3 ways to use your client agreement to strengthen client relationships

What is a client agreement / customer agreement?

A client agreement (also known as a customer agreement) is a legal contract between the supplier of services and its client, which sets out the terms and conditions that apply to the provision of those services.

How can you use a client service agreement to boost your client relationships?

Having a well-drafted client agreement in place can protect your business as a supplier of services. However, it can also be a useful tool in promoting your brand to clients and creating long-lasting relationships.

Find out three ways that a client agreement can strengthen your relationships with clients below:

1. Professional impression - as a service provider, having a well-throughout client agreement in place shows your clients that you take your service provision seriously. By putting a contract in place, you are able to show customers that you are a professional business. This can also be key to creating a good first impression when pitching to clients or bidding for work, by demonstrating your professionalism and commitment to delivering high-quality services.

2. Transparent and trustworthy - putting a written client agreement in place will show your clients that you are willing to back up claims about your service in writing, and establish clear expectations and guidelines for your working relationship. Client agreements will contain clauses that detail exactly how you are expected to provide the services, including a service scope and service standards that must be met. Find out more about the types of clauses here. By clearly defining the scope of work, deliverables to be provided as part of the services, agreed performance timeframes, and any other important details related to your services, both you and your client have a shared understanding of what will be provided, minimising the risk of misunderstandings and disputes in the future.

3. Protect your client’s interests - as well as protecting your own interests as a supplier, a client agreement can also show your clients that you are not trying to take advantage of them. A client service agreement includes legal protection for both parties. It can outline issues such as intellectual property rights ownership and limitations on liability, that are beneficial to both you and your client. This element of trust by protecting your clients too can help to develop long-standing client relationships. In addition, in the unfortunate event of a dispute with a client, a well-drafted client service agreement can also be used as a useful tool in resolving those disputes.

Final thoughts

A well thought out customer agreement promotes clarity, professionalism and trust between you and your clients. It can help to manage expectations, protects client interests, and provides a framework for resolving disputes. By strengthening these aspects of the client relationship, the relationship can be long-standing and profitable.

Docue’s customer service agreement is easy to use and can be tailored to meet your specific requirements by simply answering a series of questions. Our lawyer-drafted guidance notes are there to support you through the process so that you have a fully customised client service agreement that protects your business in no time at all.

Sign up now to use Docue's client agreement template.