Desktop

Ask something
Discussion Locked

limiting liability

0 helpful
1 reply

by vloar

Closed to new repliesThis discussion is closed. It stays readable, but it takes no new replies.
I have been thinking of going into business myself working on PC around town. I have been doinf this on the side for many years. I have run into a problem here and there with people who claim that after you fix there PC you cause them loss of data damage or they ask for a to be fixed you fix it and the get it back with other problems and stae that it was never like this before you gave it to them. You get many then want something for nothing. Is there a agrement out there some where like a template that I can use that limits my liablity and spells out the customers rights. A docoment i use and they sign before we start work and protect me it some jerk want to take me to court for breaking his 486 and wanting a new replacement. Futhermore, what kind of insure shoul i have to protect me from problems that occure.

1 reply

by oz_media

You seem to already have the BASICS in place regarding a liability clause and an interst in Insurance.

I have an invoice/agreement/clause drughted by my brothers law firm, you can get the same for relatively low cost if it is simple and you provide an outline for them to work with. many people feel that they need a wordy and lengthy contract, this often just causes the customer to have fear before you even get started. I simple black and white repair and responsibility clause will legally get you around most repercussions, those that it won't get around you should be insured against.

As for people always asking you to fix a system problem "that wasn't there before you added the new extension cord" this is very common. I explain in my contract that I will cover any reccuring costs due specifically to the nature of the work performed. I document site visits meticulously. Id a customer claims that MS Word is crashing after I've replaced the power supply, I'm clear but usually get the service call to fix MSWord. If they go elsewhere, they've done me a favour, I don't appreciate clients that have no clue what liability is about and the fact that replacing your power supply probably isn't the cause for MS Word errors. If it is later found to be my fault, I will not charge for the call of course.

Another buiggie I run into, especially as a mechanic, is something goes wrong AFTER you've done work and the customer takes it to someone else. This person will almost ALWAYS blame it on the last guy to work on the machine, that's just life.

This discussion is closed to new replies.