Business Ethics between a Contractor and Subcontractor?

Question

We own our own construction business and I am trying to put together some kind of agreement between our company and our subcontractors. Kind of like a "if we scratch your back will you scratch ours?" type thing. I am having trouble with the wording for such an agreement. If anyone out there is good with wording or has any good ideas I would greatly appreciate any help.

I realize to some that this may sound like a strange thing.....but in today's world it is definately a one way street. You give people your business as a subcontractor but never seem to get the favor in return. We are just trying to if this is a type of agreement that our normal subcontractors would be interested in doing for us.

Thanks a bunch for any and all help!!!

Answer 1

Your idea is off just a bit.  You don't want an agreement.  YOu want to hand all subs a "Wish List".   It tells them what you want and need from them in the future.  You can't expect someone else to know what you need to make your business successful.  Your Wish List will explain it.  Don't be vague.  If you want them to drum up business for you, spell it out. /

Answer 2

The normal reciprocation is that they do the work, and you pay them for it. I don't know what else you're looking for -- perhaps you could add details to your post to elaborate on what you have in mind?  

Answer 3

Be extremely careful with this - if you word it wrong, it could be considered collusion and unfair trade, which is illegal.

As for favors in return, I am not sure what kind of favors you want in return?  It would be better just to spell out what is expected from each contractor on each job and keep it a purely business relationship.