When you are presented with terms.
WHAT TO DO
Read all of it Note anything you do not understand Note anything you cannot comply with Ask about both
WHAT PEOPLE ACTUALLY DO
Sign, because it was presented as standard.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Payment terms longer than you can accommodate Obligations you cannot meet Liability you cannot bear Exclusivity you did not expect Ownership of work you expected to keep Automatic renewal Notice periods
THE AUTOMATIC RENEWAL POINT
Frequently overlooked. A contract renewing for another year because notice was not given on time.
Diarise the notice date.
WHAT TO ASK FOR
Changes to anything unacceptable.
Terms are usually negotiable, particularly for smaller suppliers.
WHAT TO NEVER DO
Sign without reading Sign under time pressure Assume you can ignore inconvenient terms
WHEN TO TAKE ADVICE
Anything substantial, and anything you do not understand.
WHAT ADVICE COSTS
Far less than the dispute it prevents.
