Introduction to Service Agreements

The document titled 'Introduction to Service Agreements' provides a comprehensive overview of different types of service agreements and their importance. It begins with a disclaimer stating that the document is a general summary and not legal advice, and advises readers to consult with a local lawyer due to jurisdictional differences.

 

The document then presents a summary of various service agreement templates, along with their recommended usage. It mentions the 'Terms and Conditions of Service' document, which covers situations where one-off services are provided and is usually not negotiated or signed. It also introduces the 'Service Agreement - Long Term' template, which is suitable for regular, continuous, or long-term supply of services. This template requires more detailed terms as both parties intend for the services to continue indefinitely.

 

Additionally, the document highlights the 'Service Agreement - Small Work' template, which is designed for contractors performing small pieces of work for customers at a fixed price. It mentions that this template is suitable for renovation or other handy work. The 'Service Agreement - Consulting Work' template is introduced for consultants providing professional services with specific deliverables at a professional charge-out rate.

 

Furthermore, the document mentions the 'Service Agreement - IT Work' template, which is applicable to IT companies offering services with specific deliverables or longer-term technical support for customers. It also includes the 'Contracting Agreement,' which serves as a general agreement between a company and a contractor for certain services to be provided.

 

The document emphasizes the importance of carefully considering the 'liability' provisions in service agreements. It mentions that in many jurisdictions, there is an implied term that the supplier will carry out the service with reasonable care and skill, unless excluded. It advises that exclusion clauses may be subject to limitations imposed by local unfair contract terms legislation. The supplier of services may wish to limit their liability to the number of fees received for the services.

 

In summary, the 'Introduction to Service Agreements' document provides a detailed introduction to various service agreement templates, their recommended usage, and the importance of considering liability provisions.

How to use this document?

1. Understand the purpose: Recognize that the document titled 'Introduction to Service Agreements' serves as a comprehensive overview of different service agreement templates.

2. Seek legal advice: Due to jurisdictional differences, it is advisable to consult with a local lawyer to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

3. Choose the appropriate template: Determine the specific type of service agreement required based on the nature of the services being provided. Refer to the summary provided in the document for guidance.

4. Consider the Terms and Conditions of Service: If offering one-off services, the 'Terms and Conditions of Service' template may be suitable. Note that this template is usually not negotiated or signed.

5. Long-term service agreements: For regular, continuous, or long-term supply of services, the 'Service Agreement - Long Term' template is recommended. This template requires more detailed terms to ensure the services can continue indefinitely.

6. Small work contracts: If performing a small piece of work for customers at a fixed price, consider using the 'Service Agreement - Small Work' template. This template is suitable for renovation or other handy work.

7. Consulting services: Consultants providing professional services with specific deliverables should utilize the 'Service Agreement - Consulting Work' template. This template includes provisions for a professional charge-out rate.

8. IT services: IT companies offering services with specific deliverables or longer-term technical support should consider the 'Service Agreement - IT Work' template.

9. Contractor agreements: If entering into an agreement with a contractor for certain services, the 'Contracting Agreement' template can be used.

10. Evaluate liability provisions: Carefully consider the 'liability' provisions in the chosen service agreement template. Be aware of the implied term of reasonable care and skill in many jurisdictions and the potential limitations imposed by local unfair contract terms legislation. Suppliers may wish to limit their liability to the number of fees received for the services provided.

11. Review and revise: Regularly review and update service agreements to ensure they remain relevant and compliant with any changes in laws or regulations.

12. Seek professional assistance: If uncertain about any aspect of the service agreements, it is recommended to seek professional assistance from a lawyer or legal expert.