Getting Clients to Sign Contracts - Virtual Assistant Forums

Erica · #1 (**permalink**) 05-27-2008

Can anyone offer advice on getting new clients to sign contracts? I want this to be standard procedure with all future clients but would like to make this as easy as possible. Please also let me know about any problems you have had with this.

Tess · #2 (**permalink**) 05-27-2008

It's never been an issue getting clients to formally agree to our terms..no problems to report (thank goodness

) I will say that if a potential client refused to sign my contract that would be a red flag to me and I would not proceed without a signed contract.

candctroll · #3 (**permalink**) 05-27-2008

I emailed my client a service agreement that included a confidentiality clause. She didn't have any problems signing and returning it.

Prime Admin Solutions · #4 (**permalink**) 05-27-2008

I've only had one issue with a client and contract - she was a lawyer who wanted to change it in a way which would have put me at risk of being sued (if she could prove negligence and since I thought she could consider a typo negligence even though the contract states that the client is responsible for final proofreading). I told her that I couldn't sign it back on that basis and never heard from her again but it didn't hurt my feelings. I agree with Tess, it is our business and we can choose who we work with.

Rebecka Melson · #5 (**permalink**) 05-27-2008

I email the contract to the client with an invoice for the deposit. I don't start the job until I have both. (for the clients I have sent contracts too)

HippieMama · #6 (**permalink**) 06-23-2008

Do you all accept faxed copies of the contract and then just have them mail the original? I'm just wondering what the easiest way to get the contract in my hands will be.

Andrea

Rebecka Melson · #7 (**permalink**) 06-23-2008

I accept fax or scanned copies if they don't want to take the time to mail it.

Write Associate · #8 (**permalink**) 06-24-2008

I've never had a problem getting a contract signed either. You might want to consider calling it a "service agreement" (sounds less harsh) and phrase it in a way that shows it's meant to protect both parties (because in reality, it is). Like Tess said, if they balk, do you really want to do business with them?

As for the other question, my agreements have all been returned to me via email. I don't see a problem with having a scanned copy, as long as their signature is visible.

VirtualLorri · #9 (**permalink**) 06-24-2008

Erica~

Remember that you are a business owner now, not an employee. You don't ask them, you tell them that this is part of your client intake process. Once I have had a couple of thorough conversations with a potential client and we have both decided to move forward, I email them my packet and advise them that work will not begin until all documents are completed and returned and their retainer payment is received. Creating strong standards for yourself and your business will help ensure that you enjoy what you do.

Warmly,

Lorri

Shauna · #10 (**permalink**) 07-02-2008

I prefer to email the client the contract, then have them fax a signed copy back to me.

I have internet fax, and am able to have the fax in electronic format. I simply create a folder for each client and move the contract into the folder with all other information obtained by the client over the life of the relationship.

I believe in going paperless as much as possible.

Prime Admin Solutions · #11 (**permalink**) 07-02-2008

Originally Posted by tamm7

You might want to consider calling it a "service agreement" (sounds less harsh) and phrase it in a way that shows it's meant to protect both parties (because in reality, it is). Like Tess said, if they balk, do you really want to do business with them?

I call mine a "Letter of Engagement"

merrickmgt · #12 (**permalink**) 07-03-2008

I email them a pdf of my contract and privacy agreement and allow them to fax it back. If a potential client tries to edit or alter my contract, that is a huge red flag. My terms and rates are non negotiable.

I learned early on after one short term project client adjusted the state of arbitration on my contract from my state to hers :-) After that, I was all the wiser!

Administrative Partners · #13 (**permalink**) 07-03-2008

Well I give them the opportunity to edit just the scope section of the contract and then we have to both agree on the edits before its executed. But I don't do ANY work until I have signed copy in my hands. Then I mail the hard copy signed by both of us to them as part of the welcome kit.

I've never had anyone give me any issues regarding the signing of the agreement. Although I just found out that one of my clients didn't even read it *eye roll* just signed it.

I told her she is still accountable to everything in there.

AwesomeAssistant · #14 (**permalink**) 07-04-2008

My contract is called a 'services agreement' which clients readily sign. I also make it clear it's so that we both have in writing what they expect of me so there's no confusion down the road. I've never had anyone unwilling to sign it. They usually sign it and email, mail, or fax a copy.

Sue Canfield
Awesome Assistant

Virtual Business Concepts · #15 (**permalink**) 07-06-2008

Lorri,

What are the best items to include in a welcome packet? I'm trying to put one together and I have a few ideas but would like the advice of someone who's used this before.