![\"Do](\"https:\/\/www.policybee.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/terms-blog-post-istock-edit.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nEvery business needs some protection. And small shouldn\u2019t mean vulnerable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whatever business you\u2019re in, terms and conditions are a good way to set expectations, lay down rules, or give guidelines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether you sell a product or provide a service, it\u2019s always wise to get down to the nitty-gritty with clients and customers before things have a chance to get ugly. No matter how small you think the chances are of something going wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What are terms and conditions?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nTerms and conditions can go by lots of other names. Business terms, terms of service, terms of sale,<\/ins> or terms of business\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\nThey\u2019re basically a set of terms or conditions (they actually mean the same thing\u2026) on which you agree before you do business with someone. Or supply a customer with goods or services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why you need them and when you use them will depend on what kind of business you run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Who needs terms and conditions?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nTs & Cs aren\u2019t a legal requirement, but it makes good sense for all businesses to have them. They provide consistency, clarity, and reassurance for you and your clients or customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, the simple answer here is \u2013 everyone<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThey\u2019re more vital for some professions than others, obviously. An architect,<\/ins> for example. Insurers are insistent that architects work to signed contracts and agreements.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to giving valuable advice or plans (think building surveyors, consultants, and the like), claims can get expensive. So, it stands to reason that insurers want proof that you\u2019re protecting yourself as best you can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re selling products, you\u2019ll need some terms and conditions to instruct your customers on how to use your products safely, your returns and refunds policy, and how to contact you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whatever the size of your company, having terms of business shows transparency and helps build trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why do companies need terms and conditions?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWe know we\u2019re repeating ourselves. But when it comes to business, consistency and clarity are really<\/em> important. Everybody likes to know what they\u2019re getting into before they get into it, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\nThat\u2019s why you need terms and conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Depending on what your business does, some or all of these might be relevant to you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Prevent abuse.<\/strong> If you own an app or website that people sign up to, you\u2019ll need to have terms of use. This will allow you to explain what you deem acceptable use, and how you\u2019ll use their data,<\/ins> etc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Protect your intellectual property.<\/strong> From your logo and name to any creative stuff you\u2019ve put online, like photography, it\u2019s important to state in your terms that it\u2019s yours. And not for the taking.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Set out the governing law.<\/strong> Whatever country you\u2019re working from, you need to state that you govern under the laws of that country.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Limit your liability.<\/strong> This might sound like a get-out clause, but it\u2019s not designed to get you off the hook if you do something wrong. It can help to protect you in the event of a financial dispute,<\/ins> though,<\/ins> or quash any unjustified claims.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What should I include in my terms and conditions?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nTs & Cs don\u2019t have to be 20 pages long and drowning in legal terms. If you\u2019re sending a quote or job spec to a client, a one-page attachment outlining what\u2019s expected from both parties is often enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We know everyone likes to skip the \u2018small print\u2019, but terms and conditions deserve more credit. Don\u2019t ever hide your Ts & Cs where your client can\u2019t see them. You actually want<\/em> your client to read them. And understand them,<\/ins> too, so avoid unnecessary legal jargon.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTerms and conditions should be specific to your industry and tailored to your exact needs. So, it\u2019s hard for us to tell you exactly what to include. And that\u2019s why it\u2019s a good idea to get someone legally qualified to put them together for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But we can outline some of the most important things to think about:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- payment terms and consequences of late payments<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- deadlines and timeframes for delivering goods and services<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- data protection and UK GDPR<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- a clear explanation of what product or services you\u2019re providing<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- relevant guarantees or warranties on any products you sell<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- what action can be taken if you don\u2019t deliver<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- limitation of liability. But be careful if you\u2019re dealing with consumers. It\u2019s a good idea to study the Consumer Rights Act<\/a> before putting together your Ts & Cs. Getting to grips with the Unfair Contract Terms Act<\/a> is a smart idea too.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can I write my own terms and conditions?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAlthough you know your business and your clients better than anyone, it\u2019s best not to write your own Ts & Cs. We recommend getting in touch with a legal professional \u2013 ideally a solicitor who\u2019s a specialist in your area of business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are lots of dos and don\u2019ts when it comes to contracts, agreements, and Ts & Cs. For example, you can\u2019t say you won\u2019t take responsibility for something in an attempt to avoid a claim. It just won\u2019t stand up in court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, even if you do decide to write your own, we\u2019d suggest getting it legally reviewed. It\u2019s important that someone who knows the laws around this kind of thing has eyes on it. Otherwise, it could just be a huge waste of your time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Give them a good idea about what you do and how you work. It shouldn\u2019t take too much time to draw up Ts & Cs that match your procedures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Are terms and conditions legally binding?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIn short, no.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unlike contracts, Ts & Cs aren\u2019t usually signed and agreed on, and their content is often misunderstood or ignored. So, they\u2019re not automatically legally binding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you want your terms and conditions to be legally binding, you\u2019ll need to get your customer or client to physically accept them from the get-go. So, it\u2019s a good idea to incorporate them into your business contracts and get them signed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If customers are signing up to your app or site, you can ask them to tick an \u2018I agree\u2019 box. This is effectively them providing their signature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can I get cheaper insurance if I have terms and conditions?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s no specific discount available, no. But, crucially, it does show insurers you\u2019re thinking about your risks and that you take your business seriously. You\u2019re a professional professional in other words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And that counts for a lot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s not so much about getting cheaper insurance. But more about doing everything within your powers to make sure it pays out in the event of a claim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019ve got water-tight terms and conditions, it can sometimes help you out in a sticky situation or prevent a claim from occurring completely. It takes away any element of ambiguity, lessening the likelihood of a dispute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An extra safety net<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIf you do<\/em> end up in a contractual dispute, however, you\u2019ll need legal expenses insurance to fight your corner and cover your legal costs. This can be added to your professional indemnity insurance<\/a> or public liability insurance<\/a> cover.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLegal expenses<\/a> is a really valuable insurance to have in your arsenal. If you want to talk more about it, give us a call on 0345 222 5391<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nImage used under license from iStock.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Every business needs some protection. And small shouldn\u2019t mean vulnerable. Whatever business you\u2019re in, terms and conditions are a good way to set expectations, lay down rules, or give guidelines. Whether you sell a product or provide a service, it\u2019s … Continue reading
They\u2019re basically a set of terms or conditions (they actually mean the same thing\u2026) on which you agree before you do business with someone. Or supply a customer with goods or services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why you need them and when you use them will depend on what kind of business you run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Who needs terms and conditions?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nTs & Cs aren\u2019t a legal requirement, but it makes good sense for all businesses to have them. They provide consistency, clarity, and reassurance for you and your clients or customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, the simple answer here is \u2013 everyone<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThey\u2019re more vital for some professions than others, obviously. An architect,<\/ins> for example. Insurers are insistent that architects work to signed contracts and agreements.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to giving valuable advice or plans (think building surveyors, consultants, and the like), claims can get expensive. So, it stands to reason that insurers want proof that you\u2019re protecting yourself as best you can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re selling products, you\u2019ll need some terms and conditions to instruct your customers on how to use your products safely, your returns and refunds policy, and how to contact you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whatever the size of your company, having terms of business shows transparency and helps build trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why do companies need terms and conditions?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWe know we\u2019re repeating ourselves. But when it comes to business, consistency and clarity are really<\/em> important. Everybody likes to know what they\u2019re getting into before they get into it, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\nThat\u2019s why you need terms and conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Depending on what your business does, some or all of these might be relevant to you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Prevent abuse.<\/strong> If you own an app or website that people sign up to, you\u2019ll need to have terms of use. This will allow you to explain what you deem acceptable use, and how you\u2019ll use their data,<\/ins> etc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Protect your intellectual property.<\/strong> From your logo and name to any creative stuff you\u2019ve put online, like photography, it\u2019s important to state in your terms that it\u2019s yours. And not for the taking.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Set out the governing law.<\/strong> Whatever country you\u2019re working from, you need to state that you govern under the laws of that country.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Limit your liability.<\/strong> This might sound like a get-out clause, but it\u2019s not designed to get you off the hook if you do something wrong. It can help to protect you in the event of a financial dispute,<\/ins> though,<\/ins> or quash any unjustified claims.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What should I include in my terms and conditions?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nTs & Cs don\u2019t have to be 20 pages long and drowning in legal terms. If you\u2019re sending a quote or job spec to a client, a one-page attachment outlining what\u2019s expected from both parties is often enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We know everyone likes to skip the \u2018small print\u2019, but terms and conditions deserve more credit. Don\u2019t ever hide your Ts & Cs where your client can\u2019t see them. You actually want<\/em> your client to read them. And understand them,<\/ins> too, so avoid unnecessary legal jargon.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTerms and conditions should be specific to your industry and tailored to your exact needs. So, it\u2019s hard for us to tell you exactly what to include. And that\u2019s why it\u2019s a good idea to get someone legally qualified to put them together for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But we can outline some of the most important things to think about:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- payment terms and consequences of late payments<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- deadlines and timeframes for delivering goods and services<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- data protection and UK GDPR<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- a clear explanation of what product or services you\u2019re providing<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- relevant guarantees or warranties on any products you sell<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- what action can be taken if you don\u2019t deliver<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- limitation of liability. But be careful if you\u2019re dealing with consumers. It\u2019s a good idea to study the Consumer Rights Act<\/a> before putting together your Ts & Cs. Getting to grips with the Unfair Contract Terms Act<\/a> is a smart idea too.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can I write my own terms and conditions?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAlthough you know your business and your clients better than anyone, it\u2019s best not to write your own Ts & Cs. We recommend getting in touch with a legal professional \u2013 ideally a solicitor who\u2019s a specialist in your area of business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are lots of dos and don\u2019ts when it comes to contracts, agreements, and Ts & Cs. For example, you can\u2019t say you won\u2019t take responsibility for something in an attempt to avoid a claim. It just won\u2019t stand up in court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, even if you do decide to write your own, we\u2019d suggest getting it legally reviewed. It\u2019s important that someone who knows the laws around this kind of thing has eyes on it. Otherwise, it could just be a huge waste of your time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Give them a good idea about what you do and how you work. It shouldn\u2019t take too much time to draw up Ts & Cs that match your procedures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Are terms and conditions legally binding?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIn short, no.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unlike contracts, Ts & Cs aren\u2019t usually signed and agreed on, and their content is often misunderstood or ignored. So, they\u2019re not automatically legally binding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you want your terms and conditions to be legally binding, you\u2019ll need to get your customer or client to physically accept them from the get-go. So, it\u2019s a good idea to incorporate them into your business contracts and get them signed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If customers are signing up to your app or site, you can ask them to tick an \u2018I agree\u2019 box. This is effectively them providing their signature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can I get cheaper insurance if I have terms and conditions?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s no specific discount available, no. But, crucially, it does show insurers you\u2019re thinking about your risks and that you take your business seriously. You\u2019re a professional professional in other words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And that counts for a lot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s not so much about getting cheaper insurance. But more about doing everything within your powers to make sure it pays out in the event of a claim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019ve got water-tight terms and conditions, it can sometimes help you out in a sticky situation or prevent a claim from occurring completely. It takes away any element of ambiguity, lessening the likelihood of a dispute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An extra safety net<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIf you do<\/em> end up in a contractual dispute, however, you\u2019ll need legal expenses insurance to fight your corner and cover your legal costs. This can be added to your professional indemnity insurance<\/a> or public liability insurance<\/a> cover.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLegal expenses<\/a> is a really valuable insurance to have in your arsenal. If you want to talk more about it, give us a call on 0345 222 5391<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nImage used under license from iStock.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Every business needs some protection. And small shouldn\u2019t mean vulnerable. Whatever business you\u2019re in, terms and conditions are a good way to set expectations, lay down rules, or give guidelines. Whether you sell a product or provide a service, it\u2019s … Continue reading
They\u2019re more vital for some professions than others, obviously. An architect,<\/ins> for example. Insurers are insistent that architects work to signed contracts and agreements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to giving valuable advice or plans (think building surveyors, consultants, and the like), claims can get expensive. So, it stands to reason that insurers want proof that you\u2019re protecting yourself as best you can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re selling products, you\u2019ll need some terms and conditions to instruct your customers on how to use your products safely, your returns and refunds policy, and how to contact you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whatever the size of your company, having terms of business shows transparency and helps build trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n We know we\u2019re repeating ourselves. But when it comes to business, consistency and clarity are really<\/em> important. Everybody likes to know what they\u2019re getting into before they get into it, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s why you need terms and conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on what your business does, some or all of these might be relevant to you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Ts & Cs don\u2019t have to be 20 pages long and drowning in legal terms. If you\u2019re sending a quote or job spec to a client, a one-page attachment outlining what\u2019s expected from both parties is often enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We know everyone likes to skip the \u2018small print\u2019, but terms and conditions deserve more credit. Don\u2019t ever hide your Ts & Cs where your client can\u2019t see them. You actually want<\/em> your client to read them. And understand them,<\/ins> too, so avoid unnecessary legal jargon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Terms and conditions should be specific to your industry and tailored to your exact needs. So, it\u2019s hard for us to tell you exactly what to include. And that\u2019s why it\u2019s a good idea to get someone legally qualified to put them together for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But we can outline some of the most important things to think about:<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although you know your business and your clients better than anyone, it\u2019s best not to write your own Ts & Cs. We recommend getting in touch with a legal professional \u2013 ideally a solicitor who\u2019s a specialist in your area of business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are lots of dos and don\u2019ts when it comes to contracts, agreements, and Ts & Cs. For example, you can\u2019t say you won\u2019t take responsibility for something in an attempt to avoid a claim. It just won\u2019t stand up in court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, even if you do decide to write your own, we\u2019d suggest getting it legally reviewed. It\u2019s important that someone who knows the laws around this kind of thing has eyes on it. Otherwise, it could just be a huge waste of your time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Give them a good idea about what you do and how you work. It shouldn\u2019t take too much time to draw up Ts & Cs that match your procedures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n In short, no.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unlike contracts, Ts & Cs aren\u2019t usually signed and agreed on, and their content is often misunderstood or ignored. So, they\u2019re not automatically legally binding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want your terms and conditions to be legally binding, you\u2019ll need to get your customer or client to physically accept them from the get-go. So, it\u2019s a good idea to incorporate them into your business contracts and get them signed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If customers are signing up to your app or site, you can ask them to tick an \u2018I agree\u2019 box. This is effectively them providing their signature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s no specific discount available, no. But, crucially, it does show insurers you\u2019re thinking about your risks and that you take your business seriously. You\u2019re a professional professional in other words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And that counts for a lot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s not so much about getting cheaper insurance. But more about doing everything within your powers to make sure it pays out in the event of a claim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019ve got water-tight terms and conditions, it can sometimes help you out in a sticky situation or prevent a claim from occurring completely. It takes away any element of ambiguity, lessening the likelihood of a dispute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you do<\/em> end up in a contractual dispute, however, you\u2019ll need legal expenses insurance to fight your corner and cover your legal costs. This can be added to your professional indemnity insurance<\/a> or public liability insurance<\/a> cover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Legal expenses<\/a> is a really valuable insurance to have in your arsenal. If you want to talk more about it, give us a call on 0345 222 5391<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Image used under license from iStock.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Every business needs some protection. And small shouldn\u2019t mean vulnerable. Whatever business you\u2019re in, terms and conditions are a good way to set expectations, lay down rules, or give guidelines. Whether you sell a product or provide a service, it\u2019s … Continue reading Why do companies need terms and conditions?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
What should I include in my terms and conditions?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Can I write my own terms and conditions?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Are terms and conditions legally binding?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Can I get cheaper insurance if I have terms and conditions?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
An extra safety net<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n