I cleaned one location for district manager. he told me to clean another. i went to pick up my money for him to tell me that it'll be mailed in ten days after he fax it in the invoice. But he had me go look at two others. At 12.5 cents per sq.ft. X 1000 sq.ft. each it takes about 3 hours tops each location.(spotting,vacuuming,stack & unstack chairs) He seem to like me. Maybe its cause i'm good looking. I actually look like a million bucks but God knows i'm the brokest man on earth. I initially approached him while suited and booted. Yesterday when i thanked him for the business of the first two he told me: " if i thought something wasn't right about you i wouldn't use you. But don't worry, i'll keep you working, my friend has 20 stores my other, 17 stores". So i told him not to worry about going around checking to see which stores need clean. I told him i'll do that for him and give him an honest evaluation. He agreed. In passing words i mentioned that a routine maintenance of every three months will be best way. Quality of carpet stays up as well as price goes down.(which only means spotting is free) All that to say, I want to secure a routine maintenance program. But i don't want to run him off by giving a proposal so soon. i want him to at-ease with me. I'm brand new to this carpet thing let alone giving proposals. I don't want to overcharge lose all yet i don't want to cut myself short. Does anyone have a sample contract i can look at or a skeleton of a contract of what it should look like to cover myself? this can land me my first cimex!!! I just want to secure a contract so that i myself can know that i got sustanance and coverings while i pound the pavement in effort to establish my business.

Your Servant

Do not be afraid of presenting a "contract" to your client.
Let me repeat, do not be afraid of presenting a "contract" to your client.

I know, I know, it seems so much friendlier and less formal to continue without a contract. And my goodness, you wouldn't want to do anything to rock the boat. Right? Wrong. There's no stability in the boat without a contract.

Consider this example. You need to get some repair work done on your roof, so you call a couple of different contractors out to your home. The first contractor gives you a written proposal/contract for the work, and sets the price at $2975. A second contractor comes along and says, yep I can get do the job for $2500. Everything about the second guy seems novice, he doesn't write up a contract, he just hands the number to you on the back of his business card. The first guy looks incredibly more legitimate at this point. In truth, the second guy might even be a better roofer. But who would trust his unprofessional approach? I think most people, myself included, would feel more confident with the contractor who gave you a written proposal, even though his price was higher. (Notice too that the first man's price wasn't a round number like the second guy; exact pricing is more valid in the eyes of the customer)

Plus, and this is a BIG plus; if you ever want to sell your business one day, which business is more sell-able? A business owner who has a list of customers that he services whenever they call? Or a business owner who has a nice stack of signed contracts?

So don't make the mistake of avoiding a contract. In fact, the comment that your customer made to you indicates there could possibly be a small degree of doubt in the back of his mind as to your companies approach... "if i thought something wasn't right about you i wouldn't use you." That almost sounds like he's trying to convince himself that you're OK. It's important that you try to remove every shred of a question mark from the client's mind. You need to be seen as the consummate PROFESSIONAL who will make all their problems go away.

I am going to give you a gift. In fact I'm going to give it to everyone here. Here is a generic version of a contract that we have used for our carpet cleaning business. You will just need to update the highlighted areas of the contract with your data when you fill it out for your client. And for the sake of legality, you may wish to have your own attorney give it a quick review to see that it's legal in your state and for the scope of work you're intending. I hope it is helpful to you...

http://excellent-supply.com/Contract_GENERIC.doc

Wishing you success!




Rick Gelinas
encapman

If it somthing is not in writting then it does not exist.
Rick is rite on the money. It is called good will with out having agreements or contracts signed you cannot get a loan or show your company as having this as an asset.

I learned that the hard way a while ago. A contract or agreement also protect you and the client. You both know what is expected.

David

this will do much good for me. Not just for this one but for futre spontaneous possible accounts. this is the best gift i've recieved pertaining to secular work since my good friend turned me on to you rick. If i can land this contract it will i believe i can take off from there. your kindness will never be obliterated.


Your Servant

I was just sitting down to send you a mail and ask you to send me a sample contract Rick. Like always it seems like you read my mind Rick. I know I am far from your best customer but you always treat me like a gold bar my man.

Have you ever thought of running for President?

Oh and the hero thing I think I have adult ADD so it's a fleeting status, enjoy it while it lasts.

Thanks a million,

Del Scrivner
Owner/Operator
Cowboy's Carpet Care

I am honored

But I assure you, I is nuthin but a fool.

Happy to help if I can.





Rick Gelinas
encapman