I agree that signed contracts are not necessary with small value work but as already mentioned I think its good practice to state your terms of business on the back of quotes. This is what I have used for many years, feel free to borrow it:-
TERMS & CONDITIONS
1. Service Quality
Elfords take pride in the quality of their work and offer a 100% Customer Satisfaction Guarantee. If in the unlikely event that our services have not met your expectations, Elfords will ensure that a mutually acceptable outcome is achieved.
2. Frequency
Elfords offer a range of options in terms of frequency for our cleaning services and seek to reward customer loyalty. We guarantee to clean/complete your windows/services all year round, “come rain or shine” and will carry out the work during an agreed week each month. Our normal working hours are Monday to Saturday 08.00 to 18.00. At times of illness or holiday this period may change slightly for operational reasons.
3. Notice of Change to Service/Cancellation of Service
In order to be able offer a cost effective service, Elfords undertake to provide their regular service during normal working hours/days during the agreed week and at the agreed frequency, and regardless of weather, unless it is deemed unsafe by ourselves to continue working. In the event of the need to temporarily change this arrangement a minimum of one week’s notice will need to be given by yourselves, verbally or in writing. Apart from extreme emergencies, all Abortive visits will be charged at the agreed regular rate for the property. To operate a cost-effective service, it is essential that our work is carried out in accordance with the agreed schedule, otherwise it may be necessary to withdraw our services. In the event that you may wish to cancel our services a minimum notice period of ......... month/s is required in writing only.
4. Access
To offer a cost effective service, it is essential that unhindered access be provided to your property (where applicable) to enable your windows/services to be cleaned in accordance with your needs. We work to a four weekly timetable and unless advised to the contrary, seek to clean/complete your windows/services during a predetermined period each month (e.g. weeks 1 – 4). This avoids the need to make repeat visits due to the inability to gain full access to your property.
Ideally, arrangements need to be made to provide Elfords with access to your property (where applicable) when you are not in. This could include providing us with duplicate keys for your side gate or door or any access codes if these need to be accessed to get to the rear/interior or grounds of your property (For reasons of safety/insurance we are unable to climb over locked gates etc. to gain access). Alternatively, if you would prefer to leave a key in a safe place, please advise us accordingly. Please note that Elfords have a Key Insurance Policy. References are available upon request.
In the event that on a scheduled visit to your property Elfords are unable to gain full access, we will endeavour to clean as much of your property as possible although the full price will need to be charged. Otherwise, we will be happy to arrange a special visit but the pricing structure for this service falls within our premium price bracket, which includes a call out charge.
5. Prices & Payment
The contracted prices are subject to a periodic review and you will be notified accordingly in advance.
Elfords offer a variety of different ways of paying your account, which includes the following:
• Payment when the service is carried out (Cash or Cheque)
• Cheque to be sent to Elfords at the Richmond Dene address within five days of completion.
• Invoiced for payment to be sent within 14 days (subject to status)
6. Acceptance of Terms & Conditions
You are deemed to have accepted our terms and conditions upon commencement of our services.