Terms & conditions of trade

Standard terms and conditions

Correctly drafted and incorporated terms and conditions of trade allow businesses the peace of mind to know that they understand all the terms under which they do business. Standard terms and conditions of trade will, amongst other things, clearly set out:

• The price
• When and how payment is to be made
• When a product/service is to be delivered/performed
• What the options are to a business when payment is not received
• How a business may limit their liability under a particular contract

Many businesses who do have terms and conditions of trade often fail to properly incorporate them into their contracts with their customers. The effect of failing to properly incorporate the terms and conditions into contracts is that those terms and conditions may not have any legal effect on the business’ contracts.

Having correctly drafted and incorporated terms and conditions will save businesses considerable expenses in the long run as it is much more expensive and time consuming to take legal action against non paying customers or deal with other disputes through the courts than it is to have the correct terms and conditions prepared and incorporated at the outset of your business.

Why do I need to have terms and conditions in place?

A company’s terms and conditions should be the first document it puts into place when starting up.

You will need to address what your company does, the key processes within your company and its typical customers.

Terms and conditions are important for a variety of reasons:

• Written terms and conditions help to create certainty as to the agreement
• Written terms and conditions help to minimise legal disputes and the chances of you being taken to court
• Written terms and conditions help you to cover all of the important matters and not overlook the things that are less obvious
• Written terms and conditions help you to enforce your agreement
• Written terms and conditions help you to provide good customer service
• Written terms and conditions help to avoid mismatched expectations
• Written terms and conditions help you comply with the law

Does a lawyer have to write terms and conditions?

A lawyer is not legally required to write terms and conditions, but having a lawyer draft them is highly recommended.  Terms and conditions lawyers ensure that the terms are clear, legally binding, and compliant with relevant laws and regulations, helping to protect your business from potential disputes and liabilities.

How our terms and conditions solicitors can help

At Stephensons, we specialise in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating comprehensive terms and conditions of trade tailored to your business needs. Our expert terms and conditions solicitors ensure that your agreements are clear, enforceable, and compliant with current laws and regulations. We help safeguard your interests by covering crucial aspects such as payment terms, delivery schedules, warranties, and liabilities.

Whether you're creating new terms and conditions or updating existing ones, our terms and conditions lawyers provide the expertise and support necessary to protect your business and facilitate smooth transactions.

Why choose our terms and conditions lawyers?

Choosing Stephensons means partnering with a team of experienced commercial solicitors dedicated to your business's success. Our in-depth knowledge of commercial law ensures that your terms and conditions are robust and tailored to your specific requirements. We pride ourselves on delivering practical, straightforward advice that helps you navigate complex legal landscapes with confidence. With a strong reputation for excellence and a commitment to client satisfaction, Stephensons is your trusted advisor for all your commercial legal needs.