Whenever you purchase a product or service from a company, you enter into a legally-binding contract.

We’re discussing this subject on the blog today to provide you with solid purchasing advice. You should never do business with a company who are unwilling to provide you with a contract. Or, if they have a contract that is vague or lacking detail.

The contract you receive from Realistic is designed to leave no room for ambiguity for either party. Our contracts have also been checked to ensure they are not biased in favour of the seller or purchaser.

The contract will show clear diagrams, as well as wording that details the products, installation, base building, electrics, plumbing, plastering and waste removal that you can expect as part of our commitment to you.

Our contract has been designed to:

> Ensure a smooth transition through the ordering process, enabling the surveyor to double check design and sizes before manufacturing. We will also never end up installing or building something that costs you more than the contract outlines.

> Clearly outline everything included in your purchase, and just as importantly, what is not included.

> Define any special requirements that either party may have, along with any penalties for breaching the contract.

There are also a supplementary set of terms and conditions on the back of your contract, which are legal rights designed to protect both parties from changing the contract to benefit themselves. We are all guilty of skipping past the dreaded T’s and C’s; the small print that nobody ever bothers to actually read. However, they have been formulated to protect consumers and businesses. We recommend that all customers thoroughly review these terms before entering into your contract with us.

The main reason you should ensure you have a contract in place is to ensure that whichever company you choose to install your products cannot subsequently come back to you and request more money. If they do, and you have a contract in place, they are breaching that agreement.

If the company encounters delays, such as breakages, damaged goods, mis-measures or require additional equipment due to them underestimating the scope of works required, then your contract should also protect you in this scenario. All of these things are the responsibility of the supplier to resolve, and not something that you should foot the bill for.

Contracts are necessary in business. A written contract is a fool-proof and documented way of recording a transaction, and any agreements that were made at the time of purchase. Minimise the chance of any misunderstanding or upset further down the line. Any good business will do good business, so insist on a contract, or spend your money elsewhere.