Contracts-business plan?

[Dr.NewEarth]

I wonder how many of you guys (and companies) have an actual business plan written down on paper? And if those same people also use contracts?

Are there more solo operators not using contracts?

[CL&T]

Don't know what one has to do with the other or what you're really asking. I can say though that a contract is always a good thing.

[Bears Lawn Service]

A business plan is always good even if you just have it in your head. Its always better to know where your going and where you want to be going and how to get there. Also contracts all the way.

[LindblomRJ]

I am working on a business plan now. Also working on drafting contracts as well. Both are paramount if you plan to say in business.

[GreenI.A.]

I put alot of time into building my business plan and have made plenty of adjustments along the way. It has been well worth it when walking into he bank asking for money. I also use contracts for eveything we do, except for one time, on the spot, service repairs. We do not do maintenance so it is a little different for us though

[Andrew & Ben's Lawn Care]

You can count me for both.

[Roger]

Topic was recently discussed in another thread:

http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?t=366143

[32vld]

I see the need for hardscapes. A lot of money is at risk just on materials.

However many LCO's doing maintenance seem to have a cancel clause in their contracts were either party can terminate service after a set period. So why even have a contract?

[GMLC]

It has always been important to me to have a business and marketing plan in place. I use contracts on larger projects but not on everything.

[GreenI.A.]

Originally Posted by 32vld

I see the need for hardscapes. A lot of money is at risk just on materials.

However many LCO's doing maintenance seem to have a cancel clause in their contracts were either party can terminate service after a set period. So why even have a contract?

Here in MA we can not have binding contracts for landscape maintenance and fert on residential lawns. The contracts can be terminated by either party at any time. The reason for the contract is to spell out all of the terms such as what you will do, when you will do it, and payment terms. These are to protect both parties, but mainly the contractor, so that the HO does not turn around and refuse to pay because he says you agreed to also mow the back 40, or try to claim you told him the spring cleanup would only be $150 when you bill him $500

On other services its different, I had a contract sighned for irrigation, the customer ended up having another company install the system for him. I turned around and took him to court, he had to pay the full contract price