Who do you guys get to write out A contract for nuisance control? Any samples would be great.

Thanks guys

You can write one...and have an attorney review and provide feedback.

Ok, thanks Dave.

Anyone else? Thanks

Understand exactly what you can and can't promise, and any misconceptions that might arise.

NWCOA had great example. A guy promised "attic restoration". Well, restored to what? To new? To pre animal invasion? To spec?

one I noticed in the contract I was writing, I said area would be sanitize to prevent disease. Well, can I prove it? Not really, I don't test the area or anything. If someone got sick, I would have lied. Now I put "clean to minimize risk". Although similar, completely different levels of liability

Start with asking yourself do you need a contract, work order, neither, or both? Most service businesses use work orders, not contracts. Yes, there is usually some legalize in a work order but not the same amount that is in a contact.

Contracts are written legal documents that describe, in detail, the responsibilities and expectations for the parties involved. Work orders are descriptions of services offered/performed and generally have a statement regarding payment terms and warranty. Neither of them prevent someone from taking you to court.

Now, look at the type of work you'll be doing and who you'll be doing it for. Say you will be removing a raccoon from a chimney, do you really need to hand the customer a 1 - 10 page document covering a breakdown of services offered and their rates, payment details, work schedules, cancellation of services, subcontractors, invoicing, standard of care, liability, remedy, independent contractor status, assignment, etc. or will a simple preprinted work order form with a handwritten line item saying "Chimney Raccoon Remove" and "Installation of Chimney Cap" do?

Keep in mind that whenever you use a contract it is best for the client to write it so they cannot claim misunderstanding and argue over services or payment.

For my business I only use contacts for bat work (and I have different ones based on residential versus commercial) and long term projects.

Ok, thanks for the information guys.

Mine are proposals for the reasons Eric says. I also find the word contract to be scary to both parties.
The closest thing I have to a contract is a service agreement.

The closest thing I ever had to a contract is a "YES" over the phone. Consequently, I'm not allowed to answer phones much anymore.

I have noticed that jerks are jerks whether you have a contract or not. A signed piece of paper does not prevent stupidity.

I agree with you on that Paul. Thanks

Yea, it does seem scary warrior.

Thanks

KY Canine, I recently just started an ADC business part-time in hopes of going full-time one day. I have not yet started having people sign contracts but it is becoming MORE and MORE apparent that I should. There are numerous reasons why in my opinion, the biggest being liability. Here is what I have included in mine thus far. Once I have it finished I plan to contact a local business attorney to review and finalize.

1. Liability: Self explanatory, could be paragraph or a page.
2. Fees: I outline all the fees and define them as set/non-refundable and payment methods/time frame.
3. Methods: I outline the types of traps to be used and acknowledge any methods forbidden by the customer.
4. Photographs/Video: I explain to the customer that I take a picture of all property damage, sets, and the surroundings. I explain to them that my intent is to use them on my business FB page, ADC forums, and advertisement material. This can also be a very good tool in case a customer ever accuses you of damaging their property. Remember to always time/date stamp these pictures.
5. Expectations: I outline IN state law requirements for trap checks and the expectations of when and who will be checking the traps.
6. Access: I explain my expectations for site access and timeframes. I also have a section for failure to provide access for trap checks with a clause concerning contract termination and a non-compliance fee if not given proper access.
7. Traps/Damage: I explain to the customer that traps and trap sites are not to be tampered with and the possible repercussions if done so. I also include a clause concerning repayment for broken/damaged/stolen traps.
8. Removal/Dispatch: I explain to the customer that under no circumstance is the customer allowed to remove or dispatch an animal unless authorized to do so by myself.

I am sure this list will grow and if anyone else would like to add to it please feel free to do so. If anyone has any thoughts, suggestions, and/or criticism, I am all ears. Hope this helps and good luck!

I use service agreements

I use service agreements as well. Keep it simple and stupid for people.
1: Set Up Fee:
2: Length of job:
3: Disposal Fee:
4: Exclusion Work:
5: Other/Inspection:

Line on bottom of page for them to sign giving me permission to trap. Seems to have worked just fine for years.

I third the use of a service agreement and always get a signature. Eventually you will complete a job for a client that decides they won't or can't pay. When this happens you will want to have documentation. This will help you with the courts and with submitting to collection agencies.