The TOP 5 Reasons Every Health Coach Needs Terms of Purchase

Health coaching has gained A LOT of popularity in recent years as people want help and support in achieving their health and wellness goals. Also as the pandemic hit, we saw a lot of wellness practitioners like those doing yoga, reiki, pilates, and fitness going online and doing group classes and programs.

As a health or wellness coach, it is REALLY IMPORTANT to establish a sound legal foundation for your business. Why? Because you have a bit more liability than other coaches working online.  Go read more about this on this blog post if you haven’t yet!  

Terms of Purchase are great because they allow you to market your programs or services to the masses, this is a contract that is commonly used for Group Programs, Online Classes, or Memberships. Basically anything beyond your 1:1 Services. They are agreed to electronically “at the point of purchase” and aren’t signed but your people are “checking the box” or similar.  

Why do you need them? Read on for the TOP 5 things they do for you! 

1. Clarity and Expectations: Terms of purchase provide clarity to both the health coach and the customer regarding the program being offered. It outlines the scope of the coaching program, the duration, and the specific deliverables. By clearly defining expectations upfront, you can avoid misunderstandings and ensure that both parties are on the same page from the beginning. This clarity helps set the stage for a positive coaching experience - hello WIN WIN!
2. Payment and Refund Policies: Having terms of purchase allows you to establish your payment structure and clearly communicate your fees and payment methods. Whether you have a monthly membership, group program fees or a one time payment, it outlines when payments are due, any installment options, and the consequences of late or non-payment.  Also, the terms of purchase include your refund policy, specifying under what circumstances refunds may be provided and any applicable conditions or fees → these policies help manage financial expectations and reduce potential conflicts (aka, make things way easier for you and your customers)
3. Liability and Disclaimers: THIS IS REALLY REALLY REALLY IMPORTANT.  Health coaching or any wellness business may involve providing guidance and support in various areas of wellness, including nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle changes. It is crucial (LIKE REALLY CRUCIAL) to include liability and disclaimer clauses in your terms of purchase to protect yourself from potential legal claims. Clearly communicate that you are not a licensed healthcare provider and that your coaching services are not a substitute for professional medical advice. This helps manage client expectations and ensures they understand their own responsibility for their health decisions AND protects you from liability should they end up injured or not achieving the results they hoped for.
4. Intellectual Property Rights: As a health coach, you likely develop and provide materials such as meal plans, workout routines, and educational resources. Terms of purchase address the ownership and permitted use of these materials. It is essential to protect your intellectual property rights and clearly state whether clients are allowed to share, modify, or distribute the materials you provide. This helps prevent unauthorized use and copyright disputes.
5. Termination and Cancellation: Despite your best efforts, there may be instances where a coaching relationship needs to be terminated or canceled. Including provisions for termination and cancellation in your terms of purchase helps manage these situations. Clearly state the conditions under which either party can terminate the coaching agreement and any associated fees or refunds. This provides a fair and transparent process for both you and the client.

There you have it!  These are the top reasons why Terms of Purchase are awesome and important.  It establishes clear expectations, protects your business, and fosters a professional coaching relationship.  Sounds great right?! If you need these Terms in your health or wellness business, go checkout our templates here and get yourself protected today.