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I am a contractor in California. Here as many of you know we require several pages of disclaimers/notices to the client. I have found forms at a local stationary store but they cost $5.00 each and are not in a convient format for me. I do alot of small jobs and would like a system that was easy to use for us little guys. Does anyone know of a good system? Thanks for your help.
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You're sitting in front of it. Copy the pertinent information into your wordprocessor and rename it for each Prospect and edit it as you find changes that you like.
*That would be great if I carried around a laptop and printer with me but I don't. I do small jobs and work by myself 90% of the time. A big job for me would last a week. I'm looking for a system that someone else has already created (why re-invent the wheel). I want to be able to hand write in what the job consists of right at the job site. Speeding up the proposal and invoicing process, this way I get paid for each job on the spot. I don't have to wait until I can type out an invoice or a proposal on the computer
*Dave, Dave, Dave, Dave.......Nobody has a system that will suit your needs. if you have specific language required by your state laws, and you do specialized type of work, then buy one copy of the form you like at the stationary store. Copy the parts you like. Type in the language you use for your Specs. and leave blank lines that you can fill in with a pen on the job when you do your estimate and give the customer a Proposal.You make one original and Zerox a bunch more. Put a carbon between them and you can take it to the field with you.Or, you may find that what Contractors really do is execute Contracts, that's why we are called Contractors. We write contracts (Proposals) the Customer looks them over, signs it and gives a deposit and now you have a Contract. This is the most important piece of the process. What you present to the customer tells a story of how you conduct your business. If you are a sub, you can be a little more laid back, but if you are going to succeed at being a contractor, you want to sharpen all of your tools, including your paper-work.... just my humble opinion and its free advice so you know what its worth. Keep your powder dry, and lets be careful out there !
*Did I ever tell you about how much I hate paper work?
*Mike, I compliment your post. The pen is mightier than the hammer. Time well spent. I also believe it could be arguedthat a well prepared proposal and contract can increase your credibility to the customer, hence your trust, and ultimately your profit. Regards, Rick