Service T&C Spooking Customers?

ridgefieldpc

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I am currently in the process of creating the service terms and conditions to protect my business.

I am compiling a list of clauses I would like to include and it is getting to be quite extensive.

I am concerned about scaring off customers. At my old job we had a much smaller agreement and sometimes people refused to sign it. We took their computer in anyway.

Does anyone run into problems with customers not agreeing to some/all terms or just the sheer size of it putting them off?

Some of you I imagine don't even use T&C to appear more homey or friendly or just a "friend".
 
My T&C are very brief. To be quite honest, if I feel comfortable with the client (referral, friend, etc.) I don't even bother having them sign it. For others, especially those who give off that "type" of personality have to fill out my T&C or I won't work on the computer.
 
My T&C are very brief. To be quite honest, if I feel comfortable with the client (referral, friend, etc.) I don't even bother having them sign it. For others, especially those who give off that "type" of personality have to fill out my T&C or I won't work on the computer.

I also have clients by referral only but I don't take chances. The work order is a legal document that can save me from many problems. My T&C is quite extensive but customers don't complain about it.
 
I also have clients by referral only but I don't take chances.

You're right, I shouldn't be taking chances either. I still ask some referrals to sign the T&C. If you want to go by the book, then definitely have everyone sign it, no matter how long it is.
 
I've never had a customer complain about my terms and conditions and even had some read them and actually think that they're pretty good. Granted though my terms and conditions are summarized in a bullet format in plain English listed as a "Customer Bill of Rights" with the full legalese version on request.

I might start printing the full legal version on the back though- using a grey colored font of course since I don't want it to be too distracting. Similar to how a credit card application works.
 
I've never had a customer complain about my terms and conditions and even had some read them and actually think that they're pretty good. Granted though my terms and conditions are summarized in a bullet format in plain English listed as a "Customer Bill of Rights" with the full legalese version on request.

I might start printing the full legal version on the back though- using a grey colored font of course since I don't want it to be too distracting. Similar to how a credit card application works.

Interesting. I like the Bill of Rights idea.
 
Definately have whatever you think your TOS should have. I go over mine with every single customer before I start any work, including the sections that make me wonder if they will sign it (limitation of lability, transfer of ownership if they fail to pay) and so far I have had nobody reject it. If they did, I definately wouldn't work on their computer. Everything in there is mainly to protect myself from bad customers, if they don't agree then I don't want them as one.
 
Definately have whatever you think your TOS should have. I go over mine with every single customer before I start any work, including the sections that make me wonder if they will sign it (limitation of lability, transfer of ownership if they fail to pay) and so far I have had nobody reject it. If they did, I definately wouldn't work on their computer. Everything in there is mainly to protect myself from bad customers, if they don't agree then I don't want them as one.
+1, but going over the TOS with each customer? That should take a while. My work order states that I only for an adult, thus, I assume that they can read. I also give them a copy of the TOS so that they can review it whenever they want, as many times as they wish.
 
lol... I don't read it word for word. I give an overview. Mainly because I know they wont read it, I never do (edit: I don't read EULAs and such) so I don't expect my customers to do so either.

But instead of "In the event that full payment has not been received in bla bla"... I just say I must be paid in full at the time I return the computer to you.
 
We have all customers initial that they've read and agree to the T&C which cover the entire back of the invoice. Never had anybody refuse.
 
This is what we use.


Central Valley Laptop Repair
Business Terms And Conditions

This Agreement is entered into by and between Central Valley Laptop Repair ("CVLR") and ________________________________ ("Client") for computer repair services. “Computer” shall mean any kind of computing device no matter the brand, model, type or common household name.

Warranty - Services are warrantied for 30 days excluding virus and malware removal. Hardware and software installations or upgrades performed knowingly or otherwise by the user or a third party, adjustment of settings and hardware tampering will void the warranty. Recurrence of viruses, malware, spyware or adware will be treated as a new repair at additional cost. Hardware warranties, returns and service must be referred to the original manufacturer. We may assist you in this process at our choosing.

Data Integrity And Loss - You agree that any and all data can be lost due to unavoidable factors beyond our control and that during the course of service, data or software can become lost, corrupt or unusable. You alone are responsible for backing up your data prior to dropping off your computer for repair. Data may be backed up upon request for a fee but no guarantee is made as to it's integrity or completeness and that the files chosen to be backed up is entirely dependent upon you. CVLR will not be held financially liable for lost, corrupted or unusable data or backups.

Privacy And Ownership - You must own or have the permission to drop off a computer for repair. We will return the computer only to an individual with a signed copy of the original receipt. You must provide discs and any required registration numbers or keys for any software that is to be installed or re-installed on your computer. You understand that we may inadvertently see personal or private data during a repair. You are advised to remove any personal or confidential data before submitting your computer for repair. If we inadvertently encounter data which is in violation of local, state or federal law then we will be obligated to report such data to the authorities. This would include but is not limited to child pornography, drug use etc. You agree without limitation that CVLR cannot be held liable for the loss or disclosure of data or information, loss of profit, revenue, business opportunity or business advantage, or business interruption, whether based upon a claim or action of contract, warranty, negligence, strict liability, contribution, indemnity, or any other legal theory or cause of action, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.

Permissions - You grant CVLR and it's service representatives access and permission to open, view, modify, edit, delete, or otherwise manipulate your computer software, operating system and data. You grant CVLR and it's service representatives, permission to install any software or hardware which CVLR deems necessary to perform a repair.

Other Obligations - CVLR is not responsible for tutoring customers nor for providing technical support by any means. CVLR is not liable for existing damage, lost data, discs etc. CVLR will not support any software which is illegal or which contributes to illegal activity such as copying or burning DVD discs as well as downloading illegally obtained music, videos or applications.

Unforeseen Events - You understand that there may be unintended consequences of any upgrades or modifications to your system's hardware and software. These can lead to incompatibilities or the possible loss of data. Hardware and software are interdependent and incompatibilities may not become immediately apparent. CVLR is not liable for any loss financial or otherwise caused by acts of god, fire, natural disaster or theft, accidental damage, electrical disruption etc.

Consent - CVLR will not perform service without your consent and payment. If we discover additional issues with your computer, then you will be notified with an estimate. If you agree, then work will be done and the balance may be paid upon pickup. Hardware components will require payment in full prior to ordering or installing. You hereby agree to pay for any and all expenses, parts and labor which you have consented to by phone, in person or by other means including a third party who can authorize repairs for you. You hereby authorize CVLR to perform work on the designated computer. It is your responsibility to verify all work before taking receipt of your computer.

IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES, YOU AGREE THAT CENTRAL VALLEY LAPTOP REPAIR, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, CONSULTANTS, AGENTS, FAMILY MEMBERS OR OTHER REPRESENTATIVES MAXIMUM LIABILITY IS LIMITED TO THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THE PRODUCTS SOLD AND/OR SERVICES RENDERED. CENTRAL VALLEY LAPTOP REPAIR SHALL NOT BE LIABLE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE FOR CLAIMS OF DAMAGES TO THE CUSTOMER. FURTHERMORE, CENTRAL VALLEY LAPTOP REPAIR SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR LOSS, OR EXPENSE OF ANY KIND ARISING OUT OF OR RESULTING FROM MALFUNCTION, DELAYS, INTERRUPTION OF SERVICE, LOSS OF BUSINESS OR INCOME, LOSS OF GOODWILL, WORK STOPPAGE, LOSS OF DATA, AND/OR SUBSEQUENT DAMAGE TO ANY HARDWARE DUE TO HARDWARE FAILURE, SOFTWARE FAILURE, OR VIRUSES. CENTRAL VALLEY LAPTOP REPAIR IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY OF THE FOREGOING OBLIGATIONS, AND CUSTOMER SHALL HAVE NO RIGHT OF RECOURSE AGAINST CENTRAL VALLEY LAPTOP REPAIR FOR ANY SUCH OBLIGATIONS. IN NO EVENT, SHALL CENTRAL VALLEY LAPTOP REPAIR OR ANY OF ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, CONSULTANTS, AGENTS, FAMILY MEMBERS OR OTHER REPRESENTATIVES BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES REGARDLESS OF WHETHER CENTRAL VALLEY LAPTOP REPAIR OR ANY OF IT'S DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, CONSULTANTS, AGENTS, FAMILY MEMBERS OR OTHER REPRESENTATIVES HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

Your signature acknowledges that you have read, understood and agree to these terms and conditions.

Customer Signature
Date / /
Phone Number

Computer Password



I am currently in the process of creating the service terms and conditions to protect my business.

I am compiling a list of clauses I would like to include and it is getting to be quite extensive.

I am concerned about scaring off customers. At my old job we had a much smaller agreement and sometimes people refused to sign it. We took their computer in anyway.

Does anyone run into problems with customers not agreeing to some/all terms or just the sheer size of it putting them off?

Some of you I imagine don't even use T&C to appear more homey or friendly or just a "friend".
 
Mine is 3 pages! I've not yet had anyone refuse to sign it. I make a point of pointing out the stuff that protects me up front and explain why I need that protection.
 
In order to compete, I have upgraded my ToS from 1 page to 1,365 and I am currently seeking to self-publish it on Amazon.com. My customers will be required to read it before I perform my work.
 
In order to compete, I have upgraded my ToS from 1 page to 1,365 and I am currently seeking to self-publish it on Amazon.com. My customers will be required to read it before I perform my work.

Lol, I believe with that upgrade you just surpassed Best Buy's T&C :p
 
In order to compete, I have upgraded my ToS from 1 page to 1,365 and I am currently seeking to self-publish it on Amazon.com. My customers will be required to read it before I perform my work.

I think you should charge for that time reading.
 
The book will cost $49.98, which will be the hidden charge to read the ToS.

I will, however, add an hour of labor to each bill to compensate me for the time I need to wait until they are able to schedule an appointment because they are reading this book.

I figure, even after all of this, it will still be cheaper to go to me instead of having GS come to your home and to do a backup, new hard drive and motherboard and a OS reinstall, which from what I gather is their standard repair procedure, even if all you want is a piece of software installed.
 
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