Christmas Light Contract: Protect Your Business

The right Christmas light contract has the power to protect your business from potential liabilities.

By taking advantage of everything a contract has to offer, you’ll ensure:

• Clients understand the full scope of the service
• Both parties know the clear expectations to follow
• Both parties agree on the services included in the contract

In turn, a clear contract prevents miscommunication between you and the client. Plus, the contract holds both parties to the promises and statements made in the contract.

Here are a few factors to consider to create the best possible Christmas light contract:

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Include These Items in Your Christmas Light Contract

Include all of the necessary items to ensure both you and the client understand the complete terms and conditions of the Christmas light contract.

For example, here’s what an outline of your contract should resemble:

1. Extent of Work
   • State what the service includes.
2. Service
   • State specifics about the service.
     • e.g. free access to adequate electrical circuits, etc.
3. Service Calls
   • Reasons for service calls and pricing.
4. Guarantee
   • State there’s a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
5. Contract Pricing
   • State the agreed upon price.
6. Completion Dates
   • When the service will be complete.
7. Payments
   • State due dates and payment information.
8. Legal Compliance
   • State that you’re abiding by all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
9. Insurance
   • The business has adequate insurance.
10. Subcontractors
    • Disclosure about potential subcontractors.
11. Additions and/or Deductions
    • The client understands any changes and/or deductions are at their cost.
12. Arbitration
    • All disputes will be resolved according to the rules of the American Arbitration Association by binding arbitration.
13. Final Disclosure
    • Explain in the final disclosure how this contract is final. Any future amendments will need to be signed by both parties in writing.

Even though, this is a great outline to get started, you'll need to make adjustments or additions to the contract as-needed.

When writing your Christmas light contract, be sure to consider all of the important factors surrounding your installation services.

Now, let’s dive a little deeper into a few of the most important sections in your Christmas light contract:

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Decide What the Service Includes

One of the most important aspects of this contract revolves around listing everything included in the Christmas light installation service.

First, decide how you’ll distribute the lights. For example, are you renting them out to clients for the season, are you selling them to clients, or are you using the client’s existing lights?

Then, it’s time to list any services or items which are a part of the installation. Keep in mind, this may vary from job-to-job.

Take a look at a few service disclaimers to provide clients:

• After the start of the installation, if the client requests for any changes (including, but not limited to: design, color, location, etc.), the client may receive additional charges.
• Due to the twisting nature of light strands, the client acknowledges that [Christmas light business name] cannot guarantee consistency in light bulb orientation.
• While [Christmas light business name] will seek to avoid any property damage, no promises can be made. Since staples, hooks, and other fasteners can damage the property’s exterior, [Christmas light business name] will receive the client’s consent before using such measures.
• [Christmas light business name] will not overload electrical circuits with more lights than can be safely used.
• All essential labor, site security, light installation materials, tools, and equipment are included in the agreed upon price.

Keep in mind, these are just a few of the most important elements to include regarding the services provided in your Christmas light contract.

Remember, it’s important to keep your everyday clients in mind when writing this. Based on any past issues, proactively think about what needs to be mentioned.

Decide on the Payment Process

If you haven’t already considered how contract payments will be made, then now is the time to do it.

It’s important to state within the Christmas light contract exactly how the client will pay for their installation services.

Will the client pay by cash, check, or credit card? For example, in Service Autopilot, you can initiate autopayments on the due date to reduce the risk of late payments.

In addition, list any due dates, declined payments, late fees, and non-payment penalties within the contract.

ALWAYS Consult With a Lawyer or Legal Consultant Before Finalizing

If you do nothing else, make sure to ALWAYS consult with a trusted lawyer or legal consultant before finalizing your Christmas light contract.

Proper legal counsel will be able to catch any legal conflicts, liabilities, or incorrect language within the contract.

As always, NEVER finalize any legally-binding documents like a contract without seeking advice from the right legal counsel.

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Did you know the best lawn care software obtains electronic signatures for you?

Use Service Autopilot to email your Christmas light contracts and receive a time-stamped IP address to ensure its validity.

Plus, when you choose the #1 lawn care software, you’ll have the power to streamline other tasks:

• Send instant invoices
• Access client information online
• Create quick estimates on-the-go
• Auto-charge client credit cards on file
• Access client information from anywhere
• Track employee location and job progress
• Take advantage of instant route optimization

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Create an Ironclad Christmas Light Contract to Cover Your Bases

At last, you know how to use these factors to create an ironclad Christmas light contract which covers your bases.

Now, you can use this contract to:

• Create mutually trusting relationships with clients
• Set clear expectations and obligations for both parties
• Ensure there are no miscommunications between either party

As always, consult with a trusted lawyer or legal consultant. This ensures all bases are covered within the contract.

At first, creating an ironclad Christmas light contract might seem intimidating. However, these factors have helped to simplify the process.

Related: The Total Guide to Christmas Light Pricing for Your Business

Originally published Oct 21, 2021 7:00 AM