How do you handle an over the Internet repair business with contracts and payment?

Question

For example, I fix Mr. Smith's computer. How do I get the Statement of Work first? In person I'd just write it up on the Internet I don't know how to do it. I don't want the person to say, "You didn't fix so and so."

Also, do you make folks pay first? I thought I'd just use paypal. I'm afraid that I might not be able to fix the problem an they will have already paid. On the other hand, I'm afraid they won't pay.

What about just using a shopping cart (zen cart, cube cart, etc.) for services?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Paypal allows you to issue refunds, which also refunds the fees, completely reversing the transaction.

That said, I recommend against Paypal, as they are very shady and untrustworthy, with few regulatory controls and virtually no accountability.