I am starting a business, and am wondering what contracts have been the most used?

ALL of them!
I've been in business just over 5 years now and they have all been important. But I will say that I didn't always have a clause about advance deposits for new clients, and I didn't always have a clause about late payments. I do now and have for a while in both cases - I learned the hard way how important both of those are.

Another clause that is now standard with all contracts is the section that details the client's responsibilities, including noting deliverables needed to complete the work. This clause is always attached to another with a stipulated reasonable time frame. It keeps the client responsible to the progress of their own project.

Hope that helps!

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Originally Posted by Tess

ALL of them! Another clause that is now standard with all contracts is the section that details the client's responsibilities, including noting deliverables needed to complete the work. This clause is always attached to another with a stipulated reasonable time frame. It keeps the client responsible to the progress of their own project. Hope that helps!

Tess, this is such a wonderful clause. Do you mind sharing an example of it? Obviously it's tailored to each client and task, but still. It definitely is something I'd add to my contract...

Thanks!

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Sara
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and here i thought i had my contract completed :0) thank you for those clauses, i would have never thought to put them in there. appreciate it

Heather
(sorry i know i havent always signed my posts, i am trying to remember to do that. please bare with me.)

I'd love to see other virtual assistants chime in on this one so am giving it a BUMP!

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I would say my most important clause is deliverables. Mostly that without items and input from determine keeping on schedule. Also the termination of the contract, this gives me an out in the event that my ideal client turns out to be not so ideal.

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Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

My biggest clause has been the late payment clause.

I do a lot of project work so monthly invoices don't come in to play very often.
When a project is completed the client has 10 days to pay the remaining balance. The contract states (in BOLD and Highlighted & we discuss during initial consultation) they will be charged a 1.5% fee DAILY starting on day 11.

In 4 years I have had only one (ex)client complain about the policy but that was only AFTER he was 30 days late paying his final bill. He did pay all of what was due + late fees though ;-)

I agree about the deliverables as well. You want the client to know that your success depends on their timely involvement. It also helps dispel the "employee mindset" on both sides.

~C

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~Christina
New Branding coming soon- watch out!

Great ideas, all of them! I really appreciate all of your insight as I am scrambling to get a simple contract together for my first job that starts tomorrow!

Originally Posted by ChristinaVOS

My biggest clause has been the late payment clause. I do a lot of project work so monthly invoices don't come in to play very often. When a project is completed the client has 10 days to pay the remaining balance. The contract states (in BOLD and Highlighted & we discuss during initial consultation) they will be charged a 1.5% fee DAILY starting on day 11. In 4 years I have had only one (ex)client complain about the policy but that was only AFTER he was 30 days late paying his final bill. He did pay all of what was due + late fees though ;-) I agree about the deliverables as well. You want the client to know that your success depends on their timely involvement. It also helps dispel the "employee mindset" on both sides. ~C

Very nice. The 10 day notice is great. The client will have enough time to pay the amount, before he see the late payment fee hitting his door.

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Jessie DSouza
www.vibrantaceva.com

Originally Posted by ChristinaVOS

1.5% fee DAILY starting on day 11 ~C

In my state the most one can charge is 18% on the first $1000 and 14.45% above $1000.

So, while I agree your 1.5% fee beginning on day 11 and each day thereafter, would there be any problems if a client signed the agreement, then later had buyer's remorse?

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A L Camien
Manager Member