Service agreement

[technetnerd]

I am new to creating a TOS and was wondering if anyone had any examples, did you just write your own? did you have a lawyer look over it? I just want to protect myself from "those" customers as im sure it will only be a matter of time.
I also saw an interesting idea that someone did was put a check box at the bottom stating they wanted their data backed up for a certain price to give the customer that option but also as an advertising point. I dont know about a check but maybe have them initial it or add an additional line below it for them to sign? would appreciate some feedback as legalities are new to me.

 

[tomahawkeer]

A bunch of people here have purchased the kit from technibble. It's got a lot of forms that you may need / want. Click on the Kits link at the top left of the browser.

 

[technetnerd]

oh wow thanks I didnt see this it looks awesome

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

Also if you sign up with an MSP package (like N-Able, GFI, etc)...in your partner portal they will have lots of good collateral and agreement templates and etc etc for your use.

 

[jay_m]

+1 to Technibbles Kit

I was a little hesitant as a new user to purchase, but have been very impressed. Definitely worth the money.

 

[technetnerd]

yeah thanks for the info I would imagine with all that you get in this package the price is pretty much unbeatable. I would think just having a lawyer look over something you came up with would be atleast 100 bucks. My main concern is protecting myself from data loss I.E. photos or files and someone not coming back to pick up their gear.

 

[jay_m]

I agree, there is a liability clause that states that "Business Name" is not responsible whatsoever for any loss of data before, during or after service. Further it goes on to state that the customer understands that the price of services would be much greater if "Business Name" undertook more liability.

This is paraphrased of course.

I am not a lawyer but the legal wording seems exactly what is necessary for the business we are in.

 

[jgmachine]

I googled and found a few different TOSs/Service Agreements from other Computer Repair companies and noted what I thought I needed the TOS to cover and borrowed/modified some of the copy. I figure this will be enough to get me started until I can afford a lawyer to look over it for me.

I also saw an interesting idea that someone did was put a check box at the bottom stating they wanted their data backed up for a certain price to give the customer that option but also as an advertising point. I dont know about a check but maybe have them initial it or add an additional line below it for them to sign?

I had something like this, but then kind of realized that there are many situations where backing up all of the data might be a little excessive. I'd rather approach the customer about this myself if I feel that backing up the data is necessary for the repair. Why do I need to backup data if I'm just setting up a network or something fairly simple? Sure, anything can happen at anytime, but I'd rather my business not come off as trying to upsell and focus on being a personalized and trusted service for the client.

I also took our form from 1 page front and back to just the most of 1-page. I had different sentences that needed to have each line initialed... I figured it was too excessive and would rather spend my time helping my clients than going over a crappy Service Agreement with them.

I say keep it as simple as possible while still protecting yourself and laying out clear terms for the customer.