Top ten reasons to pimp your terms (Spoiler alert: The law is only one of them)

They’re the rulebook between you and your customer and set the standards and expectations for both parties upfront. They are one of the first interactions with a new customer as well as the first port of call if there’s a problem later on. Here are the top ten reasons to pimp your terms:

1. The Law: We’re biased on this one, but the law tops the list. Where the law can offer you protections, exclusions or benefits, you should definitely be taking advantage of these. Poorly drafted terms can leave things open to argument and a failure to protect your position can have significant consequences.

2. Credibility: Clear, well-presented and user-friendly terms say a lot about your business. You’re organised, prepared, reliable, easy to deal with and professional. However, if your terms are a shambles, this also says a lot.

3. Insurance: Disputes are expensive and draining. So get your terms in order ahead of time and you’ll be well-placed to protect your position, resolve a dispute or otherwise manage the situation if things go pear-shaped. 

4. Admin: Take the guesswork out by including clear mechanics around ordering, delivery, returns and payment. This should make things administratively easier for everyone and minimise the scope for argument or miscommunication. 

5. Time is money: The practical aspects of a business are often poorly reflected in terms. Save time and money by auditing your business systems alongside a review of your terms to improve and streamline your operations. 

6. Negotiation: The format of your terms is important.  A standard terms ‘look and feel’ implies that this is how you do business and there is little scope for negotiation. Less ‘push back’ from your customers means more time to focus on your business. 

7. Close the deal: Strike while the iron is hot by getting your terms out ASAP. As a high-use document, your terms should be user-friendly and easy to complete with speed and accuracy to suit each job. 

8. Version control: Take document tampering out of the equation. We can draft ‘fill in the gaps’ style terms with the variable information at the front and the key terms at the back which cannot be altered by anyone without your authority. 

9. Marketing: As a high-use document, your terms are out in the market.  So think of them as a marketing opportunity – be proud of your shiny new terms and blaze your logo across them. 

10. Investment: For the reasons above, reviewing, redrafting or updating your terms is money well spent. By using the document again and again, you stand to gain a huge return on investment and significant upside. 

If you would like to review or update your terms, please get in touch. We would be happy to pimp your terms.