sign offs on completed work?

[Pants]

Do you have client's sign off on work that is completed?

I was on the phone getting a quote for E&O insurance and they asked me if this is something that I myself do.

Doesn't seem like a bad idea, but this kind of thing would be hard to do with computers, since they are so unpredictable. You could have them sign off on something and then the next day they'll be calling you again because the problem has apparently returned...Seems like more hassle than it's worth.

 

[jkurgeek]

We have them check the work and sign off to indicate satisfaction. If the same problem is there the next day, that (generally) means we made a mistake or overlooked something, and we set things right.

Having the signature gives us some leverage for the occasional PITA who calls because they had a seperate issue they forgot to mention but wants it done for free since we were just out there. Or they feel the project wasn't completed properly. Or whatever.

Never hurts to cover your butt.

 

[cypress]

Yes I have them do it when I go onsite, either when I finish the job right there or when I come back to deliver the computer. I will also email them the invoice afterwards.

 

[mraikes]

I think this sounds like one of those "best practices" things that I don't do. Would it be one more layer of CYA? Sure. And for that reason I could see why the insurance company might ask.

But if onsite, the person is usually sitting right next to me so I can demonstrate that whatever the problem was is now fixed. Otherwise, why would they pay me?

If it's bench work, they'll just have to take my word for it. When they pick it up or I deliver it, I thoroughly explain what the problem was and the resolution I applied. If they call me again in a reasonable time with the same or related issue I'll take care of it.

From a practical standpoint with many repairs it's difficult to claim a "sign off" confirms a successful repair or even provides much protection. Particularly for things that are hit and miss or take a while to show up (like slow overheating, or random video card issues).

With many problems, you often can't just fire up the computer for a minute or two when the customer comes to pick it up and use that as a 100% demonstration that it's repaired.

Would a sign off be better than nothing? Maybe for some. But not for me.

 

[layoric]

I actually tried this b adding it to my intake form. Always forgot to have them sign it, so I just removed it the other day. I'd rather take better notes on what was done so as to avoid any future issues.

 

[putz]

we typically don't do this for residential repair services. If the repair required a reinstall of everything we try and have the customer spend 10-15 minutes to verify everything is working as needed but don't require signing. For onsite repair for clients that are not under any type of maintenance agreement we do have them sign a service order form when we are finished. although if they call back right away on something still not working (within reason) we are good about making it right.

 

[NYJimbo]

They always sign on drop off and sign on pickup. Most will be talking a lot while picking up so I often have to stop them and ask them to sign, I also make sure that THEY write the date next to the signature on both drop off and pick up.