Service provider contract tips Archives

Should You Offer Refunds on Coaching, Courses, or Templates? (Here’s the Real Talk)

January 20, 2026
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by Sonia Gallagher

Refund or no refund? It’s one of the most debated questions in the online business world.

Some entrepreneurs offer a “no questions asked” refund to build trust.

Others have a strict no-refund policy — and feel empowered doing so.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But there is a way to make the best decision for your
business — legally and energetically.

Are You Legally Required to Offer Refunds?

In most cases, no — not for digital products, courses, or services, especially when:
● The purchase is final and delivered instantly
● The service is custom or includes your personal time
● The buyer signed or agreed to clear terms of use

That said, consumer laws vary by location — and you must make your refund policy visible and
unambiguous before purchase.

**When It Might Make Sense to Offer Refunds**

● You’re just starting out and want to reduce objections
● You want to use a “money-back guarantee” as a marketing strategy
● You’re testing a new product and want honest feedback
● You have a clear refund window (e.g., 7 or 14 days) for certain offers

But don’t do it out of fear or pressure. Refunds aren’t required to be a “good business owner.”

When a No-Refund Policy Is Totally Appropriate

● You sell downloadable templates, checklists, or trainings
● You offer coaching or done-with-you services
● Your content is instantly accessible after payment
● You work with limited spots or personalized delivery
● Your policy is stated clearly in your terms

Pro tip: No-refund doesn’t mean no compassion. You can still resolve issues case-by-case if
needed.

How to Write a Clear Refund Policy (That Actually Protects You)

● State if refunds are offered or not — in plain English
● Include examples: “Due to the digital nature of this product, all sales are final.”
● If you offer a guarantee, explain the conditions
● Place your refund policy on checkout pages and sales pages
● Make clients agree to your terms before buying

🚫 Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Hiding your policy in fine print
❌ Copy-pasting someone else’s refund terms
❌ Saying “no refunds” without explaining why
❌ Forgetting to use a contract or Terms of Use
❌ Changing your mind without legal backup

✅ Refund Policy Checklist

✅ My refund terms are visible before purchase
✅ I’m using a contract or Terms of Use with clear clauses
✅ I’ve decided when (and if) I’ll offer refunds
✅ I explain the “why” behind my policy to set expectations
✅ I have systems in place to handle chargebacks or disputes

Refund or no refund? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all—but your terms should be.

Get our Refund Policy Clause Template FREE to make your refund policy clear, legal, and
100% aligned with your values and business model.

Download your free website terms template and stop second-guessing yourself.

English

The Boundaries Every Service Provider Needs in Their Contract

January 13, 2026
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by Sonia Gallagher

Have you ever heard these dreaded words?

👉 “Can I just ask one more quick thing?”
👉 “I know it’s Sunday, but…”
👉 “I thought it included that too…”

That, my friend, is scope creep — when a project starts expanding beyond what was agreed to, and you end up giving more time, energy, or deliverables than you’re getting paid for.

The cure? Clear boundaries in your contract. Because boundaries are not just professional — they’re essential.

What Happens Without Boundaries?

● You work overtime without extra pay
● Clients expect unlimited revisions, access, or hand-holding
● Your calendar becomes chaotic and you feel resentful
● You lose authority and feel taken advantage of
● You’re more likely to face complaints, refund requests, or burnout

Boundaries You Must Include in Your Service Contracts

1. Deliverable & Revision Limits
Example: “Includes 2 rounds of revisions. Additional edits are billed at $X/hour.”
Why it matters: Prevents endless changes and keeps your workload predictable.

2. Response Time Policy
Example: “Messages are answered within 24–48 business hours.”
Why it matters: Manages expectations and protects your evenings/weekends.

3. Communication Channel Limits
Example: “All communication must be via email. DMs and texts will not be monitored.”
Why it matters: Helps you stay organized and stop client messages from popping up
everywhere.

4. Contract Duration / Access Window
Example: “Access to the program is valid for 3 months from the start date.”
Why it matters: Prevents old clients from popping back in months later expecting support.

5. Rescheduling Limits
Example: “One reschedule is allowed with 24 hours’ notice.”
Why it matters: Avoids last-minute chaos and gives you control of your calendar.

Phrases You Can Use in Your Contract

● “This package includes only the services outlined above.”
● “Additional requests will be quoted separately based on availability.”
● “Support is not available outside of regular business hours.”
● “Any work beyond [X] weeks will require a new agreement.”

✅ Boundary-Setting Checklist

✅ My contract clearly lists all deliverables and limits
✅ I’ve set rules for response times and communication methods
✅ There are policies for reschedules, cancellations, and scope changes
✅ Clients agree to and sign the contract before we begin
✅ I feel confident saying “That’s outside the scope of our agreement”

Tired of getting “just one more question…” at midnight?

It’s not your clients—it’s your contract.

Download our free Service Provider Contract Template to set boundaries that stick,
protect your peace, and stop scope creep in its tracks.

Get your free website terms template now before another weekend gets hijacked by a client message.

Service provider contract tips