[tellc]

I've been reading through the threads here and have seen several people talking about having customers "sign off" before they start work.

What do you have them sign?

We do mostly residential and do most of our communication with the customer is via email. I usually draw up an estimate and write out the terms of the job on the email (ie scope of work, etc). The customer provides us with a 30% deposit to secure the job and be added to the schedule.

Just curious what your process looks like.

 

[Chris1971]

We fill out an estimate and have them sign the iPad estimate before we do any work.

 

[tellc]

Thanks for responding Chris!

Sounds like I need to add a signature line to the bottom of my estimates and have them mail it back to us.

 

[480sparky]

I don't call mine estimates. I call them Proposals, and have a Conversion clause in them that, when signed, makes it a Contract.

 

[Chris1971]

Thanks for responding Chris!

Sounds like I need to add a signature line to the bottom of my estimates and have them mail it back to us.

Every state is different. You may want to consult with an attorney.

 

[Bootss]

get electronic and paperwork signatures.

 

[Bootss]

We fill out an estimate and have them sign the iPad estimate before we do any work.

are the Vikings in the toilet?

:laughing:

 

[Chris1971]

are the Vikings in the toilet?

:laughing:

That's the new stadium they built.:laughing::thumbup::laughing:

 

[Bootss]

That's the new stadium they built.:laughing::thumbup::laughing:

was that picture taken from the Goodyear blimp?
:laughing:

 

[Chris1971]

was that picture taken from the Goodyear blimp?
:laughing:

Ariel shot.:thumbup::laughing:

 

[five.five-six]

We fill out an estimate and have them sign the iPad estimate before we do any work.

that doesn't help with a 3 day right of refusal.

 

[Chris1971]

that doesn't help with a 3 day right of refusal.

Check with an attorney. Every state has different requirements when it comes to contractual language.

 

[five.five-six]

Check with an attorney. Every state has different requirements when it comes to contractual language.

In my state, unless it is an emergency service not exceeding something like $500, and I have a hand written note from the customer explaining the exigent circumstances, they have a 3 day right of refusal.

 

[Bootss]

In my state, unless it is an emergency service not exceeding something like $500, and I have a hand written note from the customer explaining the exigent circumstances, they have a 3 day right of refusal.

that's a fun one I really like that law.
half the time the customer doesn't even want to sign the contract.
:laughing:

 

[Bootss]

Ariel shot.:thumbup::laughing:

Purple People turd eaters.
:laughing:

didn't one of your guys go the wrong way and score a touchdown?
:laughing:

 

[five.five-six]

that's a fun one I really like that law.
half the time the customer doesn't even want to sign the contract.
:laughing:

The problem is that they can sign your contract and 2 days 23 hrs 59 minutes 59 seconds later they can put a letter in the mailbox changing their mind... then you show up on the 4th day (a few days before you get the letter) they open the door and let you do the work, thank you for the work and have a nice day and are under no contractual obligation to pay you a penny.

So, if I am a contractor that does not know you, you are going to be a week or so without a refrigerator before I come back to preform any work or furnish any materials.


The hand written note protects the contractor in emergency situations.

Now I need to watch tin men again LOL.

 

[Bootss]

That's the new stadium they built.:laughing::thumbup::laughing:

picture of the final mock up of the retractable dome?

:laughing:

 

[ProLectric]

We just have them sign the proposal.

 

[daveEM]

I look them in the eye.

Old school I guess. Did a 50K job in the 80's that way. I did get monthly payments for that one tho. Most my jobs are small (< 10K).

Did get bit a few times over the years. Not a lot of dollars tho in the big pic (since '75).

 

[NotApprvd4Electric]

I don't call mine estimates. I call them Proposals, and have a Conversion clause in them that, when signed, makes it a Contract.

Do you mind posting the text of that conversion clause? That sounds like a really good idea.