Hello Everyone,

I have just started my business and had some questions about the contracts.

Do I povide a contract for every project for the same client or should I provide them with only one contract for a one year period?

What are key questions when doing a consultation with a client? and are there any forms that illustrate all the questions that need to be asked?

Please help!!!!!

Karla

Hi Karla,
I use an annual contract for anyone who wants to use my services on a regular basis whether it is a retainer situation or just occasional projects. The contract is quite general and the details of the work, payment method, etc. are specified in an addendum. Any new assignments or other changes can be made with simple one-page addendums. At the end of the year we review and extend the official contract with a signed extension page. That way paperwork is at a minimum and I think the client finds it much easier to okay the extension of an existing contract than formally consider a new one.
One-off job contracts expire when the job is complete.

I hope that helps. I am sure there will be different ideas coming from others.

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Karen Cole, MBA
www.aveonservices.com

I love the idea of keeping paperwork to a minimum as well!!

Sounds great Karen! I absolutely agree that extending the original contract will go over much easier than a brand new one every year - it really keeps the mindset that there are no major changes and does not need to be reconsidered. Easy, green and smart!

Monica

Originally Posted by Karen

Hi Karla, I use an annual contract for anyone who wants to use my services on a regular basis whether it is a retainer situation or just occasional projects. The contract is quite general and the details of the work, payment method, etc. are specified in an addendum. Any new assignments or other changes can be made with simple one-page addendums. At the end of the year we review and extend the official contract with a signed extension page. That way paperwork is at a minimum and I think the client finds it much easier to okay the extension of an existing contract than formally consider a new one. One-off job contracts expire when the job is complete. I hope that helps. I am sure there will be different ideas coming from others.

I love this idea Karen. Would it be possible to request a sample (generic obviously) of how you set it up? I have contracts written, but am having a hard time visualizing how to format it for an annual + addendums.

Hi, can anyone please submit a sample contract they use for their clients? I am new to the VA industry and I just want to make sure that when I get my first client I have that contract ready. Thanks.

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Angelica, Let Me Get A GRIP On Your Books!
www.mygripbookkeepingservices.com

Originally Posted by karlaamaya

Hello Everyone, I have just started my business and had some questions about the contracts. Do I povide a contract for every project for the same client or should I provide them with only one contract for a one year period? What are key questions when doing a consultation with a client? and are there any forms that illustrate all the questions that need to be asked? Please help!!!!! Karla

Hi karla,
This should start you out. Here is the link for VAF's document library. You will find a standard contract + other forms to help you out! http://www.virtualassistantforums.co...orms-contracts
HTH

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JoCarole
http://www.shoreofficeservices.com

I have had the same questions - thank you. I have not used contracts thus far in my business but I've been thinking it would make me look more professional. Not to mention the legal stuff (which I still need to learn more about!).

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Lindsay
www.writingthatsizzles.net

Originally Posted by JoCarole

Hi karla, This should start you out. Here is the link for VAF's document library. You will find a standard contract + other forms to help you out! http://www.virtualassistantforums.co...orms-contracts HTH

That link wont work unless you already have 50 posts... are there any other suggestions? I would like to see a sample contract as well.

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Have a fantastic day! Dekota
Aspiring VA

I suggest putting in the 50 posts. It's really not too much to ask rather than asking for someone to put up a sample contract that they've already worked hard to put together. Putting in a little time on the forums is a good way to participate and to contribute in exchange for gaining access to documents that other VAs have put time into.

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Kimberly
Facebook Marketing Magic!