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For any business in 2025, it is essential to have a robust contract in place between you and your customers. A well-crafted agreement not only clarifies expectations but also protects both parties in a rapidly changing digital and physical marketplace.
Often, these types of contracts are commonly referred to as terms and conditions.
Your terms and conditions can be presented to your customers in a formal document, on a dedicated page on your website, as an email attachment, or in a variety of other accessible formats.
When drafting your terms and conditions, the specific type of legal contract you require will depend on the nature of your business activities.
For instance, if you’re a service provider, you’ll require a comprehensive Service Agreement, while businesses that sell goods or products should have clearly defined Terms of Sale.
But what if your business offers both goods and services?
This is when you require a comprehensive Goods & Services Agreement – a document that clearly outlines how you deliver both goods and services to your customers.
But what exactly is a Goods & Services Agreement? How do you implement it? And why is it so important?
This article explains why a Goods & Services Agreement is vital for your business in 2025, ensuring clarity and consistency no matter how you engage with your customers.
Why Do I Need A Goods & Services Agreement?
In nearly every small business, differentiating yourself from competitors is key to success in 2025. A diverse offering of products and services helps set your business apart in a competitive market.
A great way to achieve this is by providing a range of goods and services. For example, you might sell products through an online store while also offering services such as consulting or repair work that your customers can book.
In such cases, a clearly drafted contract is essential to outline the terms under which you provide these goods and services. It ensures that your customer fully understands the ground rules and what they are committing to when they engage with your business.
By clearly documenting your terms, you not only reduce the risk of disputes and misunderstandings but also build customer trust by demonstrating transparency and professionalism.
What Is Included In A Goods & Services Agreement?
A well-prepared Goods & Services Agreement outlines the scope of the services you provide, specifies the goods included, details how payment is processed, and sets out measures to mitigate potential risks.
Put simply, it clearly defines the terms to which your customer is agreeing when they purchase goods and services from your business, answering questions such as:
- What goods and services are included?
- How will payment be made, and what happens if payment is not received?
- Who is responsible if the goods do not meet the customer’s expectations?
- How are refunds handled? (Especially important for services that have already been provided.)
- Are returns permitted for the goods?
If your business offers a dynamic range of goods and services, it is crucial to establish these terms clearly and proactively.
Furthermore, if you operate both online and offline, you must maintain a consistent approach that comprehensively covers all transaction methods. This consistency is particularly important in 2025, where digital and face-to-face interactions often coexist.
For example, if you process payments online, you might utilise third-party platforms such as PayPal or Stripe, or even newer Australian payment gateways, while offline transactions may be managed via invoices and direct bank transfers.
Given the variability of payment methods in hybrid business models, it’s vital to clearly articulate your payment terms in writing. This clarity not only prevents disputes but also secures stable revenue streams for your business.
Moreover, as regulatory requirements evolve in 2025, regularly reviewing and updating your Goods & Services Agreement is a proactive step. Engaging with services such as our Contract Review and Redraft can help ensure your documentation remains compliant with the latest Australian consumer laws and industry standards.
Need Help?
If your business is selling goods and services, having a carefully drafted contract is essential. With a diverse range of offerings, you may face various challenges down the track, which can often be mitigated by setting out clear ground rules from the start.
Furthermore, a robust contract is widely recognised as best practice within the Australian business community, helping to safeguard your interests and reinforce your professional reputation.
If you need help with creating or updating your Goods & Services Agreement, come and talk to us! We also recommend checking out our updated guide on Legal Essentials for Business for additional insights and support.
You can book a free call with one of our legal consultants by contacting team@sprintlaw.com.au or by calling 1800 730 617.
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