Telemarketing contracts

[alexgoode]

I'm steadily getting more and more interest in my telemarketing service and now I'm in a position to begin my first few campaigns, but needing to send agreements over to my clients before I start in a few weeks time - I don't really want to spend vast sums of money on solicitors to draw a contract up or go through one I've pen'd so was wondering if there are any free templates available or if anyone would be able to help me out?

many thanks in advance

Alex

 

[Newbus]

Hi there

I've been involved in outsourcing telemarketing for over 10 years and strong terms and conditions are vital. I do appreciate that cost is important, but trust me that sooner rather than latter you will need to rely on them particularly with respect to payment.

It is regrettable that there is still a small minority of companies that fail to settle their bills in a timely manor. (I said that politely, meaning grossly over due)

Think about a clause that enables you to suspend work or to continue working and suspend delivering the meetings if they get overdue. Think about being strict on the payment terms and do not allow for extended periods before you get payments. Think about placing a penalty clause in for those that are late in payment and think about a clause that allows you to get your cost back should you have to collect outstanding monies with a solicitor etc.

One area in telemarketing where my experience has lead me to be shrewd is at the end of the campaign. If you have a big overhang of money after you have finished the project and delivered all the meetings, money collection can take a very long time. As they have very little motive to settle the outstanding amount as you have delivered all the product. Think about how you can limit this in your t & c's, this reduces your financial risk and protects your cashflow, particularly in the early days.

It may be easy for me to say now but professional advise to get the t & c's right can be the difference between success and failure. For me it was worth every penny, even in the early days when it hurt like hell to get the bill from the solicitor.

Good luck and good luck with the first client. These will be exciting times for you.