Real-Life Communication
For tailors, the ability to communicate with clients and suppliers
is essential.
Christine Ryan owns a dressmaking firm. "Clear and well-documented
communication is a must in this field," she says. "My two main areas of communication
are with my clients and my suppliers."
Before she begins
any work with a client, Ryan spells out all of her policies in writing. That
way the client knows what to expect and the communication is clear. "Before
I begin working with a client, I have them fill out an information sheet."
Ryan's
sheet spells out the policies and procedures she uses in her business. On
this sheet, Ryan includes items such as charges that will be made for returned
checks or broken appointments, deposits required and when final payment is
due.
You are starting your own custom tailoring business. How will
you compose a document to list the customer's information and your basic
shop policies?
You'll need to draft a page that includes the following
information:
- Your shop's contact information (address, telephone number, and e-mail)
- The customer's basic information for future reference
- Your shop's hours of operation and any additional charges for work
done past regular hours
- If a deposit is required, and if it must be paid in full prior to work
done
- When full payment is required for services rendered -- or whether you
agree to bill certain clients
- Whether you will charge the customer a fee for fitting appointments scheduled,
but not kept
- Clearly state whether your shop accepts personal checks, and if so, your
return check policy
Last, but not least, you'll need to be sure your customer has
a space to sign your document, so he or she can acknowledge they have read
and understood your terms of business.