Guides › Small Business Admin
Draft clear terms and conditions for your services
Get a first draft of simple terms covering payment, cancellations and responsibilities, written plainly and ready for a solicitor to check.
When to use it
When you start out, or when your terms are out of date
Step by step
Decide your rules
Jot down how you work: deposits, payment deadlines, cancellation and rescheduling, what happens if something goes wrong, and how you handle complaints.
Ask for a plain draft
Paste this prompt and your notes.
Prompt to copyDraft simple, plain-English terms and conditions for [business type] providing [services] to [consumers / businesses] in [country]. Use my rules below. Include sections on: quotes and bookings, payment and deposits, cancellations and rescheduling, what's included, customer responsibilities, our responsibilities, complaints, and changes to these terms. Use short sentences and numbered clauses. Add [CHECK WITH SOLICITOR] next to anything that involves legal rights, liability or refunds, because consumer law varies. My rules: [paste notes]Read it as a customer
Read the draft from your customer's point of view. Is it fair and easy to understand? Edit anything that doesn't sound like you.
Have a solicitor check it
Send the draft to a solicitor before you use it. Customers have legal rights you can't sign away, and a professional will make sure your terms are enforceable.
What you get
3. Cancellations. 3.1 You can cancel or move your booking free of charge up to 48 hours before. 3.2 If you cancel with less than 48 hours' notice, we keep your deposit [CHECK WITH SOLICITOR]. 4. Payment. 4.1 The balance is due within 7 days of the job being completed.
Tips
- Many trade associations offer template terms for members, which are worth comparing with your draft.