do I provide "services to you" or "services for you"?

[ShrinkingViolet]

I'm quoting for a new client, and am not sure which I should use, to or for. It's more important this time as prospective client is a proper writer, and I'd hate to get it wrong!

[choccypig]

To, but you don't "provide" services, you "render" them.

[choccypig]

Sorry, didn't realise this was a serious question.

I think it depends on the services. But thinking about it, you more often see it written as a service.

eg I provide you with a service.
I provide a service to you.
I provide a service for you.

It maybe depends if you are actually doing something FOR the client, or doing something for someone else, on his behalf.

[Bink]

Choccypig is clever, because if you use "render" you can get away without a preposition at all.

Anyway - I think both can be OK, but there is a nuance: services "for" someone suggests a complete turnkey arrangement, by which a total package is provided; services "to" someone suggests to me more bits and pieces of work, done accordingly to individual requests.

I think I am thinking by analogy with self-employment (and maybe you are too, and that's where your ? comes from) where there is a difference between a "contract OF service" (where you do what you're told & are an employee) and a "contract FOR serviceS" (where you perform a total role under your own management, so you can be self-employed).

If you read all that, you will be a good editor

[choccypig]

"Choccypig is clever, Choccypig is clever" na-na-nana-na. It's official now

[choccypig]

Getting really carried away now. If you use "render" you have to use "unto". As in Caesar.

[ShrinkingViolet]

yes Bink, I'm a freelance bookkeeper, so it's a contract for services provided. Maybe I should just rewite the whole sentence to avoid it.
And choccypig, I very much like "render unto", so I'm considering "please find enclosed my quote to render End-of-Year Accounts Preparation services unto you".
Might that work? .

[Sanguine]

Render end of year services unto thee.

[ShrinkingViolet]

thanks for your "help" everyone , I'm going with "to you" I think.