Quote/estimate Disclaimer

[Zacchaeus]

What do you all think of this for a disclaimer on quotes/estimates? I know all the other tree "services" in my area don't do this, but i just wanna cover my a**. It only takes once...
See something you like or don't like? Shout it out. Wanna share yours? Let's have it.
Thanks!

The services, conditions, & prices noted above are satisfactory and hereby accepted. I understand that any underground utilities and all property around and under the tree are my responsibility to safeguard and/or move before services commence. I also understand that any changes in tree, site, or property conditions may void this price quote and the cost may be adjusted accordingly. I hereby authorize xxxxxxxxx LLC. to complete all services listed, in their best judgment in accord with ISA guidelines and ANSI Safety standards, and I agree to pay the total cost shown within 14 days of service completion, unless other arrangements have been explicitly agreed upon and noted above.

 

[Reach]

I like that overall, personally though I would add in a lawn/driveway damage waiver and a deposit requirement. And perhaps a clarification about stump grinding and grindings cleanup/seeding, we get a lot of people who just assume it’s included in the cost of removing a tree.

 

[Zacchaeus]

I like that overall, personally though I would add in a lawn/driveway damage waiver and a deposit requirement. And perhaps a clarification about stump grinding and grindings cleanup/seeding, we get a lot of people who just assume it’s included in the cost of removing a tree.

Thank you Reach, I appreciate the input! I don't do large removals or stump grinding. I specialize in tree care: planting, consults, small pruning jobs, pest/disease management, soil health, etc. However, I do fell larger trees or climb large removals that are "put on ground" only, with homeowners doing clean up. However, the lawn damage part does sound good to add.

When you say deposit requirement, how is that structured for you? (When is deposit paid, returned, etc.) I always have people ask at estimate time "Do you want anything paid before?", to which I always respond, "No, I want to make sure you're happy with the job first." Always a positive response back from them...
Again, thanks!

 

[Reach]

Thank you Reach, I appreciate the input! I don't do large removals or stump grinding. I specialize in tree care: planting, consults, small pruning jobs, pest/disease management, soil health, etc. However, I do fell larger trees or climb large removals that are "put on ground" only, with homeowners doing clean up. However, the lawn damage part does sound good to add.

When you say deposit requirement, how is that structured for you? (When is deposit paid, returned, etc.) I always have people ask at estimate time "Do you want anything paid before?", to which I always respond, "No, I want to make sure you're happy with the job first." Always a positive response back from them...
Again, thanks!

Appreciate the clarification. We specialize in large removals, and do no plant health care - we refer that to a couple other companies who are specialists in that area. I’m very much a fan of doing what you do best, and enjoy most. The lawn damage line is always a good idea in my opinion though, as paying a landscaper to replant the lawn can eat all your profits in a hurry.

Our policy for deposits is a deposit of 1/3 the cost of the project on all projects over $1000. We ask for it at time of signing, but do not actually require it to be paid until we begin work - as long as we have it before we start working I am happy. We do that for a few reasons - it keeps customers from backing out last minute and choosing someone who can start before we can, it proves they are truly committed to the project, it helps keep our cash flow more even, and it guarantees we get something from the customers who may want to simply “forget” to pay their bill (most of those will simply disappear when we ask for the deposit). We also tend to skip requesting deposits from our faithful repeat customers, just out of courtesy to them.

Of course, you know your demographics, your clientele, and your business, so you have to do whatever works best for you, so definitely don’t feel what we do is best for all, it’s just what seems to be best for us.

 

[colb]

I would switch out ISA guidelines for the ANSI A300. You already implicitly mention the z133. Your call if you want to explicitly note that the safety standard is the z133.

My work is all paid "due upon receipt of invoice via [my credit vendor]."

Hire a business lawyer. Network to find a good one. See them every year or five.

 

[JD3000]

Or say ANSI standards and ISA BMPs

 

[evo]

What do you all think of this for a disclaimer on quotes/estimates? I know all the other tree "services" in my area don't do this, but i just wanna cover my a**. It only takes once...
See something you like or don't like? Shout it out. Wanna share yours? Let's have it.
Thanks!

The services, conditions, & prices noted above are satisfactory and hereby accepted. I understand that any underground utilities and all property around and under the tree are my responsibility to safeguard and/or move before services commence. I also understand that any changes in tree, site, or property conditions may void this price quote and the cost may be adjusted accordingly. I hereby authorize xxxxxxxxx LLC. to complete all services listed, in their best judgment in accord with ISA guidelines and ANSI Safety standards, and I agree to pay the total cost shown within 14 days of service completion, unless other arrangements have been explicitly agreed upon and noted above.

To the best of my knowledge I’m the only service in my area that has terms and conditions. I’d change the wording on the underground utilities, something along the lines that the client is responsible is for informing you of any underground utilities or irrigation systems, and if not disclosed will hold you harmless for any damages. Disclosure after quote is given will be subject to change of price accordingly.
One thing to note is ansii describes how quotes should be written, simply means if you state that you use ansii standards you HAVE to abide by them