalink**) 07-28-2010

Always get your clients to sign a contract. It protects you, as well as them. It spells out the job, the rate of pay, the payment terms, etc. This way there is no confusion as to what needs to happen.

Clerical Advantage · #3 (**permalink**) 07-28-2010

As Pam said, a contract protects both you and your client, and is something I consider absolutely necessary. I don't begin work without a signed contract. A contract also adds to your image as a professional.

25thHour · #4 (**permalink**) 07-28-2010

If I ran into a client who was hesitant to sign a contract, I would wonder if that person was really my ideal client. Contracts are a fact of business life, and I might question why that person didn't want a contract. As has been said, a contract protects the client as well (or at least it should) because it lays out exactly what the expectations are.

Hour11 · #5 (**permalink**) 07-28-2010

Thanks Tina, Pam and 25th Hour - yes you're so right, that not only does it benefit us but THEM as well. And I guess as you guys said, and there are no surprises as to what expectations are as it should outline the job.

So in saying that, do you guys contract with each client or, per project? For instance, if you get a client that you think might be a one off - but then 3 months later they give you another job... does that mean another contract?

JKVirtualOffice · #6 (**permalink**) 07-28-2010

I have a contract for each client regardless of whether they are retainer/ongoing or just a project client. As Tina said, I don't start work without a signed contract.

If the scope of the project or services change significantly, then I will revise the contract and ask the client to re-sign it.

summit administrative services · #7 (**permalink**) 07-29-2010

I even use a contract with people I know...doing so...as stated in the other posts above helps layout the parameters and expectations in detail, up front...avoids the potential for misunderstandings later.

amylynn · #8 (**permalink**) 07-29-2010

I agree! Having a contract spells out what is expected of both parties, no suprises. I find that clients are fine with having a contract, it is covering them as well.

Hour11 · #9 (**permalink**) 07-29-2010

Thanks for your input girls, nice to know that everyone is on the same page

And for the record, I fully agree

Your Virtual Assistant · #10 (**permalink**) 07-29-2010

Yes, definitely get a signed contract.

Unfortunately, I did some work for a friend (without a signed contract) and guess what, I never have been paid. They felt that I was just doing them a favor. I just chalked it up to a lesson learned (the hard way.)

Now I don't do any work without a signed contract.