This blog is part 2 of a series of 5 that is preoccupied with small business using contracts to avoid contractual disputes. Court is an expensive pursuit and building self-remedy or clauses into your contract, that are enforceable and offer solutions to problems that may arise is practically useful to small businesses. A considered contract can help you save money, time and effort.
Warranty in simple terms means performance. So outlining how the product or service will perform seems obvious but in many cases, the details provided are scant at best. In many cases, the contract generally fails to outline the key aspects of performance and in turn creates ambiguity. It’s this grey area that can lead to further issues, as during times of dispute, areas of uncertainty become points of discussion or argument.
This gets even more troublesome when there’s a returns policy or a maintenance/service agreement to support post installation or delivery. Stating what is covered by the contract with regards to the basic product’s functionality is one thing but when something breaks or fails to work, what then? Remember these products or service are manufactured and delivered by humans, so things happen, the important thing is outlining what happens next?
Going to the trouble of employing the right contract drafter to ask the right questions and create a contract that is designed to help both parties work together long-term, is worthwhile. Contracts are avoided by those who see no need for outlining the negatives…..but knowing what might happen in the event of….is arguably good customer service and is considerate to both you and your customers time and energy.
The next blog will focus on intellectual property…..
Would you like to chat through your options and get your queries answered? Arrange a call with David using the calendar below and he will be delighted to connect with you.