-
Creating a job/installation Report
I’ve had my T&C’s re-written, and the solicitors pointed out a few other things I could do just to protect myself. Mostly with little effort.
He’s suggested that when I install a sign, vehicle graphics to get the customer to sign/accept the job as complete, or note any additional work that may be required, with a signature.
Not that this has happened but to prevention is better than cure… suppose a customer refuses to pay, and claims that the sign wasn’t fitted correctly, or we damaged/broke something, we could find ourselves footing the bill.
Does anyone have such a form?
What questions should be on there? -
11 Replies
-
Not worth the paper it written on.
It only proves that it looked OK on the day of installation. It doesn’t mean that The client shouldn’t pay you if the graphics pops out of a recess the next week because you use Mono instead of cast.
Or that the sign fell down because you only put two screws into it and that was enough to hold it on a non windy day,
but during a breezy day the following week it falls.😀
-
Ian, the forms not a way for me to sell shite. My terms cover warranty and repairs. (yet to have any problems)
The form simply acts as delivery note, but for the installation.
The previous owner of the company lost a sign and some money, because of this. Even though there was a deposit paid, there was no way for them to prove they had installed the sign. (even though it was above the shop)
T&C’s aren’t just for my benefit, they also benefit the customer, so they know that should xyz happen, this is how it will be handled. Not get fobbed off with crap.
-
I think you should explore the Contract similar to the ones used for leasing signs, which in effect is what you are (in a broader) sense trying to achive by up selling your maintenance idea.
Regards
Graham -
I dont sell sign maintenance… my T&C’s already cover warranties, so that base is covered.
I’ve got delivery notes for when I am supply only, but would rather have a form installations.
I don’t want to leave myself open to claims such as, you’ve marked my wall, and I want £100 to repaint it, or you left the floor wet and the manger slipped on it, so we’re suing you.
Just a general, we’ve fitted the sign, you’re happy with the appearance of the sign ie: it’s straight, in the right place, as per their design/specifications, we’ve not broken anything, and the work area was left tidy/safe.
On occasions there’s those installations where things don’t go quite to plan, maybe the wind picks up making the installation to dangerous? So the installer can fill that in, customer signs, so they understand a) why it wasn’t done b) what will be done
As i don’t install all my signs myself, it would be useful for the installer to note this, and I can re-arrange the installation. Also the fact that with me not seeing the installed sign sometimes, a scribble in the box, and a photograph from the installer gives me something to work with.
-
David, Take this constructively, You are a one man band.
You are trying to bury yourself under paperwork that you dont need!!
instead of get yourself more paperwork, concentrate on doing a good job, and you will get paid. If you think they are Dodgey leave them be, and go get a customer that isn’t.
When you have 5 staff putting out a lot more goods, the risk factor will cause the need for all the paperwork, but because you are on your own, YOU ARE IN CONTROL. -
Hi David i agree with ian
I have worked for some of the big boys in the past and generally their installation notes said something like i confirm that the signage has been installed in a satisfactory condition and that the site has been left in a clean and tidy condition surprisingly simple wording
This was enough for the bean counters and to satisfy admin requirements however the reality was that often theres not a competent person on site to sign the note or it would be contested later by head office as not satisfactory etc
The only real answer i believe is personal contact i understand that you may not fit every job but i would bet that you could visit many of your jobs on the way to or from the factory and get a face to face with the client just to say hi and is everything ok with the install etc
A simple form gives you a good starting point if there is an argument but theres nothing like talking to your client face to face
Colin
-
I suppose you’re right guys.
I go and visit the customer, measure up, do the design, make the sign, then source the sub contractor and arrange the fitting with the customer and contractor.
I’ve only recently found a reliable contractor, so will make a follow up call Monday to make sure they’re happy (and remind them about the balance).
I’ve got two photo’s of the install from the fitter, but I’d like some better ones for portfolio as it was my first fret cut, and stand off sign.
-
Agreed, you’re probably undermining yourself with extensive T&Cs stating what you do WHEN things go wrong.
Simply put it as Materials and Installation carries a one year limited warranty. not covering accidental, malicious damage or extreme weather conditions.
Obviously, if you fit a sign to a fascia and then a month later then whole fascia falls down and injures somebody then liability is a tricky one. Did you knowingly fit it to a defective background, did you advise the client, did you refuse to accept liability…blah, blah, blah
Subcontracting the work out – liability falls on YOU as the principle company…so make sure your fitter has liability insurance so you can claim off him if needs be…
Dave
-
Good point, I will check with my contractor what insurance he has.
I advise the customer, but as we know they don’t always listen. If its ridiculously dangerous I. Won’t fit it, supply only, or walk away.
To forfeit liability is just a case of putting a line on the quotation/invoice? If so how would you word it?
-
quote David Hammond:…To forfeit liability is just a case of putting a line on the quotation/invoice? If so how would you word it?
Word it the other way round though – "that by signing you, the customer accept responsibility for the ongoing inspection and maintenance of all installed signage. This does not affect your statutory rights."
Or something like that.
-
Cheers for that.
There’s probably other things I should consider before creating a massive paper trail.
I’ve never really given liability a second thought, whilst I carry liability insurance, I’d rather not need to claim off it.
I’m thinking I may be better detailing the job spec, liability disclaimer, separately to the quote. Sage doesn’t allow much space to enter a lot of text on a quote.
Log in to reply.
